Yale University vs. Harvard University vs. Columbia University in the City of New York vs. University of Pennsylvania vs. Cornell University
| Measure | Yale University | Harvard University | Columbia University in the City of New York | University of Pennsylvania | Cornell University |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | New Haven, CT | Cambridge, MA | New York, NY | Philadelphia, PA | Ithaca, NY |
| In-state tuition and fees | $69,900 | $64,796 | $74,180 | $71,236 | $72,270 |
| Out-of-state tuition and fees | $69,900 | $64,796 | $74,180 | $71,236 | $72,270 |
| Average cost of attendance | $91,950 | $89,279 | $92,198 | $92,288 | $92,093 |
| Average net price | $11,340 | $19,148 | $15,370 | $29,577 | $33,934 |
| Net price, family income $0 to $30,000 | $1,256 | $2,542 | $2,275 | Data unavailable | $6,371 |
| Admission rate | 4% | 4% | 4% | 5% | 9% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 6,758 | 7,601 | 8,973 | 10,650 | 15,995 |
| Completion within 150% of normal time | 96% | 97% | 95% | 97% | 95% |
| First-year retention | 99% | 98% | 98% | 99% | 98% |
| Median earnings, 1 yr after completion | $64,539 | $66,163 | $70,507 | $89,558 | $73,206 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $118,356 | $121,957 | $109,430 | $121,687 | $113,531 |
| Median federal debt of graduates | $11,982 | $17,559 | $20,500 | $15,000 | $12,000 |
| Typical monthly payment on that debt | $136 | $200 | $233 | $170 | $136 |
All schools are measured with the same College Scorecard file and cohort definitions, so values are like for like. Net price applies to first-time, full-time undergraduates receiving federal aid (in-state for public schools). Earnings cover former students who received federal aid. Verified data
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, Most Recent Institution-Level Data. Varies by measure; see measure definitions. Published October 15, 2026. Retrieved October 18, 2026. Methodology.