Head-to-head · 2026
Ohio State University-Main Campus vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Compare average net price ($17,339 at Ohio State University-Main Campus; $32,875 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus), ROI score (8.71 vs 4.82), ten-year median earnings ($60,409 vs $63,435), and admissions selectivity (60.6% acceptance at Ohio State University-Main Campus; 60.6% at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus) using federal College Scorecard data. Ohio State University-Main Campus has a 5-2 metric-level edge. Ohio State University-Main Campus leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Ohio State University-Main Campus | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.71 ✓ | 4.82 |
| Avg net price | $17,339 ✓ | $32,875 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $60,409 | $63,435 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 60.6% | 60.6% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 87.7% ✓ | 86.1% |
| Median debt | $19,976 ✓ | $25,000 |
| Enrollment | 45,638 | 42,284 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1387 ✓ | 1337 |
| Metric advantages | 5 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus costs $15,536 more per year than Ohio State University-Main Campus ($32,875 vs $17,339). Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates report $3,026 higher median earnings after ten years ($63,435 vs $60,409). On EduGradify's model that puts Ohio State University-Main Campus ahead on projected ROI (8.71 vs 4.82, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Ohio State University-Main Campus) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Ohio State University-Main Campus is accessible at 60.6% acceptance versus 60.6% (accessible) at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus.
Frequently asked
Ohio State University-Main Campus vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Ohio State University-Main Campus or Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus the better value?
Ohio State University-Main Campus has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.71 vs 4.82), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Ohio State University-Main Campus is cheaper — average net price $17,339 per year vs $32,875 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. The annual difference of $15,536 adds up to about $62,144 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $63,435 vs $60,409 at Ohio State University-Main Campus. The annual gap in the federal data is $3,026.
Which school is harder to get into?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is more selective at 60.6% acceptance vs 60.6% at Ohio State University-Main Campus.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Ohio State University-Main Campus reports a B value grade; Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus reports D.