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College Comparison

University of Chicago vs University of Pennsylvania

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

University of Chicago
#12
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
Private
University of Pennsylvania
#10
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Chicago, IL

Philadelphia, PA

Total Enrollment

18,566

29,109

Undergrad Enrollment

7,598

11,478

Student-Faculty Ratio

5:1

8:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

4.5%

5.4%

Average GPA

4.00

3.96

SAT Range

1510–1580

1510–1570

ACT Range

34–35

34–36

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$75

Total Applicants

43,612

65,226


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$81,288

$75,386

Avg Net Price

$18,967

$31,229

Tuition (In-State)

$61,179

$56,212

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$61,179

$56,212

Room & Board

$20,109

$19,174

% Receiving Aid

47.0%

51.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$62,300

$65,458


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

96.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

91.0%

90.0%

Retention Rate

99.0%

99.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$91,885

$111,371

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Chicago is in Chicago, IL

Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The average net price at University of Chicago is $18,967 per year, compared to $31,229 at Penn. University of Chicago is $12,262 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at University of Chicago 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.

University of Chicago 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.

University of Chicago has a student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1, while Penn has a ratio of 8:1. University of Chicago offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At University of Chicago, 47% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $62,300. At Penn, 51% of students receive aid with an average grant of $65,458.

The median earnings for University of Chicago graduates 10 years after enrollment is $91,885, 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.

University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL in a city: large setting. Penn is located in Philadelphia, PA in a city: large setting.