DEEPCOLLEGES · OPS · v3.2 SCHOOLS·INDEXED 50 SOURCES IPEDS · CDS · SCORECARD LAST·SYNC 2026.04.28
CAMPUS · PHILADELPHIA, PA · PRIVATE

University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania
5.9%
ACCEPT
01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International
57
FIT
REACH
University of Pennsylvania is a reach for most applicants.
Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.
ACCEPTANCE
5.9%
of 59,465 applicants
SALARY · 10-YR
across all majors
01

University of Pennsylvania at a Glance

5.9%
Acceptance Rate
1535
Average SAT
34
Average ACT
32,205
Total Enrollment
16.0%
Pell Grant Rate

Average SAT & ACT Scores for University of Pennsylvania

Test25th Percentile75th PercentileMidpoint
SAT Reading730770750
SAT Math770800785
SAT Total150015701535
ACT Composite343534

Admissions Funnel

Applications Received59,465
Students Admitted3,489
Students Enrolled2,416
Yield Rate69.3%

University of Pennsylvania Rankings

Ranking2025Year
US News National Universities #6 2025
QS World University Rankings #11 2025
THE World University Rankings #12 2025
ARWU (Shanghai) #15 2024
Show 10-Year US News Ranking History
US News National Universities
2016201720182019202020212022202320242025
#9 #8 #8 #6 #6 #8 #8 #7 #6 #6

US News National Universities: #9 (2016) → #6 (2025) ↑ 3 spots

University of Pennsylvania Overview

University of Pennsylvania is a private university in Philadelphia, PA with 32,205 students. With a 5.9% acceptance rate, it ranks among the most selective institutions in the country. The most popular majors are Business/Marketing, Social Sciences, and Multidisciplinary.

Full NameUniversity of Pennsylvania
LocationPhiladelphia, PA 19104-6303
TypePrivate
Websiteupenn.edu/
Total Enrollment32,205
Undergrad Enrollment12,929
Female Students54.8%

University of Pennsylvania Housing & Dorms: Cost Breakdown

$18,496
Room & Board (Annual)
$12,166
Room Only
$6,330
Meal Plan
6,022
On-Campus Beds
4-Year Housing Cost
Based on current room & board rates
$73,984

Should You Live On or Off Campus at University of Pennsylvania?

University of Pennsylvania has 6,022 on-campus beds for 12,929 undergrads — that's enough for about 47% of the undergraduate population. Housing is limited. Many students live off campus after freshman year.

On-Campus

  • Walk to classes — no commute
  • Meal plan included
  • Built-in community and social life
  • Utilities, wifi, and furniture included

Off-Campus

  • Potentially cheaper (varies by city)
  • More privacy and independence
  • Cook your own meals — save on food
  • Need to budget for utilities and transport

University of Pennsylvania Campus & Location

University of Pennsylvania is located in Philadelphia, PA — classified as City: Large. Students have access to a major metro area with extensive dining, entertainment, internship, and public transit options.

University of Pennsylvania Programs & Graduate Salary

Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.

ProgramUS RankUniversity of Pennsylvania SalaryNational MedianPremium
Computer Science #15 $116,250 $75,000 +55%
Engineering $111,600 $72,000 +55%
Mathematics & Statistics $96,100 $62,000 +55%
Business #3 $85,250 $55,000 +55%
Health Professions #3 $80,600 $52,000 +55%
Physical Sciences $74,400 $48,000 +55%
Architecture $74,400 $48,000 +55%
Social Sciences #8 $69,750 $45,000 +55%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies $65,100 $42,000 +55%
Biological Sciences $65,100 $42,000 +55%
Communication & Journalism $62,000 $40,000 +55%
History $62,000 $40,000 +55%
Natural Resources & Conservation $62,000 $40,000 +55%
Philosophy & Religious Studies $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Foreign Languages & Linguistics $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Public Administration & Social Services $58,900 $38,000 +55%
Psychology $55,800 $36,000 +55%
English Language & Literature $55,800 $36,000 +55%
Liberal Arts & General Studies $54,250 $35,000 +55%
Visual & Performing Arts $52,700 $34,000 +55%

Popular Majors at University of Pennsylvania

Percentage of degrees awarded by field.

Business/Marketing
15.4%
Social Sciences
14.3%
Multidisciplinary
11.7%
Biological Sciences
9.8%
Health Professions
8.0%
Computer Science
7.7%
Engineering
6.9%
Philosophy/Religion
5.4%
Mathematics/Statistics
3.3%
Physical Sciences
3.0%
Psychology
2.6%
Visual/Performing Arts
2.3%

Student Demographics

White
31.2%
Black/African American
8.0%
Hispanic/Latino
9.7%
Asian
25.6%
International
13.7%

How to Get Into University of Pennsylvania

UPenn is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1535+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, UPenn wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.

1535
Target SAT Score
34
Target ACT Score
5.9%
Acceptance Rate
59,465
Total Applicants

What University of Pennsylvania Values Most in Applicants

Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.

FactorImportance
Academic Gpa Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record Very Important
Class Rank Important
Standardized Test Scores Important
Application Essay Very Important
Recommendation Important
Extracurricular Activities Very Important
Talent Ability Important
Character Personal Qualities Very Important
First Generation Considered
Alumni Relation Considered
Interview Important
Work Experience Considered
Volunteer Work Considered

University of Pennsylvania Application Deadlines & Requirements

Key dates for the University of Pennsylvania ED admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.

DeadlineDate
Early DecisionNov 1
Regular DecisionJan 5
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)Feb 15
Early Decision: University of Pennsylvania offers binding Early Decision. If accepted, you must enroll and withdraw all other applications. Only apply ED if University of Pennsylvania is your clear first choice.

Financial Aid & Student Debt

16.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families

Frequently Asked Questions About University of Pennsylvania

What is UPenn's acceptance rate?
UPenn has an acceptance rate of 5.9%, making it extremely selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for UPenn?
The middle 50% SAT range at UPenn is 1500-1570. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 34-35. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at UPenn?
The most popular majors at UPenn by degrees awarded are: Business/Marketing (15.4%), Social Sciences (14.3%), Multidisciplinary (11.7%), Biological Sciences (9.8%), Health Professions (8.0%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
Can I transfer to UPenn?
UPenn accepts transfer students, though the process is highly selective. Transfer applicants typically need a strong college GPA (3.5+), relevant coursework, and compelling reasons for transferring. The transfer acceptance rate is generally lower than freshman admission at selective schools.
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More About University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania Acceptance Rate University of Pennsylvania Tuition & Cost Transfer to University of Pennsylvania University of Pennsylvania Salary & ROI University of Pennsylvania AP Credit Best Majors at University of Pennsylvania University of Pennsylvania Housing International at University of Pennsylvania

Other Colleges in PA

Carnegie Mellon University
11.4% accept · Pittsburgh
Villanova University
25.1% accept · Villanova
University of Pittsburgh
49.7% accept · Pittsburgh
Penn State University
54.2% accept · University Park
Drexel University
77.5% accept · Philadelphia
Temple University
82.9% accept · Philadelphia

Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. University of Pennsylvania is not affiliated with DeepColleges.