Degree Dividend
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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Moravian University: which has better ROI?

Public, University Park PA · vs · Private nonprofit, Bethlehem PA

The verdict

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $131,500 in 8.7 years versus 9.1 years at Moravian University, on median earnings of $63,435 vs $61,860 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasurePennsylvania State University-Main CampusMoravian University
Net price / yr$32,875$30,670
Total net cost$131,500$122,680
Median earnings, 10 yrs$63,435$61,860
Median debt$25,000$26,793
Payback8.7 yrs9.1 yrs
20-year net return$170,000$147,320

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

Which is cheaper, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Moravian University?

Moravian University, at $30,670 a year after aid versus $32,875 — a gap of $2,205 a year, or $8,820 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 Moravian University graduates earn more?

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates report a median $63,435 ten years after entry, $1,575 more than the $61,860 at Moravian 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 Moravian University?

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $26,793 at Moravian University, a difference of $1,793. 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 Moravian 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.

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Moravian University: frequently asked questions

Is Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Moravian University a better value?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. It clears its $131,500 net cost in about 8.7 years versus 9.1 years at Moravian University, on median earnings of $63,435 vs $61,860 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Moravian University?
Moravian University: $30,670/yr net price after aid versus $32,875/yr at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus — a difference of $2,205 a year, or about $8,820 over four years.
Do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Moravian University graduates earn more?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates earn a median $63,435 ten years after entry, versus $61,860 at Moravian University — a $1,575 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.