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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of Notre Dame

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

10
Pennsylvania Wins
15
Tied / N/A
21
University Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Suburban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Great Lakes
42,284
Enrollment
8,818
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

61%
Acceptance Rate
11%
1337
SAT Average
1520
N/A
ACT Midpoint
34
1240-1420
SAT Range
1455-1560

Cost & Financial Aid

$20,644
In-State Tuition
$65,025
$41,790
Out-of-State Tuition
$65,025
$32,875
Average Net Price
$26,780
$19,845
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$7,244
$20,049
Net Price ($30-48K)
$7,254
$25,667
Net Price ($48-75K)
$11,432
$37,831
Net Price ($110K+)
$45,321
14%
Pell Grant Rate
14%
40%
Federal Loan Rate
25%

Academics

86%
Graduation Rate
96%
93%
Retention Rate
99%
86%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$13,120
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$16,830
29%
First-Gen Students
10%

Student Body

50%
Female
46%
63%
White
59%
9%
Hispanic
15%
5%
Black
5%
8%
Asian
6%
0.58
Diversity Index
0.61

Outcomes

$55,620
Earnings (6yr)
$86,210
$60,370
Earnings (8yr)
$94,844
$63,435
Earnings (10yr)
$99,980
$25,000
Median Debt
$19,000
0.39x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.19x
73%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

N/A
Mobility Rate
89.73%
N/A
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6239.9%
N/A
From Bottom 20%
143.8%
N/A
Parent Median Income
$165,400

Social Capital

1.71
Economic Connectedness
1.46
0.00
Friending Bias
-0.01
6.0%
Volunteering Rate
4.3%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#63
N/A
Teaching Score
56.4
N/A
Research Score
45.1
N/A
Citations Score
89.1

The Overviews

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.

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN · Private nonprofit

11% accept 96% grad $99,980 earnings $26,780 net

The University of Notre Dame has an impressive graduation rate of 96%. This means that the vast majority of students who start their studies here complete their degrees on time. Such a high rate indicates strong student support and academic rigor.

According to the Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, specific mobility outcomes for Notre Dame students are not available. However, the strong graduation rate and high earnings after ten years suggest that graduates from this institution tend to secure stable, well-paying jobs. The average earnings for alumni reach $99,980, reflecting the quality of education and career preparation they receive.

Prospective students should consider the financial aspects as well. The net price for attending Notre Dame is $26,780, with a median debt of $19,000 after graduation. While the Pell Grant rate is 14%, students who thrive here often pursue majors in Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, Biology, and Computer Science, aligning their education with strong job markets.

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