About University of Pennsylvania
The sticker price of $85,958 tells only part of the financial story. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $1,026 after aid, while those from higher-income households face steeper costs. Graduates earn a median of $111,371 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $15,715 manageable for most. The investment pays off quickly, with 94.8% of graduates finding employment.
Getting in requires near-perfect credentials, with only 6.5% of applicants accepted and average SAT scores hitting 1535. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship, contributing to a 98.1% retention rate. Penn draws heavily from out-of-state, with only 16.4% of students from Pennsylvania. The diverse student body is 55.3% women and represents significant Asian (27.8%) and international populations, creating a globally-minded campus culture.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 77.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 96.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 96.8%
- Retention Rate
- 98.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $111,371
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Certificate | $245,155 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. | Master | $202,922 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $201,334 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $198,043 |
| International/Global Studies. | Master | $182,280 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $177,119 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $175,674 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $174,994 |
| Real Estate. | Master | $169,894 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. | Master | $167,417 |
Campus Life
The 8:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment despite the research university setting. Students frequently walk to nearby Rittenhouse Square or take the subway to Center City for weekend activities. The Wharton business school dominates campus culture, with many students networking aggressively for finance and consulting roles. Penn's social scene revolves around the competitive Greek system and exclusive business clubs. The 98.1% retention rate reflects how students adapt to the intense, pre-professional atmosphere. With 83.6% of students coming from out-of-state, the campus draws ambitious personalities from across the country who thrive in Philadelphia's fast-paced environment.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 6,022 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1740
Campus Safety (2023)
183 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 8 | 0 | 0 | 77 |
| Aggravated Assault | 7 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
| Robbery | 9 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Burglary | 7 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 4 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–41°F
- July Avg
- 71°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 16.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 44.7%
- Women
- 55.3%
- White
- 29.9%
- Black
- 8.6%
- Hispanic
- 10.9%
- Asian
- 27.8%
- In-State Students
- 16.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 15.7%
Location
- Address
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6303
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $111,371
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $115,598
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $91,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 84.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $167/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,715
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Pennsylvania?
Penn accepts just 6.5% of applicants, making it one of the most selective universities in the country. Admitted students typically score between 1500-1570 on the SAT. The Ivy League school draws students who are aiming for its world-well-known Wharton business program and other top-tier offerings.
How much does University of Pennsylvania cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $31,229 after aid, despite a sticker price of $85,958. Families earning under $30,000 pay just $1,026 on average. Penn meets full demonstrated need for admitted students, though only 15.72% receive federal Pell Grants.
What is University of Pennsylvania known for academically?
Penn houses the strong Wharton School, consistently ranked as the top undergraduate business program in America. The 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio enables close mentorship across all schools. The university excels in finance, engineering, medicine, and social sciences research.
How much do University of Pennsylvania graduates earn?
Penn graduates earn a median of $111,371 ten years after graduation, reflecting the strong career outcomes from Wharton and other programs. The employment rate reaches 94.8% for recent graduates. Alumni include business titans like Warren Buffett and major figures across industries.
Where is University of Pennsylvania located and what is campus life like?
Penn sits in West Philadelphia, offering an urban campus experience in America's sixth-largest city. Housing accommodates 6,022 students in a variety of residential options. The Quakers compete in 28 varsity sports as a Division I program.
Is University of Pennsylvania part of the Ivy League?
Penn is one of eight Ivy League institutions, founded in 1740 as one of America's oldest universities. The school competes academically with rivals Princeton and Harvard. Penn's motto 'Leges sine moribus vanae' reflects its emphasis on combining knowledge with moral character.
