U of R vs. Penn

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Rochester in Rochester, NY 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 U of R based on total student enrollment (29,109 students vs. 11,946 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Rochester is located in Rochester, NY (Midsize City setting); University of Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• University of Rochester 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 Rochester 9:1; University of Pennsylvania 8:1.

U of R vs. Penn Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, U of R 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 U of R ($23,570 vs. $40,462).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Pennsylvania are 3.1% lower than at University of Rochester ($19,174 vs. $19,792).
• University of Pennsylvania is 2.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than U of R (about $1,606 more per year; $68,686.00 vs. $67,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.4% higher at Penn than at University of Rochester (about $1,606 more per year; $68,686.00 vs. $67,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Rochester than at University of Pennsylvania (72% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Pennsylvania students is 43.9% larger than aid received by University of Rochester students ($65,458 vs. $45,500).

U of R vs. Penn Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, U of R 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 U of R.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Pennsylvania (1540) is 60 points higher than at U of R (1480).
• Incoming Penn students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 32 at U of R).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Rochester 1410/1540; University of Pennsylvania 1510/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Rochester 31/34; University of Pennsylvania 34/36.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: U of R - 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: U of R Jan 5, 2027; Penn Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Penn students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at U of R (3.75).
• U of R has a higher acceptance rate (40.1%) than Penn (5.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.4% at U of R vs. 68% at Penn.

U of R vs. Penn Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for U of R 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 Rochester's (83%).
• Graduates from University of Pennsylvania earn a median of about $52,600 more per year than U of R graduates about ten years after starting college ($123,600 vs. $71,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Pennsylvania graduates have a $3,867 lower median loan debt than U of R graduates ($20,633 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Penn graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than U of R graduates ($213 vs. $253).
• More Penn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former U of R students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 79%)

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.