Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus reports the higher median earnings ten years after entry ($66,125 vs $63,435). University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 4.3 yrs vs 5.1 yrs).
| Measure | Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusPA | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPA |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $63,435 | $66,125 |
| Years to recoup four-year net cost | 5.1 yrs | 4.3 yrs |
| Average net price per year | $32,875 | $30,434 |
| Sticker cost of attendance per year | $39,694 | $38,105 |
| Share earning above a high-school grad | 70.2% | 70.1% |
| Six-year graduation rate | 86.1% | 85.5% |
| First-year retention (full-time) | 92.6% | 92% |
| Admission rate | 60.6% | 58.1% |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $25,000 | $24,250 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 42,284 | 20,370 |
| Financial health (NACUBO CFI) | 4.6 | 7.0 |
Highlighted cells mark the stronger figure on measures with a clear better direction (admission rate and enrollment are shown for context only, with no winner). “Years to recoup” divides four-year net cost by the annual earnings premium over a state high-school graduate. A transparent data comparison, not an Ibex endorsement or a guarantee of any individual outcome; your program and aid package will differ.
Is Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus a better value?
On the transparent payback measure, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 4.3 yrs vs 5.1 yrs).. Value depends on your program, your net price after aid, and your goals; use the table as a starting point and check each school's profile for peer context.
Which costs more, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus's average net price is $32,875 per year and University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus's is $30,434 (College Scorecard). Net price is what students actually pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.
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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (2024-25); earnings baselines from the U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year. Compiled by Ibex Insights. For informational planning only, not financial advice. See the methodology.