Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Pennsylvania vs Williams College
- Pennsylvania Wins
- 21
- Tied
- 18
- Williams Wins
- 15
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Williams College offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of Pennsylvania achieves a higher graduation rate (97% vs 95%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $28,699 compared to Williams College's $17,716 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Williams College'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, 26% more than Williams College
- 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
Williams
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,716, roughly $10,983 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $12,761, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Pennsylvania graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (11% of degrees); Williams in Social Sciences (24%). 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 Williams College. Median earnings of $111,371 ten years after enrollment vs $88,665.
Pick Williams College over University of Pennsylvania. Net price $17,716 vs $28,699.
Pick University of Pennsylvania over Williams College. 1.8% mobility rate vs 1%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Pennsylvania and Williams College are close on paper, but University of Pennsylvania wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 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 Williams College takes 8%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,533.
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, Williams College comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $17,716, about $10,983 a year below University of Pennsylvania's $28,699. Graduates of Williams College also borrow less: median debt of $12,761, against $15,715.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $43,932 before any change in aid. Choosing Williams College 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 $88,665 at Williams College. That is a 26% advantage.
So what: An earnings gap of 26% 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.
Moving people up
University of Pennsylvania does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.8%; at Williams College, it is 1%. University of Pennsylvania also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.8% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.2%.
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 Williams College 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. Williams College saves about $10,983 a year, yet University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $22,706 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 Biology & Biomedical, Health Professions, while Williams College leans toward Computer Science & IT, Visual & Performing Arts. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $28,699 runs well above Williams College's $17,716.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $15,715, against $12,761 at Williams College.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Pennsylvania's enrollment, and Williams College is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Pennsylvania's enrollment of 10,650 far exceeds Williams College's 2,076.
No strong negative signals — Williams competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Pennsylvania holds onto its admits more tightly: 68% of admitted students enroll, versus 42% at Williams — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
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.
Williams College
Williamstown, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 8%, Williams College tends to attract highly motivated students who are ready to engage deeply in their studies. This school is ideal for those interested in social sciences, computer science, biology, physical sciences, and mathematics. The small enrollment of just over 2,000 students creates an intimate learning environment where personalized attention from faculty is the norm. It’s a place where students can explore their passions and develop critical thinking skills that are essential for success.
Looking at what graduates achieve, the earnings after ten years stand at an impressive $88,665. This number reflects the strong career pathways that Williams alumni typically follow. Graduates often find themselves in rewarding positions that not only offer financial stability but also align with their academic interests. The combination of a high graduation rate at 95% and a reasonable net price of $17,716 makes it a compelling choice for students who want to make a lasting impact in their fields.
When considering the cost, students generally graduate with a median debt of $12,761, which is manageable for the earning potential they have after leaving. This financial landscape makes Williams accessible to a diverse group of students, including those who qualify for Pell Grants at a rate of 18%. Students who thrive here are often those who seek a rigorous academic challenge and value the close-knit community, ready to invest in their future while embracing the support that comes with it.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Pennsylvania is featured on the Best Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Sociology as their top enrolled program field, comprising 11% of Pennsylvania's student body and 24% of Williams's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Pennsylvania) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Williams).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Pennsylvania is strongest in Health Professions, while Williams College concentrates in Visual & Performing Arts. 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 Williams College?
University of Pennsylvania is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 8% at Williams College.
Which is more affordable, University of Pennsylvania or Williams College?
Williams College is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,716 after aid versus $28,699 at University of Pennsylvania.
Do University of Pennsylvania or Williams College graduates earn more?
University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more: median earnings of $111,371 ten years after enrollment, versus $88,665 at Williams College.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Pennsylvania or Williams College?
University of Pennsylvania has the higher graduation rate, 97% versus 95%.
University of Pennsylvania vs Williams College: 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%.
Should you choose University of Pennsylvania or Williams College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Williams College 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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