UPenn vs Columbia University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
UPenn vs Columbia University at a glance
UPenn admits 5.4% of applicants and Columbia University 4% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $29,577 at UPenn and $15,370 at Columbia University. Six-year graduation rates are 96.9% and 95.2%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- UPenn admits 5.4% of applicants and Columbia University 4%, so Columbia University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $29,577 a year at UPenn and $15,370 at Columbia University; Columbia University costs $14,207 less a year.
- 96.9% of students graduate within six years at UPenn, against 95.2% at Columbia University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $121,687 for UPenn and $109,430 for Columbia University; UPenn is $12,257 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $15,000 at UPenn and $20,500 at Columbia University.
- UPenn enrolls 10,650 students (large city) and Columbia University 8,973 (large city).
Side by side
UPenn and Columbia University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | UPenn | Columbia University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 4% |
| Applicants | 56,332 | 61,110 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1570 | 1510–1580 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–36 | 34–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $29,577 | $15,370 |
| Tuition, in state | $71,236 | $74,180 |
| Tuition, out of state | $71,236 | $74,180 |
| Cost of attendance | $92,288 | $92,198 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | Not reported | $2,275 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $234 | $4,020 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $12,421 | $4,878 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $25,263 | $8,881 |
| Over $110,000 | $61,455 | $40,931 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 96.9% | 95.2% |
| First-year retention | 98.9% | 98% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $121,687 | $109,430 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $15,000 | $20,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $170 | $233 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 10,650 | 8,973 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Philadelphia, PA | New York, NY |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
UPenn reports 77 bachelor's programs and Columbia University 69; 45 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about UPenn vs Columbia University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into UPenn or Columbia University?
Columbia University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: UPenn admits 5.4% of applicants and Columbia University admits 4%. Middle 50% SAT scores: UPenn 1510–1570; Columbia University 1510–1580.
Which is cheaper, UPenn or Columbia University?
Columbia University has the lower average net price after grants: $29,577 a year at UPenn against $15,370 at Columbia University. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do UPenn or Columbia University graduates earn more?
UPenn graduates earn more at the median: $121,687 ten years after entry for UPenn and $109,430 for Columbia University. Median federal debt at graduation is $15,000 and $20,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, UPenn or Columbia University?
UPenn does: 96.9% of UPenn students graduate within six years, against 95.2% at Columbia University.
How big are UPenn and Columbia University?
UPenn has 10,650 students in Philadelphia, PA and Columbia University has 8,973 students in New York, NY.