ACCEPTANCE RATE
5.9%
More selective than 98% of listed universities.
The University of Pennsylvania, a prestigious private university in Philadelphia, has a rich history since 1740 and offers a diverse range of academic programs.

THE SIGNATURE
Explore university facts, programs, and campus life at a glance.
The University of Pennsylvania is a private nonprofit institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a vibrant student body of over 28,000 students. Founded in 1740, it stands as one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States, known for its commitment to a comprehensive education across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, and professional studies.
Penn's campus is characterized by a bustling city environment that enhances student life through a plethora of cultural, educational, and social opportunities. The university promotes student engagement with initiatives that foster creativity, innovation, and leadership, while also working towards sustainability through active research and community involvement. With a commitment to inclusivity and personal growth, Penn empowers students to become global citizens and leaders of the future.
GETTING IN
The University of Pennsylvania has a highly selective admissions process, boasting an acceptance rate of 5.9% from a competitive pool of 59,465 applicants. The university attracts a talented and driven student body looking to excel academically.
Source: IPEDS 2023
ACCEPTANCE RATE
5.9%
More selective than 98% of listed universities.
SAT RANGE (MID 50%)
1,500–1,570
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Early Decision Nov 1
Undergraduate application fee $75.
WHAT IT COSTS
Sticker price tells you little — net price after aid is what most families actually pay.
Source: IPEDS 2023
IN-STATE TUITION & FEES
$66,104/yr
Out-of-state: $66,104/yr.
Net price by income band
AVERAGE NET PRICE AFTER AID
$26,017/yr
Average grant or scholarship aid $49,451.
IN THE CLASSROOM
Academically, the University of Pennsylvania is recognized for its diverse program offerings, with 106 undergraduate majors available. It is particularly known for its strengths in research and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, technology, and health disciplines.
Source: IPEDS 2023
Student–faculty ratio
8:1
58.3% of classes have fewer than 20 students.
6-year graduation rate
97%
▲ 2 pts since 2016
First-year retention
98%
Median across 34 institutions in our national dataset: 89%.
Bachelor-level fields offered
106
Bachelor-level fields reported as offered in IPEDS
Share of bachelor's degree completions, not of all enrolled students.
CAMPUS LIFE
Reported capacity of institution-controlled housing and campus setting. Capacity does not indicate how many students currently live in university housing.

University-controlled housing capacity
6,022
Includes institution-controlled housing; it may extend beyond campus.
Setting
city 1,085 acres
AFTER GRADUATION
Earnings and employment of former students after entering the university.
Source: College Scorecard 2023
Median earnings · 10 yrs after entry
$111,371
Median earnings of former students working and not enrolled, ten years after entry.
Working after 10 yrs
78.2%
Share of former students working and not enrolled, ten years after entry.
Earning more than a high-school graduate
92.5%
92.5% of former students earn above the Scorecard high-school earnings threshold, ten years after entry.
LIVE HERE
100 student rentals near campus — filter by price and roommates.
Sorted by distance to campus

3BR Loft in University City
$2,412/mo

2BR Loft in University City
$2,005/mo

1BR Loft in University City
$1,829/mo
View all 100 listingsPenn students who start their housing search early get first pick of the apartments closest to campus — and the best prices.
Where students live around University of Pennsylvania — vibe, walkability, and commute at a glance.
Data Sources: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS, National Center for Education Statistics, and College Scorecard. University Apartments is not affiliated with University of Pennsylvania.