Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus — University Park, PA

Engineering, General

at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus · University Park, PA

Strong Value

Solid pick

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $55,455/yr starting out — that's 85% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 5.5 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $32,598/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $139,502 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$39,160/yr

Starting Salary

$55,455

Finish Rate

85.7%

$39,160/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $32,598/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $6,562/yr)

4 Years Total

$156,640

Typical Debt

$25,000

Interest You'd Owe

+$9,110

What You'd Really Pay

$139,502

That's about $284/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$554,550

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$139,502

Pays for Itself In

5.5 yrs

Salary Boost

+85%

Ahead After 10 Years

$415,048

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost32/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed20.2/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost11.3/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate12.9/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.