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University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Mississippi, United States of America | Estd in 1740 | Private University

THE Rank : 14 | QS Rank : 13

Updated onApr 30, 2024 03:43 AM IST
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About University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania, also known as Penn, is a private Ivy League research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Penn was established in 1740 and is one of the oldest universities in the US. University of Pennsylvania acceptance rate is under 6%, which shows that admissions are very competitive at Penn. Applicants seeking admission to the University of Pennsylvania must have a GPA requirement of 3.9 GPA or higher or a percentile of 75 or above.  

University of Pennsylvania Latest Updates

  • University of Pennsylvania application deadline for the Regular Decision is January 5 and applicants receive their decision by April 1. 

  • Applicants admitted during Regular Decision, or those who had their applications delayed from Early Decision and accepted in Regular Decision, have until May 1 to accept the admission offer.

The University of Pennsylvania welcomes students from all backgrounds and provides a vibrant and inclusive environment. Penn has more than 28,201 students enrolled in both full-time and part-time courses, among which there are 6,931 + international students. The University of Pennsylvania has an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, demonstrating the university's commitment to student happiness and personalised learning. 

The University of Pennsylvania is known for its academics, but also has a rich history and vibrant campus life. Penn was also the first university in the US to allow women students. The University of Pennsylvania fees for Indian students are approximately Rs. 47,88,555 (USD 57,376) for the 2024.

Candidates must have an application with strong GPA, extracurricular involvement, and a well written statement of purpose to be considered for admission to Penn. The University of Pennsylvania admission is also based on SAT / ACT or English Proficiency scores such as IELTS, PTE or TOEFL

Penn boasts top-ranked programs in medicine, law, business (Wharton School), education, engineering, and many more. The university prepares students for demanding careers through challenging classes and research opportunities. The University of Pennsylvania has over 90% 6-year graduation rate for all Penn undergraduates. Students applying to Penn must have a valid SAT score of 1560 or an ACT score of 35. 

Penn is also ranked in the top universities in the country and has grabbed 6th position in the US News & World Report 2024. The University of Pennsylvania is ranked 12th globally by QS WUR 2024 and 16th in the Times Higher Education 2024 rankings. At least 43 different Penn graduates have won 81 Olympic medals (26 of which are gold). 

Penn is located in West Philadelphia and features beautiful buildings such as College Hall and stunning green landscapes. The University of Pennsylvania campus area in acres is 299 acres. Penn's 12 schools feature some of the world's best undergraduate and graduate programmes, including Wharton.  

Notable Alumni of the University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania has a long history of producing notable alumni in a wide range of fields. 2 Penn alumni have served as NASA astronauts, while 5 Penn alumni have received the Medal of Honour. Some of the notable alumni at the University of Pennsylvania are listed below:

University of Pennsylvania Notable Alumni

Read more: Benefits of studying in USA

Alumni

Profession

Elon Musk

CEO of Tesla Motors

Sundar Pichai

CEO of Google

John Legend

American singer-songwriter and pianist

Warren Buffett

Chairperson of Berkshire Hathaway

Safra Catz

CEO of Oracle

University of Pennsylvania Highlights

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Year of Establishment1740
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Institute TypeUniversity
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OwnershipPrivate
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Number Of Students11251
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Campus Size299 acres
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Faculty Count6121
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Acceptance Rate6%
Bachelors vs Masters
Gender Ratio
Male: 55%Female: 45%
Male: 55%Female: 45%
Student Demographic
  • Domestic:   9338
  • International:   1463

University of Pennsylvania Ranking and Stats

The University of Pennsylvania is ranked among the top universities in USA and the world. Penn is ranked 6th in the 2024 edition of the U.S. News & World Report National Universities. Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 ranked the University of Pennsylvania at 16th rank worldwide. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, Penn grabbed 12th position in the world. The University of Pennsylvania is ranked 14th globally in the ARWU 2024. 

Additionally, U.S. News & World Report ranked the Wharton School 3rd among Best Business Schools, and the School of Engineering and Applied Science 4th among Best Engineering Schools.

