Head-to-Head Comparison
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of San Francisco
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
- Pennsylvania State Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 18
- San Francisco Wins
- 17
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 University of San Francisco's $41,431, 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.
54 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 $8,556 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 86% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
San Francisco
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $89,812 ten years after enrollment, 42% more than Pennsylvania State University
- Less debt: Median debt of $23,000, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Pennsylvania State graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (20% of degrees); San Francisco in Business & Marketing (18%). 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 San Francisco over Pennsylvania State University. Median earnings of $89,812 ten years after enrollment vs $63,435.
Pick Pennsylvania State University over University of San Francisco. Net price $32,875 vs $41,431.
Pick Pennsylvania State University over University of San Francisco. 86% completion rate vs 71%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Pennsylvania State University and University of San Francisco 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 University of San Francisco takes 62%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,337 to 1,295.
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 $8,556 a year below University of San Francisco's $41,431. Graduates of University of San Francisco also borrow less: median debt of $23,000, against $25,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $34,224 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, University of San Francisco graduates report median earnings of $89,812, compared with $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University. That is a 42% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of San Francisco has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.39x.
So what: An earnings gap of 42% 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 71%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 15% 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 University of San Francisco 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 $8,556 a year, yet University of San Francisco graduates earn $26,377 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 Engineering, Computer Science & IT, while University of San Francisco leans toward Health Professions, Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Pennsylvania State University's enrollment of 42,284 far exceeds University of San Francisco's 5,287.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,431 runs well above Pennsylvania State University's $32,875.
- Engineering-focused students: Pennsylvania State University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Pennsylvania State holds onto its admits more tightly: 16% of admitted students enroll, versus 6% at San Francisco — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. San Francisco 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.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 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
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 San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · Private nonprofit
Students at the University of San Francisco can expect to earn an average of $89,812 within ten years of graduation. This strong earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. With an acceptance rate of 62%, the university maintains a balance of accessibility and selectivity.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for this institution, but the outcomes for graduates suggest a solid return on investment. The graduation rate stands at 71%, indicating that a significant majority of students complete their degrees. This completion rate, combined with the potential earnings, points to a pathway for upward mobility.
Tuition at the University of San Francisco has a net price of $41,431, which is a notable consideration for prospective students. Graduates carry a median debt of $23,000, which is relatively manageable compared to national averages. Students who thrive here often pursue programs in Business, Health Professions, and Social Sciences, aligning their education with market demand and job opportunities.
Rankings They Appear On
University of San Francisco is featured on the Best Nursing Colleges in California ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 20% of Pennsylvania State's student body and 18% of San Francisco's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Pennsylvania State) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for San Francisco).
The two schools feed different job markets. Pennsylvania State University is strongest in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Communications, while University of San Francisco concentrates in Health Professions, Psychology, Social 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.
Pennsylvania State
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Pennsylvania State University or University of San Francisco?
Pennsylvania State University is harder to get into, admitting 61% of applicants compared with 62% at University of San Francisco.
Which is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University or University of San Francisco?
Pennsylvania State University is more affordable, with an average net price of $32,875 after aid versus $41,431 at University of San Francisco.
Do Pennsylvania State University or University of San Francisco graduates earn more?
University of San Francisco graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,812 ten years after enrollment, versus $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Pennsylvania State University or University of San Francisco?
Pennsylvania State University has the higher graduation rate, 86% versus 71%.
Should you choose Pennsylvania State University or University of San Francisco?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Pennsylvania State University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of San Francisco 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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