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College Comparison

Harvard University vs University of Pennsylvania

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Harvard University
#1
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Private
University of Pennsylvania
#10
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Cambridge, MA

Philadelphia, PA

Total Enrollment

30,259

29,109

Undergrad Enrollment

8,844

11,478

Student-Faculty Ratio

7:1

8:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

3.6%

5.4%

Average GPA

4.00

3.96

SAT Range

1510–1580

1510–1570

ACT Range

34–36

34–36

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$85

$75

Total Applicants

54,008

65,226


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$73,849

$75,386

Avg Net Price

$16,816

$31,229

Tuition (In-State)

$52,659

$56,212

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$52,659

$56,212

Room & Board

$21,190

$19,174

% Receiving Aid

56.0%

51.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$68,015

$65,458


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

97.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

87.0%

90.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

99.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$101,817

$111,371

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Harvard is in Cambridge, MA

Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%, while Penn has an acceptance rate of 5%. This means Harvard University is more selective than Penn.

The average net price at Harvard University is $16,816 per year, compared to $31,229 at Penn. Harvard University is $14,413 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Harvard University typically score between 1510-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Penn, the typical SAT range is 1510-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Harvard University has a graduation rate of 97%, while Penn has a graduation rate of 96%. Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Harvard University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, while Penn has a ratio of 8:1. Harvard University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Harvard University, 56% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $68,015. At Penn, 51% of students receive aid with an average grant of $65,458.

The median earnings for Harvard University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $101,817, compared to $111,371 for Penn graduates. Graduates from Penn tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Harvard University is located in Cambridge, MA in a city: midsize setting. Penn is located in Philadelphia, PA in a city: large setting.