Skip to main content
Last updated: May 31, 2026

University of Pennsylvania

United States · Philadelphia

University of Pennsylvania

Private School
United States
Country
Philadelphia
City
29109
Total Students
Private
Status
About the University

University of Pennsylvania overview

Penn, also known as the University of Pennsylvania, is an Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Benjamin Franklin, one of America's founding leaders, established it in 1740. Penn is one of the earliest institutions of higher education in the United States and is renowned for its emphasis on both teaching and research. Numerous notable figures from diverse disciplines, including politics, commerce, science, and the arts, are among Penn's alumni.

Penn's 12 colleges offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university's professional institutions, including the Wharton School (1881's first collegiate business school), the School of Nursing, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the Perelman School of Medicine, are particularly renowned. Penn is recognized for its emphasis on interdisciplinary education. The university encourages students to take courses from a variety of disciplines and institutions.

Penn's urban campus in Philadelphia's University City neighborhood is a lively place with a blend of historic and contemporary architecture, numerous libraries, research centers, and student lodging facilities. Penn has more than 450 student societies and organizations encompassing a broad spectrum of interests, including academics, the arts, culture, athletics, and more. Additionally, the university provides a variety of student support services, including academic advising, career services, and wellness resources.

Penn is a member of the Ivy League and has a long history of excellence in varsity athletics, intramural sports, and physical education. Each year, the Penn Relays, one of the most prestigious track and field competitions in the United States, is conducted at Franklin Field. Numerous traditions contribute to Penn's distinctive culture. For instance, "Hey Day" is an annual spring event that signifies the transition from junior to senior status.

About the University

About University of Pennsylvania

Penn, also known as the University of Pennsylvania, is an Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Benjamin Franklin, one of America's founding leaders, established it in 1740. Penn is one of the earliest institutions of higher education in the United States and is renowned for its emphasis on both teaching and research. Numerous notable figures from diverse disciplines, including politics, commerce, science, and the arts, are among Penn's alumni.

Penn's 12 colleges offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university's professional institutions, including the Wharton School (1881's first collegiate business school), the School of Nursing, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the Perelman School of Medicine, are particularly renowned. Penn is recognized for its emphasis on interdisciplinary education. The university encourages students to take courses from a variety of disciplines and institutions.

Penn's urban campus in Philadelphia's University City neighborhood is a lively place with a blend of historic and contemporary architecture, numerous libraries, research centers, and student lodging facilities. Penn has more than 450 student societies and organizations encompassing a broad spectrum of interests, including academics, the arts, culture, athletics, and more. Additionally, the university provides a variety of student support services, including academic advising, career services, and wellness resources.

Penn is a member of the Ivy League and has a long history of excellence in varsity athletics, intramural sports, and physical education. Each year, the Penn Relays, one of the most prestigious track and field competitions in the United States, is conducted at Franklin Field. Numerous traditions contribute to Penn's distinctive culture. For instance, "Hey Day" is an annual spring event that signifies the transition from junior to senior status.

City
Philadelphia
Country
United States
Type
Private
Number of Students
29109
#14
Times Universities
#15
QS World
#7
National Ranking
92
Quality Score
#14
Shanghai List
Faculties & Programs

University of Pennsylvania faculties and programs

151 results listed

Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies - Feminist Studies

Undergraduate4 Years#15 Ranking
$63,204per year

Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies - Global Gender and Sexuality Studies

Undergraduate4 Years#15 Ranking
$63,204per year

Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies - LGBTQ Studies

Undergraduate4 Years#15 Ranking
$63,204per year

Biological Mathematics

Undergraduate4 Years#101 Ranking
$63,204per year

General Mathematics

Undergraduate4 Years#101 Ranking
$63,204per year

East Asian Languages and Civilizations / Dual Language

Undergraduate4 Years#15 Ranking
$63,204per year

Data Analytics and Social Sciences

Undergraduate4 Years#36 Ranking
$63,204per year

Data Analytics and Psychological Sciences

Undergraduate4 Years#36 Ranking
$63,204per year

Insurance and Risk Management

Undergraduate4 Years#17 Ranking
$63,204per year

Management

Undergraduate4 Years#17 Ranking
$63,204per year
Scholarship Opportunities

University of Pennsylvania scholarships and financial aid

University of Pennsylvania offers financial aid to international students in the form of need-based financial aid and scholarships. The university has a need-aware admission policy for international students, which means that a student's financial need may be considered when making an admission decision. However, if an international student is admitted to University of Pennsylvania and demonstrates financial need, the university is committed to meeting 100% of their demonstrated need.

To be considered for need-based financial aid, international students must submit the CSS Profile during the application process. This information helps the university to assess the family's financial situation and calculate the amount of financial aid needed. Financial aid packages at University of Pennsylvania typically consist of grants and scholarships that do not have to be repaid. They may also include a work-study component, which provides students with an opportunity to work part-time on campus.

