University of Pennsylvania Acceptance Rate 2026: Your Real Chances by GPA
University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, PA · Private · Official Website ↗
Data updated: 2026-04-28
5.9% acceptance · 32,205 students
University of Pennsylvania at a Glance
University of Pennsylvania SAT & ACT Scores
| 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
About University of Pennsylvania
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 | vs Sticker Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0-30k | $3,800 | $15,200 | -94% |
| $30-48k | $5,200 | $20,800 | -92% |
| $48-75k | $10,800 | $43,200 | -83% |
| $75-110k | $22,400 | $89,600 | -65% |
| $110k+ | $56,900 | $227,600 | -10% |
University of Pennsylvania Programs & Graduate Salary
Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.
| Program | US Rank | University of Pennsylvania Salary | National Median | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | #15 | $116,250 | $75,000 | +55% |
| Engineering | — | $111,600 | $72,000 | +55% |
| Mathematics & Statistics | — | $96,100 | $62,000 | +55% |
| Business | #3 | $85,250 | $55,000 | +55% |
| Health Professions | #3 | $80,600 | $52,000 | +55% |
| Physical Sciences | — | $74,400 | $48,000 | +55% |
| Architecture | — | $74,400 | $48,000 | +55% |
| Social Sciences | #8 | $69,750 | $45,000 | +55% |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies | — | $65,100 | $42,000 | +55% |
| Biological Sciences | — | $65,100 | $42,000 | +55% |
| Communication & Journalism | — | $62,000 | $40,000 | +55% |
| History | — | $62,000 | $40,000 | +55% |
| Natural Resources & Conservation | — | $62,000 | $40,000 | +55% |
| Philosophy & Religious Studies | — | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Foreign Languages & Linguistics | — | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Area/Ethnic/Cultural Studies | — | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Public Administration & Social Services | — | $58,900 | $38,000 | +55% |
| Psychology | — | $55,800 | $36,000 | +55% |
| English Language & Literature | — | $55,800 | $36,000 | +55% |
| Liberal Arts & General Studies | — | $54,250 | $35,000 | +55% |
| Visual & Performing Arts | — | $52,700 | $34,000 | +55% |
Popular Majors at University of Pennsylvania
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Student Demographics
What University of Pennsylvania Looks For 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 |
Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Pennsylvania
More 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 DeepColleges.