College Comparison
University of Pennsylvania vs University of Virginia-Main Campus
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Charlottesville, VA
Total Enrollment
29,109
26,409
Undergrad Enrollment
11,478
17,885
Student-Faculty Ratio
8:1
15:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
5.4%
16.8%
Average GPA
3.96
4.00
SAT Range
1510–1570
1410–1540
ACT Range
34–36
32–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$75
$75
Total Applicants
65,226
58,951
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$75,386
$33,921
Avg Net Price
$31,229
$17,831
Tuition (In-State)
$56,212
$18,059
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$56,212
$53,325
Room & Board
$19,174
$15,862
% Receiving Aid
51.0%
39.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$65,458
$28,715
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
96.0%
93.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
90.0%
89.0%
Retention Rate
99.0%
98.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$111,371
$86,863
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Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA
UVA is in Charlottesville, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Penn is $31,229 per year, compared to $17,831 at Virginia-Main Campus. Virginia-Main Campus is $13,398 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Penn typically score between 1510-1570 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Virginia-Main Campus, the typical SAT range is 1410-1540. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Penn has a graduation rate of 96%, while Virginia-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 93%. Penn has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Penn has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, while Virginia-Main Campus has a ratio of 15:1. Penn offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Penn, 51% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $65,458. At Virginia-Main Campus, 39% of students receive aid with an average grant of $28,715.
The median earnings for Penn graduates 10 years after enrollment is $111,371, compared to $86,863 for Virginia-Main Campus graduates. Graduates from Penn tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Penn is located in Philadelphia, PA in a city: large setting. Virginia-Main Campus is located in Charlottesville, VA in a suburb: midsize setting.