University of Pennsylvania Exam Requirements

Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.

IB Diploma
40
Min. score
ACT
35
Min. score
GRE
321
Min. score
Diploma Note
95
Min. score
SAT
1535
Min. score
GMAT
710
Min. score
IELTS
7.5
Min. score
TOEFL
100
Min. score
A-Level
1
Min. score
University GPA
3.5
Min. score
Duolingo
135
Min. score
Application Process

How to get into University of Pennsylvania

Admission Requirements for International Students

Undergraduate

Application Materials

  • Common App or Coalition Application
  • Application Fee
  • School Report
  • Teacher Evaluations
  • Official Transcripts from Secondary School
  • Mid-Year Report

Academic Requirements

  • Successful completion of basic education
  • High School Diploma
  • Certificate in English Proficiency
    • Certificate in English proficiency received through internationally recognized proficiency tests such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic.
  • High Grade Point Average
  • SAT or ACT Standardized Test Score
  • Supplemental Application Essays

Please note that AP and IB exam scores are considered additional pieces of academic information and can help the university understand your level of preparation and potential for college level work. AP and IB exam scores do not guarantee admission to the University of Pennsylvania.

Graduate

  • Bachelor's Degree Diploma
  • High Grade Point Average
  • Official transcripts of the courses taken by the applicant during college/university education
  • Work experience may be required for certain programs
  • Certificate in English Proficiency
    • Certificate in English proficiency received through internationally recognized proficiency tests such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT.
  • GRE/GMAT exam score may be required in accordance with the specific admission requirements of certain programs.

Application Deadlines

OCAK2027
Application deadline
ARALIK2027
Application deadline

* These dates are subject to change. Get in touch with our Dream Uni advisors to learn the up-to-date deadlines and all the details about the University of Pennsylvania application process.

Campus

Take a closer look at University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania's urban campus is located in the University City section of West Philadelphia, providing a rich, interactive environment for its students. The campus is known for its historical architecture mixed with modern facilities, beautiful landscaping, and accessibility to downtown Philadelphia.

The University of Pennsylvania campus beautifully blends historic and modern architecture. It includes the Fisher Fine Arts Library, a National Historic Landmark, and the modern Singh Center for Nanotechnology. The university's College Hall, built in 1871, is one of the oldest structures on campus. Penn's campus has a number of green spaces, including College Green, which is often bustling with students studying or relaxing. Locust Walk, a tree-lined pathway that runs through the heart of the campus, is a popular spot for student organizations to promote their activities.

The university has several libraries with extensive collections. The Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center is the main library on campus. The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (commonly called the Penn Museum) houses an extensive collection of artifacts from around the world. The campus includes Franklin Field, one of the oldest stadium facilities in the country, and the Palestra, a historic arena that hosts basketball games.

The university has several college houses, which serve as living-learning communities for undergraduate students. This is a group of buildings on the campus that provide space for student activities, events, and services. Houston Hall, located in the Perelman Quadrangle, is America's first student union building. The campus is home to a variety of public art, including the LOVE sculpture and the Benjamin Franklin statue in front of College Hall.

Campus Life

Penn, also known as the University of Pennsylvania, provides students with numerous opportunities for social engagement, personal development, and academic enrichment. Penn has more than 450 registered student organizations representing a variety of academic, cultural, performing arts, professional, political, recreational, religious, service, and athletic interests.

Numerous fraternities and sororities comprise a substantial Greek community at Penn. The majority of first-year students reside in one of the campus' College Houses, which are designed to incorporate living and learning experiences. After the first year, students have the option of relocating to the University City neighborhood. Numerous dining facilities, cafés, and food carts are dispersed across Penn's campus, offering a variety of dining alternatives. The culinary services provide a variety of menu arrangements to meet various dietary requirements.

Penn is a member of the Ivy League, and students compete in numerous varsity athletics. In addition to club and intramural athletics, the university offers fitness and wellness programs. HeyDay (when juniors become seniors), Spring Fling (a weekend of concerts and festivities), and Throwdown (a large culinary competition between college dormitories) are long-standing Penn traditions. Numerous theater productions, dance performances, a cappella concerts, and other events take place at Penn throughout the year, creating a thriving performing arts scene.

Penn provides a variety of support services to ensure the success and well-being of its students. This includes academic assistance, career services, counseling and psychological services, and multicultural resource centers, among others. Penn's urban location gives students access to the cultural, historical, and social opportunities of Philadelphia. Numerous students investigate the city's institutions, attend concerts, appreciate the local culinary scene, and engage in community service in the city.

