Duquesne University vs Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona: which has better ROI?
Duquesne University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $150,920 in 5.7 years versus 5.9 years at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona, on median earnings of $74,742 vs $63,435 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Duquesne University | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $37,730 | $22,213 |
| Total net cost | $150,920 | $88,852 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $74,742 | $63,435 |
| Median debt | $26,244 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 5.7 yrs | 5.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $376,720 | $212,648 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Duquesne University or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona, at $22,213 a year after aid versus $37,730 — a gap of $15,517 a year, or $62,068 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Duquesne University or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona graduates earn more?
Duquesne University graduates report a median $74,742 ten years after entry, $11,307 more than the $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Duquesne University or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $26,244 at Duquesne University, a difference of $1,244. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
77% of students finish at Duquesne University, against 17% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.