Ranking Body
THE
Subject
Overall

Parametric Score and Ranking 2024

Overall Score91
University rank16
Parameter Ranking
Citations
97.6
Industry Outcome
97.7
International Outlook
78.8
Research
89.7
Teaching
87.7

Ranking by year

Ranking

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Rank
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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University of Pennsylvania Courses

The University of Pennsylvania is a popular choice for students seeking for a satisfying academic experience. Penn offers four major undergraduate colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Nursing, the Wharton School, and the School of Engineering and Applied Science. The University of Pennsylvania provides over 4,200 courses in over 40 languages. The University of Pennsylvania tuition fees for Indian students is mentioned below.  

One of the most popular courses at the University of Pennsylvania is Doctor of Medicine. The programme duration is four years and consist of a multidisciplinary curriculum comprising six modules. The students can learn about three different themes: medical science, medical technology and practice, and professionalism and humanity. The University of Pennsylvania offers a wide range of MD+ programmes, including eight master's degrees and ten certificates, across its schools.

University of Pennsylvania fees for Indian Students

The University of Pennsylvania's tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year is 63,452 USD. Tuition, general costs, technology fees, and clinical fees are all included. In addition to tuition, students must pay for accommodation, food, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenditures while studying in the USA. Tuition fees at the University of Pennsylvania for the 2023-2024 academic year are as follows:

  • Tuition: USD 57,376 (Rs 47,88,973.90)

  • General Fee: USD 5,462 (Rs. 4,55,894.02)

  • Technology Fee: USD 225 (Rs. 18,779.96)

  • Clinical Fee (for students in certain programs): USD 449 (Rs. 37,476.46)

Accreditations
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)
Education Level
Select
Stream
Select
Mode
Select
LevelUG
MajorVisual
Duration48 Months
LevelUG
MajorFine
Duration48 Months
LevelUG
MajorAccounting
Duration48 Months
LevelUG
Duration48 Months
LevelUG
MajorComputer
Duration48 Months
LevelUG
MajorArts
Duration48 Months

University of Pennsylvania Cost Of Living

The University of Pennsylvania's tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year is USD 63,452 (Rs. 52,96,116.36). In addition to tuition, students must pay for accommodation, food, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenditures while studying in the USA. The expected cost of expenditures for 2024 academic year is shown in the table below.

Cost of living at the University of Pennsylvania

Expense list

Living On Campus

Living Off Campus

Tuition 

58,620 USD

58,620 USD

Extra fees

7,484 USD

7,484 USD

Housing 

12,166 USD

12,564 USD

Food

6,330 USD

5,796 USD

Books & supplies

1,358 USD

1,358 USD

Personal expenses

2,008 USD

1,358 USD

Is it expensive to study in the university?

The cost of attendance at the University of Pennsylvania includes both direct expenditures, such as tuition, fees, housing, and eating, and indirect charges, which do not appear on the education bill. Some of these fees, such as books and materials, transportation, and a personal expenditure, are not charged by Penn. The cost of living in USA varies according to housing type and food plan. 

University of Pennsylvania Admission and Application

Application deadline August,2024

University of Pennsylvania acceptance rate is approximately 6%, which shows that only a few students are admitted to the university every year. Applicants looking for admission to University of Pennsylvania are required to apply online by filling out an application form of either Common App or the Coalition Application available on the official website. A detailed admission process is mentioned below.

How to apply to the University of Pennsylvania?

There are two application forms accepted by the University of Pennsylvania: the Coalition Application and the Common Application. They handle both applications in the same way, giving no specific format any preference. Penn welcome students with a wide range of backgrounds from all around the world. Interested students can follow the below-mentioned admission process. 

Step 1: Candidates applying to Penn can start by visiting their official website.

Step 2:  Next, candidates can select as first-year or transfer students for application.

Step 3: Before proceeding further, candidates should get aware of the different programs offered by the university.

Step 4: Next, candidates can select from any one of our 4 undergraduate schools or a coordinated dual-degree, specialized program or accelerated.

Step 5: After selection of their preferred program, candidates can apply for the degree.

Step 6: Finally, the applications will be reviewed, and admission will be granted to the selected students.

University of Pennsylvania Application Deadline: Candidates looking for admission to the university are required to submit their Regular Decision application form before January 5. 

