Head-to-Head Comparison
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN
- Pennsylvania State Wins
- 22
- Tied
- 11
- Rose-Hulman Technology Wins
- 11
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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513, 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.
44 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Pennsylvania State
- Lower cost: Average net price of $32,875, roughly $9,638 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 86% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 61% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Rose-Hulman Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, 60% more than Pennsylvania State University
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Pennsylvania State graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (20% of degrees); Rose-Hulman Technology in Engineering (73%). 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology over Pennsylvania State University. Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment vs $63,435.
Pick Pennsylvania State University over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Net price $32,875 vs $42,513.
Pick Pennsylvania State University over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. 86% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Pennsylvania State University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology are close on paper, but Pennsylvania State 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
Pennsylvania State University is the harder admit. It takes 61% of applicants, while Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology takes 77%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,337 to 1,427.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Pennsylvania State 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 $9,638 a year below Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $38,552 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, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $101,253, compared with $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University. That is a 60% advantage. Set against borrowing, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.39x.
So what: An earnings gap of 60% 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.
Finishing the degree
Pennsylvania State University graduates a larger share of its students, 86% versus 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 6% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Pennsylvania State University to keep costs and debt down; pick Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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 $9,638 a year, yet Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn $37,818 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. Pennsylvania State University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, while Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology leans toward Mathematics & Statistics. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Pennsylvania State University's enrollment, and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Pennsylvania State University's enrollment of 42,284 far exceeds Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's 2,309.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $42,513 runs well above Pennsylvania State University's $32,875.
- Business and consulting-track students: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and Pennsylvania State University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
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 Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
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.
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN · Private nonprofit
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn an impressive average of $101,253 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential highlights the value of a degree from this private nonprofit institution, with a focus on engineering and technical disciplines.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for Rose-Hulman, making it challenging to assess economic mobility comprehensively. However, the school's 80% graduation rate suggests that most students are successfully completing their programs. This retention rate is crucial for students considering their long-term career prospects and financial outcomes.
Students at Rose-Hulman face a net price of $42,513, with a median debt of $25,000 upon graduation. Despite the cost, the earnings potential can make this investment worthwhile. Those who thrive here typically have a strong interest in STEM fields, as the top programs are concentrated in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and the sciences.
Rankings They Appear On
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is featured on the Best Engineering Colleges in Indiana ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Pennsylvania State's top program is Business Administration (20% of enrollment), while Rose-Hulman Technology leads with Mechanical Engineering (73%).
Pennsylvania State
Rose-Hulman Technology
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Pennsylvania State) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rose-Hulman Technology).
The two schools feed different job markets. Pennsylvania State University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Communications, while Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology concentrates in Mathematics & Statistics, Physical Sciences. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Pennsylvania State University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Pennsylvania State University is harder to get into, admitting 61% of applicants compared with 77% at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Pennsylvania State University is more affordable, with an average net price of $32,875 after aid versus $42,513 at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Do Pennsylvania State University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, versus $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Pennsylvania State University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Pennsylvania State University has the higher graduation rate, 86% versus 80%.
Should you choose Pennsylvania State University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Pennsylvania State University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 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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