University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania is a private nonprofit university in Philadelphia, PA ranked #34 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A+, enrolling about 10,768 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 5.9%. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Finance and Financial Management Services.
Academically, students benefit from a 8:1 student-faculty ratio, 98.1% first-year retention, and 96.8% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $31,229, about $14,231 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -27.5%, roughly 112.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $90,555. That's about $46,867 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for ambitious students who thrive in an elite, research-powered setting and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is University of Pennsylvania Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Pennsylvania graduates 96.8% of students within six years and keeps 98.1% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Pennsylvania's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $66,104 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,358 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $18,496 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,070 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $85,738 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 15.7% of University of Pennsylvania students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $1,026 annually, while high-income families pay $57,603. Use University of Pennsylvania's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $29,302/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $57,603/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $90,555
- 10-Year Median Earnings $90,555
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 84.4%
- Employment Rate 78.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Pennsylvania graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Pennsylvania vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Pennsylvania's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Pennsylvania's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $90,555 median, the -27.5% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 730-770
- SAT Math 770-800
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 34-35
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 10,768
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 98.1%
- Graduation Rate 96.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 8:1
How to Get Into University of Pennsylvania
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Pennsylvania requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 5.9%, University of Pennsylvania is extremely selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 5.9% acceptance rate, University of Pennsylvania is extremely selective. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their class. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1500 and 1570 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Pennsylvania undergraduates. Finance and Financial Management Services, Economics, and Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods draw the most students.
- Finance and Financial Management Services 10.7%
- Economics 6.2%
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods 6.0%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 5.2%
- Biology, General 4.4%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 4.4%
See more majors
- Philosophy 4.3%
- Political Science and Government 4.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $298,016
- 2. Finance and Financial Management Services $242,357
- 3. Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences $224,402
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Computer Science $171,166
- 5. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $163,262
- 6. Chemical Engineering $154,695
- 7. Economics $152,236
- 8. Statistics $129,732
- 9. Marketing $124,208
- 10. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $121,488
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degree) $384,547
- 2. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $313,615
- 3. Real Estate (Master's Degree) $295,198
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Law (First Professional Degree) $290,543
- 5. Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Master's Degree) $284,073
- 6. International/Global Studies (Master's Degree) $279,784
- 7. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $279,525
- 8. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree) $265,790
- 9. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $253,891
- 10. Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Master's Degree) $239,096
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $298,016—145% more than Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($121,488). Graduate: Finance and Financial Management Services programs lead with $384,547 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Pennsylvania. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 524 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 390 graduates)
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree, 382 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degree, 375 graduates)
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Master's Degree, 273 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (66 programs)â–¼
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Economics
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Political Science and Government
- Philosophy
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Computer Science
- Marketing
- Statistics
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- English Language and Literature, General
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- History
- Cognitive Science
- Physics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- International/Global Studies
- Mathematics
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Chemical Engineering
- Business/Commerce, General
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Systems Engineering
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Real Estate
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Accounting and Related Services
- Sociology
- Public Policy Analysis
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Materials Engineering
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Architecture
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Engineering, Other
- Chemistry
- Area Studies
- Anthropology
- Criminology
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Computer Engineering
- Music
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- International Business
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Social Sciences, General
- Psychology, General
- Insurance
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
- Design and Applied Arts
Online Master's Degrees (102 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Social Work
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Education, General
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Marketing
- Computer Science
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- International/Global Studies
- Behavioral Sciences
- Public Administration
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Public Health
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Mechanical Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Materials Engineering
- Psychology, General
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Systems Engineering
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Biotechnology
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Chemical Engineering
- Real Estate
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Statistics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Accounting and Related Services
