---
title: University of Pennsylvania — PickACampus
description: Explore University of Pennsylvania's 5% acceptance rate, $90,555 median starting salary, and #7 PickACampus ranking. View academic and tuition data.
url: https://pickacampus.com/college/6
last_updated: 2026-06-03
---

# University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania is a private institution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, maintaining an 8:1 student-faculty ratio across its urban campus. With a 5% acceptance rate and a 97% graduation rate, the university serves an undergraduate population of 10,650. Graduates earn a median starting salary of $90,555, while the university holds the #7 overall rank on PickACampus.

## Overview
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Type: Private
- Setting: urban
- Total enrollment: 10,650

## Admissions
- Acceptance rate: 5%
- Average SAT: 1,553
- Average ACT: 34
- Average GPA: 3.90

## Cost
- In-state tuition: $68,686
- Out-of-state tuition: $68,686
- Room and board: $19,174
- Fees: $1,168
- Average financial aid: $54,800
- Average student debt at graduation: $15,715

## Outcomes
- 6-year graduation rate: 97%
- 4-year graduation rate: 86%
- Freshman retention: 98%
- Employment rate: 95%
- Average starting salary: $90,555

## Academics
- Student-faculty ratio: 8:1
- Average class size: 18
- Classes under 20 students: 70%

## Notable
["Penn is the oldest university in the United States, founded by Benjamin Franklin.","The university's campus is home to the world's first collegiate business school, Wharton School.","Penn's mascot is the Quaker, a nod to Pennsylvania's Quaker roots.","The university's official colors are red and blue, inspired by George Washington's uniform."]

## Traditions
[{"name":"Hey Day","description":"Juniors don straw hats and canes, parading to signify their transition to senior year."},{"name":"Spring Fling","description":"An annual weekend-long music festival featuring popular artists and campus events."},{"name":"Toast Toss","description":"Fans throw toast onto Franklin Field after the third quarter of every home football game."},{"name":"U-Night","description":"A ceremony for sophomores to reflect on their Penn journey and look ahead."}]

## Notable alumni
[{"name":"Donald Trump","description":"45th President of the United States"},{"name":"Elon Musk","description":"CEO of Tesla and SpaceX"},{"name":"John Legend","description":"Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and actor"},{"name":"Shonda Rhimes","description":"Award-winning television producer and writer"},{"name":"Noam Chomsky","description":"Renowned linguist, philosopher, and political activist"}]

## Common questions

Q: What is University of Pennsylvania's acceptance rate?
A: University of Pennsylvania's acceptance rate is 5%.

Q: How much does University of Pennsylvania cost?
A: Tuition at University of Pennsylvania is $68,686 per year, before room and board and fees.

Q: Where is University of Pennsylvania located?
A: University of Pennsylvania is located in Philadelphia, PA.

Q: What SAT score do you need for University of Pennsylvania?
A: The average SAT score at University of Pennsylvania is 1,553.

Q: What is the graduation rate at University of Pennsylvania?
A: University of Pennsylvania has a 6-year graduation rate of 97%.

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