You would borrow a median $25,000 — about $284 a month for ten years. Graduates earn a median $63,435 ten years after starting, so the debt clears in roughly 1.1 years of the salary premium.
It is a fair deal, close to the national middle. What you study and what you borrow will matter more than the badge.
Under roughly 15% of gross pay, repayment is generally considered manageable alongside rent and living costs.
Every dollar you win is a dollar you never repay — and it moves the 1.1-year payback above. We list 4 scholarships tied to Pennsylvania State University.
We may earn a commission if you take a loan through a provider listed here. It never changes the figures on this page — the debt, salary and payback come from the US Department of Education, not from lenders.
The typical graded university clears its debt in 1.3 years on median earnings of $57,089 against $22,500 of debt. Pennsylvania State University clears its debt faster than that, and its graduates earn $23,915 a year more than a US worker with only a high-school diploma.
| Nearby university | Grade | Debt | Earnings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania | C | $23,500 | $61,258 | 1.1 yrs |
| University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Pennsylvania | B | $24,250 | $66,125 | 0.9 yrs |
| University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Pennsylvania | B | $24,250 | $66,125 | 0.9 yrs |
| York College of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania | C | $26,000 | $61,012 | 1.2 yrs |
| Susquehanna University Pennsylvania | C | $27,000 | $61,723 | 1.2 yrs |
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard — earnings and debt cover students who received federal financial aid and blend every subject taught at the institution. Figures imported 28 Aug 2026. This page is information, not financial advice.