University of Pennsylvania vs Columbia University

University of Pennsylvania vs Columbia University

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University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League school. the institute has been honoured with the #15th rank by the US News among the world and 7th across the USA in its 2023 rankings. Columbia University is a private research university known for its academics, placements, and international student percentage, It is ranked #6 by US News & World Report. While the Times Higher Education (THE) places Columbia University at #11 among other top global universities for the year 2023.

Overview Comparison
University of PennsylvaniaColumbia University
Collegedunia Score7.9 Out of 108.4 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 11 QS World University 2025
# 6 US News 2024
# 12 QS World University 2024
# 34 QS World University 2025
# 12 US News 2024
# 17 Times Higher Education 2024
Subject Strength# 19 for Engineering by US News 2024
# 20 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2024
# 3 for Medicine by US News 2024
# 17 for Engineering by US News 2024
# 4 for Medicine by US News 2024
# 4 for Law by Times Higher Education 2024
ProgramsUG Programs -63
PG Programs -71
Doctorate Programs -15
UG Programs -25
PG Programs -63
Doctorate Programs -7
Acceptance Rate7.0 %3.9 %
Exam ScoreGMAT-540
IELTS-7.5
SAT-1450
TOEFL-100
GMAT-680
IELTS-7
SAT-1410
TOEFL-100
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   53166
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  56786
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 17888 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   58440
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  53040
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 10416 Per Year
placement (average package)

University of Pennsylvania is one of the top private universities in Philadelphia, United States. It is ranked #13 in QS World University Rankings 2023.

Average Salaries by Degree:

  • Other Degree: $200,000 
  • MBA: $175,000 
  • Masters in Finance: $150,000 
  • PhD: $147,000 
  • Executive Masters: $144,000 
  • Bachelor of Science: $120,000 

Columbia University is one of the top private universities in New York City, United States. It is ranked #22 in QS World University Rankings 2023. Ranked #18 in Graduate Employability Rank

Base Salaries by the following degrees:

  • Bachelor (Other):  $500,000 
  • Other Degree:  $280,000 
  • Doctorate:  $200,000 
  • Executive MBA:  $175,000 
  • MBA: $150,000 
  • Executive Masters:  $147,000 

application requirements

Academic transcripts; Proof of English language proficiency; 2-3 LORs; SOPs; Resume; Personal Statement; Standardized test scores; Additional requirements (Digital portfolios, Writing samples, Research statements, etc.); Interviews (if required). 

Academic transcripts, 2-3 LORs, SOPs/ Essays, Resume, School report, Standardized tests, Proof of English language proficiency, Additional requirements (work experience, interview, research proposal, etc.)

Campuses and B-SchoolsThe Wharton School
Teachers College at Columbia University
Columbia Business School
CollegeDunia Reviews7.9/10 Read 5 reviews7.4/10 Read 15 reviews
General Facts Comparison
General FactsUniversity of PennsylvaniaColumbia University
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1740
1754
Student:Faculty Ratio7:1
6:1
Male:Female43% Male, 57% Female52% Male, 48% Female
Library

6.67 million printed book volumes; 4.26 million microform items; 282,857 serials received; 2.01 million e-books; 279,206 e-journals; 4.31 million digitized images; 358,740 audio/video tapes, CDs, and DVDs.


The low memorial library is a landmark. The university owns around 23 libraries scattered across the city. 
Resources in over 450 languages, Collection of 13 million volumes, 160,000 journals and other electronic resources.


Campus Life

165 Research centers; Double decker college football stadium; 450+ student organizations; Penn Museum & other galleries; Penn Relays Carnivals (longest uninterrupted collegiate track meet in America with 100,000 spectators yearly); PennRec (offers activities such as yoga, fitness classes, sports clubs, outdoor adventures, etc.); hundreds of retail shops, restaurants, etc.; Vending activities (includes 90 trucks, carts, & tables); University media including news & media (Almanac, Penn Today, Daily Pennsylvanian), communications (WQHS, WXPN 88.5 FM, etc.).


Art Gallery
Theatre
Public Outdoor Sculpture
Various Cafe
St. Paul’s Chapel

The university offers it all!!!


Hostel#Rooms - $11754
#First-Year Residents - $10416
Famous Alumni

36 Nobel laureates; 29 Rhodes Scholars; 16 Pulitzer Prize winners; Elon Musk (CEO of SpaceX); Warren Buffet (CEO of Berkshire Hathaway); John Legend (American singer-songwriter); Ivanka Trump (American businesswoman); Tory Burch (American fashion designer); Donald Trump (45th President of USA); Anand Ahuja (Businessperson); Shweta Bachchan-Nanda (Indian author); Sundar Pichai (CEO of Alphabet Inc. & Google LLC); 


Barak Obama (Former US President), Alexander Hamilton (founding father of USA), Alicia Keys (singer), Sara Ali Khan (actress), Dorothy Irene Height (Women rights activist), Jake Gyllenhall (actor).


City Life

Philadelphia- largest city in Pennsylvania; 6th most populous city in USA; Famous tourist attractions include Liberty Bell Pavilion, Independence Hall, Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia Museum of Arts, Reading Terminal Market, Barnes Foundation, Fairmount Park, City Hall, etc.; Birthplace of US Marine Corps, several firsts in USA such as library, hospital, medical school, zoo, business school, etc.; Unemployment rate- 4.5%


Total international students in NY- 11%
New York houses almost 100 public libraries
800,000+ restaurants and cafes in New York
180 public parks throughout the city
Subway system- Operates 24/7, is a cost-effective, quick, and easy


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