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University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA·Private nonprofit·10,768 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for high-achieving applicants seeking a top-tier program and students focused on high earning potential. no major red flags in the data. graduates earn a median of $131,600 within 10 years; exceptional 97% graduation rate.

6%
Accept
10,768
Students
$31,229
Net Price
97%
Grad Rate
$131,600
Earnings
10 yr
$14,000
Debt

About This School

University of Pennsylvania is a private nonprofit institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with approximately 10,768 undergraduate students enrolled. Admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 6%. The average net price after financial aid is $31,229 per year. The graduation rate is 97%, and the typical graduate earns $131,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. One of nine colonial colleges, it was chartered in 1755 through the efforts of founder and first president Benjamin Franklin, who had advocated for an educational institution that trained leaders in academia, commerce, and public service.

This is a strong option for high-achieving students who can get in — a 6% acceptance rate makes it one of the most selective schools in the country, so apply with clear-eyed expectations. The financial and outcome data are genuinely impressive: median debt of just $14,000 at graduation paired with median earnings of $131,600 a decade out is a combination few schools can match. The 97% graduation rate signals that students who enroll are well-supported and finish strong, making this a smart bet if you're a competitive applicant with the profile to stand out.

Founded
1740
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Social Sciences15%
Biological Sciences11%
Business & Marketing9%
Health Professions9%
Engineering8%
Computer Science7%
Psychology3%
Physical Sciences3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Donald TrumpElon MuskNoam ChomskyWilliam Henry HarrisonWarren BuffettEzra PoundI. M. PeiIvanka TrumpToomas Hendrik IlvesAhmed ZewailElizabeth BanksEi-ichi Negishi

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1545
Reading 75th %ile770
Math 75th %ile800

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite34

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$66,104
Out-of-State Tuition
$66,104
Avg Net Price
$31,229
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants16%
Median debt at graduation$14,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
97%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
98%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$131,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$91,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$131,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 9.4x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White30%
Black9%
Hispanic/Latino11%
Asian28%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (10,768 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of Pennsylvania

34th & Spruce Street

Philadelphia, PA 19104-6303

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Pennsylvania

Browse all Pennsylvania schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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