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University of Pennsylvania: Rankings, Fees & Courses
- Private University
299 acre campus- Estd. 1740
Last updated on 13 Sep '25University of PennsylvaniaWhat's new?
For the UPenn University admissions, students are advised to apply within the application deadlines listed below:
- Early DecisionApplication Deadline (UG): Nov 1, 2025
- Early Decision Deadline (PG): Nov 01, 2025 (for CIS, Data Science, Robotics & MCIT)
About the University of Pennsylvania
Founded in 1740, the University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. UPenn considers 1740 as its founding year because this is the year when a group of Philadelphians organized to form an institution of higher education. It was Benjamin Franklin who proposed and circulated among Philadelphia's leading citizens to form an institution of higher education. Two US Presidents, 9 foreign Heads of State and various scholars have graduated from the university. Among all famous Uni of Pennsylvania alumni, some of the popular Indian alumni include Shweta Bachchan Nanda and Jayant Sinha.
Check out the videos below to know more about study abroad and specifically at University of Pennsylvania:
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
The University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University, both are the most reputed institutions in the USA. There is no comparison between them. However, students can decide where to go as both of them are extremely popular and can lead to a successful career. Students with extremely excellent performance can make a place in either of two as their acceptance rates are very low. The Harvard University acceptance rate is 3.41% which is the second the lowest in history and UPenn acceptance rate is 5.4%. Both universities provide a wide range of programs in over 100 specializations and their tuition costs are high. Students can check the below comparison table and decide where they must apply:
Particulars | UPenn | Harvard University |
|---|---|---|
Acceptance Rate | 5.4% | 3.41% |
Tuition Cost | Between INR 18L and INR 72L for Masters and INR 51L and INR 57L for undergraduate programs.
| Between INR 18L and INR 72L for Masters and INR 45L and INR 49L for undergraduate programs.
|
Courses | UG=90+, PG=100+ | UG=50+, PG=100+ |
The University of Pennsylvania is very competitive for international student admissions with an acceptance rate of around 5.4%. This shows that only 5 students are selected for admissions out of 100 every year. However, students can easily be considered if they have submitted all the required documents by the given deadlines. Some of the general documents that are required at Penn University are academic transcripts, GRE or GMAT scores, English language scores, and additional documents that will increase their chances of securing an admission at the university.
In order to secure an admission, all the overseas applicants must fulfill the University of Pennsylvania entry requirements for international students listed below:
Undergraduate Requirements:
- Official high school transcripts (English translation);
- Mid-year and final mark sheets;
- Early Decision Agreement (if applying for Early Decision);
- Cumulative 2.7 GPA (on a 4.0 scale);
- Secondary school counsellor evaluation;
- Proof of English language proficiency;
- Letters in case of the, shorter in comparison to ACT.">SAT/ACT scores.
Graduate Requirements:
- Official college/university transcripts (English translation);
- Minimum 3.0 Letters of recommendation (LOR);
- Statement of purpose (SOP);
- Proof of English language proficiency;
- Resume/CV;
- GMAT/GRE score; and
- Other course-specific requirements.
How is UPenn ranked in the world?
The University of Pennsylvania Ranking is #8 in USA and #112 in world, per Shiksha Popularity Ranking.
University of Pennsylvania QS Ranking
The Uni of Pennsylvania Ranking is #15 in the world, per QS World University Rankings. The UPenn Qs Ranking has seen a decline from the last year, when it ranked #11 in the world, however, it continues to maintain its status among the best universities in the world.
University of Pennsylvania Computer Science Ranking
The University of Pennsylvania Computer Science program is rated very highly by the international student community, with top companies very much seeking to recruit University of Pennsylvania CS students.
The table below highlights how UPenn CS rank as part of course rankings given by some popular publications:
| Publication | Computer Science Ranking |
|---|---|
| University of Pennsylvania QS Computer Science Ranking - 2025 | #41 |
| Shiksha Popularity Ranking | #19 in USA |
| US News - Computer Science Ranking - 2025-26 | #16 |
| THE US Computer Science Rank 2025 | #19 |
| THE World Computer Science Rank 2025 | #36 |
University of Pennsylvania Ranking in US
Shiksha has ranked University of Pennsylvania degrees in USA, as part of its latest course rankings. Check out the table for the same:
|
Course |
Shiksha Popularity Rankings |
|---|---|
|
#20 |
|
|
#3 |
|
|
#19 |
|
|
#1 |
|
|
#1 |
|
|
#5 |
|
|
#8 |
|
|
#10 |
|
|
MIM |
#10 |
|
#15 |
#13
#8
What can I study at UPenn?
