Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Pennsylvania vs University of Portland
- Pennsylvania Wins
- 28
- Tied
- 12
- Portland Wins
- 12
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Portland offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of Pennsylvania achieves a higher graduation rate (97% vs 80%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $28,699 compared to University of Portland's $28,210 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Portland benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $82,804 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Pennsylvania
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $111,371 ten years after enrollment, 34% more than University of Portland
- 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
- 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
Portland
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,210, roughly $489 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Pennsylvania graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (11% of degrees); Portland in Health Professions (29%). 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 University of Portland. Median earnings of $111,371 ten years after enrollment vs $82,804.
Pick University of Portland over University of Pennsylvania. Net price $28,210 vs $28,699.
Pick University of Pennsylvania over University of Portland. 1.8% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick University of Pennsylvania over University of Portland. 97% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Pennsylvania and University of Portland 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 University of Portland takes 89%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,277.
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 Portland comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $28,210, about $489 a year below University of Pennsylvania's $28,699. Graduates of University of Pennsylvania also borrow less: median debt of $15,715, against $21,370.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $1,956 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Portland 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 $82,804 at University of Portland. That is a 34% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Pennsylvania has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.14x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 34% 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 80%. 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.
Moving people up
University of Pennsylvania does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.8%; at University of Portland, it is 0.9%. University of Pennsylvania also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.8% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.8%.
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 University of Portland 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. University of Portland saves about $489 a year, yet University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $28,567 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. University of Pennsylvania concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, while University of Portland leans toward Business & Marketing, Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: University of Pennsylvania has less business program depth, and University of Portland offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Pennsylvania's enrollment of 10,650 far exceeds University of Portland's 2,957.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,370, against $15,715 at University of Pennsylvania.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Pennsylvania offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Portland does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Portland, where only about 9% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
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
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.
University of Portland
Portland, OR · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of just under 3,000 students, the University of Portland is a great fit for those seeking a close-knit community while still accessing solid academic programs. Students here often dive into popular fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, and Psychology. An acceptance rate of 89% indicates that the university welcomes a diverse range of applicants, making it an appealing option for many.
After graduation, students can expect to earn about $82,804 within ten years, which can be quite encouraging when considering job prospects. This earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. While nearly a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, the supportive environment helps many move up in their careers, even if specific mobility rates aren’t available.
When it comes to the financials, the net price after aid sits at $28,210, which can be manageable for many families. The median debt for graduates is $21,370, suggesting that most students can graduate with a reasonable amount of student loans. Those who thrive here are often proactive, engaged, and looking for a collaborative atmosphere that values both academic and personal growth.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Pennsylvania is featured on the Best Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Pennsylvania's top program is Sociology (11% of enrollment), while Portland leads with Nursing (BSN) (29%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Pennsylvania) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Portland).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Pennsylvania is strongest in Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, while University of Portland concentrates in Business & Marketing, Engineering. 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 University of Pennsylvania or University of Portland?
University of Pennsylvania is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 89% at University of Portland.
Which is more affordable, University of Pennsylvania or University of Portland?
University of Portland is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,210 after aid versus $28,699 at University of Pennsylvania.
Do University of Pennsylvania or University of Portland graduates earn more?
University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more: median earnings of $111,371 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,804 at University of Portland.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Pennsylvania or University of Portland?
University of Pennsylvania has the higher graduation rate, 97% versus 80%.
University of Pennsylvania vs University of Portland: 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 0.9%.
Should you choose University of Pennsylvania or University of Portland?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Portland 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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