College Comparison
Columbia University in the City of New York vs University of Pennsylvania
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
New York, NY
Philadelphia, PA
Total Enrollment
35,173
29,109
Undergrad Enrollment
9,164
11,478
Student-Faculty Ratio
6:1
8:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
4.0%
5.4%
Average GPA
4.00
3.96
SAT Range
1510–1580
1510–1570
ACT Range
34–35
34–36
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$85
$75
Total Applicants
60,115
65,226
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$79,569
$75,386
Avg Net Price
$22,000
$31,229
Tuition (In-State)
$61,989
$56,212
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$61,989
$56,212
Room & Board
$17,580
$19,174
% Receiving Aid
52.0%
51.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$67,010
$65,458
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
92.0%
96.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
84.0%
90.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
99.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$102,491
$111,371
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Explore by Location
Columbia in the City of New York is in New York, NY
Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Columbia University in the City of New York is $22,000 per year, compared to $31,229 at Penn. Columbia University in the City of New York is $9,229 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Columbia University in the City of New York typically score between 1510-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Penn, the typical SAT range is 1510-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Columbia University in the City of New York has a graduation rate of 92%, while Penn has a graduation rate of 96%. Penn has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Columbia University in the City of New York has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, while Penn has a ratio of 8:1. Columbia University in the City of New York offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Columbia University in the City of New York, 52% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $67,010. At Penn, 51% of students receive aid with an average grant of $65,458.
The median earnings for Columbia University in the City of New York graduates 10 years after enrollment is $102,491, compared to $111,371 for Penn graduates. Graduates from Penn tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Columbia University in the City of New York is located in New York, NY in a city: large setting. Penn is located in Philadelphia, PA in a city: large setting.