The University of Pennsylvania courses, includes about 240+ courses, including 90+ UG majors & 100+ PG majors.
UPenn is renowned for its Business & Management study course, that are imparted to students as part of the Wharton School of Business.
University of Pennsylvania Popular Majors
Courses can be pursued across a number of prominent streams, with Business, Social Sciences, Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Engineering & Computer & IT some of the most popular courses at the institute per data curated from multiple sources.
University of Pennsylvania Undergraduate Majors
There are over 90+ options to choose from when it comes to UG studies at the institute.
Mentioned below are some popular University of Pennsylvania UG courses:
- BS in Computer Engineering
- BS in Aerospace Engineering
- BA in Political Science
- BS in Humanities & Engineering
- BS in Linguistics & Philosophy
University of Pennsylvania Graduate Programs
When it comes to PG courses, students can choose from about 100+ courses, with some prominent ones listed below:
- MS in Computational Science
- MBA
- MS in Urban Studies & Planning
- MS in Linguistics
- Master of Business Analytics (STEM)
To know more about courses at UPenn, check out: University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia Courses
3.5(6)12 months - 6 years
Guided 4.4K students to USA universities.
Guided 4.4K students to USA universities.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
The University of Pennsylvania offers more than 100 courses to international students every year. The university is known for its top-rated and highly ranked academic programs. As per the US News and World Report, some of the popular courses at the university are:
- Business and Management
- Marketing
- Social Sciences
- Biology and Biomedical Sciences
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing arts
Yes, you can change your major at the University of Pennsylvania, however, the ease of changing your major depends on the school within the university, you wish to switch to.
Changing a major at the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) is relatively straightforward, however, doing so at a different school say the Wharton School is far more competitive & requires better academic requirements from students.
Harvard Business School of Harvard University as well as the Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania are one of the top three business schools in the world and thus getting a degree from either of these is equally prestigious. In terms of rankings, the Wharton Business School has an upper hand. However, Harvard Business School offers more affordable education.
We have given below a comprehensive comparison of both the business schools below:
| Particulars | Harvard Business School | The Wharton School |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 3.4% | 5.9% |
| Average Package | Median Base Salary: USD 175,000 (INR 1.45 Cr) Median Signing Bonus: USD 30,000 (INR 25 L) | Annual Base Salary: USD 175,000 (INR 1.45 Cr) Signing Bonus: USD 30,000 (INR 25 L) Guaranteed Bonus: USD 30,000 (INR 25 L) |
| First-year Tuition Fees | INR 18 L - 62 L | INR 35 L - 73 L |
Conversion Rate: 1 USD = INR 83.17
How to get into University of Pennsylvania from India?
Prospective international applicants can apply for the University of Pennsylvania admissions either through the Common Application or Coalition Application for bachelor's courses. For master's courses, candidates can apply through the Graduate Application portal available on the university's website.
University of Pennsylvania acceptance rate for international students is 5.4%, which indicates that the university is extremely selective.
University of Pennsylvania Admission Process
Demonstrated below are the steps to apply for UG courses at the university:
UPenn Application Deadlines
Penn University of Pennsylvania admits international undergraduates through the Early Decision and Regular Decision every year. Listed below are the deadlines for first-year students:
| Application Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early Decision (UG) | Nov 1, 2025 |
| Early Decision (PG) | Nov 1, 2025 |
University of Pennsylvania Application Fees
For UG & PG aspirants, the UPenn application fee varies. Listed below are the details:
- Undergraduate: USD 75 (INR 6.2 K)
- Graduate: USD 90 (INR 7.5 K)
Conversion Rate: 1 USD = INR 83.49
University of Pennsylvania Admission Requirements for Indian Students
In order to secure admission, all the applicants must meet the Penn University of Pennsylvania entry requirements listed below:
- Official high school/university transcripts (English translation);
- English proficiency score;
- Early Decision Agreement (if applying for Early Decision);
- CGPA 2.7 for UG or GPA 3.0 for PG;
- SAT/ACT scores (UG);
- Letters of recommendation (PG);
- Statement of purpose (PG);
- Resume/CV (PG);
- GMAT/GRE score (PG); and
- Other course-specific requirements.
