Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of Kansas

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
University of Kansas
Top program: Petroleum Engineering
94/100
Starting Salary
$80,718
$71,179
Listed Price
$39,694
$26,751
What You Pay
$32,875
$18,059
What You'd Really Pay
$140,610
$79,889
Typical Debt
$25,000
$21,000
Graduation Rate
86.1%
68.8%
Pays for Itself In
2.8 yrs
1.9 yrs
Salary Boost
+169%
+137%
Ahead After 10 Years
$666,570
$631,901
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of Kansas Comparison
MetricPennsylvania State University-Main CampusUniversity of Kansas
Starting Salary$80,718$71,179
Listed Price$39,694$26,751
What You Pay$32,875$18,059
What You'd Really Pay$140,610$79,889
Typical Debt$25,000$21,000
Graduation Rate86.1%68.8%
Pays for Itself In2.8 yrs1.9 yrs
Salary Boost+169%+137%
Ahead After 10 Years$666,570$631,901

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of Kansas?

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 University of Kansas?

The top-earning program at University of Kansas (Petroleum Engineering) has a median salary of $71,179/yr after graduation. Salaries vary significantly by major.

How much does Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus cost vs University of Kansas?

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a net cost of $32,875/yr vs $18,059/yr at University of Kansas. True total cost (including loan interest) is $140,610 vs $79,889.

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.