Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona vs Gwynedd Mercy University: which has better ROI?
Gwynedd Mercy University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $109,932 in 5.9 years versus 5.9 years at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona, on median earnings of $67,145 vs $63,435 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona | Gwynedd Mercy University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $22,213 | $27,483 |
| Total net cost | $88,852 | $109,932 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $63,435 | $67,145 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 5.9 yrs | 5.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $212,648 | $265,768 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona or Gwynedd Mercy University?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona, at $22,213 a year after aid versus $27,483 — a gap of $5,270 a year, or $21,080 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 Altoona or Gwynedd Mercy University graduates earn more?
Gwynedd Mercy University graduates report a median $67,145 ten years after entry, $3,710 more than the $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona. 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 Altoona or Gwynedd Mercy University?
Completers at both borrow a median $25,000, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.
Which graduates more of its students?
57% of students finish at Gwynedd Mercy University, against 17% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona. 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.