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Geography and Cartography
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Economics
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Criminology
- Communication and Media Studies
- Applied Mathematics
- Nanotechnology
- Mathematics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Computational Science
- Education, Other
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- History
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Political Science and Government
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Sustainability Studies
- Sociology
- Demography and Population Studies
- Biology, General
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Architecture
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Philosophy
- Music
- English Language and Literature, General
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- International Business
- Geological/Geophysical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Area Studies
- Anthropology
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Public Policy Analysis
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Landscape Architecture
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
- Engineering, Other
- Design and Applied Arts
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Business/Commerce, General
- Archeology
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
Online Doctoral Degrees (64 programs)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Chemistry
- Physics
- History
- Economics
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Education, General
- Chemical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Education, Other
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Sociology
- Political Science and Government
- Philosophy
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Statistics
- Law
- Biology, General
- Applied Mathematics
- Anthropology
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Demography and Population Studies
- Criminology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Music
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Dentistry
- Curriculum and Instruction
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Area Studies
- Architecture
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Marketing
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Accounting and Related Services
- Public Policy Analysis
- Psychology, General
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Business/Commerce, General
- Archeology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (29 programs)â–¼
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Real Estate
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Geography and Cartography
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Landscape Architecture
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Environmental Design
- Public Policy Analysis
- Physics
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Architecture
- Political Science and Government
- Insurance
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Design and Applied Arts
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Accounting and Related Services
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Computational Science
Online First Professional Degrees (5 programs)â–¼
- Law
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Veterinary Medicine
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 10,768
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 44.7%
- Female Students 55.3%
- Caucasian 29.9%
- Asian 27.8%
- Hispanic 10.9%
- Black 8.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 15.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Pennsylvania's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Pennsylvania's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Pennsylvania support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Pennsylvania, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of Pennsylvania has a diverse student body, with 29.9% identifying as White. About 15.7% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Pennsylvania support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Pennsylvania, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Ranking #34 nationally, University of Pennsylvania combines competitive admissions with -27.5% ROI, positioning itself among America's stronger universities. The institution balances academic rigor with $90,555 in median post-graduation earnings.
Students complete degrees at 96.8% six-year rates, with 98.1% retention reflecting solid satisfaction. The $31,229 annual net price falls in the moderate range, though 469 institutions deliver comparable outcomes at lower costs.
Competitive Selective University: University of Pennsylvania's Market Position
A+ grade | #34 of 1971 | 98.3/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Competitive Positioning: University of Pennsylvania occupies the competitive selective tier—not elite enough for automatic career advantages, but strong enough to provide quality education and reasonable outcomes. The -27.5% ROI reflects this middle ground: better than most, but not top-tier.
Value for Money: $31,229 annually produces $90,555 median earnings—a reasonable but not exceptional return. Students choosing University of Pennsylvania should evaluate whether the institution's specific programs, location, or campus culture justify costs versus higher-ROI alternatives.
Who Succeeds Here: Self-directed students who maximize campus resources (research, internships, networking) achieve outcomes rivaling higher-ranked schools. Students seeking specific programs or geographic locations find strong value. Those needing extensive hand-holding may struggle in larger university environments.
Final Assessment: University of Pennsylvania's #34 ranking and A+ grade reflect solid performance across metrics. With 469 schools offering better ROI, value-focused students should compare carefully. However, for students who fit the institution's culture and programs, outcomes justify investment.
Key Takeaways
- 96.8% six-year graduation rate sits 34.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 98.1% first-year retention is 21.3 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -27.5% return on investment is 112.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $90,555 run about 107% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $31,229 is roughly $11,330 higher than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 8:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 98.1% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 78.2% employment rate within three years sits 10.0 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $31,229 is about $11,330 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 15.7% trails the national share by 17.7 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of Pennsylvania, a private nonprofit university in Philadelphia, PA, secures a A+ grade in our latest review. It holds a #34 national ranking Completion earns A+, Support A, Career Outcomes A+, and Affordability C-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 98.1% of first-year students return, and roughly 96.8% finish within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -27.5%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $31,229 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $85,738.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $54,509 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 15.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $90,555 at the median. That sits about 107% above the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 78.2%.
Plan around an ROI of about -27.5% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
5.9% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Pennsylvania admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Philadelphia, PA 19104-6303
- Website www.upenn.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$20.72B