University of Pennsylvania Ranking

Pennsylvania, USA

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#13

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The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) just announced its most selective year ever, with a record-low 4.9% acceptance rate for the Class of 2029. Only 3,530 students were admitted from 72,544 applicants.

The University of Pennsylvania consistently holds its place as one of the world's most elite institutions. It ranks #14 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 and #10 in the U.S. News Rankings 2025. It also ranked #15 in the 2026 QS World University Rankings.

The University of Pennsylvania, an esteemed Ivy League institution, is recognized as one of the best universities and colleges in the US. It offers over 23,000 students a wide range of programs that emphasize interdisciplinary research, practical knowledge, and more. Penn's tireless commitment to academic excellence and its "One University" policy make it an ideal choice for those looking to study in the USA.

University of Pennsylvania Rankings 2025-26

Understanding the University of Pennsylvania Ranking on global and national stages provides valuable insight into its immense academic influence, subject specific rankings and powerful reputation.

The University of Pennsylvania is consistently recognized as one of the world's elite institutions, at #15 in the QS Rankings 2026 and #10 in the U.S. News ranking for 2025. The THE rankings 2025 place it at #14, strengthening its global reputation.

Below is a breakdown of its performance across select ranking agencies:

Ranking Agency	2024 Rank	2025 Rank	2026 Rank
QS World University Rankings	#12	#11	#15
U.S. News & World Report (National Universities)	#10	#10	NA
Times Higher Education World University Rankings	#16	#14	NA

Below is a graphical representation of the University of Pennsylvania's rankings.

Over the last three years, the University of Pennsylvania Ranking reveals a story of both stability and global fluctuation. The U.S. News ranking consistently keeps Penn at #10, strengthening its reputation as a top-tier institution.

In contrast, the THE rankings reveal that Penn has risen from #16 to #14, highlighting its growing research strength and global outlook. The QS Rankings have been the most volatile; after improving from #12 to #11, Penn saw a notable shift to #15 for 2026.

These trends show that Penn's academic standing is strong nationally but faces fierce, evolving competition globally.

Now that you've reviewed the University of Pennsylvania's general ranking, let's look at how it performs in individual subjects.

Subject-Wise Ranking of University of Pennsylvania

Subject-specific rankings provide a more in-depth understanding of individual programs. For instance, Penn is ranked #1 in the world for Nursing courses (QS), #1 for its UG Business Program (U.S. News), and #8 for Psychology (THE).

Here's a breakdown of the University of Pennsylvania's subject-wise rankings from top global agencies:

QS World University Rankings 2025

The University of Pennsylvania shows comprehensive academic excellence across various disciplines in the QS Rankings by Subject 2025.

Business courses and Medicine courses perform exceptionally well, with Business courses ranked at #9 and Medicine at #13. Humanities (#16) and Law courses (#29) are also well-regarded. Engineering courses, ranked at #95, show potential for further improvement.

Here is a breakdown of Penn's key program placements in the 2025 QS rankings:

Subject/Field	QS Ranking 2025
Business & Management Studies	9
Medicine	13
Social Sciences & Management	16
Law	29
Engineering & Technology	95

Shifting from the QS rankings to the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings, the University of Pennsylvania continues to excel across multiple disciplines.

Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings 2025

In the 2025 Times Higher Education rankings, the University of Pennsylvania Ranking showcases its elite status across numerous fields. It secures top-10 positions in highly competitive areas like Medicine (#10).

Business (#13) and Humanities courses (#15) are also well-regarded programs. Engineering courses (#34) and Law (#24) also perform well in rankings, showcasing holistic excellence.

Here is a breakdown of the University of Pennsylvania's courses in the 2025 THE rankings:

Program	THE Rank 2025
Arts and Humanities	15
Business and Economics	13
Medical and Health	10
Engineering	34
Law	24

With top-tier rankings in QS and THE, let's take a look at how the University of Pennsylvania fares in the U.S. News rankings.

