Princton vs University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)
Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania, two prestigious Ivy League institutions, offer distinct educational experiences. Princeton, known for its rigorous academics and strong emphasis on undergraduate education, boasts a lower acceptance rate and a smaller student body compared to Penn. Penn, on the other hand, offers a wider range of undergraduate majors, a more diverse student body, and a vibrant urban campus in Philadelphia. Both universities excel in research and offer exceptional opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge projects. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key differences between these two esteemed institutions, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the table to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Princeton University |
![]() University of Pennsylvania |
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Overview |
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Location | Princeton, New Jersey | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Campus setting | City: Small | City: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 96.0% | 98.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 4.4% | 5.9% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$70
Graduate:
$75
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Undergraduate:
$75
Graduate:
$90
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SAT range | 1460 - 1570 | 1480 - 1570 |
ACT range | 33 - 35 | 33 - 35 |
Students submitting SAT score | 56.0% | 49.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 35.0% | 30.0% |
Total number of applicants | 37,601 | 56,332 |
Total number of admissions given out | 1,647 | 3,304 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 1,290 | 2,418 |
Yield rate | 78.3% | 73.2% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Not required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $78,490 | $80,496 |
Average net price | $20,908 | $14,578 |
Tuition | $56,010 | $54,652 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$10,690
Meal plan:
$7,490
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Room/dormitory:
$11,358
Meal plan:
$5,946
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
65.0%
Average amount $47,136 |
52.0%
Average amount $50,778 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
2.0%
Average amount $5,278 |
9.0%
Average amount $5,030 |
Students taking out private loans |
2.0%
Average amount $8,938 |
2.0%
Average amount $27,160 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
5,321
Men 50.3% Women 49.7% |
11,292
Men 44.7% Women 55.3% |
Graduate students |
3,157
Men 58.3% Women 41.7% |
16,746
Men 43.8% Women 56.2% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | 82.6% | 82.7% |
International students | 22.8% | 22.8% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | City: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 5,151 | 6,400 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | Yes | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | New Jersey California New York Pennsylvania Texas | Pennsylvania New York California New Jersey Florida |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 5:1 | 6:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 97.6% | 96.2% |
Dropout rate | 1.9% | 2.8% |
Transferred out | N/A | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degrees)
Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees)
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology (Bachelor's Degrees)
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology (Bachelor's Degrees)
Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees)
Research and Experimental Psychology (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees)
International/Global Studies (Master's Degrees)
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
Real Estate (Master's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Master's Degrees)
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
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