Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of Notre Dame

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 Notre Dame
Top program: Finance and Financial Management Services
99/100
Starting Salary
$80,718
$84,618
Listed Price
$39,694
$83,271
What You Pay
$32,875
$26,780
What You'd Really Pay
$140,610
$114,044
Typical Debt
$25,000
$19,000
Graduation Rate
86.1%
95.2%
Pays for Itself In
2.8 yrs
2.1 yrs
Salary Boost
+169%
+182%
Ahead After 10 Years
$666,570
$732,136
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of Notre Dame Comparison
MetricPennsylvania State University-Main CampusUniversity of Notre Dame
Starting Salary$80,718$84,618
Listed Price$39,694$83,271
What You Pay$32,875$26,780
What You'd Really Pay$140,610$114,044
Typical Debt$25,000$19,000
Graduation Rate86.1%95.2%
Pays for Itself In2.8 yrs2.1 yrs
Salary Boost+169%+182%
Ahead After 10 Years$666,570$732,136

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on Value Score, University of Notre Dame 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 Notre Dame?

The top-earning program at University of Notre Dame (Finance and Financial Management Services) has a median salary of $84,618/yr after graduation. Salaries vary significantly by major.

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

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a net cost of $32,875/yr vs $26,780/yr at University of Notre Dame. True total cost (including loan interest) is $140,610 vs $114,044.

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.