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New York University vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

25
New Wins
13
Tied / N/A
8
Pennsylvania Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Mid-Atlantic
28,663
Enrollment
42,284
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

9%
Acceptance Rate
61%
1520
SAT Average
1337
34
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1480-1560
SAT Range
1240-1420

Cost & Financial Aid

$62,796
In-State Tuition
$20,644
$62,796
Out-of-State Tuition
$41,790
$37,050
Average Net Price
$32,875
$16,977
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$19,845
$14,017
Net Price ($30-48K)
$20,049
$16,862
Net Price ($48-75K)
$25,667
$66,876
Net Price ($110K+)
$37,831
18%
Pell Grant Rate
14%
19%
Federal Loan Rate
40%

Academics

88%
Graduation Rate
86%
96%
Retention Rate
93%
100%
Full-Time Faculty
86%
$18,026
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,120
21%
First-Gen Students
29%

Student Body

61%
Female
50%
22%
White
63%
14%
Hispanic
9%
7%
Black
5%
22%
Asian
8%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.58

Outcomes

$64,543
Earnings (6yr)
$55,620
$76,035
Earnings (8yr)
$60,370
$82,509
Earnings (10yr)
$63,435
$20,500
Median Debt
$25,000
0.25x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.39x
76%
Earning Above HS
73%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

362.73%
Mobility Rate
N/A
5227.7%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
N/A
693.9%
From Bottom 20%
N/A
$130,500
Parent Median Income
N/A

Social Capital

1.79
Economic Connectedness
1.71
0.04
Friending Bias
0.00
9.1%
Volunteering Rate
6.0%

Research (Times HE)

#60
World Rank
N/A
62
Teaching Score
N/A
50.7
Research Score
N/A
82.9
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

New York University

New York, NY · Private nonprofit

9% accept 88% grad $82,509 earnings $37,050 net

With an acceptance rate of just 9%, New York University attracts driven students who are ready to dive deep into their passions. This urban campus is ideal for those interested in fields like Visual & Performing Arts, Social Sciences, Business & Marketing, Computer Science, and Humanities. It’s a place where creativity meets practicality, and students can thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment.

After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median salary of $82,509 ten years after completing their degree. That’s a significant number, especially when you consider the potential for upward mobility in competitive fields. The financial investment in an NYU education often pays off, making it a compelling choice for those who are eager to make their mark.

When it comes to the cost, the net price after aid sits at $37,050, with a median debt of $20,500. This means many students graduate with manageable debt, especially considering their earnings potential. NYU tends to attract motivated individuals who are ready to engage with the world around them and capitalize on the myriad opportunities available in New York City.

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, PA · Public

61% accept 86% grad $63,435 earnings $32,875 net

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.

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