Head-to-Head Comparison
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia vs University of Pennsylvania
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
- Saint Joseph's Wins
- 9
- Tied
- 19
- Pennsylvania Wins
- 24
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Pennsylvania offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $28,699 vs Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's $29,689, University of Pennsylvania delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Pennsylvania'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
Saint Joseph's
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
Pennsylvania
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $111,371 ten years after enrollment, 28% more than Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,699, roughly $990 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 97% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,715, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 5% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Saint Joseph's graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (39% 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 Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia. Median earnings of $111,371 ten years after enrollment vs $86,881.
Pick University of Pennsylvania over Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia. Net price $28,699 vs $29,689.
Pick University of Pennsylvania over Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia. 97% completion rate vs 79%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania are close on paper, but University of Pennsylvania wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 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 Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia takes 89%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,258 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, University of Pennsylvania comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $28,699, about $990 a year below Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's $29,689. Graduates of University of Pennsylvania also borrow less: median debt of $15,715, against $25,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $3,960 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Pennsylvania 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 $86,881 at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia. That is a 28% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Pennsylvania has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.14x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 28% 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 79%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 17% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Pennsylvania to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, while University of Pennsylvania leans toward Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,500, against $15,715 at University of Pennsylvania.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of Pennsylvania has less business program depth, and Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Pennsylvania's enrollment of 10,650 far exceeds Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's 4,948.
Full Data Breakdown
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
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of nearly 5,000 students, Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia is a welcoming space for those looking to balance solid academics with a vibrant campus life. The acceptance rate of 89% suggests that we can expect a diverse group of students, many of whom are drawn to popular programs in Business and Marketing, Health Professions, Biology, Education, and Social Sciences. This mix means you'll find a community where collaboration and support thrive, making it a good fit if you're looking to dive deep into any of these fields.
Looking ahead, graduates from Saint Joseph's can anticipate a promising financial future. On average, alumni earn about $86,881 a decade after completing their studies, which is a solid return on investment considering the cost of education. Affordability is also a key factor here; the net price after aid stands at $29,689, and while some students do take on debt, with a median of $25,500, the earnings potential can help ease that burden for many.
In practical terms, students who tend to thrive at Saint Joseph's often embrace the collaborative atmosphere and are eager to engage with the community. The university supports a range of financial aid options, though it's worth noting that only 20% of students receive Pell Grants, meaning there’s a diverse economic mix on campus. This environment can be especially beneficial for those who are proactive about their education and seek to leverage the school's resources to create their own opportunities.
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
University of Pennsylvania is featured on the Best Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Saint Joseph's's top program is Business Administration (39% of enrollment), while Pennsylvania leads with Sociology (11%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Saint Joseph's) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Pennsylvania).
The two schools feed different job markets. Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia is strongest in Business & Marketing, Psychology, while University of Pennsylvania concentrates in Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT. 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.
Saint Joseph's
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia or University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 89% at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia.
Which is more affordable, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia or University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,699 after aid versus $29,689 at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia.
Do Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia or University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more?
University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more: median earnings of $111,371 ten years after enrollment, versus $86,881 at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia.
Which has a better graduation rate, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia or University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania has the higher graduation rate, 97% versus 79%.
Should you choose Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia or University of Pennsylvania?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Pennsylvania if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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How do Saint Joseph's and Pennsylvania stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
