Cornell University vs University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania reports the higher median earnings ten years after entry ($111,371 vs $104,043). University of Pennsylvania recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.6 yrs vs 1.7 yrs).
| Measure | Cornell UniversityNY | University of PennsylvaniaPA |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $104,043 | $111,371 |
| Years to recoup four-year net cost | 1.7 yrs | 1.6 yrs |
| Average net price per year | $28,690 | $28,699 |
| Sticker cost of attendance per year | $88,140 | $89,028 |
| Share earning above a high-school grad | 84.2% | 87.8% |
| Six-year graduation rate | 95.4% | 96.5% |
| First-year retention (full-time) | 98.4% | 98.9% |
| Admission rate | 8.8% | 5.4% |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $14,000 | $15,715 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 15,995 | 10,650 |
| Financial health (NACUBO CFI) | 7.3 | 6.5 |
Highlighted cells mark the stronger figure on measures with a clear better direction (admission rate and enrollment are shown for context only, with no winner). “Years to recoup” divides four-year net cost by the annual earnings premium over a state high-school graduate. A transparent data comparison, not an Ibex endorsement or a guarantee of any individual outcome; your program and aid package will differ.
Is Cornell University or University of Pennsylvania a better value?
On the transparent payback measure, University of Pennsylvania recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.6 yrs vs 1.7 yrs).. Value depends on your program, your net price after aid, and your goals; use the table as a starting point and check each school's profile for peer context.
Which costs more, Cornell University or University of Pennsylvania?
Cornell University's average net price is $28,690 per year and University of Pennsylvania's is $28,699 (College Scorecard). Net price is what students actually pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.
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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (2024-25); earnings baselines from the U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year. Compiled by Ibex Insights. For informational planning only, not financial advice. See the methodology.