Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College vs Robert Morris 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 6.7 years at Robert Morris University, on median earnings of $63,435 vs $62,105 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College | Robert Morris University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $24,558 | $23,003 |
| Total net cost | $98,232 | $92,012 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $63,435 | $62,105 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $26,950 |
| Payback | 6.5 yrs | 6.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $203,268 | $182,888 |
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 Robert Morris University?
Robert Morris University, at $23,003 a year after aid versus $24,558 — a gap of $1,555 a year, or $6,220 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 Robert Morris University graduates earn more?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College graduates report a median $63,435 ten years after entry, $1,330 more than the $62,105 at Robert Morris 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 Robert Morris University?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $26,950 at Robert Morris University, a difference of $1,950. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
66% of students finish at Robert Morris 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.