Columbia University vs University of Pennsylvania: Side-by-Side Comparison
Data-driven comparison to help you decide.
At a Glance
| 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 |
| Tuition | $65,524 | $63,452 | University of Pennsylvania cheaper |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $94,600 | $99,200 | University of Pennsylvania |
| Pell Grant Rate | 23.0% | 16.0% | Higher = more low-income students |
Decision Score Comparison
Columbia University
University of Pennsylvania
Top Majors Compared
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
Explore Each School
Columbia University
University of Pennsylvania
Data source: College Scorecard, IPEDS.