Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs DeSales University: which has better ROI?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $131,500 in 8.7 years versus 9.8 years at DeSales University, on median earnings of $63,435 vs $61,295 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | DeSales University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $32,875 | $31,643 |
| Total net cost | $131,500 | $126,572 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $63,435 | $61,295 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $25,788 |
| Payback | 8.7 yrs | 9.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $170,000 | $132,128 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or DeSales University?
DeSales University, at $31,643 a year after aid versus $32,875 — a gap of $1,232 a year, or $4,928 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 State University-Main Campus or DeSales University graduates earn more?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates report a median $63,435 ten years after entry, $2,140 more than the $61,295 at DeSales University. 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 State University-Main Campus or DeSales University?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $25,788 at DeSales University, a difference of $788. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
86% of students finish at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, against 72% at DeSales University. 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.