Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of California-Berkeley
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 | University of California-Berkeley |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Salary | $80,718 | $126,367 |
| Listed Price | $39,694 | $45,619 |
| What You Pay | $32,875 | $13,481 |
| What You'd Really Pay | $140,610 | $58,661 |
| Typical Debt | $25,000 | $13,000 |
| Graduation Rate | 86.1% | 92.8% |
| Pays for Itself In | 2.8 yrs | 0.6 yrs |
| Salary Boost | +169% | +321% |
| Ahead After 10 Years | $666,570 | $1,205,009 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of California-Berkeley?
Based on Value Score, University of California-Berkeley scores higher at 99/100 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 University of California-Berkeley?
The top-earning program at University of California-Berkeley (Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering) has a median salary of $126,367/yr after graduation. Salaries vary significantly by major.
How much does Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus cost vs University of California-Berkeley?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a net cost of $32,875/yr vs $13,481/yr at University of California-Berkeley. True total cost (including loan interest) is $140,610 vs $58,661.
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.