NYU vs. Penn

Comparable Facts

Compare New York University in New York, NY with University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

New York University is larger than Penn based on total student enrollment (56,832 students vs. 29,109 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• New York University is located in New York, NY (Large City setting); University of Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• New York University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Pennsylvania is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: New York University 8:1; University of Pennsylvania 8:1.

NYU vs. Penn Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NYU or Penn? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Pennsylvania than NYU ($23,570 vs. $30,325).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Pennsylvania are 18.5% lower than at New York University ($19,174 vs. $23,530).
• University of Pennsylvania is 9.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than NYU (about $5,890 more per year; $68,686.00 vs. $62,796.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.4% higher at Penn than at New York University (about $5,890 more per year; $68,686.00 vs. $62,796.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Pennsylvania than at New York University (51% vs. 37%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Pennsylvania students is 21.4% larger than aid received by New York University students ($65,458 vs. $53,901).

NYU vs. Penn Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NYU or Penn? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Penn and NYU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Pennsylvania (1540) is 20 points higher than at NYU (1520).
• Incoming Penn students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 34 at NYU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: New York University 1480/1560; University of Pennsylvania 1510/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: New York University 34/35; University of Pennsylvania 34/36.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NYU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Penn - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Penn Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Penn students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at NYU (3.79).
• NYU has a higher acceptance rate (9.2%) than Penn (5.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 55.4% at NYU vs. 68% at Penn.

NYU vs. Penn Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NYU and Penn? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Pennsylvania's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than New York University's (86%).
• Graduates from University of Pennsylvania earn a median of about $47,600 more per year than NYU graduates about ten years after starting college ($123,600 vs. $76,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Pennsylvania graduates have a $2,617 lower median loan debt than NYU graduates ($20,633 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Penn graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NYU graduates ($213 vs. $240).
• More Penn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NYU students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 77%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.