Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Temple University: which has better ROI?
Temple University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $112,792 in 7.3 years versus 8.7 years at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, on median earnings of $63,727 vs $63,435 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | Temple University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $32,875 | $28,198 |
| Total net cost | $131,500 | $112,792 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $63,435 | $63,727 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $24,395 |
| Payback | 8.7 yrs | 7.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $170,000 | $194,548 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Temple University?
Temple University, at $28,198 a year after aid versus $32,875 — a gap of $4,677 a year, or $18,708 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 Temple University graduates earn more?
Temple University graduates report a median $63,727 ten years after entry, $292 more than the $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. 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 Temple University?
Temple University: its completers carry a median $24,395 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, a difference of $605. 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 75% at Temple 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.