University

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Verified · last verified 2026-09-02

University details

The University of Pennsylvania is a private research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a history that dates back to 1740. It is a member of the Ivy League. The university comprises four undergraduate schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Wharton School, and the School of Nursing, along with twelve graduate and professional schools. As of Fall 2024, the university reported a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1.

Institution type: Private, nonprofit
Campus setting: Urban
Application platforms: Common App, Coalition App, Other
Testing policy: Test required (2025–2026)
In-state tuition: $68,686
Out-of-state tuition: $68,686
Cost of attendance: Not available (2024–2025)
Undergraduate enrollment: 10,650

Website Admissions Financial aid

Common Data Set

Institution-reported facts by reporting cycle. Missing and withheld values are shown explicitly.

2025–2026 · most recent available

First-year admission rate

4.9%

Calculated from applications and admissions reported in CDS C1. This is a factual calculation, not a CollegePath rating.

Enrollment

Undergraduate enrollment (B1): 9,989 students
Full-time undergraduate enrollment (B1): 9,955 students
Part-time undergraduate enrollment (B1): 34 students

First-year admission

Majors

Accounting and Related Services
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
Anthropology
Social Sciences
Architecture
Architecture and Related Services
Area Studies
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Biological and Physical Sciences
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Biology, General
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Engineering

Deadlines

Early decision · 2026–2027
2026-11-01 — First-year deadline listed in the Common App 2026–2027 Requirements Grid, updated 2026-08-14.
https://content.commonapp.org/Files/ReqGrid.pdf
Regular decision · 2026–2027
2027-01-05 — First-year deadline listed in the Common App 2026–2027 Requirements Grid, updated 2026-08-14.
https://content.commonapp.org/Files/ReqGrid.pdf

View deadlines from earlier years

2025–2026

Early decision · 2025–2026
2025-11-01 — Early Decision (binding); applicants notified of the decision in December.

Supplemental essays

How many responses?

3 prompts

Two prompts are required for all applicants plus one prompt specific to the undergraduate school or program.

2026–2027

Required · Applicants to the Wharton School
Wharton prepares its students to make an impact by applying business methods and economic theory to real-world problems, including economic, political, and social issues. Please reflect on a current issue of importance to you and share how you hope a Wharton education would help you to explore it.
Limit: 200 words
https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/preparing-your-application/essays-prompts
Required · All applicants
How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn.
Limit: 200 words
https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/preparing-your-application/essays-prompts

Application requirements

2026–2027

Application fee · Required
Value: $75
First-year U.S. application fee listed in the Common App 2026–2027 Requirements Grid, updated 2026-08-28.
https://content.commonapp.org/Files/ReqGrid.pdf
Fee waiver · Optional
Value: Accepted
Common App fee-waiver availability listed in the 2026–2027 Requirements Grid, updated 2026-08-28.
https://content.commonapp.org/Files/ReqGrid.pdf
Personal essay · Required
The Common App personal essay is marked required in the Common App 2026–2027 Requirements Grid, updated 2026-08-28.
https://content.commonapp.org/Files/ReqGrid.pdf
Supplemental essays · Required

Sources

Direct sources supporting this university’s facts, with retrieval dates.

Official source · supports supplemental_essays:2026–2027
https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/preparing-your-application/writing
Retrieved 2026-09-03 — Official Penn 2026–27 short-answer and essay requirements.
Secondary source · supports requirements:2026–2027
https://content.commonapp.org/Files/ReqGrid.pdf
Retrieved 2026-09-02 — Common App member-reported first-year fee, waiver, and personal-essay fields; grid updated 2026-08-28.
Common App 2026–2027 Requirements Grid · supports deadlines:2026–2027
https://content.commonapp.org/Files/ReqGrid.pdf
Retrieved 2026-08-20 — Common App member-reported first-year deadlines; grid updated 2026-08-14.
Official source · supports financial_aid_url

First-year applications (C1)

First-year students admitted (C1)

3,570 students

First-year students enrolled (C1)

2,420 students

High-school GPA distribution · GPA 4.0 (C11)

59%

High-school GPA distribution · GPA 3.75-3.99 (C11)

32%

High-school GPA distribution · GPA 3.50-3.74 (C11)

High-school GPA distribution · GPA 3.25-3.49 (C11)

High-school GPA distribution · GPA 3.00-3.24 (C11)

High-school GPA distribution · GPA 2.50-2.99 (C11)

High-school GPA distribution · GPA 2.00-2.49 (C11)

Not reported by institution

High-school GPA distribution · GPA 1.00-1.99 (C11)

High-school GPA distribution · GPA below 1.0 (C11)

Not reported by institution

Average high-school GPA (C12)

3.9 GPA

Testing

Enrolled students submitting scores · SAT (C9): 52%
Enrolled students submitting scores · ACT (C9): 18%
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing · 25th percentile (C9): 740 score
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing · 75th percentile (C9): 770 score
SAT Math · 25th percentile (C9): 770 score
SAT Math · 75th percentile (C9): 800 score
ACT Composite · 25th percentile (C9): 34 score
ACT Composite · 75th percentile (C9): 35 score

Academics and class size

Student-to-faculty ratio (I2): 10:1

Source: University of Pennsylvania Common Data Set 2025-2026 · Retrieved 2026-09-01

Open the official institutional source

Document ID: sha256:a93fd07e0e81c9e403b88390ddafdc08af3e7446a57e9f99904b037797f9cd65 · Import: cds-2026-09-v33

