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Northwestern University vs University of Pennsylvania

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

Northwestern University
#20
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Private
University of Pennsylvania
#10
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Evanston, IL

Philadelphia, PA

Total Enrollment

23,856

29,109

Undergrad Enrollment

9,399

11,478

Student-Faculty Ratio

6:1

8:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

7.7%

5.4%

Average GPA

4.00

3.96

SAT Range

1510–1570

1510–1570

ACT Range

33–35

34–36

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$75

Total Applicants

49,474

65,226


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$83,517

$75,386

Avg Net Price

$27,143

$31,229

Tuition (In-State)

$62,391

$56,212

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,391

$56,212

Room & Board

$21,126

$19,174

% Receiving Aid

53.0%

51.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$64,429

$65,458


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

96.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

87.0%

90.0%

Retention Rate

98.0%

99.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$89,363

$111,371

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Northwestern is in Evanston, IL

Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%, while Penn has an acceptance rate of 5%. This means Penn is more selective than Northwestern University.

The average net price at Northwestern University is $27,143 per year, compared to $31,229 at Penn. Northwestern University is $4,086 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Northwestern University typically score between 1510-1570 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.

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

Northwestern University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, while Penn has a ratio of 8:1. Northwestern University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Northwestern University, 53% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $64,429. At Penn, 51% of students receive aid with an average grant of $65,458.

The median earnings for Northwestern University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $89,363, 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.

Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL in a city: small setting. Penn is located in Philadelphia, PA in a city: large setting.