Head-to-Head Comparison
George Washington University vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
George Washington University
Washington, DC
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
- George Washington Wins
- 24
- Tied
- 16
- Pennsylvania State Wins
- 12
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $32,875 vs George Washington University's $36,586, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $63,435 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
George Washington
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, 43% more than Pennsylvania State University
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,449, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 47% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Pennsylvania State
- Lower cost: Average net price of $32,875, roughly $3,711 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
George Washington graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (33% of degrees); Pennsylvania State in Business & Marketing (20%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick George Washington University over Pennsylvania State University. Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment vs $63,435.
Pick Pennsylvania State University over George Washington University. Net price $32,875 vs $36,586.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
George Washington University and Pennsylvania State University are close on paper, but George Washington University wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
George Washington University is the harder admit. It takes 47% of applicants, while Pennsylvania State University takes 61%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,433 to 1,337.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, George Washington University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Pennsylvania State University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $32,875, about $3,711 a year below George Washington University's $36,586. Graduates of George Washington University also borrow less: median debt of $20,449, against $25,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $14,844 before any change in aid. Choosing Pennsylvania State University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, George Washington University graduates report median earnings of $90,873, compared with $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University. That is a 43% advantage. Set against borrowing, George Washington University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.39x.
So what: An earnings gap of 43% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Pennsylvania State University to keep costs and debt down; pick George Washington University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Pennsylvania State University saves about $3,711 a year, yet George Washington University graduates earn $27,438 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. George Washington University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Health Professions, while Pennsylvania State University leans toward Engineering, Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Pennsylvania State University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,000, against $20,449 at George Washington University.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Pennsylvania State University's enrollment of 42,284 far exceeds George Washington University's 11,182.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
George Washington holds onto its admits more tightly: 19% of admitted students enroll, versus 16% at Pennsylvania State — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. George Washington offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Pennsylvania State does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Pennsylvania State, where only about 34% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
George Washington University reports a striking graduation rate of 85%. This figure reflects the university's commitment to student success and its supportive academic environment. With a significant portion of students completing their degrees, GWU stands out for those seeking reliable pathways to graduation.
The earnings potential for graduates is compelling. Alumni earn an average of $90,873 within ten years of graduation. This income level positions graduates well within the job market, contributing to long-term financial stability. Although specific mobility data is not available, the high graduation rate suggests that many students are likely to improve their economic circumstances through their education at GWU.
The net price for attending George Washington University is $36,586, with a median debt of $20,449. This balance makes it an appealing choice for students who can manage costs while aiming for solid post-graduate earnings. GWU attracts those interested in fields like social sciences, health professions, and business, where graduates find ample opportunities to thrive in Washington, D.C.'s dynamic job market.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 42,300 students, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a great fit for those looking for a vibrant campus life paired with solid academics. The acceptance rate stands at 61%, which means students can find a welcoming environment to explore their interests. Popular fields of study include Business and Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science and IT, Communications, and Social Sciences. This diversity in programs allows students to tailor their education to their career goals.
After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median income of $63,435 a decade post-degree. This figure suggests that the education received here has real value in the job market, helping graduates secure positions that often lead to upward mobility. While 14% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating support for those from lower-income backgrounds, the overall affordability of the university is something to consider when planning for the future.
When it comes to the financial aspects, the net price stands at $32,875 after aid, with a median debt load of $25,000 for graduates. This balance between cost and potential earnings suggests that many students can manage their financial commitments effectively. Those who thrive here tend to be motivated and adaptable, ready to engage with both the academic and social opportunities available on campus.
Rankings They Appear On
George Washington University and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus appear together in 9 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Online MBA Programs, George Washington University ranks #4 — George Washington University outranks Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus by 17 positions.
Top Degree Programs
George Washington's top program is Sociology (33% of enrollment), while Pennsylvania State leads with Business Administration (20%).
George Washington
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for George Washington) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Pennsylvania State).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Washington University is strongest in Social Sciences, Health Professions, Psychology, while Pennsylvania State University concentrates in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Communications. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
George Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into George Washington University or Pennsylvania State University?
George Washington University is harder to get into, admitting 47% of applicants compared with 61% at Pennsylvania State University.
Which is more affordable, George Washington University or Pennsylvania State University?
Pennsylvania State University is more affordable, with an average net price of $32,875 after aid versus $36,586 at George Washington University.
Do George Washington University or Pennsylvania State University graduates earn more?
George Washington University graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, versus $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Washington University or Pennsylvania State University?
Pennsylvania State University has the higher graduation rate, 86% versus 85%.
Should you choose George Washington University or Pennsylvania State University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Pennsylvania State University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose George Washington University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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