Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona vs Johnson College: which has better ROI?
Johnson College has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $39,908 in 5.8 years versus 5.9 years at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona, on median earnings of $55,194 vs $63,435 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona | Johnson College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $22,213 | $19,954 |
| Total net cost | $88,852 | $39,908 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $63,435 | $55,194 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $12,000 |
| Payback | 5.9 yrs | 5.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $212,648 | $96,772 |
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 Johnson College?
Johnson College, at $19,954 a year after aid versus $22,213 — a gap of $2,259 a year, or $48,944 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 Johnson College graduates earn more?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona graduates report a median $63,435 ten years after entry, $8,241 more than the $55,194 at Johnson College. 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 Johnson College?
Johnson College: its completers carry a median $12,000 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona, a difference of $13,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
55% of students finish at Johnson College, 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.