Columbia Southern University vs University of Pennsylvania

Orange Beach, AL — Philadelphia, PA

Metric
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Location Orange Beach, AL Philadelphia, PA
Type Private For-Profit Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 12,176 10,650
Acceptance Rate 5.4%
SAT Average 1,553
In-State Tuition $6,760 $68,686
Out-of-State Tuition $6,760 $68,686
Avg Net Price $14,580 $28,699
Median Debt at Graduation $21,339 $15,715
4-Year Graduation Rate 35.3% 96.7%
Retention Rate 71.0% 98.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $55,140 $90,555
Median Earnings (10 yr) $63,534 $111,371
Loan Repayment Rate 487700.0% 202200.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL
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University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Columbia Southern University and University of Pennsylvania compare?
Columbia Southern University (Orange Beach, AL) has no published acceptance rate, in-state tuition of $6,760, and median 10-year earnings of $63,534. University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) has an acceptance rate of 5.4%, in-state tuition of $68,686, and median 10-year earnings of $111,371.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Columbia Southern University or University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $111,371 vs $63,534. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Columbia Southern University or University of Pennsylvania?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Columbia Southern University is the more affordable option at $14,580 per year versus $28,699.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of Pennsylvania has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 96.7% vs 35.3%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025