Pennsylvania State University-World Campus vs Washington & Jefferson College: which has better ROI?
Washington & Jefferson College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $100,008 in 5.1 years versus 5.2 years at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus, on median earnings of $67,918 vs $63,435 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Pennsylvania State University-World Campus | Washington & Jefferson College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,550 | $25,002 |
| Total net cost | $78,200 | $100,008 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $63,435 | $67,918 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 5.2 yrs | 5.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $223,300 | $291,152 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Pennsylvania State University-World Campus or Washington & Jefferson College?
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus, at $19,550 a year after aid versus $25,002 — a gap of $5,452 a year, or $21,808 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-World Campus or Washington & Jefferson College graduates earn more?
Washington & Jefferson College graduates report a median $67,918 ten years after entry, $4,483 more than the $63,435 at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus. 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-World Campus or Washington & Jefferson College?
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Washington & Jefferson 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?
70% of students finish at Washington & Jefferson College, against 34% at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus. 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.