At $31,229/yr net price, University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $111,371/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $77,371/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $31,229 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $124,916 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $111,371/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$77,371/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 96.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,715 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,026/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,759/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,585/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,302/yr |
| $110,001+ | $57,603/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $41,000 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $198,043 | $41,000 |
| International/Global Studies. | Master | $182,280 | $58,474 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $177,119 | $171,488 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $175,674 | $41,420 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $174,994 | $41,000 |
| Real Estate. | Master | $169,894 | |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. | Master | $167,417 | $41,000 |
The Risk Factor
96.8% of students at University of Pennsylvania graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Penn is one of the safest financial bets in higher education. You graduate with a median debt of $15,715 against median earnings of $111,371 ten years out, so your loans clear in a fraction of a year's pay. A 96.8% graduation rate and 98.1% retention mean you almost certainly finish what you start, which removes the biggest hidden risk in college spending: paying for years without getting a degree.
The strongest returns cluster in computing and finance. Computer and Information Sciences graduates lead at $138,932, with Computer Science and Finance close behind above $122,000. These are Philadelphia and broader Northeast job markets that reward exactly these skills, and the debt attached stays low. International/Global Studies pays $84,653, still solid, but the gap between that and the computing majors is real. If you want the maximum payoff, the quantitative and technical programs deliver it.
The main financial risk here is the sticker price if your family earns over $110k. You pay $57,603 a year, and Penn's aid is calibrated to income, so higher-earning families carry close to full cost. Below that, the picture changes fast.
Net price by income tells the story cleanly. If your family makes under $30k, you pay about $1,026 a year. Between $30k and $48k, it's $4,759. The jump comes at $48-75k, where price climbs to $17,585, and again at $75-110k at $29,302. Penn is an outstanding deal for lower-income families and a genuine stretch for upper-middle-income ones who don't qualify for much aid.
You should choose Penn if you're targeting computing or finance and your family income is under $75k. If you're paying near full price for a lower-earning major, weigh the cost carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Pennsylvania worth the cost compared to other schools?
University of Pennsylvania graduates earn a median of $111,371 ten years after graduation, which is significantly higher than most universities. With a net price of $31,229 and median debt of only $15,715, the financial return is strong for most students.
Which University of Pennsylvania programs have the best ROI?
Dentistry leads with median earnings of $245,155, followed by health professions at $202,922 and finance at $201,334. Even lower-earning programs like international studies still produce $182,280 in median income, making most Penn programs financially viable.
How much debt do University of Pennsylvania students typically graduate with?
The median debt at University of Pennsylvania is $15,715, which is relatively low for a private university. Strong financial aid keeps debt manageable despite the high sticker price.
Does University of Pennsylvania provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
Penn's net price of $31,229 is substantially lower than its full cost, indicating significant financial aid for most students. The combination of aid and strong post-graduation earnings makes the investment worthwhile for most graduates.