Academic Comparison between Columbia University and UPenn

Columbia University in the City of New York and University of Pennsylvania are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, private (not-for-profit). Columbia University is located in New York, NY and UPenn is located in Philadelphia, PA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, private (not-for-profit) schools.
  • Columbia University has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,171) than UPenn ($66,104).
  • It is harder to admit to Columbia University than UPenn.
  • Both Columbia University and UPenn have the same submitted SAT scores (1,540).
  • Both Columbia University and UPenn have the same submitted ACT scores (35).
  • Columbia University has more students with 34,782 students while UPenn has 28,201 students.
  • Columbia University has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while UPenn's ratio is 8 to 1.
  • Columbia University has more full-time faculties with 4,327 faculties while UPenn has 2,248 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Columbia University in the City of New Yorkvs.University of Pennsylvania
New York, New YorkLocationPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$68,1712024 Tuition & Fees$66,104
57%% Receiving Financial Aid51%
$49,638Average Amount of Financial Aid$47,776
4.00 %Acceptance Rates6.00 %
62.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)69.00 %
1,540SAT Score1,540
35ACT Score35
95 %Graduation Rate96 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
98 %Retention Rate98 %
34,782Student Population28,201
4,327Number of Faculties2,248
6 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio8 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study AbroadSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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