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University of Pennsylvania and Cornell University are both private nonprofit institutions — University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA and Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Philadelphia, PA · Private
Acceptance rate: 5.4%
Undergrad enrollment: 10,650
Tuition: $68,686/year
Student-faculty ratio: 8.0:1
Graduation rate: 96.5%
Top programs: Social sciences, Biological sciences, Health professions
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Philadelphia, PA with published program strength in Social sciences and Biological sciences.
Ithaca, NY · Private
Acceptance rate: 8.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 15,995
Tuition: $69,314/year
Student-faculty ratio: 9.0:1
Graduation rate: 95.4%
Top programs: Computer science, Engineering, Business and marketing
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Ithaca, NY with published program strength in Computer science and Engineering.
| Factor | University of Pennsylvania | Cornell University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 8.8% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1510–1570 |
| 1500–1570 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 34–36 | 33–35 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 10,650 | 15,995 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $68,686/year | $69,314/year |
| Average net price after aid | $28,699 | $28,690 |
| Graduation rate | 96.5% | 95.4% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $111,371 | $104,043 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Philadelphia, PA | Ithaca, NY |
| Largest program areas | Social sciences, Biological sciences, Health professions | Computer science, Engineering, Business and marketing |
University of Pennsylvania is more selective (5.4% vs 8.8% acceptance rate). Cornell University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($28,690 vs $28,699). University of Pennsylvania reports the higher graduation rate (96.5% vs 95.4%). Cornell University is the larger undergraduate campus (15,995 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between University of Pennsylvania and Cornell University
University of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5.4%; Cornell University is around 8.8%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of Pennsylvania tuition is $68,686/year. Cornell University is $69,314/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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