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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine

Public Media, PA · Suburban · Mid-Atlantic · 100% data
A- Earnings B+ Diversity C+ Value
Graduation Rate
24% F
Lower completion rate than most colleges
Earnings (10yr)
$63,435 A-
Well above the typical college graduate
Net Price
$22,585 D+
32% more than the typical college
Acceptance Rate
98% F
Accessible to most qualified applicants
Earnings +55% vs avg
Graduation -59% vs avg
Net Price 32% vs avg

Bottom line: A C overall grade — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges. 16.4× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $16.4 over 20 years.

16.4× return on investment

Every $1 spent returns $16.4 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $1,389,740.

What The Data Says

  1. A C overall — outcomes trail most U.S. colleges on measured metrics.

  2. Graduates earn 55% more than the national college median.

  3. Graduation of 24% — 59% below the national average.

  4. Every $1 invested returns $16.4 over 20 years — an exceptional return.

About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine is profiled below with full outcomes data from federal sources.

Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.

Institutional Profile

Institution Type
Public University
Enrollment
1,223
Setting
Suburban
Primary Strengths
Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Psychology, Biology & Biomedical

Why students choose Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine

Strong STEM core
A heavy concentration in technical fields
Strength in Business & Marketing
Its most-awarded field of study

CollegeRanker Report Card

Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.

C
Top 52% overall
A-
Earnings
$63,435 median
C+
Value
2.8× net price
D+
Affordability
$22,585/yr net
F
Graduation
24% graduate
F
Selectivity
98% admit rate
B+
Diversity
0.70 index

Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.

How we grade →

Overview

With an acceptance rate of 98%, Penn State Brandywine caters to a diverse range of students looking for a supportive environment to pursue their education. This school is particularly appealing for those interested in programs like Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Psychology, Biology & Biomedical, and Communications. The focus here is on practical skills and real-world applications, preparing students for various career paths.

After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $63,435 within a decade. That’s a solid figure that reflects the potential for upward mobility in the job market. It’s important to consider the affordability of education here as well; 34% of students receive Pell Grants, which helps to ease the financial burden. While the graduation rate stands at 24%, it shows that while the journey may be challenging, those who persist can find rewarding careers.

When we look at the financial side of things, the net price after aid is around $22,585, with a median debt of $25,000. This means that while the cost of attendance can be significant, many students manage to navigate their financial responsibilities effectively. Students who thrive at Penn State Brandywine tend to be those who appreciate a more personalized college experience and seek practical knowledge that can be directly applied in the workforce.

Rankings

Can I Get In?

How selective Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine is — and how your numbers stack up.

Tool

Will I Be Accepted?

Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.

3.0
Test Score
1050
21

Academics & Admissions

Is It Hard to Get Into Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine? Acceptance Rate & Requirements

Based in Media, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 98%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,200. The graduation rate is roughly 24%.

Acceptance Rate
98%
Retention Rate
73%
SAT Average
1200
SAT Range
1080–1310
Full-Time Faculty
56%
Faculty Salary (mo)
$9,857
Student–Faculty Ratio
13:1
Diversity Index
0.70
First-Gen Students
29%
Applicants
2,440
Admitted
2,347

Can I Afford It?

What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.

Cost & Financial Aid

How Much Does It Cost to Attend Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine? Tuition, Net Price & Aid

Published tuition at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine is $25,392, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $22,585. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $15,904 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $25,000 in federal student loans.

In-State Tuition
$15,208
Out-of-State
$25,392
Avg Net Price
$22,585
Median Debt
$25,000
Pell Grant Rate
34%
Federal Loan Rate
49%

What Families Actually Pay

Family Income $0–$30K
$15,904
Family Income $30K–$48K
$16,580
Family Income $48K–$75K
$21,157
Family Income $110K+
$29,031

What Happens After?

Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.

Graduate Outcomes

Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI

Ten years out, alumni of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine earn a median of $63,435, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.

6 Years After Entry
$55,620
8 Years
$60,370
10 Years
$63,435
Debt-to-Earnings
0.39x
Earning > $25K
73%

Earnings Trajectory

$55,620 6yr $60,370 8yr $63,435 10yr

Graduation by Timeframe

100% (40)
11%
100% (40)
11%
100% (40)
11%
100% (40)
11%

How Pennsylvania Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation24%Earnings 10yr$63KNet Price$23KRetention73%Median Debt$25KPell Grant Rate34%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$16K$0-30K$17K$30-48K$21K$48-75K$29K$110K+

College ROI Calculator

Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine Worth It?

A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.

Yes — for most students, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $22,585/year ($90,340 total). Graduates earn $63,435 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,480,080 in total earnings — a net gain of $1,389,740 (16.4× your investment). The median debt is $25,000, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 24% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.

Total Cost (4yr)
$90,340
Projected 20yr Earnings
$1,480,080
Net Return
$1,389,740
ROI Multiple
16.4×
Cost Per Year
$22,585
Median Debt
$25,000
Debt Payback
Less than 1 yr
Graduation Rate
24%

Does It Change Lives?

Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?

Top Programs

The fields Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Each links to its degree guide — with salary, growth, and the schools with the strongest outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Hard to Get Into Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine? Acceptance Rate & Requirements

Based in Media, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 98%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,200. The graduation rate is roughly 24%.

How Much Does It Cost to Attend Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine? Tuition, Net Price & Aid

Published tuition at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine is $25,392, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $22,585. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $15,904 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $25,000 in federal student loans.

Is Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI

Ten years out, alumni of Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Brandywine earn a median of $63,435, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.

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The State of American Higher Education Outcomes

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