University of Pennsylvania Application Fee: Students are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of USD 75 (Rs. 6258.99). Candidates can also apply for a fee waiver, if they are applicable for the same.

University of Pennsylvania Required Documents

The application process at the University of Pennsylvania requires the following documents to be submitted along with a completed application form:

University of Pennsylvania Scholarship

The University of Pennsylvania has awarded 2.6 billion USD to undergraduate students to more than 24,000 students. The University provides over 10 million USD each year in financial aid to students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States, Canada, or Mexico.

The University of Pennsylvania scholarships for international students are awarded for all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offered at the university. Like other Ivy League universities, Penn does not award scholarships or grants on the basis of academic or athletic merit. The University of Pennsylvania only provides need-based based scholarships based only on your family’s financial need, as determined by Student Financial Services. 

Need-based scholarships are awarded to students who show that they are in financial need. Penn is committed to provide 100% financial need to all their undergraduate students. The scholarships act as a continued support throughout their four-year undergraduate program if they continue to demonstrate need.

How to apply for scholarships at the University of Pennsylvania?

International students who wish to apply for institutional need-based financial aid must do so at the same time they apply for admission to Penn. International students who are not admitted with financial aid in their first year are not eligible to apply for financial aid at a later point in their undergraduate programme. University of Pennsylvania scholarships can be applied by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Students must attach application essays and letters of recommendation to showcase their academic strengths, extracurricular involvement, and any financial hardships they may face.

Read more: Scholarships in USA

University of Pennsylvania Eligibility

Candidates must have the following entry requirements to be considered for admission to the University of Pennsylvania:

  • They must have an excellent academic record, including high scores in maths, science, and core subjects. 

  • To improve their application, students must have standardised exam scores (SAT or ACT). Applicants who are competitive often score in the top 75th percentile.

  • They must participate in extracurricular activities that highlight their well-roundedness and leadership capabilities. 

  • They should include letters of recommendation from instructors or supervisors that give insight into their academic accomplishments, research experience, and career prospects.

  • A persuasive statement of purpose should be provided, precisely explaining your research interests and academic aspirations. 

  • Research experience, internships, or professional employment in your subject might help to boost your application and demonstrate your dedication to your chosen field.

University of Pennsylvania English Language Requirements 

If English is not their first language, candidates must meet the English language requirements for their chosen course. To meet these requirements, candidates can take a variety of English language tests, including the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and PTE Academic. Applicants can learn more about the criteria for their chosen course by checking the official website.

University of Pennsylvania Campus Facilities

Study Amenities

Library

University of Pennsylvania has 14 libraries that together provide huge physical and digital collections, one-to-one consultations, workshops, and other student services. All libraries provide designated study areas, reservable group study rooms and booths, computers, printers, monitors along with software services to meet individual needs. Print and digital collections together contain over 7 million books, journals, databases, as well as media materials such as streaming videos, musical scores, and much more, in more than 400 languages. Students at University of Pennsylvania get access to 1.11 million ebooks, and 4.23 mn microform items with subscriptions to over 68,000 print serials and e-journals.

Sports

Sports

University of Pennsylvania has over 36 active club sports– from cricket to curling to Taekwondo, sailing to ping pong. Students can not only learn, and practise their favourite sport for recreation, but also compete in predetermined leagues or regional tournaments. Experienced athletes can join University of Pennsylvania Varsity Athletics to compete in the intercollegiate teams and NCAA Division I athletic competitions. 12 athletic facilities at University of Pennsylvania include Franklin field, a Squash centre, and indoor stadiums.

Swimming Pool

Sheerr Pool is the swimming pool at University of Pennsylvania for all recreational teams, varsity sports teams as well as club sport teams. It also hosts men's and women's swimming and diving teams. Constructed way back in 1967, it has a stair entrance, a handi-accessible chair, and an on-deck dry sauna and shower. The pool acts as both a 2 short-course pool and a long course pool with 25 Yards, 12 lanes in the former case, and 50 metre 6 lane pool in the latter case. 

