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University of Pennsylvania vs University of Virginia-Main Campus

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

24
University Wins
13
Tied / N/A
9
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Suburban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Southeast
10,650
Enrollment
17,597
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

5%
Acceptance Rate
17%
1553
SAT Average
1480
34
ACT Midpoint
34
1510-1570
SAT Range
1410-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$68,686
In-State Tuition
$21,803
$68,686
Out-of-State Tuition
$59,512
$28,699
Average Net Price
$21,565
$-3,012
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$8,174
$316
Net Price ($30-48K)
$9,696
$10,439
Net Price ($48-75K)
$13,283
$55,972
Net Price ($110K+)
$35,402
17%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
10%
Federal Loan Rate
20%

Academics

97%
Graduation Rate
95%
99%
Retention Rate
98%
79%
Full-Time Faculty
96%
$22,117
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$17,428
19%
First-Gen Students
16%

Student Body

57%
Female
55%
27%
White
49%
11%
Hispanic
8%
9%
Black
8%
28%
Asian
20%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.71

Outcomes

$90,555
Earnings (6yr)
$72,359
$100,118
Earnings (8yr)
$80,156
$111,371
Earnings (10yr)
$86,863
$15,715
Median Debt
$17,500
0.14x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.2x
90%
Earning Above HS
80%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

176.28%
Mobility Rate
N/A
3025.0%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
N/A
582.7%
From Bottom 20%
N/A
$95,400
Parent Median Income
N/A

Social Capital

1.88
Economic Connectedness
1.82
-0.00
Friending Bias
-0.01
7.8%
Volunteering Rate
8.6%

Research (Times HE)

#109
World Rank
N/A
46.3
Teaching Score
N/A
49.2
Research Score
N/A
77.6
Citations Score
N/A

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.

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public

17% accept 95% grad $86,863 earnings $21,565 net

With an acceptance rate of just 17%, the University of Virginia-Main Campus attracts students who are ready for an academically rigorous environment. It’s a great fit for those interested in a wide range of disciplines, particularly in humanities, social sciences, engineering, business, and computer science. Students here are not just looking for a degree; they’re aiming for a transformative college experience that prepares them for real-world challenges.

After graduation, students typically see solid returns on their investment. With a median earning of $86,863 ten years post-graduation, many graduates find themselves in a stable financial position. The affordable net price of $21,565 means that with careful planning and support, students can graduate with manageable debt, averaging around $17,500. This financial outlook is encouraging, especially for those who may worry about student loans impacting their future.

Ultimately, the practical aspects of attending UVA-Main Campus play a crucial role in student success. With a supportive environment, it’s a place where driven students can thrive, particularly those who are proactive about taking advantage of the resources available. This community fosters not just academic excellence but also personal growth, making it a smart choice for those ready to engage deeply in their education.

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