Head-to-Head Comparison
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of California-Los Angeles
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
- Pennsylvania State Wins
- 7
- Tied
- 10
- California-Los Angeles Wins
- 26
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of California-Los Angeles offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $12,548 vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus's $32,875, University of California-Los Angeles delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of California-Los Angeles's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
43 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Pennsylvania State
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
California-Los Angeles
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,511 ten years after enrollment, 30% more than Pennsylvania State University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,548, roughly $20,327 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 9% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Pennsylvania State graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (20% of degrees); California-Los Angeles in Social Sciences (25%). 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 University of California-Los Angeles over Pennsylvania State University. Median earnings of $82,511 ten years after enrollment vs $63,435.
Pick University of California-Los Angeles over Pennsylvania State University. Net price $12,548 vs $32,875.
Pick University of California-Los Angeles over Pennsylvania State University. 93% completion rate vs 86%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Pennsylvania State University and University of California-Los Angeles are close on paper, but University of California-Los Angeles wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of California-Los Angeles is the harder admit. It takes 9% of applicants, while Pennsylvania State University takes 61%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of California-Los Angeles 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, University of California-Los Angeles comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $12,548, about $20,327 a year below Pennsylvania State University's $32,875. Graduates of University of California-Los Angeles also borrow less: median debt of $14,000, against $25,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $81,308 before any change in aid. Choosing University of California-Los Angeles leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of California-Los Angeles graduates report median earnings of $82,511, compared with $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University. That is a 30% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of California-Los Angeles has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.17x to 0.39x.
So what: An earnings gap of 30% 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
University of California-Los Angeles graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 86%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% 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 University of California-Los Angeles to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. Pennsylvania State University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science & IT, while University of California-Los Angeles leans toward Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $32,875 runs well above University of California-Los Angeles's $12,548.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,000, against $14,000 at University of California-Los Angeles.
- Engineering-focused students: Pennsylvania State University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of California-Los Angeles has less business program depth, and Pennsylvania State University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
California-Los Angeles holds onto its admits more tightly: 48% of admitted students enroll, versus 16% at Pennsylvania State — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 3 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.
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Public
Only 9% of applicants gain admission to the University of California-Los Angeles, making it one of the most selective public universities in the country. With an enrollment of nearly 33,500 students, UCLA combines a competitive environment with a high graduation rate of 93%. This commitment to student success reflects the university's dedication to academic excellence.
Graduates from UCLA see strong financial outcomes, with a median earnings of $82,511 a decade after graduation. While specific mobility metrics are not available, the university's programs in fields like Social Sciences, Biology, and Engineering contribute to its reputation for fostering upward economic mobility among its graduates. The 28% of students receiving Pell Grants highlights its support for low-income students, balancing accessibility with high achievement.
Attending UCLA comes with a net price of $12,548 and a median debt of $14,000, making it a financially viable option for many students. Those who thrive here are often driven, academically inclined, and eager to engage in a vibrant campus culture. With a strong focus on research and a diverse student body, UCLA is well-suited for those looking to make an impact in their chosen fields.
Rankings They Appear On
University of California-Los Angeles is featured on the Best Biology Colleges in California ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Pennsylvania State's top program is Business Administration (20% of enrollment), while California-Los Angeles leads with Sociology (25%).
Pennsylvania State
California-Los Angeles
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Pennsylvania State) and Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for California-Los Angeles).
The two schools feed different job markets. Pennsylvania State University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Communications, while University of California-Los Angeles concentrates in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology. 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.
Pennsylvania State
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Pennsylvania State University or University of California-Los Angeles?
University of California-Los Angeles is harder to get into, admitting 9% of applicants compared with 61% at Pennsylvania State University.
Which is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University or University of California-Los Angeles?
University of California-Los Angeles is more affordable, with an average net price of $12,548 after aid versus $32,875 at Pennsylvania State University.
Do Pennsylvania State University or University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn more?
University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,511 ten years after enrollment, versus $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Pennsylvania State University or University of California-Los Angeles?
University of California-Los Angeles has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 86%.
Should you choose Pennsylvania State University or University of California-Los Angeles?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of California-Los Angeles if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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