- Application fees :USD 75 - 275
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Mentioned below are some common mistakes students may want to avoid when applying to University of Pennsylvania:
- Writing generic, vague or recycled essays
- Overlooking deadlines, upload of transcripts
- Not submitting letters of recommendation
- Overloading extracurricular experience as part of your application
- Relying too much on AI to aid with your essays
- Inadequate academic scores or giving justifications for the same
Yes, it is possible to transfer to UPenn from your current university or college, however, the requirements vary based on the school, you opt to apply to.
Penn requires students to complete one-half of the total number of courses at the institute itself, regardless of the number of credits you have attained at your present institute.
The Wharton School & School of Engineering only accept student from the second year, the School of Nursing & College of Arts accept both second & third-year transfer students.
Yes, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia does charge an application fee for admissions. According to the course level, the application fee charged varies. Students can pay the University of Pennsylvania application fee through a credit card. Given below are the details:
Course Level | Application Fee |
|---|---|
Undergraduate | USD 75 (INR 6.2 K) |
Graduate | USD 90 (INR 7.5 K) |
Conversion Rate: 1 USD = INR 83.49
University of PennsylvaniaCan I get a scholarship at UPenn?
University of Pennsylvania scholarships are available for international students. UPenn only offers need-based scholarships for their international students. Every year, the university provides USD 10 million in the form of need-based University of Pennsylvania scholarships for international students.
Things to know before applying
Overseas applicants must note that the candidates who are not admitted with financial aid in their first year are not eligible to apply for financial aid at a later point of their undergraduate studies. UPenn University is dedicated to meet 100% of an international student's demonstrated need with grant funds and work-study.
How can I apply?
Interested applicants apply by following the steps listed below:
- Submit a CSS Profile online to the College Board, the College Scholarship Service (CSS) profile code for UPenn is 2933.
- Wait for the institute to process your profile
- Submit the required information about your parents & their financial situation
- Submit a English translated copy of your parent’s latest tax return, with foreign currency translated in US dollars
- If parent’s do not file an income tax, then students are advised to submit the following: pay slip, wage statement, letter from the parent’s employer & annual income stated letterhead.
To know more about scholarships in the US, check out the video below:
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
On an average, the annual tuition fee required to pursue a degree course at the University of Pennsylvania is around 40 L, which can be considered expensive as a study abroad option. Students can refer to the table for course-specific fees requirements:
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
MBA/PGDM (6 courses) | INR 35 L - 73 L |
MS (44 courses) | INR 18 L - 66 L |
BBA (19 courses) | INR 51 L - 55 L |
PG Certificate (28 courses) | INR 14 L - 63 L |
BA (43 courses) | INR 51 L - 55 L |
BE / BTech (14 courses) | INR 51 L - 55 L |
MA (18 courses) | INR 30 L - 58 L |
Others PG (12 courses) | INR 21 L - 59 L |
MSN (9 courses) | INR 52 L - 66 L |
MPhil (5 courses) | INR 21 L - 58 L |
MDS (7 courses) | INR 21 L - 65 L |
BSc (18 courses) | INR 51 L - 55 L |
MIM (3 courses) | INR 35 L - 54 L |
LLM (6 courses) | INR 31 L - 59 L |
MArch (3 courses) | INR 46 L - 49 L |
BJMC (4 courses) | INR 51 L - 55 L |
MFA (1 course) | INR 46 L |
MPH (1 course) | INR 29 L |
BSN (1 course) | INR 51 L |
MD (1 course) | INR 60 L |
BArch (2 courses) | INR 51 L |
For its international students, the University of Pennsylvania exclusively provides need-based scholarships. International applicants muts note that they will not be able to reapply for financial aid at a later time during thier undergraduate studies if they are not admitted with financial aid during their first year.
The university offers need-based scholarships worth upto USD 10 million to international students each year.
