Private not-for-profit

Medium

Ivy League

University of Pennsylvania SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT RangeN/A

ACT RangeN/A

Average GPA3.91

Acceptance Rate5.4%

At Penn, the testing bar is not optional background. With testing required and SAT submission far more common than ACT, aim for about a 1510+ SAT and pair it with a transcript near Penn’s 3.91 average GPA.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

University of Pennsylvania facts and stats

Quick Facts

University of Pennsylvania is located in an urban setting in Philadelphia and enrolls 10,013 undergraduates. Penn’s freshman retention rate is 99%, well above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 97%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 8:1. Penn is test-required for admissions.

Location

Philadelphia, PA

Undergrad Enrollment10,013

Freshman Retention99%

SettingN/A

Student to Faculty Ratio8:1

Graduation Rate97%

Test PolicyTest-required

How does your GPA compare at Penn?

Key University of Pennsylvania application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 5

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

November 1

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

February 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

November 7, 2026

Registration deadline: October 23, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

Because Penn is test-required, aim to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall for superscore-focused retakes. If you’re applying Early Decision by November 1, plan for October to be your last retake so scores can arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

Penn’s tuition and fees are $68,686. Penn is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students, and 49% of students receive aid. Submit the FAFSA by the February 1 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.

Out-of-State Tuition$68,686

Tuition and Fees$68,686

Room and Board$19,174

Average Merit AwardN/A

Application Fee$75

Students on Aid49%

Average Aid Package$70,971

Average Debt at Grad$32,558

Penn’s listed cost of attendance is about $87,860 for tuition, fees, room, and board. Financial aid can significantly change that price: 49% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $70,971. For context, graduates leave with an average debt of $32,558.