University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania’s main campus is located in University City, Philadelphia. In addition to this, the university operates the New Bolton Center, which focuses on veterinary medicine and animal research. 

Here are the key features of the University City campus.

• The Penn Biomedical Graduate Studies Program: It is ranked among the top 10 biomedical programs in the U.S. Its research led to the development of gene editing technologies.
• Green Campus Initiative: The LEED Gold certification of The New College House makes it a model for eco-friendly architecture in urban settings.
• Urban Sustainability: The Penn Connects initiative has received a $50 million investment to create a climate resilience hub. 
• The MindCORE Program: It is a $10 million initiative that focuses on exploring the intersection of neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and cognitive science. 
• The Penn Museum's Immersive Digital Experiences: It is one of the few museums globally that combines virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in its exhibits. 

After exploring the features of the campus, let’s take a look at the university’s performance through its rankings.

The University of Pennsylvania ranking remains consistently high across global league tables. According to QS Ranking 2026, it is placed at #15, while in the THE Ranking 2025, it holds the #14 position. Additionally, the US News Ranking 2025 ranks it #10 among national universities. 

Here’s how the University of Pennsylvania performs in various rankings.

Ranking Body	Rank 2024	Rank 2025	Rank 2026
QS World Rankings	12	11	15
Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings	16	14	N/A
U.S. News Rankings	N/A	10	N/A

Apart from overall rankings, subject-specific rankings highlight the university's performance in particular fields. Let’s take a look.

University of Pennsylvania: Top Course-wise Ranking 2025

University of Pennsylvania’s subject-wise rankings shows its strong performance across various disciplines. Engineering courses are ranked #95, Business at #9, and medicine at #13 in the QS Rankings, all within the top 100. 

Additionally, Nursing holds the #2 spot in the U.S. News rankings. The university’s performance in Humanities (#15) and Law (#24) in the THE Rankings demonstrates its excellence across multiple disciplines.

Here are the different subject-wise rankings.

Program Name	Ranking Body	Ranking 2025
Engineering	QS Ranking	95
Business	QS Ranking	9
Medicine	QS Ranking	13
Humanities	Times Higher Education	15
Law	Times Higher Education	24
Nursing	US News Ranking	2

Now that you’ve explored University of Pennsylvania rankings in detail, let’s find out the admission requirements to study at the university.

The University of Pennsylvania acceptance rate is 5%, reflecting high competition among applicants, with the rate for international students being under 3%. Understanding the required documents, such as GPA scores, can help minimize errors and ensure the timely submission of your application.

Here are the admission requirements and deadlines for studying at the University of Pennsylvania.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements typically include academic qualifications such as a bachelor's degree, along with documents like academic transcripts. Undergraduate programs require standardized test scores like the ACT or SAT. 

International students must demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Once your admission is approved, you can apply for a student visa.

Below are the admission requirements to study at the University of Pennsylvania.

Academic Qualification

Academic requirements usually include a high school diploma for undergraduate applicants or a bachelor's degree for graduate applicants. Students must submit academic transcripts as proof of study, along with additional documents like letters of recommendation. 

Programs like engineering may require prior study in relevant subjects to meet specific course prerequisites.

Here are the academic requirements.

Criteria	Details
Eligibility	UG: High school diploma. PG: Bachelors degree
Academic Transcript	Original copies of all college and university certificates. Submit English translated copies if the certificates are in other languages.
Letters of Recommendation (LOR)	LORs have to be submitted through online application.
Miscellaneous Requirements	Previous study in the same field Personal experience essay Short answers based on prompts Resume/CV Portfolio (for Digital Media Design)

Next, let’s explore the language proficiency requirements for international students.

Language Proficiency

Students from international backgrounds must show English language proficiency levels through tests like TOEFL and the Duolingo English Test (DET). However, students who have studied in English-medium institutions may be eligible for an exemption. The test scores must be no more than 2 years old.

Here are the English language test requirements.

ELP Requirement	Average Score
TOEFL	100
IELTS	7.0
Duolingo English Test	130

Note: Some courses have higher English language proficiency (ELP) requirements. Check the course page for exact details.

Next, let’s explore the competitive exams required for admission to University of Pennsylvania.

Competitive Exams

Undergraduate students need to apply using SAT or ACT scores. GRE scores are optional for all graduate programs, but GMAT scores are required for MBA programs.

Here are the competitive exams required.

Exam	Average Score
SAT	1500 - 1570
ACT	34 - 35
GRE	Quant: 163 Verbal: 162
GMAT	732

Finally, let’s discuss the visa requirements for students planning to study at University of Pennsylvania.