University of Pennsylvania Popular Courses
18 monthsUniversity of PennsylvaniaStudents Ratings & Reviews
7 Verified Reviews- 43% students never faced discrimination in this university
University of Pennsylvania Placement
The University of Pennsylvania MBA Placements for the Class of 2024 saw, the University of Pennsylvania Job Placeement rate to be around 93.1% for the Wharton MBA program.
Wharton MBA Placements
The table below gives a lowdown of the key stats associated with the Wharton MBA Placements for the Class of 2024:
| Wharton MBA Placement | Validation |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Graduates Employed | 93.1% |
| Percentage of Graduates Accepted the Job Offers | 88.2% |
| Best Employing Industry | Financial Services (36.6%) |
| Least Empoying Industries | Travel and Hospitality and Future Mobility (0.5%) |
Wharton MBA Average Salary
The Univeristy of Pennsylvania average package for MBA graduates stood at USD 175,000 (INR 1.5 Cr) per annum.
University of Pennsylvania Highest Salary
The Wharton MBA highest salary figure stood at USD 225,000 (INR 1.94 Cr). secured by MBA graduates enrolled in the Legal and Professional Services Industry.
Best paying industries for UPenn graduates
University of Pennsylvania graduates are on the receiving end of job offers from a number of industries.
Listed below are the best paying industries of UPenn graduates:
|
Industry |
Mean Salary in USD |
Mean Salary in INR |
|---|---|---|
|
Legal & Professional Service |
USD 225,000 |
INR 1.94 Cr |
|
Consulting |
USD 190,000 |
INR 1.64 Cr |
|
Financial Services |
USD 175,000 |
INR 1.51 Cr |
|
Energy |
USD 165,000 |
INR 1.42 Cr |
|
Manufacturing |
USD 163,000 |
INR 1.41 Cr |
|
Health Care |
USD 163,000 |
INR 1.41 Cr |
|
Technology |
USD 162,750 |
INR 1.40 Cr |
Wharton MBA Top Employers
UPenn graduates are the recipients of job offers from the likes of Accenture, Amazon, Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase & Co, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, Uber, Walmart, Walt Disney Company among others.
For more placement related info, get your FREE PDF: Wharton MBA Placement Report
Conversion Rate: 1 USD = INR 86.53
Top Recruiters
Commonly asked questions On Placements
Yes, Silicon Valley based tech giant Amazon is one of the top employers of the University of Pennsylvania.
Apart from Amazon, the university's MBA grads are very much of demand to some other top companies such as: JP Morgan Chase & Co, Accenture, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley & Walmart among others.
The Class of 2024 of the University of Pennsylvania recorded an overall employment rate of 93.1%. The highest recruitments were made in the consulting industry where over 100+ students were placed.. Meanwhile, the mean salary of UPenn graduates was USD 175,000/INR 1.5 Cr.
At the University of Pennsylvania UPenn, the median annual base salary for the graduates is around USD 175,000 (INR 1.46 Cr). Whereas, the median signing bonus as well as the median guaranteed bonus is USD 30,000 (INR 25 L). Given below are some details of the UPenn University placements:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Placement Rate | 93.1% |
| Median Annual Base Salary | USD 175,000 (INR 1.46 Cr) |
| Median Signing Bonus | USD 30,000 (INR 25 L) |
| Median Guaranteed Bonus | USD 30,000 (INR 25 L) |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, McKinsey & Company etc. |
| Top Industries | Business Development, Education, Healthcare Services, Research, Engineering, etc. |
Conversion Rate: 1 USD = INR 83.49
Is UPenn expensive for Indian students?
The University of Pennsylvania cost for UG students is around USD 63,204 (INR 54.4 L), while for PG students the fee varies.
What is the cost of an MBA at UPenn?
The University of Pennsylvania MBA Fees from the Wharton School is around USD 87,960 (INR 75.7 L).
And what about the cost of living?
The University of Pennsylvania cost of attendance at UPenn varies greatly based on the type of accommodation, and the duration of stay.
