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Columbia University vs University of Pennsylvania

Side-by-side comparison with data from federal sources. Every metric traceable to IPEDS or College Scorecard.

SCHOOL A · PRIVATE

Columbia University

New York, NY

DECISION SCORE

METRICS

SCHOOL B · PRIVATE

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

DECISION SCORE

Metric-by-metric

winner highlighted

Metric	Columbia University	University of Pennsylvania	Edge
Acceptance Rate	4.2%	5.9%	University of Pennsylvania (easier)
Average SAT	1530	1535	University of Pennsylvania
Enrollment	37,954	32,205	Columbia University larger
Median Earnings (10yr)	$102,491	$111,371	University of Pennsylvania
Median Debt	$21,500	$15,715	University of Pennsylvania lower
Pell Grant Rate	23.0%	16.0%	Higher = more low-income students

Decision scores

Columbia University

University of Pennsylvania

Top majors

Columbia University

Social Sciences 25.8%

Computer Science 14.1%

Engineering 10.7%

Biological Sciences 6.1%

Psychology 5.8%

University of Pennsylvania

Business/Marketing 15.4%

Social Sciences 14.3%

Multidisciplinary 11.7%

Biological Sciences 9.8%

Health Professions 8.0%

Which Should You Choose?

Both Columbia University and University of Pennsylvania are outstanding institutions. The right choice depends on your priorities:

If location matters: Columbia University is in New York, NY while University of Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA
If cost is a factor: Compare net prices for your family income bracket above
If career outcomes are the priority: Look at the salary data by major for each school
If getting in is the concern: Check which school's acceptance rate and profile better match yours

Columbia University vs University of Pennsylvania FAQs

Which is harder to get into, Columbia University or University of Pennsylvania?

Columbia University is harder to get into, with a 4.2% acceptance rate vs University of Pennsylvania's 5.9%. Lower acceptance rate means more competitive admission, but admission profile (GPA, SAT, course rigor) matters more than the rate alone.

Which is more expensive, Columbia University or University of Pennsylvania?

Columbia University has a higher sticker cost of attendance ($89,472/yr) vs University of Pennsylvania ($89,028/yr) — a difference of $444/yr at sticker price. But after financial aid, the average family pays $15,023/yr at Columbia University vs $17,838/yr at University of Pennsylvania.

Which has higher graduate earnings, Columbia University or University of Pennsylvania?

University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more — a median of $111,371 10 years post-grad, vs $102,491 at Columbia University. Note this is school-wide median; major choice impacts earnings far more than school choice.

Which should I choose, Columbia University or University of Pennsylvania?

It depends on your priorities. Columbia University is in New York, NY; University of Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA. Weigh acceptance odds against your profile, net cost for your family income, salary outcomes for your intended major, and campus fit (location, size, urban vs rural).

Which has better programs, Columbia University or University of Pennsylvania?

Both Columbia University and University of Pennsylvania have multiple top-ranked programs. The right answer depends on your major. Compare the salary-by-major tables on each school's salary page — Columbia University's salary page and University of Pennsylvania's salary page — to see which school's grads in your target major earn more.

Explore each school

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

Data source: College Scorecard, IPEDS.