U.S. News & World Report Subject Rankings 2025

In the U.S, the University of Pennsylvania Ranking for specific subjects highlights its absolute dominance in business education.

The university secures the #1 for its overall Business courses and top placements in economics (#8). The university's strength is also evident in highly-rated Nursing (#2) and Biotechnology (#12).

Here is a snapshot of the University of Pennsylvania's performance in key subject areas according to U.S. News rankings:

Program	U.S. News Rank 2025
Business Programs	1
Biotechnology/Biocomputing	12
Nursing	2
Economics	8

Beyond these specific subject rankings, the university's overall recognition in miscellaneous areas further emphasizes its standing as a leading global institution.

Miscellaneous Ranking 2025

Apart from traditional rankings, the University of Pennsylvania performs well in other prestigious rankings. In the Shanghai rankings, based on academic and research performance, it is placed at #14. Similarly, Forbes ranks it #4 among top colleges in the country, while Niche places it at #4 among top private universities in the country.

Below is a list of rankings that showcase the broad success of the University of Pennsylvania Ranking across multiple areas:

Ranking Agency	Ranking
Shanghai Ranking (ARWU)	14
Forbes	#4 in America's Top Colleges (2023) #3 in Private Colleges #3 in Research Universities (2023) #15 in Best Employers for New Grads (2024)





Niche	#1 Best Colleges for Business in America #4 Top Private Universities in America #12 Best College Campuses in America #32 Best Test Optional Colleges in America (of 1,452)

Beyond its rankings, Penn University's accomplishments and areas of excellence set it apart from other institutions. Let’s check out how it performs.

University of Pennsylvania: Excellence and Achievements

The University of Pennsylvania courses, supported by its $6.7 billion endowment, drive innovation and prepare students for careers in various fields. Located in Philadelphia, Penn offers career opportunities in finance, medicine, technology, and more.

Let's explore Penn's academic offerings and the recognition it receives on both national and international fronts.

Academic Excellence and National Recognition

University of Pennsylvania excels in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Recognized for its leadership in business, law, STEM, and health, Penn is a top choice for students seeking academic excellence and research opportunities. With a faculty-to-student ratio of 8:1, Penn ensures personalized attention for students.

Below are some of the University of Pennsylvania's key academic recognitions:

Academic Achievements	Recognition
Graduate Programs	Wharton School is accredited by AACSB. Penn Carey Law is approved by the ABA. The School of Nursing is accredited by the CCNE. The Clinical Psychology program is accredited by the APA.
Undergraduate Programs	Wharton's undergraduate business program is accredited by AACSB. The Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Research & Innovation	$1.1 billion in annual research funding #15 globally for artificial intelligence research (Nature Index 2024)
Selectivity & Growth	4.9% acceptance rate (Class of 2029) for the Class of 2029, selected from a pool of over 72,544 applicants.

Penn’s reputation extends beyond academics; it's also recognized for its exceptional community and lifestyle. Let's examine this next.

Community and Lifestyle Recognitions

Penn's focus on accessibility, student well-being, and career success creates an environment where students can succeed. The university's "no-loan" financial aid policy makes education affordable, while its career services result in strong professional outcomes for graduates.

Here's how the University of Pennsylvania stands out in this area:

Student Support & Success	Achievements
Financial Accessibility	Meets 100% demonstrated need for all undergraduates. Tuition-free for families with incomes under $75,000 (INR 64.3 L).
Diversity & Wellbeing	1 in 7 students in the Class of 2027 are first-generation. 35+ student diversity clubs and organizations.
Career Integration	Strong ties to finance, healthcare, and tech industries. #8 in the world for Employability (CWUR 2024).
Industry Connections	Recruitment from top firms such as Goldman Sachs (finance) and McKinsey (consulting). Partnerships with the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (healthcare) and close ties to the Comcast Technology Center (tech).

Financial accessibility is further demonstrated by University of Pennsylvania scholarships, such as Pennsylvania grants, which help reduce the financial burden. Now, let's explore its cultural contributions.