Mentioned below is a detailed breakdown of the UPenn cost of attendance for UG & MBA students, respectively:
|
Expense |
Cost of Attendance (UG) |
Cost of Attendance (MBA) |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition |
USD 63,204 (INR 54.38 L) |
USD 87,970 (INR 75.7 L) |
|
Fees |
USD 8,032 (INR 6.9 L) |
USD 4,850 (INR 4.17 L) |
|
Housing |
USD 13,132 (INR 11.3 L) |
USD 28,310 (INR 24.3 L) |
|
Food |
USD 6,744 (INR 5.8 L) |
- |
|
Books & Supplies |
USD 1,412 (INR 1.2 L) |
USD 1,080 (INR 93 K) |
|
Transportation |
USD 1,080 (INR 93 K) |
USD 1,000 (INR 86 K) |
|
Personal Expenses |
USD 2,008 (INR 1.7 L) |
USD 4,522 (INR 3.9 L) |
|
Total Budget |
USD 95.612 (INR 82.27 L) |
USD 127,552 (INR 1.1 Cr) |
Source: University of Pennsylvania
Conversion rate: 1 USD = INR
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(53 courses) | INR 19 L - 81 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 12 months-6 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE, Duolingo, IELTS: 7 & Above, GRE, GMAT |
MBA/PGDM(4 courses) | INR 39 L - 75 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-24 months Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE, Duolingo, GRE, IELTS: 7 & Above, GMAT |
BBA(19 courses) | INR 54 L - 59 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 130 & Above, IELTS: 7 & Above |
M.A.(18 courses) | INR 32 L - 62 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 11 months-2 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE, Duolingo, IELTS: 7.5 & Above |
B.Sc.(18 courses) | INR 54 L - 59 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, IELTS |
M.Phil(5 courses) | INR 23 L - 62 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE, Duolingo |
PG Certificate(26 courses) | INR 17 L - 67 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 11 months-4 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE, Duolingo |
B.E. / B.Tech(15 courses) | INR 31 L - 61 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-4 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 130 & Above, IELTS: 7 & Above |
M.Arch(3 courses) | INR 49 L - 54 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-3 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 135 & Above, IELTS: 7 & Above |
MD(1 course) | INR 64 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
The acceptance rate at the University of Pennsylvania is 5.4%. This demonstrates how selective the university is. Around 5 students out of 100 have a chance of being admitted. It's crucial to meet their GPA standards and SAT/ACT requirements to get beyond their initial filters and demonstrate your academic readiness beyond their initial filters and demonstrate your academic willingness, it's crucial to meet their GPA standards and SAT/ACT requirements. Your chances of being in are almost nonexistent if you don't live up to their requirements. An ACT score of between 33 and 36 or an SAT score between 1510 and 1560 are required for admission to the University of Pennsylvania, respectively.
Upenn look for students who are passionate in their work and show interest outside of the class in various co-curricular activities and possess leadership qualities as well.
Yes, students can pay their fees in installments, as the University of Pennsylvania offers a very flexible payment plan, with the option to pay 4 or 5 times over each semester.
Students planning to enroll as part of the payment plan, have to pay a non-refundable enrollment fee worth USD 50 (INR 4.3 K) every semester.
How many students attend UPenn?
As of the academic year of Fall 2023, the total student enrollment of the university stands at 28,711. Out of these, undergraduates are 10,610 in number. Whereas, the total count of graduate students is 13,338.
For the Class of 2027, Penn University of Pennsylvania received a total of over 59,000 applications. However, only about 2,400 candidates enrolled in the university for their higher education. Hence, it can be concluded that with the University of Pennsylvania acceptance rate of merely 5.4%, the university is extremely competitive to get into. Given below is the trend of the UPenn University acceptance rate in the recent years:
| Year | UPenn Acceptance rate |
|---|---|
| Class of 2027 | 5.4% |
| Class of 2026 | 6.0% |
| Class of 2025 | 5.6% |
| Class of 2024 | 8.0% |
| Class of 2023 | 7.4% |
Others
56%
Asian
25%
Hispanic
10%
Black
8%
Out of state
70%
In state
15%
Foreign
13%
24 and under
93%
25 and over
6%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
UG Enrollment
PG Enrollment
Commonly asked questions On Student Profile
Yes, parents are allowed to visit & meet with students over the duration of their studies at UPenn.
However, students should notify the institute of the date & time of their arrival beforehand.
For a short-term visit, parents are advised to apply for a B2 Tourist Visa.
While not as safe as living on campus, the safety of living off-campus ultimately comes down to the region where you choose to stay.
