← Back to the statement College Scorecard · Compare

Side-by-side Cost & Return

Two Schools,
Side by Side

Hold any two of 20 schools next to each other on the numbers that decide it: the net price after aid, the debt you carry off the stage, the paycheck six and ten years out, whether you finish, and the one read that ties them together - how much earnings premium each dollar of debt buys. Every metric is drawn on a shared scale, so the bar lengths themselves are the comparison across the gutter.

Every figure is pulled from the real College Scorecard institution file. Each row maps to one Scorecard column - net price to NPT4_*, debt to GRAD_DEBT_MDN, earnings to MD_EARN_WNE_P6/P10, graduation to C150_*. What the earnings figure counts is worth reading: see Methodology.

The oxblood line in each earnings bar is what a typical high-school graduate earns ($32,000); a school whose median student earns below it did not, on the median, beat skipping college, and is flagged in oxblood. Every school in this recognizable roster clears the line - the programs that don't are the sector story further down the statement.

Choose a school for each panel

Panel A

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MA Cambridge · Private nonprofit · Most selective
7.5× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$111,372 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $20,111
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $14,768
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $131,633
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $143,372
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 96%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 7.5×
of 8× · higher is better

Stanford University

CA Stanford · Private nonprofit · Most selective
7.7× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$92,080 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $13,807
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $12,000
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $102,887
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $124,080
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 92%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 7.7×
of 8× · higher is better

Harvey Mudd College

CA Claremont · Private nonprofit · Most selective
4.3× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$106,687 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $35,924
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $25,000
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $115,107
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $138,687
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 92%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 4.3×
of 8× · higher is better

University of Pennsylvania

PA Philadelphia · Private nonprofit · Most selective
5.1× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$79,371 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $28,699
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $15,715
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $90,555
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $111,371
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 97%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 5.1×
of 8× · higher is better

Georgetown University

DC Washington · Private nonprofit · Most selective
4.6× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$71,494 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $40,815
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $15,500
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $83,222
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $103,494
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 95%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 4.6×
of 8× · higher is better

Princeton University

NJ Princeton · Private nonprofit · Most selective
7.6× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$78,066 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $6,128
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $10,320
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $87,815
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $110,066
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 98%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 7.6×
of 8× · higher is better

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

GA Atlanta · Public · Most selective
3.3× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$70,772 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $12,116
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $21,672
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $89,432
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $102,772
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 94%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 3.3×
of 8× · higher is better

University of California-Berkeley

CA Berkeley · Public · Most selective
4.6× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$60,446 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $13,481
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $13,000
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $74,919
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $92,446
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 93%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 4.6×
of 8× · higher is better

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

MI Ann Arbor · Public · Highly selective
2.6× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$51,648 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $13,138
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $19,500
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $73,762
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $83,648
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 93%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 2.6×
of 8× · higher is better

New York University

NY New York · Private nonprofit · Most selective
2.5× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$50,509 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $37,050
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $20,500
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $64,543
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $82,509
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 88%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 2.5×
of 8× · higher is better

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

CA San Luis Obispo · Public · Highly selective
3.2× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$58,768 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $16,665
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $18,500
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $72,358
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $90,768
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 86%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 3.2×
of 8× · higher is better

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

IL Champaign · Public · Selective
2.5× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$49,054 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $14,355
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $19,500
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $64,802
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $81,054
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 85%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 2.5×
of 8× · higher is better

The University of Texas at Austin

TX Austin · Public · Highly selective
2.1× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$43,121 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $19,857
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $20,500
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $60,896
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $75,121
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 89%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 2.1×
of 8× · higher is better

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

NY New York · Public · Selective
3.8× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$43,971 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $3,033
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $11,512
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $61,542
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $75,971
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 72%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 3.8×
of 8× · higher is better

University of Florida

FL Gainesville · Public · Highly selective
2.6× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$39,588 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $6,541
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $15,000
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $56,398
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $71,588
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 91%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 2.6×
of 8× · higher is better

Stony Brook University

NY Stony Brook · Public · Selective
2.3× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$42,502 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $18,784
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $18,228
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $59,492
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $74,502
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 76%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 2.3×
of 8× · higher is better

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

PA University Park · Public · Broad access
1.3× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$31,435 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $32,875
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $25,000
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $55,620
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $63,435
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 86%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 1.3×
of 8× · higher is better

Ohio State University-Main Campus

OH Columbus · Public · Broad access
1.4× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$28,409 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $17,339
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $19,976
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $51,438
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $60,409
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 88%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 1.4×
of 8× · higher is better

California State University-Los Angeles

CA Los Angeles · Public · Broad access
2.1× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$27,211 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $3,967
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $13,000
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $45,702
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $59,211
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 53%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 2.1×
of 8× · higher is better

