University of Pennsylvania
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.
About This School
University of Pennsylvania is a private nonprofit institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with approximately 10,650 undergraduate students enrolled. Admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 5%. The average net price after financial aid is $28,699 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.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
University of Pennsylvania in the news
Posts that mention University of Pennsylvania (or its abbreviation) by name.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 31% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
What Each Major Actually Earns
Median earnings four years after graduation, by major, next to the national median for that same major at every college. The school-wide average hides this: at most schools the spread between the best- and worst-paying majors is far wider than the gap between schools.
University of Pennsylvania graduates earn most above the national rate in Computer and Information Sciences, General ($241,380 vs $92,374 nationally).
| Major | Grads | Here | National | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics | 238 | $129,985 | $82,686 | +$47,299 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | 200 | $153,279 | $86,176 | +$67,103 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 183 | $98,475 | $88,910 | +$9,565 |
| Philosophy | 180 | $107,454 | $54,455 | +$52,999 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 177 | $241,380 | $92,374 | +$149,006 |
| Biology, General | 171 | $68,435 | $57,214 | +$11,221 |
| Political Science and Government | 112 | $93,033 | $63,293 | +$29,740 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | 103 | $78,295 | $62,451 | +$15,844 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 93 | $136,806 | $68,257 | +$68,549 |
| Cognitive Science | 80 | $109,784 | $81,496 | +$28,288 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | 63 | $76,395 | $52,119 | +$24,276 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 62 | $202,069 | $83,343 | +$118,726 |
U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard field-of-study data. Median earnings of graduates working and not enrolled four years after completing a bachelor's degreehere. Majors with too few graduates to report are omitted for privacy, so this is not the school's full program list.
Will This School Pay Off?
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
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (10,650 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Address
University of Pennsylvania
34th & Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6303
Official Links
Schools Like This in Pennsylvania
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA · Private nonprofit
Villanova University
Villanova, PA · Private nonprofit
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit
American College of Financial Services
King of Prussia, PA · Private nonprofit
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA · Private nonprofit
See How Colleges Compare
University of Pennsylvania is one of thousands of colleges in our data studies, each built from the same U.S. Department of Education data shown on this page. Compare schools head to head:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%, based on the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Education.
Is University of Pennsylvania hard to get into?
Yes. With an acceptance rate of 5%, University of Pennsylvania is highly selective, so strong grades, a rigorous course load, and a standout application matter.
How much does University of Pennsylvania cost?
The average net price at University of Pennsylvania is about $28,699 per year after grants and scholarships, based on federal data. Your actual cost depends on your family's finances and aid package.
What is the graduation rate at University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania has a graduation rate of 97%, according to U.S. Department of Education data.
Sources & Methodology
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.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- 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.
All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.