Academic Comparison between UPenn and Columbia University

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

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 UPenn and Columbia University have the same submitted SAT scores (1,540).
  • Both UPenn and Columbia University 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

University of Pennsylvaniavs.Columbia University in the City of New York
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaLocationNew York, New York
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)
$66,1042024 Tuition & Fees$68,171
51%% Receiving Financial Aid57%
$47,776Average Amount of Financial Aid$49,638
6.00 %Acceptance Rates4.00 %
69.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)62.99 %
1,540SAT Score1,540
35ACT Score35
96 %Graduation Rate95 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
98 %Retention Rate98 %
28,201Student Population34,782
2,248Number of Faculties4,327
8 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio6 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
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