Overview
Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania is one of the nine colonial colleges and a founding member of the Ivy League. Penn pioneered practical, interdisciplinary education in America and established the nation's first medical school, first business school (Wharton), and one of the first student unions. Today it is consistently ranked among the world's top universities, celebrated for its strengths in business, medicine, law, nursing, and the social sciences, as well as its emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaboration.
At a Glance
| Type | Private Research |
| Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Founded | 1740 |
| Total students | 25,900 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 6:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 6% |
| Graduation rate | 96% |
| Average starting salary | $85,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $63,452 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $63,452 |
| Room & board | $16,908 |
| Average financial aid | $58,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 46% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1500-1570 |
| ACT range | 34-35 |
| Average GPA | 3.9 |
| Regular deadline | January 5 |
Top Programs
- Business (Wharton)
- Nursing
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Economics
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.