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Robert Morris University vs Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Moon Township PA · vs · Public, Reading PA

The verdict

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $97,424 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.)

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Head to head
MeasureRobert Morris UniversityPennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks
Net price / yr$23,003$24,356
Total net cost$92,012$97,424
Median earnings, 10 yrs$62,105$63,435
Median debt$26,950$25,000
Payback6.7 yrs6.5 yrs
20-year net return$182,888$204,076

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Robert Morris University or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks?

Robert Morris University, at $23,003 a year after aid versus $24,356 — a gap of $1,353 a year, or $5,412 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Robert Morris University or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks graduates earn more?

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks 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, Robert Morris University or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks?

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks: 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 32% at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks. 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.

Robert Morris University vs Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks: frequently asked questions

Is Robert Morris University or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks a better value?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks. It clears its $97,424 net cost in about 6.5 years versus 6.7 years at Robert Morris University, on median earnings of $63,435 vs $62,105 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Robert Morris University or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks?
Robert Morris University: $23,003/yr net price after aid versus $24,356/yr at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks — a difference of $1,353 a year, or about $5,412 over four years.
Do Robert Morris University or Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks graduates earn more?
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks graduates earn a median $63,435 ten years after entry, versus $62,105 at Robert Morris University — a $1,330 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.