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University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · City · 10,650 students
WebsiteCommon AppForbes rankingScorecard
Nov 1 · Early Decision (binding) · in 30 days
Checked Sep 2026 · admissions.upenn.edu
$28,699
Average net priceYour net price
2023-24
$0
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
97%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
70% typical
$111,371
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$63,395 typical
5%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
73% typical · not scored
Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education
About

The University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia, is a prestigious Ivy League institution renowned for its strong pre-professional focus and top-tier undergraduate programs across the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Nursing, and the world-famous Wharton School. Rooted in founder Benjamin Franklin's vision of practical innovation, Penn distinguishes itself through its "One University" policy, which seamlessly allows undergraduates to take classes and pursue dual degrees across its diverse schools. The student experience is defined by an ambitious, socially vibrant "work hard, play hard" culture where students thrive on a walkable, tree-lined campus integrated directly into the energy of University City.

Wikipedia:The University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Chartered in 1755 by its first president Benjamin Franklin, who advocated for an educational institution that trained leaders in academia, commerce, and public service, it is one of nine colonial colleges in the country.

Location
Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6303 · City campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
PHL · Philadelphia
6 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$68,686
Housing & food (on campus)$19,174
Books & supplies$1,358
Cost of attendance$99,082
Average net price$28,699
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$68,686
Housing & food (on campus)$19,174
Books & supplies$1,358
Cost of attendance$99,082
Average net price$28,699
Source: U.S. College Scorecard · published total: www.srfs.upenn.edu
How it’s made up · 2026-27
University of Pennsylvania’s own figures for 2026-2027, newer than the 2024-25 federal figures above, so the amounts differ.
Tuition$65,670
Fees$8,308
Housing$13,644
Food$6,960
Books & supplies$1,412
Personal expenses$2,008
Transportation$1,080
Total published by the school$99,082
Net price by family income · 2023-24
$0–30k
$-3,012
$30–48k
$316
$48–75k
$10,439
$75–110k
$25,476
$110k+
$55,972
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
97%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
86%
Back for yr 2
99%
Transferred
0%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
97% graduated · 1% transferred · 1% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$90,555
10 yrs after entry$111,371
Debt
Median at graduation$15,715
Monthly payment$167
Middle 50% owe$6.5k–$21.5k
90th percentile$29,450
Green marks a figure above the typical Doctoral University: 70% graduate within 6 yrs, $63,395 earned 10 yrs after entry.
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
5%
Test policy
Required
Checked Sep 2026
SAT average
1553
R 740–770 · M 770–800
ACT midpoint
34
Comp 34–36 · E 35–36 · M 34–36
SAT middle 50%: 1510–1570
40080012001600
Application deadlines · first-year, fall 2027 entry
Early Decision
Nov 1 2026
binding in 30 days
If admitted, you must enroll and withdraw other applications.
Regular Decision
Jan 5 2027
in 95 days
Not binding: the standard deadline.
Checked Sep 2026 · admissions.upenn.edu · Confirm on the school's site before you apply.

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Essay prompts
From University of Pennsylvania (admissions.upenn.edu) · The page doesn't state a year · checked Sep 28, 2026
  • Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!)
    150–200 words
  • How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn.
    150–200 words

Quoted from University of Pennsylvania's own page; answered in the Common App or Coalition Application. The application itself is the final word.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 45%Women 55%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
8 : 1
Pell grant
17%
First-gen
19%
Family income
$39,832
Independent
38%
Veterans
1%
Age at entry
22.0
Part-time
4%
Race & ethnicity
White
27%
Hispanic
11%
Black
9%
Asian
28%
Two or more
5%
Non-resident
13%
Unknown
6%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division I-FCS · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Fencing
    Men's · Women's
  • Field Hockey
    Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Gymnastics
    Women's
  • Lacrosse
    Men's · Women's
  • Other Sports
    Men's
  • Rowing
    Men's · Women's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Squash
    Men's · Women's
  • Swimming and Diving (combined)
    Men's · Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
  • Wrestling
    Men's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$90,555
After 10 yrs
$111,371
Data Analytics261
Economics238
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods200
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing183
Philosophy180
Computer and Information Sciences, General177
Biology, General171
Political Science and Government112
Neurobiology and Neurosciences103
Business Administration, Management and Operations93
Computer Science83
Cognitive Science80
Research and Experimental Psychology73
Statistics67
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions63
Communication and Media Studies62
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$22.3B
Full-time faculty
79%
Faculty salary
$22,117/mo
Teaching spend
$67,953
per student
Federal loans
10%
Classification
Carnegie type
Doctoral University
Research activity
R1 — very high research
$2.2B research spending · 750 research doctorates a year
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, more selective admissions

Wondering if University of Pennsylvania is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

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Financial aid & net cost estimates
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Scholarship search