Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 84.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 85.7%
- Retention Rate
- 92.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $63,435
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 67.9%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
Outcomes Overview
Penn State graduates earn a median of $63,435 ten years after graduation, which puts them in solid middle-class territory. With median debt of $25,000, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of about 39%. Monthly loan payments of $265 represent roughly 5% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The school's strong alumni network, especially in engineering and business, helps explain the 95.7% employment rate. Penn State's reputation with major corporations means graduates often land jobs at companies like Boeing, Microsoft, and major consulting firms. The combination of reasonable debt levels and solid earning potential makes this a strong return on investment for most students.