Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Wayne State 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
Wayne State University
Top program: Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
93/100
Starting Salary
$80,718
$78,723
Listed Price
$39,694
$26,794
What You Pay
$32,875
$14,773
What You'd Really Pay
$140,610
$66,836
Typical Debt
$25,000
$21,250
Graduation Rate
86.1%
56.5%
Pays for Itself In
2.8 yrs
1.4 yrs
Salary Boost
+169%
+162%
Ahead After 10 Years
$666,570
$720,394
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Wayne State University Comparison
MetricPennsylvania State University-Main CampusWayne State University
Starting Salary$80,718$78,723
Listed Price$39,694$26,794
What You Pay$32,875$14,773
What You'd Really Pay$140,610$66,836
Typical Debt$25,000$21,250
Graduation Rate86.1%56.5%
Pays for Itself In2.8 yrs1.4 yrs
Salary Boost+169%+162%
Ahead After 10 Years$666,570$720,394

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The top-earning program at Wayne State University (Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services) has a median salary of $78,723/yr after graduation. Salaries vary significantly by major.

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

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a net cost of $32,875/yr vs $14,773/yr at Wayne State University. True total cost (including loan interest) is $140,610 vs $66,836.

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.