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Cornell University vs University of Pennsylvania

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Cornell University
#21
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
Private
University of Pennsylvania
#10
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Ithaca, NY

Philadelphia, PA

Total Enrollment

26,793

29,109

Undergrad Enrollment

16,128

11,478

Student-Faculty Ratio

9:1

8:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

8.8%

5.4%

Average GPA

4.00

3.96

SAT Range

1500–1570

1510–1570

ACT Range

33–35

34–36

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$80

$75

Total Applicants

62,993

65,226


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$81,884

$75,386

Avg Net Price

$32,337

$31,229

Tuition (In-State)

$62,456

$56,212

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,456

$56,212

Room & Board

$19,428

$19,174

% Receiving Aid

48.0%

51.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$61,779

$65,458


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

96.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

91.0%

90.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

99.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$104,043

$111,371

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Cornell is in Ithaca, NY

Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%, while Penn has an acceptance rate of 5%. This means Penn is more selective than Cornell University.

The average net price at Cornell University is $32,337 per year, compared to $31,229 at Penn. Penn is $1,108 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Cornell University typically score between 1500-1570 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.

Cornell University has a graduation rate of 96%, while Penn has a graduation rate of 96%. Penn has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Cornell University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, while Penn has a ratio of 8:1. Penn offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Cornell University, 48% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $61,779. At Penn, 51% of students receive aid with an average grant of $65,458.

The median earnings for Cornell University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $104,043, 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.

Cornell University is located in Ithaca, NY in a city: small setting. Penn is located in Philadelphia, PA in a city: large setting.