Quick Summary
University of Pennsylvania is a private research university founded in 1740, located in Philadelphia, United States. Ranked #11 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 28711 students including 15% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Business and Management (Wharton), Nursing, Medicine, it maintains an acceptance rate of 5.8%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Premier Ivy League education with an unmatched focus on interdisciplinary study and practical application via the 'One University' policy.
Subject Strengths
Business and Management (Wharton)NursingMedicineLawEconomicsCommunicationsBioengineering
Founded1740
TypePrivate Research University
Total Students28711
Intl Students15%
Faculty Ratio6
CampusUrban
Campus Size299 acres
Affiliated HospitalsHospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Pennsylvania Hospital
AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#11
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#14
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#14
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Approximately 100 undergraduate majors and over 300 graduate/professional programs
Programs
100
PhD Programs
Penn LPS Online, Online Master of Computer and Information Technology (MCIT Online), Wharton Online
Online Programs
Penn Center for Innovation, Mack Institute for Innovation Management, Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate5.8%
IELTS7.5
TOEFL100
Min GPANot Available
GREOptional for many programs, required for some PhD and Professional degrees
GMAT730 (Average for Wharton)
SAT1500-1570
ACT34-35
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 5 (Regular Decision), November 1 (Early Decision)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Emphasize interdisciplinary interests across the four undergraduate schools; demonstrate commitment to community engagement and Ben Franklin's 'useful knowledge' philosophy.
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Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$66,104/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$22,284/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$45,000/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$75
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$92,288/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$61,961
Financial AidNeed-blind for US/Canada/Mexico students; Meet 100% of demonstrated need with no-loan packages.
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Approximately 100 undergraduate majors and over 300 graduate/professional programs programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Finance (Wharton) | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Nursing | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Bioengineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Economics | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| International Studies | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Law | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$86,000
Average Salary After Graduation
95%
Employment Rate
Internship Placement92% of students participate in internships, many via Career Services and Handshake.
Industry Connections
Strongest connections globally in Investment BankingConsultingHealthcareand Tech.
Notable Alumni
Elon Musk, Warren Buffett, Donald Trump, John Legend, Noam Chomsky, Tory Burch
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Franklin Field, The Palestra, Pottruck Health and Fitness Center
Student Clubs
450
Library Resources
Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, 15+ specialized libraries, 7 million+ volumes
Exchange Programs
Penn Abroad offers over 100 programs in 50+ countries
Summer Programs
Penn Summer Pre-College, Penn Summer Global Institute