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University of Pennsylvania

Penn

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6303

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

Urban

Among the most selective in the Northeast — top graduate earnings

University of Pennsylvania is a private institution in Philadelphia with particular strength in biology and business. With an average SAT of 1545, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.

A large campus of 10.8K undergraduates with a 8:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

97% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $111,371 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $31,229.

Established
1740
Motto
Leges sine moribus vanae
Mascot
The Quaker
Type
Private research university
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

48 upcoming visits · Next: Mon, Jun 1 · Campus Visit

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6%Acceptance
1545SAT Avg
10,768Students
8:1Student:Faculty
97%Grad Rate
$111,371Earnings 10yr
$31,229Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate5.9%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1545

Reading & WritingMid: 745
730770
MathMid: 780
770800

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 34
3435

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition$66,104
Room & Board$18,496
Books & Supplies$1,358
Total Cost of Attendance$85,738
Average Net Price$31,229
Median Debt at Graduation$15,715
Monthly Payment (10yr)$167

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$1,026
$30–48K$4,759
$48–75K$17,585
$75–110K$29,302
$110K+$57,603

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

90.0%

Median Debt at Grad

$14,000

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

83

Peer Average

92

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system

Incident Breakdown (2024)

21

Burglary

4

Aggravated Assault

3

Robbery

7

Motor Vehicle Theft

9

Sex Offenses

1

Arson

22

Drug Arrests

16

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (309)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

98%

Very Positive

Student Body

Undergrads
10,768
Gender Split
55% / 45%
Women / Men
First Generation
19%
Pell Grant Recipients
16%

Race & Ethnicity

White 30%
Black 9%
Hispanic 11%
Asian 28%
Two+ 5%
Int'l 12%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate96.8%
Freshman Retention98.1%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$90,555
10 Years$111,371

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Rankings

U.S. News
#7
vs 2024
Forbes
#10
vs 2024
Washington Monthly
#15
vs 2024

More About This School

Varsity Sports — Penn Quakers

BasketballClub iceTrack field

History & Fun Facts

  • On June 16, 1755, the College of Philadelphia was chartered, paving the way for the addition of undergraduate instruction.
  • Before the completion of the construction of the first dormitory in 1765, out of town students were typically placed with guardians in the homes of faculty or in suitable boarding houses.
  • A 1765 admission ticket to "A Course of Lectures" given by Dr.
  • In the fall of 1775, Penn's trustees voted to advertise to lease the dormitory to a private family who would board the pupils at lesser cost to Penn.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

112High

Estimated from PA state average + large city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 30"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Philadelphiapop. 1.6M
2 mi(3 min)
New Yorkpop. 8.3M
82 mi(142 min)
Pittsburghpop. 300K
256 mi(444 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

PHL Philadelphia PHL6 mi
TTN Trenton-Mercer30 mi
ACY Atlantic City47 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA272 mi · ~7h 51m drive
New York, NY82 mi · ~2h 22m drive
Hartford, CT182 mi · ~5h 15m drive
Providence, RI236 mi · ~6h 49m drive
Albany, NY201 mi · ~5h 48m drive
Syracuse, NY220 mi · ~6h 21m drive
Rochester, NY254 mi · ~7h 20m drive
Buffalo, NY278 mi · ~8h 2m drive
Philadelphia, PA2 mi · ~3 min drive
Pittsburgh, PA256 mi · ~7h 24m drive
Harrisburg, PA92 mi · ~2h 39m drive
Newark, NJ76 mi · ~2h 12m drive
Trenton, NJ30 mi · ~52 min drive
Southern (moderate winters, warm summers)

Deadline Calendar

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