Visa Requirements

The visa application begins after the university sends the letter of acceptance. However, it's recommended that you have essential documents like a certificate of financial support and a passport copy ready before applying. In some cases, you may also be required to attend a visa interview.

Here are the US study visa requirements.

Document	Details
Valid Passport	Must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the U.S.
Letter of Acceptance	Official admission letter issued by the university.
Certificate of Finances	Bank account statements, affidavits, or scholarship letters showing financial support for at least 1 year.
Form I-20	Issued by the university after admission and financial documents are approved. Required for the F-1 visa application.
Passport-size Photograph	Must meet U.S. visa photo requirements for filling out the DS-160 form.

Next, let’s check out the intakes and application deadlines for admissions to University of Pennsylvania.

Admission Dates and Deadlines

The University of Pennsylvania has main intakes in the fall and spring. The application deadlines are the same for both domestic and international applicants. 

Students can apply for early decision, and if they are not admitted, they can apply for regular decision, with a deadline of January 5, 2025 (Closed).

Here are the intakes and deadlines for the University of Pennsylvania.

Type of Application	Type of Applicant	Application Deadline
Early Decision	Freshers	1 November 2024 (Closed)
Regular Decision	Freshers	5 January 2025 (Closed)

After exploring the University of Pennsylvania admission process and deadlines, let’s check out some popular programs.

The University of Pennsylvania offers 67 undergraduate, graduate, and PhD programs across its 12 schools. While it is known for its programs like the MBA, it also provides unique and emerging courses in fields like robotics, artificial intelligence, and more.

Here are some popular programs offered at the University of Pennsylvania.

• MBA in Quantitative Finance: Focus on advanced financial analysis, risk management, and mathematical modeling to excel in finance-related careers.
• MS in Robotics: Gain expertise in automation, machine learning, and robotic systems to innovate in the field of robotics.
• MS in Artificial Intelligence: Learn algorithms, machine learning, and data-driven methods to drive innovation in AI technologies.
• BS in Business Analytics: Study data analytics, business intelligence, and decision-making techniques to enhance business strategies.
• BA in International Studies: Explore global politics, economics, and cultures to understand international relations and global issues.
• BSE in Design Media Design: Develop skills in interactive design, digital media, and user experience for innovative technology solutions.

After exploring some popular programs offered by University of Pennsylvania, let’s find out the fees for different programs.

Program Fees at University of Pennsylvania

In USA, the average tuition fee is $38,270 (INR 32.7L), depending on whether it's a master's course or a bachelor's course. An MS at University of Pennsylvania costs $33,976 (INR L), whereas the MBA program costs $87,970 (INR L).

Below are the costs for different programs at the University.

Base Course	Annual Tuition Fee ($)	Annual Tuition Fee (INR)
MS	$33,976	INR 29.1L
MBA	$87,970	INR 75.3L
BA	$63,204	INR 54.1L
BTech (BS in Engineering)	$63,204	INR 54.1L
MD	$71,080	INR 60.9L

Note: 

• Fees may vary for specific courses. Please check the official University website for the latest information.
• The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

After exploring the popular courses and fees, let's examine the cost of studying at University of Pennsylvania.

The cost of tuition and associated expenses is an important factor to consider when planning your educational journey as an international student. 

Typically, the average tuition fee for out-of-state students at state universities in the U.S. is $26,290 (INR 22.6L). For private colleges, it comes around $35,830 (INR 30.8L).

The table below outlines the tuition fees that make up the cost of studying in the US for Indian students,

Course	Annual Tuition Fees (USD)	Annual Tuition Fees (INR)
Business	UG: $63,204	INR 54.1L
	PG: $87,970	INR 75.3L
Medicine	$71,080	INR 60.9L
Arts and Humanities	UG: $63,204	INR 54.1L
	PG: $5,395 per unit	INR 4.6L
Engineering	UG: $63,204	INR 54.1L
	PG: $33,976	INR 29.1L

Note: The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Apart from tuition fees, you need to consider other costs such as accommodation, food, and course materials.

Cost of Living 

The average cost of living in the U.S. varies based on your lifestyle choices and location. For on-campus students, it is comes around $76,874 (INR 66.1L), while off-campus expenses are $65,174 (INR 56.1L). These figures can vary depending on inflation rates.

Below are the additional expenses involved while living on campus.

