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 ($70,517) than UPenn ($68,686).
  • It is harder to admit to Columbia University than UPenn.
  • Both Columbia University and UPenn have the same submitted SAT scores (1,550).
  • Both Columbia University and UPenn have the same submitted ACT scores (35).
  • Columbia University has more students with 35,173 students while UPenn has 29,109 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 4,683 faculties while UPenn has 2,268 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)
$70,5172025 Tuition & Fees$68,686
55%% Receiving Financial Aid52%
$55,902Average Amount of Financial Aid$53,735
3.99 %Acceptance Rates5.40 %
64.92 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)67.98 %
1,550SAT Score1,550
35ACT Score35
96 %Graduation Rate97 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
98 %Retention Rate99 %
35,173Student Population29,109
4,683Number of Faculties2,268
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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