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Columbia University in the City of New York vs University of Pennsylvania

2

Columbia University in the City of New York

5

University of Pennsylvania

Key Metrics Compared

Official Data
Metric Columbia University in the City of New York University of Pennsylvania Winner
Acceptance Rate 4% 6% Columbia University in the City of New York
Graduation Rate 95% 97% University of Pennsylvania
Avg Earnings (5yr) $88,535 $90,555 University of Pennsylvania
Median Debt $21,500 $15,715 University of Pennsylvania
Tuition (In-State) $69,045 $66,104 University of Pennsylvania
Retention Rate 97% 98% University of Pennsylvania
Financial Aid 14% 10% Columbia University in the City of New York

Comparison Analysis

Graduates from the University of Pennsylvania earn more than those from Columbia University, with median earnings of $90,555 compared to $88,535. The University of Pennsylvania also has a higher graduation rate, at 96.5%, than Columbia's 95.1%. Columbia University has a lower acceptance rate, at 4.2%, than the University of Pennsylvania, which has an acceptance rate of 5.9%.

Columbia University's tuition is $69,045, which is more expensive than the University of Pennsylvania's tuition of $66,104. The data suggests that the University of Pennsylvania offers a slightly better value proposition due to higher earnings and a higher graduation rate, despite the lower selectivity and lower tuition cost.

Students may prioritize different factors when deciding between these schools. Those prioritizing selectivity may choose Columbia, while those prioritizing post-graduation earnings and graduation rates may choose the University of Pennsylvania. Cost-conscious students might also consider the lower tuition at the University of Pennsylvania.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Shared Programs

Shared Major Columbia University in the City of New York Earnings University of Pennsylvania Earnings Difference
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $197,821 $88,419 124% favor Columbia University in the City of New York
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $197,821 $104,502 89% favor Columbia University in the City of New York
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $197,821 $0 —
Social Work $59,891 $54,533 10% favor Columbia University in the City of New York
Law $220,843 $210,273 5% favor Columbia University in the City of New York
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $132,715 $115,382 15% favor Columbia University in the City of New York
Business Administration, Management and Operations $182,930 $210,400 15% favor University of Pennsylvania
Statistics $122,051 $129,732 6% favor University of Pennsylvania
Computer and Information Sciences, General $129,227 $125,122 3% favor Columbia University in the City of New York
Business Administration, Management and Operations $0 $210,400 —

Quick Facts

Columbia University in the City of New York

Type Private Non-Profit
Location New York, NY
Setting City
Students 8,899

University of Pennsylvania

Type Private Non-Profit
Location Philadelphia, PA
Setting City
Students 10,768

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Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia University in the City of New York has median earnings of $88,535 and tuition of $69,045. University of Pennsylvania has median earnings of $90,555 and tuition of $66,104. The best choice depends on your priorities, field of study, and financial situation.

Explore Further

Columbia University in the City of New York ROI Analysis
University of Pennsylvania ROI Analysis