Cultural and Creative Excellence

The University of Pennsylvania campus offers rich cultural experiences and hosts renowned institutions like the Penn Museum and the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Penn is home to rich arts and humanities programs where students can express their creativity and connect with professionals in the industry.

Here's how the University of Pennsylvania stands out:

Category	Recognition
Arts & Culture Hubs	Home to the world-renowned Penn Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), and the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Penn also features the Kelly Writers House, Arthur Ross Gallery, and Platt Performing Arts House.
Global Engagement	Penn Abroad offers over 100 programs in more than 50 countries 22% of the undergraduate student body is international, reflecting a diverse and global campus community.

Now that you’ve explored Penn’s academic excellence, community support, and cultural impact, let’s explore the University of Pennsylvania admissions acceptance to assess its competitiveness.

University of Pennsylvania: Ranking V/S Acceptance Rate

The University of Pennsylvania is a globally recognized Ivy League institution, known for its extremely competitive academic programs. The University of Pennsylvania's acceptance rate of just 6% for the Class of 2027 shows it as one of the most selective universities in the world.

Below is a breakdown of the rankings for some of Penn's most renowned undergraduate schools alongside the university's overall selective acceptance rate.

Program	U.S. News Rankings 2025	Acceptance Rate
Wharton School (Business)	1	6%
College of Arts & Sciences	6
School of Nursing	2

Now that you've understood the acceptance rate for different programs, let's look at the methodologies used to establish these positions.

Ranking Methodologies

University rankings can vary significantly, depending on what each organization values most, particularly within the context of the education system in the USA. For example, QS Rankings give 30% weight to academic reputation, while THE assigns 29.5% to research environment. U.S. News values outcomes like graduation rates at 22%.

The following summary highlights how each ranking organization assesses the University of Pennsylvania:

QS World University Rankings

QS ranking evaluates universities through five distinct "performance lenses," covering everything from academic reputation to sustainability.

For a top-tier institution like the University of Pennsylvania, excelling in the heavily weighted Research and Discovery lens (50%) and the Employability and Outcomes lens (20%) is crucial to its high ranking.

Here's a breakdown of QS's methodology for university ranking:

Focus Area	Indicators	Weightage
Research and Discovery	Academic Reputation	30%
Research and Discovery	Citations per Faculty	20%
Employability and Outcomes	Employer Reputation	15%
Employability and Outcomes	Employment Outcomes	5%
Global Engagement	International Faculty Ratio	5%
	International Research Network	5%
	International Student Ratio	5%
Learning Experience	Faculty Student Ratio	10%
Sustainability	Sustainability	5%

Unlike QS, Times Higher Education (THE) evaluates universities with a slightly different approach, focusing more on teaching quality, research strength, and global outreach.

Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings

THE rankings are based on a comprehensive set of 18 performance indicators grouped into five pillars: Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality, International Outlook, and Industry.

For the University of Pennsylvania, its world-class Research Environment (worth 29%) and its high-impact Research Quality (worth 30%) are the most critical factors driving its top-tier position in this methodology.

Here is the official breakdown of how THE ranks universities:

Focus Area	Indicators	Weightage
Teaching	Teaching Reputation	15.00%
	Student Staff Ratio	4.5%
	Doctorate-to-bachelor's ratio	2%
	Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio	5.5%
	Institutional income	2.5%
Research Environment	Research reputation	18%
	Research income	5.5%
	Research productivity	5.5%
Research Quality	Citation impact	15%
	Research strength	5%
	Research excellence	5%
	Research influence	5%
International Outlook	Proportion of international students	2.5%
	Proportion of international staff	2.5%
	International co-authorship	2.5%
Industry	Industry income	2%
Industry	Patents	2%

Next, see how U.S. News and World Report structures its rankings and where the University of Pennsylvania stands in its model.

U.S. News and World Report Rankings

U.S. News ranking focuses exclusively on an institution's academic research performance and global and regional reputations. The University of Pennsylvania's powerful reputation among academics worldwide is a primary driver of its high rank.

