Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs George Washington University

Side-by-side comparison based on real salary, cost, and graduation data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Metric
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Top program: Petroleum Engineering
97/100
George Washington University
Top program: Computer Science
96/100
Starting Salary
$80,718
$75,984
Listed Price
$39,694
$80,727
What You Pay
$32,875
$37,454
What You'd Really Pay
$140,610
$157,268
Typical Debt
$25,000
$20,449
Graduation Rate
86.1%
85.2%
Pays for Itself In
2.8 yrs
3.4 yrs
Salary Boost
+169%
+153%
Ahead After 10 Years
$666,570
$602,572
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs George Washington University Comparison
MetricPennsylvania State University-Main CampusGeorge Washington University
Starting Salary$80,718$75,984
Listed Price$39,694$80,727
What You Pay$32,875$37,454
What You'd Really Pay$140,610$157,268
Typical Debt$25,000$20,449
Graduation Rate86.1%85.2%
Pays for Itself In2.8 yrs3.4 yrs
Salary Boost+169%+153%
Ahead After 10 Years$666,570$602,572

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or George Washington University?

Based on Value Score, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus scores higher at 97/100 for its top program. Compare all metrics including salary, cost, and graduation rate to decide which is the better fit for your major.

What is the average salary for graduates of Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?

The top-earning program at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (Petroleum Engineering) has a median salary of $80,718/yr after graduation. Salaries vary significantly by major.

What is the average salary for graduates of George Washington University?

The top-earning program at George Washington University (Computer Science) has a median salary of $75,984/yr after graduation. Salaries vary significantly by major.

How much does Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus cost vs George Washington University?

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a net cost of $32,875/yr vs $37,454/yr at George Washington University. True total cost (including loan interest) is $140,610 vs $157,268.

Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Comparison shows each school's top-earning bachelor's degree program. Learn about our methodology.