University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) vs Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
In the realm of higher education, University of Pennsylvania and Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art stand out as two distinct institutions with unique offerings. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ significantly in terms of acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. With the University of Pennsylvania boasting a highly selective admissions process and a diverse range of undergraduate programs, it attracts a large and academically accomplished student body. On the other hand, Cooper Union's focus on art, architecture, and engineering draws a smaller, yet equally talented cohort of students, resulting in a more intimate learning environment. To help prospective students make informed decisions, we present a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of these two esteemed universities, highlighting key differences and providing valuable insights into their respective strengths and characteristics.
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![]() Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art |
![]() University of Pennsylvania |
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Overview |
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Location | New York, New York | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Campus setting | City: Large | City: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 91.0% | 98.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 14.7% | 5.9% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$75
Graduate:
$75
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Undergraduate:
$75
Graduate:
$90
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SAT range | N/A | 1480 - 1570 |
ACT range | N/A | 33 - 35 |
Students submitting SAT score | 49.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 30.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 2,678 | 56,332 |
Total number of admissions given out | 393 | 3,304 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 210 | 2,418 |
Yield rate | 53.4% | 73.2% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $67,146 | $80,496 |
Average net price | $20,757 | $14,578 |
Tuition | $44,550 | $54,652 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$11,358
Meal plan:
$5,946
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
100.0%
Average amount $38,212 |
52.0%
Average amount $50,778 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
20.0%
Average amount $4,814 |
9.0%
Average amount $5,030 |
Students taking out private loans |
1.0%
Average amount $24,000 |
2.0%
Average amount $27,160 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
876
Men 53.2% Women 46.8% |
11,292
Men 44.7% Women 55.3% |
Graduate students |
60
Men 80.0% Women 20.0% |
16,746
Men 43.8% Women 56.2% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | 36.5% | 82.7% |
International students | 14.6% | 22.8% |
Campus local/setting | City: Large | City: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 170 | 6,400 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | New York New Jersey California Florida Texas | Pennsylvania New York California New Jersey Florida |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 9:1 | 6:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 83.4% | 96.2% |
Dropout rate | 11.8% | 2.8% |
Transferred out | N/A | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
Astronomy and Astrophysics (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees)
International/Global Studies (Master's Degrees)
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
Real Estate (Master's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Master's Degrees)
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
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