Global and Regional Research Reputation accounts for 25% of the total score. The methodology also heavily weighs bibliometric data on research excellence and impact.

Key areas considered in the U.S. News global ranking include:

Metric	Weightage
Global research reputation	12.5%
Regional research reputation	12.5%
Publications	10%
Number of publications that are among the 10% most cited	12.5%
Percentage of total publications that are among the 10% most cited	10%
Normalized citation impact	10%
Total citations	7.5%
International collaboration – relative to country	5%
International collaboration	5%
Number of highly cited papers that are among the top 1% most cited	5%
Percentage of total publications that are among the top 1% most cited	5%
Books	2.5%
Conferences	2.5%

These different methodologies all highlight the University of Pennsylvania's consistent strengths in academic reputation, student success, and research excellence.

Conclusion

The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is a global leader in academic excellence, research innovation, and career-focused education. Ranked #10 in U.S. News rankings (2025) and #11 in the QS Rankings (2026), and #14 in THE rankings 2025, it remains one of the world's most prestigious institutions.

UPenn is committed to affordability, meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all undergraduate students. With its top-tier rankings and a profound commitment to student success, the University provides an environment for academic excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Selective Are Penn's Dual-Degree Programs?

They are exceptionally selective. Acceptance rates for programs like M&T are even lower than Penn's overall 6% rate because they require simultaneous admission to two world-class schools, such as the #1 ranked undergraduate Wharton School and the School of Engineering.

Does Penn Consider Legacy Status In Admissions?

Yes, legacy status is considered, but it is just one of many factors in the admissions process. To be admitted to a highly competitive institution, applicants must first demonstrate exceptional academic achievements, personal merit, and alignment with the university's values.

Is The Penn Alumni Interview Required For Admission?

No, the interview is optional. With over 72,000 applicants, a top-ranked university prioritizes core academic achievements over interviews, which are offered based on alumni availability. Its absence will not harm your application.

Can You Transfer Between Penn's Undergraduate Schools?

Yes, transferring between Penn's undergraduate schools is possible, but it is highly competitive. Gaining entry into prestigious schools like Wharton, which ranks #1 in business, requires meeting rigorous academic standards. Transfers are evaluated on both academic excellence and the ability to succeed in different programs.

Is Financial Aid Need-Blind For International Students?

No, Penn is need-aware for international students. This policy allows the university to manage its aid budget for a large global student body (22%) while still upholding its commitment as an institution to meet 100% of demonstrated need for those it admits.

What Is Penn's Submatriculation Program?

It allows exceptional undergraduates to earn a master's degree in an accelerated timeframe. The program used Penn's status as a #3-ranked research university (Forbes) by granting early access to its elite graduate schools.

How Important Is The "One University" Policy?

The "One University" policy is a key academic advantage at Penn. It allows you to take courses across the university's globally recognized schools, including the #1 ranked Wharton School. This promotes an interdisciplinary learning experience, enabling students to broaden their academic horizons

What Are The Chances Of Getting Off The Waitlist?

Historically, the chances of getting off the waitlist at Penn are very low. As a top-10 ranked university, Penn has an exceptionally high yield rate, meaning most admitted students choose to enroll. This leaves few spots available for waitlisted candidates, making it a highly competitive process.

Is Campus Housing Guaranteed For All Four Years?

No, campus housing is only guaranteed for first-year students. While Penn boasts a #12 ranked campus (according to Niche), its urban location in Philadelphia limits the availability of on-campus housing for upperclassmen. As a result, students may need to explore off-campus housing options after their first year.

How Do Undergrads Get Involved In Faculty Research?

Penn's Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF) provides extensive resources to connect students with faculty. As a top 3 research university (according to Forbes), Penn has a well-funded and dedicated infrastructure for undergraduate research.

What Safety Measures Exist On Penn's Urban Campus?

The university has its accredited police department, 24/7 walking escorts, and an emergency alert system. These measures are essential for a top-ranked university in a major city and support its ranking as a top 20 institution for Sustainable Cities and Communities (THE).

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