Purpose	Annual Cost (USD)	Annual Cost (INR)
Housing	$13,132	INR 11.2L
Food	$6,744	INR 5.7L
Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment	$1,412	INR 1.2L
Transportation	$1,080	INR 92.5K
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses (e.g., clothing, electricity bill)	$2,008	INR 1.7L

Note: The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Students can reduce the cost of studying through both internal and external scholarships. Let’s explore University of Pennsylvania Scholarships.

In the U.S., private organizations and universities collectively spend $8.2 billion annually on scholarships. The University of Pennsylvania reflects this commitment to educational equality by awarding over $10 million each year to international students, alongside support for domestic students.

Below is a breakdown of the internal and external scholarships to study in the US for Indian students, including University of Pennsylvania.

Internal Scholarships

Internal scholarships at the University of Pennsylvania are funded through the university’s resources and endowments, which amount to $22.3 billion from donors. Scholarships like the Named Scholarship provide complete financial assistance to students in need.

Here are some of the internal scholarships available for students.

Scholarship Name	Type of Scholarship	Details
Named Scholarship	Need-based	Eligibility: Varies by donor specifications or department. Benefits: Financial assistance based on criteria such as academic achievement.
Federal Pell Grant	Need-based	Eligibility: Undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Benefits: Financial grant to cover tuition and related costs.
Penn Grant	Need-based	Eligibility: Undergraduate students demonstrating financial need. Benefits: Financial award to cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses.

Apart from university scholarships, you can also explore external scholarships to reduce the cost of living.

External Scholarships

Students can also apply for external scholarships offered by foundations and governments. For instance, the Fulbright Scholarship covers the full cost of studying in the U.S, while the Inlaks Scholarship covers the tuition fees and cost of living.

Here are some external scholarships available.

Scholarship Name	Type of Scholarship	Details
Nehru-Fullbright Scholarships	Merit-based Government-funded	Eligibility: Indian citizens with a Masters degree, strong academic record, and professional experience.  Benefits: Complete funding for a PG or PhD program in the U.S., including living expenses, airfare, and tuition.
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships	Merit-based, Private-funded	Eligibility: Indian students with very good academic records, planning to study in the U.S., UK, or Europe. Benefits: Covers tuition cost, living expenses, and one-way travel from India to the university.
National Overseas Scholarship	Need-based	Eligibility: SC, ST, and OBC students with family income up to INR 8L per annum. Benefits: Covers tuition fees, living costs, and airfare.

Now that you’ve explored financial aid options through scholarships, let’s determine the placement outcomes at University of Pennsylvania.

The University of Pennsylvania has a strong track record of student success after graduation. With a 97% graduation rate, 95% of its graduates are employed within one year, earning an average salary of $86,069 (INR 73.7L). This highlights how well-prepared students are for roles at prestigious firms like JP Morgan.

Here are the placement services offered at the University of Pennsylvania.

• Handshake Platform: A centralized portal for students to schedule appointments, apply for jobs, and access career resources.
• Same-Day Advising: Career counseling service offers 15-minute virtual drop-in sessions with career advisors for quick questions on resumes, cover letters, or interview preparation.
• Career Fairs: Organizes both in-person and virtual career fairs each semester, connecting students with a wide range of employers.
• Employer Information Sessions: Provides opportunities for students to learn about potential employers through scheduled sessions on campus.
• Resume and Cover Letter Reviews: Offers personalized feedback on application materials to enhance student profiles.

Now, let’s find out the top companies hiring graduates from University of Pennsylvania.

Top Recruiters

The University of Pennsylvania is renowned for its strong focus on research and its emphasis on practical skills. The combination of academic programs and real-world application makes Penn graduates highly sought after for roles like financial analyst at top companies like JP Morgan.

Here are the top companies recruiting University of Pennsylvania graduates:

• Goldman Sachs: Hires for roles such as financial analysts, investment bankers, and risk managers.
• Adobe: Recruits software engineers, product managers, and UX designers.
• JP Morgan: Offers positions for investment bankers, financial analysts, and risk analysts.
• Apple: Looks for software engineers, data scientists, and product designers.
• Deloitte: Hires consultants, risk analysts, and financial auditors.
• General Motors: Recruits mechanical engineers, supply chain managers, and business analysts.
• Salesforce: Offers roles in software engineering, customer success management, and cloud solutions architecture.

After learning about the top recruiters at the University of Pennsylvania, let’s check out the internship opportunities available for students.

Internship Opportunities at University of Pennsylvania

Internships provide invaluable opportunities for students to develop essential skills such as leadership, interpersonal communication, and problem-solving by working in practical settings. 

