College Comparison
Cornell University vs University of Pennsylvania: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
School
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Cornell | UPenn |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 8.2% | 5.9%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1480–1560 | 1500–1570wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35 | 34–35wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $66,014wins | $66,104 |
| Avg Net Price | $32,337 | $31,229wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $104,043 | $111,371wins |
| Graduation Rate | 95.1% | 96.8%wins |
| Retention Rate | 97.8% | 98.1%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1 | 8:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 15,935wins | 10,768 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UPenn edges out Cornell 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.
Cornell Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $66,014
- ✓Total Enrollment: 15,935
UPenn Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 5.9%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1570
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Avg Net Price: $31,229
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