The University City, Center City & Fitler square are considered the safest areas to live near the university campus, offering a student friendly environment.
University of Pennsylvania Notable Alumni
University of Pennsylvania has a remarkable alumni network that further adds to its rising popularity. It has proved conducive to launching the dreams of many notable personalities. Some of the well-known names include:
| UPenn Alumni | Designation/Profession | |
|---|---|---|
| Donald Trump | An American Politician, Media Personality, and Businessman who served as the 45th President of the United States |  |
| Elon Musk |
A Businessman and Investor He is the founder, chairman, CEO, and CTO of SpaceX; angel investor, CEO, product architect, and former chairman of Tesla, Inc.; owner, chairman, and CTO of X Corp.; founder of the Boring Company and xAI; co-founder of Neuralink and OpenAI; and president of the Musk Foundation |
 |
| Shweta Bachchan Nanda |
An Indian Columnist, Author, and Former Model. Additionally, she has been a Columnist for Daily News and Analysis and Vogue India |
 |
| Jayant Sinha |
An Indian politician who is the Member of Indian Parliament and formerly the Minister of State for Finance and the Minister of State for Civil Aviation in the Government of India |
 |
| Warren Buffet | An American Businessman, Investor, and Philanthropist, who currently serves as the co-founder, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. |  |
| Elizabeth Banks | An American Actress and Filmmaker |  |
| William Henry Harrison | An American Military Officer and politician who served as the 9th President of the United States |  |
| Candice Bergen | An American Actress |  |
| Mehmet Oz | An American Television Personality, Physician, Author, Professor Emeritus of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Columbia University, and former Political Candidate |  |
| Ashley Biden | An American Social Worker, Activist, Philanthropist, and Fashion Designer |  |
| Chiang Wan-an | A Taiwanese politician, who has served as the Mayor of Taipei |  |
| Becki Newton | An American Actress |  |
Commonly asked questions On Alumni
Yes, American President Donald Trump is a notable alumni of the University of Pennsylvania.
Trump graduated with a degree in BS in Economics, in 1968, from the UPenn business school: Wharton.
His past educational background included attending the Fordham University in 1964 & the New York Military Academy, a boarding school in the US, prior to his college education.
Yes, Shweta Bachchan Nanda and Jayant Sinha are two popular Indian alumni members of the Pennsylvania Uni.
Shweta Bachchan Nanda is an Indian Columnist, Author, and Former Model. Additionally, she has been a Columnist for Daily News and Analysis and Vogue India.
Jayant Sinha is an Indian politician who is the Member of Indian Parliament and formerly the Minister of State for Finance and the Minister of State for Civil Aviation in the Government of India. He pursued a Master of Science in Energy Management & Policy in UPenn University.
UPenn Vs Penn State Vs Harvard: Which is Better?
University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University as well as Harvard University are all part of the best universities in USA.
While both Harvard and UPenn are among the top 20 universities in USA, Penn State is not far behind.
In terms of acceptance rates, its no surprise to see, the two higher ranked universities having the lowest acceptance rates. The University of Pennsylvania acceptance rate stands at 5.4%, while Harvard acceptance rate is 3.4%.
Penn State is the easiest to secure admissions at of the three.
In terms of affordability, the Pennsylvania State University fees is the lowest, while both Harvard and UPenn are neck and neck.
The table below gives a detailed comparison between UPenn, PSU and Harvard:
|
Criteria |
University of Pennsylvania |
Pennsylavania State University |
Harvard University |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Location |
Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States |
201 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802, United States |
Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States |
|
Acceptance Rate |
5.4% |
55% |
3.4% |
|
Popular Programs |
Economics, Computer Science, Psychology |
MBA, Psychology, Finance |
Engineering, Psychology, MBA |
|
Average Tuition Fee (UG) |
INR 52.23 L-INR 58.7 L |
INR 34.4 L-INR 38.6 L |
INR 50.65 L-INR 52.9 L |
|
Average Tuition Fee (PG) |
INR 14.7 L-INR 78 L |
INR 20.8 L-INR 61.7 L |
INR 17.05 L-INR 69.24 L |
|
Shiksha Popularity Ranking |
#8 in USA |
#37 in USA |
#2 in USA |
|
Shiksha Global Ranking |
#13 |
#112 |
#2 |
Compare University of Pennsylvania with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 19.01 L - 80.72 L | #7 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 21.54 L - 79.2 L | #7 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 34.54 L - 81.19 L | #7 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 30.66 L - 74.09 L | #7 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 25.77 L - 71.7 L | #6 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 29.56 L - 71.5 L | #20 US News, 2026 |
CompareUniversity of PennsylvaniaStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
University of Pennsylvania Campus Life
Located in the West Philadelphia neighborhood, the University of Pennsylvania campus size is a 299-acre urban campus. Alongside, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia also possesses the 23-acre Pennovation Works campus in Grays Ferry, and sites in San Francisco, Washington, DC, and Beijing.
