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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Yale University

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

8
Pennsylvania Wins
14
Tied / N/A
24
Yale Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
New England
42,284
Enrollment
6,758
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

61%
Acceptance Rate
4%
1337
SAT Average
1534
N/A
ACT Midpoint
34
1240-1420
SAT Range
1470-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$20,644
In-State Tuition
$67,250
$41,790
Out-of-State Tuition
$67,250
$32,875
Average Net Price
$23,777
$19,845
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$17,633
$20,049
Net Price ($30-48K)
$15,626
$25,667
Net Price ($48-75K)
$17,943
$37,831
Net Price ($110K+)
$45,951
14%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
40%
Federal Loan Rate
5%

Academics

86%
Graduation Rate
96%
93%
Retention Rate
99%
86%
Full-Time Faculty
75%
$13,120
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$22,590
29%
First-Gen Students
25%

Student Body

50%
Female
50%
63%
White
31%
9%
Hispanic
17%
5%
Black
9%
8%
Asian
22%
0.58
Diversity Index
0.80

Outcomes

$55,620
Earnings (6yr)
$81,765
$60,370
Earnings (8yr)
$94,821
$63,435
Earnings (10yr)
$100,533
$25,000
Median Debt
$12,975
0.39x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.13x
73%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

N/A
Mobility Rate
208.17%
N/A
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5730.3%
N/A
From Bottom 20%
363.3%
N/A
Parent Median Income
$199,700

Social Capital

1.71
Economic Connectedness
1.72
0.00
Friending Bias
0.04
6.0%
Volunteering Rate
11.9%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#10
N/A
Teaching Score
92.1
N/A
Research Score
89.7
N/A
Citations Score
91.5

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.

Yale University

New Haven, CT · Private nonprofit

4% accept 96% grad $100,533 earnings $23,777 net

Yale University boasts an impressive graduation rate of 96%, indicating that most students who enroll successfully complete their degrees. This high level of achievement reflects the supportive academic environment and resources available to students.

According to Opportunity Insights data, Yale's graduates have a median earnings of $100,533 ten years after enrollment. While specific mobility rates are not available, the strong earnings potential suggests that graduates are likely to experience upward economic mobility, particularly when compared to peers from lower-income backgrounds.

The net price for attending Yale is $23,777, with a median debt of $12,975. This financial landscape allows students to invest in their education while keeping debt manageable. Students who thrive here tend to be those who are motivated and eager to engage deeply in their studies, particularly in top fields such as social sciences, biology, and engineering.

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