Head-to-Head Comparison
Brigham Young University vs University of Pennsylvania
- Brigham Young Wins
- 10
- Tied
- 11
- Pennsylvania Wins
- 31
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Brigham Young University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of Pennsylvania achieves a higher graduation rate (97% vs 82%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $28,699 compared to Brigham Young University's $15,564. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Brigham Young University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Brigham Young
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,564, roughly $13,135 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,069, the lower of the two
Pennsylvania
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $111,371 ten years after enrollment, 47% more than Brigham Young University
- Higher grad rate: 97% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.8%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 5% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Brigham Young graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (17% of degrees); Pennsylvania in Social Sciences (11%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick University of Pennsylvania over Brigham Young University. Median earnings of $111,371 ten years after enrollment vs $75,790.
Pick Brigham Young University over University of Pennsylvania. Net price $15,564 vs $28,699.
Pick University of Pennsylvania over Brigham Young University. 1.8% mobility rate vs 0.7%.
Pick University of Pennsylvania over Brigham Young University. 97% completion rate vs 82%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Brigham Young University and University of Pennsylvania are close on paper, but University of Pennsylvania wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of Pennsylvania is the harder admit. It takes 5% of applicants, while Brigham Young University takes 68%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,376 to 1,553.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Pennsylvania sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Brigham Young University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,564, about $13,135 a year below University of Pennsylvania's $28,699. Graduates of Brigham Young University also borrow less: median debt of $11,069, against $15,715.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $52,540 before any change in aid. Choosing Brigham Young University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Pennsylvania graduates report median earnings of $111,371, compared with $75,790 at Brigham Young University. That is a 47% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Pennsylvania has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.14x to 0.15x.
So what: An earnings gap of 47% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
University of Pennsylvania graduates a larger share of its students, 97% versus 82%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 15% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
University of Pennsylvania does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.8%; at Brigham Young University, it is 0.7%. University of Pennsylvania also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.8% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.2%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, University of Pennsylvania offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Brigham Young University to keep costs and debt down; pick University of Pennsylvania for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Brigham Young University saves about $13,135 a year, yet University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $35,581 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Brigham Young University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Engineering, while University of Pennsylvania leans toward Social Sciences, Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Brigham Young University's enrollment of 32,952 far exceeds University of Pennsylvania's 10,650.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $28,699 runs well above Brigham Young University's $15,564.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $15,715, against $11,069 at Brigham Young University.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of Pennsylvania has less business program depth, and Brigham Young University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Pennsylvania holds onto its admits more tightly: 68% of admitted students enroll, versus 24% at Brigham Young — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Pennsylvania offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Brigham Young does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT · Private nonprofit
Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, is a great fit for students looking for a vibrant campus experience with a strong academic focus. With an acceptance rate of 68%, it welcomes a diverse group of learners. Students here can dive into popular fields like Business and Marketing, Biology, Engineering, and Computer Science, all of which have proven track records. The 82% graduation rate indicates that many students not only enroll but also successfully finish their degrees, which is a solid indicator of support and student satisfaction.
Looking ahead to life after graduation, the financial prospects seem promising. Graduates earn an average of $75,790 within a decade of completing their studies. This suggests that the skills and knowledge gained here can lead to upward mobility in the job market. The affordability of attending BYU is also noteworthy, especially with a net price of $15,564 after aid, making it accessible for a variety of students.
When it comes to managing debt, students graduate with a median debt of $11,069, which is relatively manageable compared to many institutions. This financial landscape allows students to focus on their careers without being overly burdened by loans. Those who thrive here often appreciate the community-oriented environment and the emphasis on values in both academic and personal life.
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 5%, the University of Pennsylvania attracts students who are not only academically strong but also deeply passionate about their fields. This school is especially well-suited for those interested in areas like Biology and Biomedical studies, Social Sciences, Health Professions, Computer Science and IT, and Business and Marketing. The vibrant atmosphere of Philadelphia adds an urban edge to the college experience, making it a great fit for students looking to engage in both rigorous academics and lively city life.
Looking at the outcomes, graduates from Penn see significant returns on their investment. With a 10-year earnings average of $111,371, it's clear that a degree from here can open doors to lucrative career paths. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to supporting diverse backgrounds, the high graduation rate of 97% suggests that students who enroll are likely to complete their studies successfully.
Financially, the net price after aid sits at $28,699, which is manageable given the strong earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $15,715, students here can graduate with a reasonable financial burden. Those who thrive at Penn are often highly motivated, driven, and ready to take advantage of the rich resources and opportunities available within the institution and the surrounding city.
Rankings They Appear On
Brigham Young University is featured on the Best Colleges in Utah ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Brigham Young's top program is Business Administration (17% of enrollment), while Pennsylvania leads with Sociology (11%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Brigham Young) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Pennsylvania).
The two schools feed different job markets. Brigham Young University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Engineering, while University of Pennsylvania concentrates in Social Sciences, Health Professions. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Brigham Young University or University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 68% at Brigham Young University.
Which is more affordable, Brigham Young University or University of Pennsylvania?
Brigham Young University is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,564 after aid versus $28,699 at University of Pennsylvania.
Do Brigham Young University or University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more?
University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more: median earnings of $111,371 ten years after enrollment, versus $75,790 at Brigham Young University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Brigham Young University or University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania has the higher graduation rate, 97% versus 82%.
Brigham Young University vs University of Pennsylvania: which is better for social mobility?
University of Pennsylvania is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.8% versus 0.7%.
Should you choose Brigham Young University or University of Pennsylvania?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Brigham Young University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of Pennsylvania if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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