Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Cornell
$331,176
4-year total (private)
VS
UPenn
$328,008
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Cornell = $146,576 | UPenn = $111,768. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Cornell Top Majors
EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyHotel AdministrationUPenn Top Majors
FinanceEconomicsNursingComputer ScienceBiology
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cornell or UPenn harder to get into?+
UPenn is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.4% compared to 7.9%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Cornell or UPenn?+
At sticker price, UPenn costs less over 4 years ($328,008 vs $331,176). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Cornell offers an average of $46,150/year in aid while UPenn offers $54,060/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Cornell and UPenn?+
The average SAT score at Cornell is 1520 and at UPenn it is 1530. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do Cornell or UPenn graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UPenn have a higher average starting salary ($92,800 vs $83,100). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
Cornell has a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UPenn has 6:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Cornell and UPenn compare for campus life?+
Cornell is located in Ithaca, New York (rural setting) with a 2,300-acre campus. UPenn is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 299 acres. Cornell competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UPenn in NCAA D1.