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Pennsylvania College of Technology vs Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania: which has better ROI?

Public, Williamsport PA · vs · Public, Shippensburg PA

The verdict

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $94,904 in 11.9 years versus 11.9 years at Pennsylvania College of Technology, on median earnings of $56,351 vs $52,567 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasurePennsylvania College of TechnologyShippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Net price / yr$25,110$23,726
Total net cost$50,220$94,904
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,567$56,351
Median debt$23,961$25,000
Payback11.9 yrs11.9 yrs
20-year net return$33,920$64,916

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Pennsylvania College of Technology or Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania?

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, at $23,726 a year after aid versus $25,110 — a gap of $1,384 a year, or $44,684 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Pennsylvania College of Technology or Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more?

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania graduates report a median $56,351 ten years after entry, $3,784 more than the $52,567 at Pennsylvania College of Technology. 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, Pennsylvania College of Technology or Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania College of Technology: its completers carry a median $23,961 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, a difference of $1,039. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

56% of students finish at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, against 53% at Pennsylvania College of Technology. 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.

Pennsylvania College of Technology vs Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania: frequently asked questions

Is Pennsylvania College of Technology or Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania a better value?
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. It clears its $94,904 net cost in about 11.9 years versus 11.9 years at Pennsylvania College of Technology, on median earnings of $56,351 vs $52,567 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Pennsylvania College of Technology or Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania?
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania: $23,726/yr net price after aid versus $25,110/yr at Pennsylvania College of Technology — a difference of $1,384 a year, or about $44,684 over four years.
Do Pennsylvania College of Technology or Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more?
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania graduates earn a median $56,351 ten years after entry, versus $52,567 at Pennsylvania College of Technology — a $3,784 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.