Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College vs Mercyhurst University: which has better ROI?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $98,232 in 6.5 years versus not at all at Mercyhurst University, on median earnings of $63,435 vs $47,452 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College | Mercyhurst University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $24,558 | $19,444 |
| Total net cost | $98,232 | $77,776 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $63,435 | $47,452 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $25,305 |
| Payback | 6.5 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $203,268 | -$95,936 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College or Mercyhurst University?
Mercyhurst University, at $19,444 a year after aid versus $24,558 — a gap of $5,114 a year, or $20,456 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 Erie-Behrend College or Mercyhurst University graduates earn more?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College graduates report a median $63,435 ten years after entry, $15,983 more than the $47,452 at Mercyhurst 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-Penn State Erie-Behrend College or Mercyhurst University?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $25,305 at Mercyhurst University, a difference of $305. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
60% of students finish at Mercyhurst University, against 44% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College. 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.