University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) vs Harvard
In the realm of higher education, two institutions stand out as beacons of academic excellence: the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University. While both share a reputation for rigor and prestige, they offer distinct experiences that cater to different aspirations and preferences. This side-by-side comparison delves into the intricacies of each university, highlighting key differences in acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Whether you're a prospective student seeking the ideal academic environment or an inquisitive mind eager to explore the nuances of these esteemed institutions, this comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights to guide your exploration.
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![]() Harvard University |
![]() University of Pennsylvania |
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Overview |
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Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Campus setting | City: Midsize | City: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 96.0% | 98.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 4.0% | 5.9% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$75
Graduate:
$105
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Undergraduate:
$75
Graduate:
$90
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SAT range | 1480 - 1580 | 1480 - 1570 |
ACT range | 33 - 36 | 33 - 35 |
Students submitting SAT score | 54.0% | 49.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 31.0% | 30.0% |
Total number of applicants | 57,786 | 56,332 |
Total number of admissions given out | 2,318 | 3,304 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 1,951 | 2,418 |
Yield rate | 84.2% | 73.2% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Not required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Not required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $78,028 | $80,496 |
Average net price | $13,910 | $14,578 |
Tuition | $51,143 | $54,652 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$11,705
Meal plan:
$7,236
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Room/dormitory:
$11,358
Meal plan:
$5,946
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
56.0%
Average amount $59,840 |
52.0%
Average amount $50,778 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
3.0%
Average amount $5,180 |
9.0%
Average amount $5,030 |
Students taking out private loans |
2.0%
Average amount $8,080 |
2.0%
Average amount $27,160 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
9,579
Men 49.0% Women 51.0% |
11,292
Men 44.7% Women 55.3% |
Graduate students |
21,766
Men 46.3% Women 53.7% |
16,746
Men 43.8% Women 56.2% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | N/A | 82.7% |
International students | 23.9% | 22.8% |
Campus local/setting | City: Midsize | City: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 12,874 | 6,400 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | Yes | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | New York California Texas Illinois New Jersey | Pennsylvania New York California New Jersey Florida |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 7:1 | 6:1 |
Institutional accreditation | New England Commission on Higher Education | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 96.7% | 96.2% |
Dropout rate | 2.0% | 2.8% |
Transferred out | N/A | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Statistics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (First Professional Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
Public Health (Master's Degrees)
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology (Master's Degrees)
Applied Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Education, General (Doctoral Degrees)
Dentistry (First Professional Degrees)
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Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees)
International/Global Studies (Master's Degrees)
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
Real Estate (Master's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Master's Degrees)
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
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