Choosing the right university can be a daunting task, especially when considering the multitude of factors that go into making a well-informed decision. In an effort to help you make the best choice, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison between two top-ranked universities: Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania. This comparison covers various aspects such as costs, admissions, academics, and outcomes, ensuring that you have all the necessary information at your disposal.
Cornell University Overview
Cornell University, founded in 1865, is a private Ivy League research university located in Ithaca, New York. It is known for its strong emphasis on research, a diverse range of academic programs, and its commitment to providing an exceptional education to students from all walks of life.
Cornell University Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for undergraduate students at Cornell University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $79,798, which includes tuition, fees, housing, and meals. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with the average need-based scholarship or grant award being $45,494.
Cornell University Admissions
Admission to Cornell University is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 12.7% for the class of 2025. The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is 1460-1560, while the middle 50% ACT range is 33-35. Applicants are also evaluated on factors such as academic achievements, personal qualities, and extracurricular involvement.
Cornell University Degrees Offered
Cornell offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its seven undergraduate colleges and seven graduate divisions. Some of the most popular majors include Engineering, Business, Management, Marketing, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and Social Sciences.
Cornell University Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 9:1 and an average class size of 14 students, Cornell University offers a personalized and engaging learning experience for its students. The university has a four-year graduation rate of 88%, highlighting its commitment to academic excellence.
Cornell University Diversity
Cornell University boasts a diverse student body, with 44% of its undergraduate population identifying as students of color and 10% being international students. The university is also committed to promoting inclusivity and fostering a supportive environment for all members of its community.
Cornell University Students
Cornell has a total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 15,200 students. The university offers a rich campus life, with over 1,000 student organizations, 36 varsity sports teams, and numerous recreational and cultural activities for students to engage in.
Cornell University Campus
The Cornell University campus spans over 2,300 acres in Ithaca, New York, and is home to stunning architecture, state-of-the-art facilities, and beautiful natural surroundings. The campus offers a variety of housing options, including residence halls, program houses, and living-learning communities.
Cornell University Alumni
Cornell’s alumni network is vast and influential, with over 250,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Bill Nye, and Toni Morrison.
Cornell University Rankings
Cornell University is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. In 2021, it was ranked #18 in the QS World University Rankings and #17 in the U.S. News & World Report National University Rankings.
Cornell University Outcomes
Graduates of Cornell University are highly sought after in the job market, with 93% of graduates finding employment or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Cornell graduates is $70,500.
University of Pennsylvania Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, commonly known as UPenn, is a private Ivy League research university founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, UPenn is renowned for its professional schools, rigorous academic programs, and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning.
University of Pennsylvania Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for undergraduate students at the University of Pennsylvania for the 2021-2022 academic year is $78,186, which includes tuition, fees, housing, and meals. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with the average need-based scholarship or grant award being $53,943.
University of Pennsylvania Admissions
Admission to the University of Pennsylvania is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 8.4% for the class of 2025. The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is 1440-1560, while the middle 50% ACT range is 33-35. Similar to Cornell, applicants are evaluated on factors such as academic achievements, personal qualities, and extracurricular involvement.
University of Pennsylvania Degrees Offered
UPenn offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its four undergraduate schools and 12 graduate and professional schools. Some of the most popular majors include Business, Management, Marketing, Social Sciences, Engineering, and Health Professions.
University of Pennsylvania Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 6:1 and an average class size of 12 students, UPenn provides a highly collaborative and engaging learning environment. The university has a four-year graduation rate of 89%, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence.
University of Pennsylvania Diversity
UPenn is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. 47% of its undergraduate population identifies as students of color and 12% are international students.
University of Pennsylvania Students
The University of Pennsylvania has a total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 10,600 students. Campus life at UPenn is vibrant, with over 450 student organizations, 33 varsity sports teams, and numerous recreational and cultural activities for students to participate in.
University of Pennsylvania Campus
UPenn’s campus is situated on 299 acres in the heart of Philadelphia, offering students access to a thriving urban environment, historic sites, and various cultural attractions. The campus features a mix of historic and modern architecture, state-of-the-art facilities, and numerous housing options, including college houses and themed residential communities.
University of Pennsylvania Alumni
UPenn’s global alumni network is extensive and influential, with notable alumni such as Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and Warren Buffett.
University of Pennsylvania Rankings
The University of Pennsylvania is consistently ranked among the top universities globally. In 2021, it was ranked #16 in the QS World University Rankings and #8 in the U.S. News & World Report National University Rankings.
University of Pennsylvania Outcomes
Graduates of UPenn are highly sought after in the job market, with 94% of graduates finding employment or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for UPenn graduates is $72,300.
Cornell University vs University of Pennsylvania Cost Comparison
While the cost of attendance for both Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania is relatively similar, with Cornell’s estimated cost being $79,798 and UPenn’s being $78,186, it is important to consider the financial aid packages offered by each institution. UPenn’s average need-based scholarship or grant award is $53,943 compared to Cornell’s $45,494, potentially lowering the net cost for eligible students.
Cornell University vs University of Pennsylvania Admissions Difficulty
Both Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania have highly competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 12.7% and 8.4%, respectively. The middle 50% SAT and ACT ranges for admitted students are also similar, indicating that both schools are equally challenging to gain admission to.
Cornell University vs University of Pennsylvania Academic Difficulty
Given their Ivy League status and dedication to academic excellence, both Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania offer rigorous and challenging academic programs. The similar graduation rates (88% at Cornell and 89% at UPenn) suggest that students at both schools face comparable academic difficulties.
Cornell University vs University of Pennsylvania Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania are well-prepared for success in their chosen careers or further education. While UPenn graduates have a slightly higher starting salary ($72,300) compared to Cornell graduates ($70,500), the overall employment rates within six months of graduation are similar (93% for Cornell and 94% for UPenn).
In conclusion, both Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania are prestigious institutions offering rigorous academic programs, diverse campus experiences, and promising post-graduation outcomes. When deciding between the two, it is essential to consider factors such as financial aid, location, and personal preferences in academic programs and campus life.
