Columbia University in the City of New York vs University of Pennsylvania
New York, NY — Philadelphia, PA
| Metric | Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY | University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | New York, NY | Philadelphia, PA |
| Type | Private Nonprofit | Private Nonprofit |
| Total Enrollment | 8,973 | 10,650 |
| Acceptance Rate | 4.0% | 5.4% |
| SAT Average | 1,553 | 1,553 |
| In-State Tuition | $71,845 | $68,686 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $71,845 | $68,686 |
| Avg Net Price | $21,590 | $28,699 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 | $15,715 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 95.5% | 96.7% |
| Retention Rate | 98.0% | 98.9% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $88,535 | $90,555 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $102,491 | $111,371 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 185800.0% | 202200.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Full Profile
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
View full college profile →
Full Profile
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
View full college profile →
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Columbia University in the City of New York and University of Pennsylvania compare?▼
Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, NY) has an acceptance rate of 4.0%, in-state tuition of $71,845, and median 10-year earnings of $102,491. 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 University in the City of New York or University of Pennsylvania?▼
University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $111,371 vs $102,491. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Columbia University in the City of New York or University of Pennsylvania?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Columbia University in the City of New York is the more affordable option at $21,590 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 95.5%.
More Comparisons
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