What makes the Uni of Pennsylvania campus very enriching, vibrant and welcoming is the variety of facilities offered, such as:
| Facilities | Details |
|---|---|
| Arts & Culture |
- World-class arts and culture through a variety of programs - Notable sites such as Penn Museum, Arthur Ross Gallery, Institute of Contemporary Art, and others |
| Student Organizations | - Variety of social, political, artistic, and multicultural student clubs & organizations |
| Safety & Security |
- Provides general public safety tips and important information about the ways Penn students can promote a safe campus - 24/7 walking escort service - Enhances well-being, academic success, and personal growth |
| Spirituality & Religion |
- Several spiritual and religious organizations - Helps students practice faith and fellowship within supportive, welcoming communities |
| Health & Wellness |
- Home to a world-class medical, dental, nursing, and veterinary school - Provides the support, resources, and practical tools to ensure wellness & safety |
UPenn Location
Uni Pennsylvania is situated in the West Philadelphia neighborhood, which is popularly referred to as the University City. It is located just across the Schuylkill River from Center City Philadelphia.
Commonly asked questions On Others
Yes, the University of Pennsylvania campus has a number of Indian & South Asian student groups & organizations.
The Indian Association at Penn is the most prominent one, along with the Penn India Association.
Rangoli, Penn Sargam, Atma, Penn Hype & the Indian Graduate Student Association at University Park are some other popular clubs that actively participates in cultural & academic events throughout the year.
While Indian food is available in limited quantity on campus, there are multiple places to find authentic Indian food off campus.
Listed below are some popular places to find Indian food near the campus:
Indian Food Restaurant | Known for | Address |
|---|---|---|
Desi Chaat House | Indian Chaat such as Panipuri, Delhi Chaat, Vada Pav Appertizer | 501 S 42nd St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104 |
New Delhi Indian Restaurant | Non Vegetarian Food oiptions: Butter Chicken, Goat Curry, Lamb Saag, Chicken Tikka Masala & Rice & Mango Lassi | 1634 South St, Philadelphia, PA, 19146 |
Tiffin Bistro | Both Veg & Non Veg options are available | 1100 Federal St, Philadelphia, PA, 19147 |
King of Tandoor | Great for starters such as: Vegetable Korma, Grilled Meat Appetizer, Shrimp Curry | 1824 Callowhill St, Philadelphia, PA, 19130 |
Lovash Indian Cuisine | Better suited for takeouts | 236 South St, Philadelphia, PA, 19147. |
Yes, the UPenn campus can described as safe for all students including from India.
As per student reviews curated from an unofficial source, Upenn has its own police precinct that patrols the area 24/7 a day & seven days a week.
Further, the Pennsylvania Police Department is also located nearby, which makes it a safe location for students to pursue their studies in.
Top 5 Tips to get into UPenn
Indian students keen on higher education from UPenn must keep these tips in mind before applying:
Excel Academically
The university prioritizes students with a solid academic background & hence, Indian applicants must do the same.
Aim for scores above 95% or 90% at the very least in your high school or college level academics.
Build a Strong Profile
Simply participating in non-academic clubs & activities may not be enough, since most applicants do that.
Indian students must stand out from others such as, creating meaningful community projects, winning national level contests or Olympiads, or demonstrate past internship or work related experience.
Keep an eye on Scholarships
University of Pennsylvania offers need-based scholarships which could significantly help reduce the costs of studies in the US.
Indian applicants must keep track of the popular scholarship programs & their application windows, as this could help save a lot of money & effort.