Transportation

Transport Facility

University of Pennsylvania has campus shuttles, bicycles, carpooling, bus rides to and from the city through selected stops as modes of transport. Students can travel through buses in East, West and inter-city routes free of charge, on institutional ID cards. The University of Pennsylvania has special shuttle services for people with limited mobility. Bicycling is allowed and highly encouraged. Students can rent, share bicycles in over 70 locations in Philadelphia, 6 University of Pennsylvania campus locations. Bicycle riding is allowed only in the designated paths.Van pooling and carpooling facilities are also available at discounted rates.

Infrastructure

Cafeteria

There are 12 cafeteria at University of Pennsylvania– Accenture Café, Mark’s Café, The ARCH Cafe,  1920 Retail,  Beefsteak, Houston Market / Pure Fare / Brick Oven,  Joe’s Café, The Café at the New College House, English House Café, McClelland Express, Falk Dining Cafe, and Spruce Street Cafe. There is also a Starbucks.

Accenture cafe serves brewed beverages, fresh sandwiches, soups, salads, muffins, pastries, etc. All cafeterias at University of Pennsylvania provide choices regarding foods with allergens, and special dietary restrictions like vegan, gluten-free etc. Students can check the menus for filtering for foods that best suit them. Mark’s cafe, and Joe’s cafe serve light coffees, drinks and other beverages.

University of Pennsylvania International Office Details

University of Pennsylvania is a highly-ranked institution with a strong reputation for excellence. Penn is a good choice for students who are looking for a world-class institution that offers an exceptional academic experience, with an active and supportive student community. The University of Pennsylvania has more than 28,201 students enrolled in both full-time and part-time courses, among which there are 6,931 + international students.

All overseas students can contact the University of Pennsylvania on the following details:

University of Pennsylvania Website: upenn.edu

University of Pennsylvania Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States

Penn Contact no: (215) 898-5000

Is it hard to get into the University of Pennsylvania?

Yes, admission to the University of Pennsylvania is very competitive. It is a very selective institution with a 6% acceptance rate. This indicates that just 6 out of every 100 applications are accepted. Penn's acceptance rate for foreign students is 3.5%. In the fall semester of 2022, 12,222 international applicants applied to Penn's undergraduate programmes, and 431 of them were offered admission. 

A variety of factors contribute to the challenges of getting into the University of Pennsylvania. The university is extremely popular, and it receives applications from candidates all around the world. Furthermore, Penn has an excellent academic reputation, and it recruits students who can succeed in a challenging educational environment.

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FAQ's

The University of Pennsylvania is ranked among the top universities in the US and the world. Penn is ranked 16th globally in the 2024 edition of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, UPenn grabbed 12th position in the world. The University of Pennsylvania is ranked 14th globally in the ARWU 2023. 

For Indian aspirants, admission to an Ivy League university such as Penn is a major accomplishment. Indian candidates can contact Indian alumni of Penn or other Ivy League colleges to learn and gain insights from their experiences. However, admission to an Ivy League university is extremely difficult. Indian students can gain admission to Penn by emphasising on academic performance, extracurricular activities, and a strong application.

On a scale of 4.0, the average GPA for accepted students at the University of Pennsylvania is 3.9. The minimal GPA criterion for admission to Penn varies based on the programme to which you are applying. Other characteristics considered by Penn include the test results, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of reference.

Pennsylvania has a number of notable institutions and colleges, including the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, Penn State University, and Temple University. Pennsylvania has a growing economy with a varied range of businesses such as healthcare, technology, finance, and manufacturing. This offers graduates with numerous work possibilities and high career prospects after graduation. While Pennsylvania is typically less expensive than other states, the cost of living can vary depending on the location you reside.

Yes, acceptance to the University of Pennsylvania can be extremely difficult. With a 6% acceptance rate, it is a fairly selective university. This means that just 6 applications out of every 100 are accepted. The acceptance rate for international students at Penn is 3.5%. In the fall semester of 2022, 12,222 overseas candidates applied to Penn's undergraduate degrees, with 431 accepted. 

Yes, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) is an Ivy League university in the United States. The Ivy League is an athletic conference made up of eight elite private colleges in the United States Northeast region. Penn has a long history of academic success and is often considered one of the best educational institutions in the world. Penn is a founder member of the Ivy League, who joined in 1876.

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