Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington vs Ursinus College: which has better ROI?
Ursinus College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $122,144 in 4.8 years versus 4.8 years at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington, on median earnings of $73,721 vs $63,435 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington | Ursinus College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,071 | $30,536 |
| Total net cost | $72,284 | $122,144 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $63,435 | $73,721 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 4.8 yrs | 4.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $229,216 | $385,076 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington or Ursinus College?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington, at $18,071 a year after aid versus $30,536 — a gap of $12,465 a year, or $49,860 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-Penn State Abington or Ursinus College graduates earn more?
Ursinus College graduates report a median $73,721 ten years after entry, $10,286 more than the $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington. 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-Penn State Abington or Ursinus College?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Ursinus College, a difference of $2,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
73% of students finish at Ursinus College, against 20% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington. 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.