Apply Early
Students are advised to apply early, as this gives enough time to the institute for document processing & boosts the overall chances of acceptance, per survey conducted by an unofficial source.
Show Active Engagement
Regularly attending all student related online or offline events, & mentioning them as part of your essay to the institute, helps create a positive view in the mind of the authorities.
Commonly asked questions On Additional Details 1
On-campus accommodation at UPenn is guaranteed for UG students for the first 2 years, but not for all UG students.
Other students have to wait as part of the waiting list, or look for off-campus accommodation near the university campus.
Prospective students are advised to apply for on-campus housing ASAP, to secure their seat.
While UPenn aids in finding suitable family accommodation, it does not offer on-campus accommodation to students with families.
Students can contact the UPenn Family Resource Center, to be guided with the housing process.
University of Pennsylvania FAQs
UPenn University is one of the top choices among international students due to the university's world-class programs, an impressive return on investment, vibrant campus life, and more. As per the reviews posted by students on Shiksha, the university has obtained the following stars:
| Parameters | Stars (Shiksha Reviews) |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3.5 |
| Public Transportation | 4.7 |
| Quality of Faculty | 4.2 |
| Part-time Work | 4.0 |
| Value for Money | 3.3 |
| Indian Food | 3.3 |
| Student Life | 3.3 |
| Post-study Jobs | 3.2 |
| Permanent Immigration | 3.0 |
| Safety | 2.8 |
| Internships | 2.8 |
Yes, Shweta Bachchan Nanda and Jayant Sinha are two popular Indian alumni members of the Pennsylvania Uni.
Shweta Bachchan Nanda is an Indian Columnist, Author, and Former Model. Additionally, she has been a Columnist for Daily News and Analysis and Vogue India.
Jayant Sinha is an Indian politician who is the Member of Indian Parliament and formerly the Minister of State for Finance and the Minister of State for Civil Aviation in the Government of India. He pursued a Master of Science in Energy Management & Policy in UPenn University.
University of Pennsylvania is considered to be the 4th the oldest university in the United States. It was founded in the year 1740 by Benjamin Franklin. It was the year 1751 in which the university started its journey with children of the gentry and working class as the Academy and Charitable School in the Province of Pennsylvania.
It is interesting to note that the University of Pennsylvania acquired its present name in the year 1791.
Some of the top employers of the year 2022 were:
| Upenn Top Employers of 2022 | |
|---|---|
Accenture Strategy | Apple |
Adobe INC. | Amazon |
Achieve Partners | American Express |
Alpine Investors | Apollo Global Management |
University of Pennsylvania
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a month ago
All three Business Schools are ranked best for their Business and Management courses. They are highly ranked by the top-ranking bodies for Business and Management Studies.
The table below shows the QS Rankings of the best Business Schools globally:
Business Schools/Universities | QS World Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
Harvard University | #1 |
Stanford University | #3 |
University of Pennsylvania | #9 |
The table below shows the Shiksha Popularity Rank
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
For the Class of 2029, UPenn received approximately 9,500 applications through the Early Decision plan, of which almost 1,300 students were admitted by the university. This makes the University of Pennsylvania acceptance rate stand at roughly 13.6%, which is on the more selective side; however, at
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
While the business schools like Harvard, Stanford GSB, and Wharton are among the top schools to pursue Business and Management, Wharton is the least selective of all three.
Wharton's larger class size (866 in MBA Class 2026) is the main reason for its accessibility. Wharton seeks students with stro
M
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 months ago
Interviews are conducted at the Wharton School as a part of the Wharton MBA application process. Although these interviews are conducted via an interview only. They are one-on-one interviews focusing on the professional experience, career goals, candidate's leadership skills, and the fundamental ans
D
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, an MBA at Wharton UPenn is completely worth it for Indians investing over 90L for studies. The programme is designed for students looking for a quantitative, leadership-driven, and globally popular MBA program, and for those aiming career in Consulting, Finance, Tech, or Entrepreneurship fields
M
Contributor-Level 8
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University of Pennsylvania
PENN Building
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University of PennsylvaniaLocation
| University City | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Size of city | Large |
| Population of City | 15,80,863 |
University of PennsylvaniaCampuses
3701 Chestnut Street,Suite 1W Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
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