UChicago vs. Penn

Comparable Facts

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

University of Pennsylvania is larger than UChicago based on total student enrollment (29,109 students vs. 18,566 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); University of Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• University of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Pennsylvania is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Chicago 5:1; University of Pennsylvania 8:1.

UChicago vs. Penn Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UChicago 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 UChicago ($23,570 vs. $28,060).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Pennsylvania are 4.6% lower than at University of Chicago ($19,174 vs. $20,109).
• University of Chicago is 2.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn (about $1,976 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $68,686.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.9% higher at UChicago than at University of Pennsylvania (about $1,976 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $68,686.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Pennsylvania than at University of Chicago (51% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Pennsylvania students is 5.1% larger than aid received by University of Chicago students ($65,458 vs. $62,300).

UChicago vs. Penn Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UChicago 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 UChicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Chicago (1550) is 10 points higher than at Penn (1540).
• Incoming Penn students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 34 at UChicago).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 1510/1580; University of Pennsylvania 1510/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 34/35; University of Pennsylvania 34/36.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UChicago - Test optional; Penn - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Penn Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UChicago students have the same average high school GPA (3.95) as students at Penn (3.95).
• Penn has a higher acceptance rate (5.4%) than UChicago (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at UChicago vs. 68% at Penn.

UChicago vs. Penn Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UChicago 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 University of Chicago's (92%).
• Graduates from University of Pennsylvania earn a median of about $25,100 more per year than UChicago graduates about ten years after starting college ($123,600 vs. $98,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Chicago graduates have a $6,133 lower median loan debt than Penn graduates ($14,500 vs. $20,633).
• Among borrowers, UChicago graduates have an estimated $64 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Penn graduates ($149 vs. $213).
• More UChicago graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Penn students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 84%)

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.