University Of Pennsylvania: Acceptance Rate, Rankings, Courses & Fees, Admission Process
Table of Contents
University of Pennsylvania, or UPenn, is a private Ivy League research university in Philadelphia, PA, USA. UPenn is one of the oldest universities in the America and has produced some of the finest scholars and researchers in multiple fields. This institute of excellence was once home to popular figures like Elon Musk, Warren Buffet, Elizabeth Banks, John Legend, and many others. Keep reading to learn all about the University of Pennsylvania acceptance rate, rankings, admission process, courses & fees, and accommodation.
Highlights Table
University | University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) |
Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
QS Rank 2025 | #11 |
Intakes | Spring, Fall, and Winter |
Acceptance Rate | 6.5% |
Campus Area | 299 acres |
Notable Size | Elon Musk John Legend Elizabeth Banks Warren Buffet Tory Burch Noam Chomsky |
Official Website | https://www.upenn.edu/ |
About The University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania, or UPenn, is a private Ivy League research university in Philadelphia. UPenn was established by Benjamin Franklin in 1740. In 1755, it was chartered as the College and Academic of Philadelphia, and only become an official university in 1779 when it received state funds. Penn is affiliated with international and national organizations like the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, Association of American Universities, Consortium on Financing Higher Education, 568 Group and Universities Research Association.
UPenn campus is spread in an area of 299 acres and includes over 100 buildings. There are over 180 research and specialized centers. There are four undergraduate schools: the Wharton School, the College (School of Arts and Sciences), School of Engineering and Applied Science, and School of Nursing. Graduate programs at UPenn offer an option to select specialized dual degree courses. The campus also has a graduate residential complex, Sansom Place.
University of Pennsylvania Acceptance Rate
The University of Pennsylvania acceptance rate is just 6.5%. This means that out of 100 applicants, only 6 to 7 are accepted by the university. A low acceptance rate makes the admission process extremely selective. Only applicants with a 3.9 or higher GPA, a 1560 on SAT, or 35 ACT have a best shot of getting into UPenn.
However, Early Decision (ED) applicants at UPenn can have enhanced chances of being accepted. In the 2023-24 academic cycle, the Early Decision acceptance rate at UPenn was 15%.
Particulars | Acceptance Rate |
Early Decision | 15% |
Regular Acceptance Rate | 6.5% |
University of Pennsylvania Rankings
The University of Pennsylvania is among the top ranked universities in the world. UPenn is classified as a Tier-1 universities and is known for its academic excellences, unique teaching style, advanced research programs, and incredible academic and career opportunities. UPenn is ranked #11 in the QS World University and #16 in the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings lists with an overall score of 91.
Organizations | Rankings |
QS Ranking 2025 | #11 |
Times Higher Education (THE) | #16 |
US News Education | #6 |
Shanghai Ranking | #14 |
University of Pennsylvania Admission Process
The University of Pennsylvania’s Early Decision application deadline is November 1, 2024. Students possessing all the requirements must consider applying through the Early Decision. For those who are unsure of getting admitted at UPenn can apply through the Regular Decision application program. The Regular Decision deadline at UPenn is January 5th, 2025.
Application Form
Students can apply for UPenn at the Common App or Coalition Application Portals. Both platforms are given equal preference, so applicants can apply from any of them. The application platforms will include prompts to share:
- Accomplishments
- Autobiographical information about you and your family
- How you spend your free time
- Personal essay, one that is sent to most schools
International Applicants
International students at UPenn make the campus life vibrant and represent over 100 countries in the undergraduate programs. One out of five Quakers at UPenn are non-US residents. The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at UPenn is dedicated to supporting international students from figuring out immigrating, to settling in on campus, to post-work opportunities.
- English proficiency scores in IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo. TOEFL code is: 2926.
- Secondary School Academic Record or Transcript
- International and National Examinations
- Advanced Standing and Academic Credit
University of Pennsylvania Courses & Fees
UPenn is globally recognized for its unique courses and teaching style. The university offers over 90 undergraduate and 100 postgraduate major programs in the following fields:
- Arts and Humanities
- Engineering and Technology
- Social Sciences and Management
- Natural Sciences
- Life Sciences and Medicine
The most popular major courses at UPenn
Accounting | Anatomy | Architecture |
Art History | Astronomy | Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences |
Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics | Bioengineering | Biostatistics |
Business Economics & Public Policy | Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering | Classical Studies |
Criminology | Data Science | Dental Medicine |
Data Analytics | Earth and Environmental Sciences | Economics |
Engineering & Applied Sciences | Environmental Studies | Finance |
French | Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies | Government Administration |
Health and Sciences | History & Sociology of Science | Immunology |
UPenn Fees
The table below discusses the UPenn cost of attendance for the 2024-25 academic cycle for students living on-campus, off-campus, and with family.
Categories | Living On-Campus | Living Off-Campus | Living with Family |
Tuition | $60,920 | $60,920 | $60,920 |
Fee | $7,766 | $7,766 | $7,766 |
Housing | $12,640 | $12,560 | $0 |
Food | $6,534 | $5,796 | $2,318 |
Books and Supplies | $1,358 | $1,358 | $1,358 |
Transportation | $1,062 | $1,062 | $1,706 |
Personal Expenses | $2,008 | $2,008 | $2,008 |
Total | $92,288 | $91,474 | $76,076 |
University of Pennsylvania Student Accommodation
Students studying at UPenn will have the option of either living in university accommodations or private student housings. University accommodations of UPenn comprises of 13 undergraduate College Houses and can accommodate up to 5,50 students.
However, a large number of students are not able to get a room inside these properties. For such students, the ideal choice is private student residences located next to the university. Here are the top student accommodation in Philadelphia:
Conclusion
The University of Pennsylvania is the No.1 Ivy League University in the USA and was once home to some of the greatest minds in the world. This prestigious university is known for its academic excellence and unique research activities. It has been ranked among the top universities by major ranking organizations, including QS, Times Higher Education, US News, etc. Students planning to study at UPenn must read this entire article to understand the university and student life there.