These experiences not only make students strong candidates for permanent roles but also enhance their CVs, offering a competitive edge in the job market.

Here are some available internships at the University of Pennsylvania:

• Summer Humanities Internships (SHIP): These internships offer funding for summer research in the humanities and social sciences, lasting 10 weeks.
• Global Research and Internship Programs (GRIP): Students can intern or conduct research abroad for 8 to 12 weeks over the summer.

For international students, there are two main ways to pursue internships:

• Optional Practical Training (OPT): This requires you to apply in advance and get approval from the College Office before proceeding.
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This option is available for internships that are directly related to a student’s major and are part of their curriculum. 

Internship opportunities ensure you are well-prepared to work in industries after graduating from the University. Now, let’s explore student life on campus.

At the University of Pennsylvania, students have the opportunity to live and learn among peers from over 100 countries, making it a truly global experience. 

The university offers more than just academics; it provides a holistic experience that integrates clubs, sports, and community development. 

Here’s how you can enjoy your time at the University of Pennsylvania:

• Student Clubs and Organizations: With over 1,000 clubs, including Greek life fraternities, you will gain valuable leadership skills and connect with like-minded individuals.
• Art and Culture: Explore the university’s museums, galleries, and performing arts programs, along with dance and photography classes to build creativity.
• Athletics and Recreation: Participate in sports such as basketball, ice hockey, sailing, and soccer, or take advantage of the recreational facilities.
• Health and Wellness: The university provides comprehensive support and resources, including mental health counseling and healthcare tips to ensure your well-being.
• Community Involvement: Get involved in programs like the Netter Center for Community Partnerships, which connects students with local communities through tutoring, mentorship, and service-learning projects.

Next, let’s explore some popular alumni from University of Pennsylvania.

The University of Pennsylvania is the alma mater of over 290,000 alumni from around the world, including notable figures like Google CEO Sundar Pichai and US President Donald Trump.

Here are some notable alumni.

Alumni	Field of Work	Details
Donald Trump	Politics	Currently serving as the 47th President of the United States
Elon Musk	Entrepreneurship	Founder of SpaceX, Tesla, and several other ventures in tech and space exploration.
Elizabeth Banks	Actor	Known for her roles in The Hunger Games and Pitch Perfect.
Sundar Pichai	Technology	Chief Executive Officer of Alphabet Inc. (Google's parent company)
John Legend	Music	Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and philanthropist, known for hits like All of Me.
Kunal Bahl	Entrepreneurship	Co-founder and CEO of Snapdeal, a leading e-commerce platform in India.

Finally, let’s see how the University of Pennsylvania compares to other similar universities.

Comparing similar universities can help you understand tuition fees, course offerings, and average salaries, enabling you to make future decisions.

For instance, the tuition fee for undergraduate courses at the University of Pennsylvania is $63,204 (NR 54.1L), compared to $17,478 (IN 14.9L) at the University of California, Berkeley.

Here is a comparison of the University of Pennsylvania with the University of California, Berkeley and Yale University.

Parameters	University of Pennsylvania	University of California, Berkley	Yale University
QS Rankings 2026	15	17	21
Tuition Fees	UG: $63,204 (INR 54.1L)	UG: $17,478 (INR 14.9L)	UG: $69,900 (INR 59.9L)
	PG: $64,342 (INR 55.1L)	PG: $6,570 (INR 5.6L) per semester	PG: $51,250 (INR 43.9L)
Number of Courses	67	300+	2,000
Acceptance Rate	5%	12%	5%
Popular Courses	UG:  BA in Cognitive Science BA in International Relations	UG:  BS in Molecular and Cell Biology BA in Computer Science	UG:  BA in History BFA in Theater Studies
	PG:  MS in Robotics MSE in Bioengineering	PG:  MArch in Architecture MS in Public Health	PG:  MFA in Creative Writing MA in Public Policy
Placement (Average)	$86,069 (INR 73.7L)	$57,445 (INR 49.2L)	$64,379 (INR 55.1L)
Post-study Work Visa	Students can apply for up to 36 months of OPT	International graduates can apply for OPT (up to 36 months)	Eligible for up to 36 months of OPT after graduation.
Scholarships	Named Scholarship	Fiat Lux Scholarship	Emerging Scholars Initiative

The University of Pennsylvania is known for providing strong academic programs and valuable real-world experience. 

With a focus on both learning and practical application, it’s an ideal choice for students looking to build a solid foundation and prepare for success in their careers.