College Comparison
Columbia University vs Penn State: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Columbia University
New York, NY
School
Penn State
University Park, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Columbia | Penn State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.2%wins | 54.2% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1490–1570wins | 1220–1400 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35wins | 27–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $69,045 | $40,188wins |
| Avg Net Price | $20,148wins | $32,598 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $102,491wins | $63,435 |
| Graduation Rate | 95.0%wins | 85.7% |
| Retention Rate | 97.2%wins | 92.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1wins | 15:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 8,899 | 41,862wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Columbia edges out Penn State on 8 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
Columbia Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 4.2%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1490–1570
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Avg Net Price: $20,148
Penn State Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,188
- ✓Total Enrollment: 41,862
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