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University of Pennsylvania vs Princeton University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

14
University Wins
13
Tied / N/A
19
Princeton Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Mid-Atlantic
10,650
Enrollment
5,709
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

5%
Acceptance Rate
5%
1553
SAT Average
1553
34
ACT Midpoint
34
1510-1570
SAT Range
1510-1580

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,686
In-State Tuition
$62,688
$68,686
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,688
$28,699
Average Net Price
$6,128
$-3,012
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$41
$316
Net Price ($30-48K)
$352
$10,439
Net Price ($48-75K)
$1,217
$55,972
Net Price ($110K+)
$36,094
17%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
10%
Federal Loan Rate
2%

Academics

97%
Graduation Rate
97%
99%
Retention Rate
98%
79%
Full-Time Faculty
87%
$22,117
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$25,354
19%
First-Gen Students
28%

Student Body

57%
Female
51%
27%
White
34%
11%
Hispanic
10%
9%
Black
9%
28%
Asian
23%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.79

Outcomes

$90,555
Earnings (6yr)
$87,815
$100,118
Earnings (8yr)
$112,152
$111,371
Earnings (10yr)
$110,066
$15,715
Median Debt
$10,320
0.14x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.09x
90%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

176.28%
Mobility Rate
134.58%
3025.0%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6586.5%
582.7%
From Bottom 20%
204.3%
$95,400
Parent Median Income
$218,100

Social Capital

1.88
Economic Connectedness
1.88
-0.00
Friending Bias
-0.00
7.8%
Volunteering Rate
10.8%

Research (Times HE)

#109
World Rank
#5
46.3
Teaching Score
90.9
49.2
Research Score
95.4
77.6
Citations Score
99.9

The Overviews

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit

5% accept 97% grad $111,371 earnings $28,699 net

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.

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ · Private nonprofit

5% accept 97% grad $110,066 earnings $6,128 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Princeton University is not for everyone, but for those who make the cut, it’s a place where ambition meets opportunity. The school attracts bright minds, particularly in fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, and Biology. Students here are often deeply engaged in their studies, working alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields. This kind of environment fosters not just learning but also a strong sense of community among peers.

After graduation, the benefits of attending Princeton are clear. Alumni can expect an impressive average earning of $110,066 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This speaks volumes about the value of a Princeton education, especially when considering the high graduation rate of 97%. The school’s focus on producing skilled graduates who excel in their careers contributes significantly to their long-term success.

When it comes to finances, the net price after aid is manageable at $6,128, and the median debt stands at $10,320. This means many graduates leave with a realistic financial outlook, allowing them to focus on their careers rather than being weighed down by overwhelming debt. Students who thrive here often come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a variety of perspectives that enhance classroom discussions and campus life.

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