University of Pennsylvania Acceptance Rate
University of Pennsylvania at a Glance
Average SAT & ACT Scores for University of Pennsylvania
| Test | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Midpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading | 730 | 770 | 750 |
| SAT Math | 770 | 800 | 785 |
| SAT Total | 1500 | 1570 | 1535 |
| ACT Composite | 34 | 35 | 34 |
Admissions Funnel
| Applications Received | 59,465 |
| Students Admitted | 3,489 |
| Students Enrolled | 2,416 |
| Yield Rate | 69.3% |
University of Pennsylvania Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 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
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #9 | #8 | #8 | #6 | #6 | #8 | #8 | #7 | #6 | #6 |
US News National Universities: #9 (2016) → #6 (2025) ↑ 3 spots
University of Pennsylvania Admissions 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 Name | University of Pennsylvania |
| Location | Philadelphia, PA 19104-6303 |
| Type | Private |
| Website | upenn.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 32,205 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 12,929 |
| Female Students | 54.8% |
Is University of Pennsylvania a Reach, Match, or Safety?
With an acceptance rate of 5.9%, University of Pennsylvania is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.
| Your Profile | University of Pennsylvania Is... | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Above-average GPA + strong application | Match | Apply — worth the effort |
| Average GPA, some strengths | Reach | Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools |
| Below-average GPA | Hard Reach | Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates |
University of Pennsylvania True Cost by Family Income
16% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating UPenn enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.
| Family Income | Annual Net Price | 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| $0-30k | $-3,012 | $-12,048 |
| $30-48k | $316 | $1,264 |
| $48-75k | $10,439 | $41,756 |
| $75-110k | $25,476 | $101,904 |
| $110k+ | $55,972 | $223,888 |
Cost Breakdown
| Room & Board | $18,496 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $89,028 |
Want to see how University of Pennsylvania stacks up? Compare college costs side by side and check the college rankings by net price and salary outcomes.
Popular Majors at University of Pennsylvania
The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.
{sn} Student Demographics
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.
What University of Pennsylvania Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Want to know your odds? Use the college admissions calculator to see your chances at University of Pennsylvania by GPA and SAT/ACT — or calculate your college GPA first to check where you stand.
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.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Decision | Nov 1 |
| Regular Decision | Jan 5 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Feb 15 |
See University of Pennsylvania alongside every school in our full college application deadlines calendar for 2026–2027.
{sn} Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Pennsylvania
Other Colleges in PA
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. University of Pennsylvania is not affiliated with NextColleges.