Student Profile

Since the day it was established, University of Pennsylvania has produced alumni who have made creative and significant contributions to society, the arts and sciences, business, and national and international affairs. Notable alumni of University of Pennsylvania include;

  • Abby Huntsman
  • Ahmed Zewail
  • Ahn Cheol-soo
  • Alice Paul
  • Andrea Mitchell
  • Beau Biden
  • Becki Newton
  • Bobby Troup
  • Bruce Dern
  • Candice Bergen
  • Charles Addams
  • Dick Wolf
  • Donald Trump
  • Elizabeth Banks
  • Elon Musk
  • Ezra Pound
  • Finnegan Biden
  • Gloria Allred
  • I. M. Pei
  • John Doman
  • John Legend
  • John Sculley
  • Jonathan Haidt
  • Ken Olin
  • Laurene Powell Jobs
  • Lia Thomas
  • Lynn Toler
  • Martin Seligman
  • Maury Povich
  • Mehmet Oz
  • Melissa Rivers
  • Naomi Biden
  • Nikki Giovanni
  • Noah Schnapp
  • Noam Chomsky
  • Rebecca Rittenhouse
  • Selçuk Bayraktar
  • Shakira
  • Steve Wynn
  • Sundar Pichai
  • Tiffany Trump
  • Tory Burch
  • Vanessa Bayer
  • Warren Buffett
  • William Henry Harrison
  • Yakov Smirnoff
  • Zahi Hawass
Achievements

University of Pennsylvania awards and achievements

  • 36 Nobel Laureates 
  • 24 Rhodes Scholars 
  • 21 Marshall Scholars
  • 2 NASA Astronauts 
  • 5 Medal of Honor Recipients
  • 8 Signers of the Declaration of Independence 
  • 7 signers of the U.S. Constitution 
  • 2 Presidents of the United States
  • 3 U.S. Supreme Court Justices 
  • 32 U.S. Senators 
  • 163 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives
  • 12 U.S. Cabinet Secretaries 
  • 46 Governors 
  • 27 State Supreme Court Justices
  • 9 Foreign Heads of State
  • 28 Tony Award Winners 
  • 16 Grammy Award Winners 
  • 11 Emmy Award Winners 
  • 4 Academy Award Winners
  • 81 Olympic Medallists

University of Pennsylvania Frequently Asked Questions

University of Pennsylvania Location

Philadelphia, United States

University of Pennsylvania Social Media

Follow the university on its official social media channels:

University of Pennsylvania

Take a Closer Look
University of Pennsylvania view 1

How to Get Into University of Pennsylvania

01

In your first meeting with a Dream Uni advisor, your academic background, goals, and expectations are analyzed in detail.

02

By assessing your English level and academic grades, your eligibility for the universities and colleges Dream Uni partners with is determined.

03

The application process is managed meticulously by our professional team, and your acceptance letter is delivered to you.

Why University of Pennsylvania?

Located in Philadelphia, United States, University of Pennsylvania is known for its academic excellence, distinguished faculty, and remarkably rich history.

Other Universities in United States

University of California, Santa Cruz
Scholarship

University of California, Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, United States·State
Annual Fee$ 50205
Times Higher Ed.#192
University of Miami
Popular Scholarship

University of Miami

Miami, United States·Private
Annual Fee$ 62616
Times Higher Ed.#194
Arizona State University

Arizona State University

Tempe, United States·State
Annual Fee$ 33139
Times Higher Ed.#201
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Scholarship

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, United States·State
Annual Fee$ 37441
Times Higher Ed.#201
The George Washington University (GWU)
Scholarship

The George Washington University (GWU)

Washington, D.C., United States·Private
Annual Fee$ 67710
Times Higher Ed.#201
University of Illinois Chicago
Scholarship

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, Illinois, United States·State
Annual Fee$ 29884
Times Higher Ed.#201
University of Notre Dame
Scholarship

University of Notre Dame

South Bend, United States·Private
Annual Fee$ 65025
Times Higher Ed.#201
Boston College

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, United States·Private
Annual Fee$ 70702
Times Higher Ed.#251
University of Hawaii at Mānoa
Popular Scholarship

University of Hawaii at Mānoa

Honolulu, United States·State
Annual Fee$ 33336
Times Higher Ed.#251
University of Utah
Scholarship

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, United States·State
Annual Fee$ 30860
Times Higher Ed.#251
Virginia Tech (VT)
Scholarship

Virginia Tech (VT)

Blacksburg, United States·State
Annual Fee$ 34376
Times Higher Ed.#251
Stony Brook University (SUNY)
Scholarship

Stony Brook University (SUNY)

New York, United States·State
Annual Fee$ 32741
Times Higher Ed.#301
Contact

Get in touch with us

Fill out the form and a Dream Uni advisor will reach out to schedule your consultation.

Expert assessment tailored to your profile
Guaranteed response within 24 hours
Online or in-person meeting options
+1

I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

I would like to receive updates, tips, and news from Dream Uni.

Chat with an Advisor on WhatsApp