College Comparison
University of Pennsylvania vs Washington University in St Louis
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Saint Louis, MO
Total Enrollment
29,109
16,357
Undergrad Enrollment
11,478
8,220
Student-Faculty Ratio
8:1
7:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
5.4%
12.1%
Average GPA
3.96
3.96
SAT Range
1510–1570
1500–1570
ACT Range
34–36
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$75
$75
Total Applicants
65,226
32,754
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$75,386
$81,274
Avg Net Price
$31,229
$22,117
Tuition (In-State)
$56,212
$59,420
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$56,212
$59,420
Room & Board
$19,174
$21,854
% Receiving Aid
51.0%
49.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$65,458
$66,080
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
96.0%
92.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
90.0%
87.0%
Retention Rate
99.0%
95.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$111,371
$86,182
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Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA
Washington in St Louis is in Saint Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Penn is $31,229 per year, compared to $22,117 at Washington University in St Louis. Washington University in St Louis is $9,112 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Penn typically score between 1510-1570 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Washington University in St Louis, the typical SAT range is 1500-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Penn has a graduation rate of 96%, while Washington University in St Louis has a graduation rate of 92%. Penn has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Penn has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, while Washington University in St Louis has a ratio of 7:1. Washington University in St Louis 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 Washington University in St Louis, 49% of students receive aid with an average grant of $66,080.
The median earnings for Penn graduates 10 years after enrollment is $111,371, compared to $86,182 for Washington University in St Louis 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. Washington University in St Louis is located in Saint Louis, MO in a suburb: large setting.