Business Administration, Management and Operations

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

Business/Commerce, General

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

Chemical Engineering

Engineering

Chemistry

Physical Sciences

Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Cognitive Science

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

Communication and Media Studies

Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs

Computer and Information Sciences, General

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

Computer Engineering

Engineering

Computer Science

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

Criminology

Social Sciences

Data Analytics

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

Design and Applied Arts

Visual and Performing Arts

Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

Visual and Performing Arts

East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Economics

Social Sciences

Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering

Engineering

Engineering, Other

Engineering

English Language and Literature, General

English Language and Literature/Letters

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies

Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies

Film/Video and Photographic Arts

Visual and Performing Arts

Finance and Financial Management Services

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

Fine and Studio Arts

Visual and Performing Arts

General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences

Physical Sciences

Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Health and Medical Administrative Services

Health Professions and Related Programs

Human Resources Management and Services

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

Insurance

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

International Business

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

International Relations and National Security Studies

Social Sciences

International/Globalization Studies

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services

Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Literature

English Language and Literature/Letters

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

Marketing

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

Materials Engineering

Engineering

Mathematics

Mathematics and Statistics

Mathematics and Computer Science

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

Mechanical Engineering

Engineering

Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions

Health Professions and Related Programs

Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Music

Visual and Performing Arts

Natural Resources Conservation and Research

Natural Resources and Conservation

Neurobiology and Neurosciences

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Philosophy

Philosophy and Religious Studies

Physics

Physical Sciences

Political Science and Government

Social Sciences

Psychology, General

Psychology

Psychology, Other

Psychology

Public Policy Analysis

Public Administration and Social Service Professions

Real Estate

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Health Professions and Related Programs

Religion/Religious Studies

Philosophy and Religious Studies

Research and Experimental Psychology

Psychology

Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Social Sciences, General

Social Sciences

Social Sciences, Other

Social Sciences

Sociology

Social Sciences

Statistics

Mathematics and Statistics

Systems Engineering

Engineering

Urban Studies/Affairs

Social Sciences

Visual and Performing Arts, General

Visual and Performing Arts

Financial aid · 2025–2026

2025-11-10 — Financial aid document deadline for Early Decision applicants (CSS Profile, FAFSA for U.S. citizens/permanent residents, federal tax returns) to receive an award at admission. Additional financial_aid date(s) for this cycle: 2026-02-05 (Financial aid document deadline for Regular Decision applicants (CSS Profile, FAFSA for U.S. citizens/permanent residents, federal tax returns) to receive an award at admission.).

https://srfs.upenn.edu/financial-aid/apply/prospective-UG-checklists/US

Regular decision · 2025–2026

2026-01-05 — Applicants receive their decision by April 1.

https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/first-year-applicants

Required · Applicants to the School of Engineering and Applied Science

Penn Engineering prepares its students to become leaders in technology by combining a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics with depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. Please share how you plan to pursue your engineering interests at Penn, particularly within the intended major you selected.

Limit: 200 words

https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/preparing-your-application/essays-prompts

Required · First-year applicants only

Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!)

Limit: 200 words

https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/preparing-your-application/essays-prompts

Required · Applicants to the School of Nursing

Penn Nursing intends to meet the health needs of society in a global and multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare by advancing science. Why have you decided to apply to Nursing? Where do you see yourself professionally in the future and how will you contribute to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare?

Limit: 200 words

https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/preparing-your-application/essays-prompts

Required · Applicants to the College of Arts and Sciences

The flexible structure of The College of Arts and Sciences' curriculum is designed to inspire exploration, foster connections, and help you create a path of study through general education courses and a major. What are you curious about and how would you take advantage of opportunities in the arts and sciences?

Limit: 200 words

https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/preparing-your-application/essays-prompts

Two prompts are required for all applicants plus one prompt specific to the undergraduate school or program.

2025–2026

Application fee · Required
Value: 75
$75 application fee.
https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirements
Fee waiver · Optional
Fee waiver available for financial hardship, requested through the Common App or the Coalition Application.
https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirements
Teacher evaluations · Required
Value: 1
One recommendation from a teacher in a core subject (math, science, history, English, or foreign language). An optional third letter from another teacher or community supporter is permitted.
https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirements
Counselor recommendation · Required
School counselor or college official submits a School Report form and official transcript.
https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirements
Personal essay · Required
Personal essay submitted through the Common App or Coalition Application.
https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirements
Supplemental essays · Required
Penn-specific short answers: thank-you note, community-at-Penn prompt, and a school-specific prompt.
https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/preparing-your-application/essays-prompts
Secondary school report · Required
School Report and official transcript submitted by the counselor.
https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirements
Midyear report · Required
First-semester grade 12 grades; due February 15 for Early Decision deferrals and as soon as available for Regular Decision.
https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirements
CSS Profile · Required
Required of all financial aid applicants. Penn CSS code 2933.
https://srfs.upenn.edu/financial-aid/apply/prospective-UG-checklists/US
FAFSA · Required
Required of financial aid applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Penn Federal School Code 003378.
https://srfs.upenn.edu/financial-aid/apply/prospective-UG-checklists/US

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source · supports application_platforms

https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirements

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source · supports testing_policy

https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirements

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source · supports deadlines

https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/first-year-applicants

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source · supports essay_prompts

https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/preparing-your-application/essays-prompts

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source · supports requirements

https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/first-year-applicants/application-requirements

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source · supports requirements

https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/preparing-your-application/essays-prompts

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source · supports requirements

https://srfs.upenn.edu/financial-aid/apply/prospective-UG-checklists/US

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source · supports deadlines

https://srfs.upenn.edu/financial-aid/apply/prospective-UG-checklists/US

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source · supports description

https://www.upenn.edu/about

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source · supports admissions_url

https://admissions.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/first-year-applicants

Retrieved 2026-07-21

Official source

https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?215062

Retrieved 2026-06-10