Penn vs Columbia
A side-by-side comparison of cost, graduate earnings, acceptance rate, and outcomes — using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard data (sourced from federal tax records, not surveys).
Green = better on that metric (higher earnings & rates, lower cost). All data: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, refreshed every 24h.
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How to read this comparison
Don't pick a school based on a single number. The federal data above is a starting point, not a verdict. Three things to weigh beyond the table:
- Major-specific outcomes. A school's overall earnings figure can mask wide variation across majors. CS and engineering graduates often earn 30–60% more than humanities graduates at the same school. The fit quiz ranks both schools by your specific major.
- Net price for your family, not the published net price. The number above is the average for all aid recipients — your number depends on your income. Run our Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
- Where you'd actually thrive. Acceptance rate and earnings tell you nothing about campus culture, class size, advising quality, or distance from home — things that matter enormously for whether you graduate at all.
Frequently asked questions
Is Penn or Columbia cheaper?
Compare the net price (after financial aid) row in the table above. Net price varies a lot by family income, so use our Net Price Calculator on /funding for a personal estimate.
Which school has higher graduate earnings — Penn or Columbia?
The 10-year median earnings figure above is from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, sourced from federal tax records. It reflects all majors at each school.
Which school is harder to get into?
Compare the acceptance rate row above. A lower acceptance rate generally means a more selective admissions process, but admit rates depend on the applicant pool — they're not a direct measure of academic quality.
Should I pick Penn or Columbia for my major?
It depends on which majors each school is strongest in. Try our free 3-minute fit quiz at /fit — it ranks both (and every other school) by your major, budget, and other priorities.
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