University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Niche: A+

University of Pennsylvania has a 5.4% acceptance rate. University of Pennsylvania is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Philadelphia, PA, with a median SAT of 1550 and a median ACT of 35. The average net price is $28,699 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

5.4%

65,236 applicants

SAT Median

1550

Combined score

ACT Median

35

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$28,699

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at University of Pennsylvania

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at University of Pennsylvania (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)149015501570
ACT (composite, 1–36)343535

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

96.7%

Retention Rate

98.9%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$111,371

Student Body

10,650

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at University of Pennsylvania:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$-3,012
$30,001 – $48,000$316
$48,001 – $75,000$10,439
$75,001 – $110,000$25,476
$110,000+$55,972

Top Majors at University of Pennsylvania

MajorDegrees Awarded
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies433
Biological & Biomedical Sciences375
Social Sciences358
Health Professions299
Computer & Information Sciences240
Engineering222
Business, Management & Marketing213
Philosophy & Religious Studies179
Physical Sciences84
Psychology67

Financial Aid at University of Pennsylvania

About University of Pennsylvania

Official website: https://www.upenn.edu/

Admissions: https://www.upenn.edu/admissions/

Frequently Asked Questions About University of Pennsylvania

What is the acceptance rate at University of Pennsylvania?

University of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%. it received about 65,236 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1550; the average net price is $28,699 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to University of Pennsylvania for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into University of Pennsylvania?

Getting into University of Pennsylvania is highly competitive — it admits 5% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1550. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at University of Pennsylvania for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for University of Pennsylvania?

Admitted students at University of Pennsylvania typically have a median SAT around 1550 and a median ACT around 35. With a 5% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. University of Pennsylvania is located in Philadelphia, PA. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend University of Pennsylvania?

The average net price at University of Pennsylvania is $28,699 per year after grants and scholarships. about 46% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $62,000 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at University of Pennsylvania?

University of Pennsylvania has a graduation rate of 97%. its first-year retention rate is 99%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $111,371. These federal outcome metrics let you compare University of Pennsylvania against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is University of Pennsylvania test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, University of Pennsylvania is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1550. With a 5% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors University of Pennsylvania's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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