Arizona State University Campus Immersion

AZ Tempe · Public · Broad access
1.6× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$30,668 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $14,967
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $19,500
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $52,843
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $62,668
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 68%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 1.6×
of 8× · higher is better

Panel B

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MA Cambridge · Private nonprofit · Most selective
7.5× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$111,372 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $20,111
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $14,768
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $131,633
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $143,372
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 96%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 7.5×
of 8× · higher is better

Stanford University

CA Stanford · Private nonprofit · Most selective
7.7× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$92,080 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $13,807
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $12,000
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $102,887
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $124,080
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 92%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 7.7×
of 8× · higher is better

Harvey Mudd College

CA Claremont · Private nonprofit · Most selective
4.3× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$106,687 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $35,924
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $25,000
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $115,107
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $138,687
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 92%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 4.3×
of 8× · higher is better

University of Pennsylvania

PA Philadelphia · Private nonprofit · Most selective
5.1× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$79,371 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $28,699
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $15,715
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $90,555
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $111,371
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 97%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 5.1×
of 8× · higher is better

Georgetown University

DC Washington · Private nonprofit · Most selective
4.6× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$71,494 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $40,815
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $15,500
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $83,222
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $103,494
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 95%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 4.6×
of 8× · higher is better

Princeton University

NJ Princeton · Private nonprofit · Most selective
7.6× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$78,066 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $6,128
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $10,320
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $87,815
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $110,066
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 98%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 7.6×
of 8× · higher is better

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

GA Atlanta · Public · Most selective
3.3× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$70,772 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $12,116
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $21,672
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $89,432
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $102,772
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 94%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 3.3×
of 8× · higher is better

University of California-Berkeley

CA Berkeley · Public · Most selective
4.6× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$60,446 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $13,481
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $13,000
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $74,919
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $92,446
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 93%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 4.6×
of 8× · higher is better

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

MI Ann Arbor · Public · Highly selective
2.6× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$51,648 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $13,138
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $19,500
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $73,762
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $83,648
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 93%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 2.6×
of 8× · higher is better

New York University

NY New York · Private nonprofit · Most selective
2.5× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$50,509 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $37,050
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $20,500
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $64,543
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $82,509
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 88%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 2.5×
of 8× · higher is better

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

CA San Luis Obispo · Public · Highly selective
3.2× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$58,768 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $16,665
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $18,500
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $72,358
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $90,768
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 86%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 3.2×
of 8× · higher is better

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

IL Champaign · Public · Selective
2.5× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$49,054 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $14,355
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $19,500
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $64,802
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $81,054
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 85%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 2.5×
of 8× · higher is better

The University of Texas at Austin

TX Austin · Public · Highly selective
2.1× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$43,121 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $19,857
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $20,500
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $60,896
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $75,121
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 89%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 2.1×
of 8× · higher is better

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

NY New York · Public · Selective
3.8× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$43,971 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $3,033
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $11,512
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $61,542
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $75,971
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 72%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 3.8×
of 8× · higher is better

University of Florida

FL Gainesville · Public · Highly selective
2.6× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$39,588 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $6,541
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $15,000
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $56,398
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $71,588
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 91%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 2.6×
of 8× · higher is better

Stony Brook University

NY Stony Brook · Public · Selective
2.3× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$42,502 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $18,784
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $18,228
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $59,492
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $74,502
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 76%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 2.3×
of 8× · higher is better

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

PA University Park · Public · Broad access
1.3× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$31,435 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $32,875
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $25,000
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $55,620
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $63,435
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 86%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 1.3×
of 8× · higher is better

Ohio State University-Main Campus

OH Columbus · Public · Broad access
1.4× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$28,409 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $17,339
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $19,976
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $51,438
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $60,409
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 88%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 1.4×
of 8× · higher is better

California State University-Los Angeles

CA Los Angeles · Public · Broad access
2.1× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$27,211 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $3,967
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $13,000
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $45,702
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $59,211
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 53%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 2.1×
of 8× · higher is better

Arizona State University Campus Immersion

AZ Tempe · Public · Broad access
1.6× earnings premium per $1 of debt
+$30,668 over the HS-grad line, 10y out
Average net price / year $14,967
of $45k · lower is better
Median federal debt at graduation $19,500
of $35k · lower is better
Median earnings, 6 years after entry $52,843
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Median earnings, 10 years after entry $62,668
of $150k · higher is better · | = HS-grad line
Graduation rate 68%
of 100% · higher is better
Earnings premium ÷ debt 1.6×
of 8× · higher is better
Earnings, graduation, value (higher is better) Net price, debt (lower is better) HS-grad earnings line

Neither school is "wrong" - a name-brand degree pays, and its network is real. But a family writing the checks can read the trade laid bare: which paycheck climbs from six years to ten, which price is a fraction of the other, and which dollar of debt buys the larger step past a high-school graduate. That is the question the Scorecard exists to answer, one pair at a time. Look up your own two at collegescorecard.ed.gov.