Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Pennsylvania vs Villanova University
- Pennsylvania Wins
- 34
- Tied
- 14
- Villanova Wins
- 6
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Pennsylvania offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $28,699 vs Villanova University's $43,756, 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.
54 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, 11% more than Villanova University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,699, roughly $15,057 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
- 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
Villanova
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Pennsylvania graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (11% of degrees); Villanova in Business & Marketing (23%). 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 Villanova University. Median earnings of $111,371 ten years after enrollment vs $100,423.
Pick University of Pennsylvania over Villanova University. Net price $28,699 vs $43,756.
Pick University of Pennsylvania over Villanova University. 1.8% mobility rate vs 1.3%.
Pick University of Pennsylvania over Villanova University. 97% completion rate vs 92%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Pennsylvania and Villanova University are close on paper, but University of Pennsylvania wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 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 Villanova University takes 27%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,460.
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 $15,057 a year below Villanova University's $43,756. Graduates of University of Pennsylvania also borrow less: median debt of $15,715, against $25,874.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $60,228 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 $100,423 at Villanova University. That is a 11% 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 11% 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 92%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% 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 Villanova University, it is 1.3%. University of Pennsylvania also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.8% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.3%.
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 Pennsylvania to keep costs and debt down.
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
Their academic identities diverge. University of Pennsylvania concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, Health Professions, while Villanova University leans toward Business & Marketing, Engineering. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Villanova University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of Pennsylvania has less business program depth, and Villanova University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Pennsylvania's enrollment of 10,650 far exceeds Villanova University's 6,938.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $43,756 runs well above University of Pennsylvania's $28,699.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,874, against $15,715 at University of Pennsylvania.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Pennsylvania holds onto its admits more tightly: 68% of admitted students enroll, versus 28% at Villanova — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at Villanova, where only about 28% 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) 6 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.
Villanova University
Villanova, PA · Private nonprofit
At Villanova University, students can expect a tight-knit campus environment with an enrollment of just under 7,000. This university is a great fit for those pursuing degrees in Business and Marketing, Engineering, Social Sciences, Health Professions, and Communications. With an acceptance rate of 27%, it attracts motivated students who are ready to engage deeply in their studies and community.
Looking ahead, graduates from Villanova see impressive outcomes. The average earnings a decade after graduation sit at $100,423, which speaks volumes about the value of a Villanova degree in today’s job market. The school's strong graduation rate of 92% indicates that students not only enroll but also complete their degrees, setting them up for success in their chosen fields.
When it comes to the financial side, the net price after financial aid is $43,756, which is important to consider alongside the median debt level of $25,874. This suggests that while the costs can be significant, many students manage to navigate their financial responsibilities effectively. Those who thrive here are often driven, engaged, and ready to leverage the resources Villanova offers to propel their careers forward.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Pennsylvania and Villanova University appear together in 8 rankings. On the Best Colleges in Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania ranks #1 — University of Pennsylvania outranks Villanova University by 7 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Pennsylvania's top program is Sociology (11% of enrollment), while Villanova leads with Business Administration (23%).
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 Villanova).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Pennsylvania is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT, while Villanova University 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 Villanova University?
University of Pennsylvania is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 27% at Villanova University.
Which is more affordable, University of Pennsylvania or Villanova University?
University of Pennsylvania is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,699 after aid versus $43,756 at Villanova University.
Do University of Pennsylvania or Villanova University graduates earn more?
University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more: median earnings of $111,371 ten years after enrollment, versus $100,423 at Villanova University.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Pennsylvania or Villanova University?
University of Pennsylvania has the higher graduation rate, 97% versus 92%.
University of Pennsylvania vs Villanova University: 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 1.3%.
Should you choose University of Pennsylvania or Villanova University?
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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