University of Pennsylvania Review 2015

University of Pennsylvania is a private institution that was founded in 1740. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 9,746, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 302 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. University of Pennsylvania's ranking in the 2016 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, 9. Its tuition and fees are $49,536 (2015-16).

The University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia, was founded by Benjamin Franklin. The Penn Quakers have more than 25 NCAA Division I sports that compete in the Ivy League, and are noted for successful basketball and lacrosse teams. Penn offers housing in more than 10 College Houses, but many students live in the numerous off-campus apartments and houses available. More than 25 percent of the student body is involved in Greek life, which encompasses about 45 fraternities and sororities. The school also offers a number of clubs and organizations, ranging from performance groups like the Latin and Ballroom dance club to student publications such as the Penn Political Review. Penn works closely with the West Philadelphia area through community service and advocacy groups.

Penn has 12 schools: Four offer undergraduate and graduate studies and eight offer only graduate studies. Penn's highly ranked graduate programs include its Wharton School, School of Education, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Law School and School of Medicine. Penn's other notable graduate programs include its Design School and School of Dental Medicine. Penn, though secular, has a strong religious life with its Hillel for Jewish students, Penn Newman Catholic Center and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. More than 2,000 students each year participate in international study programs offered in more than 70 countries around the world. Notable Penn alumni include former U.S. President William Henry Harrison, poet William Carlos Williams and businessman Donald Trump.

School mission and unique qualities (as provided by the school):

Inspired by the intellectual audacity and educational ideals of our founder, Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) offers a compelling... Read More

General Information

School type	private, coed college
Year founded	1740
Religious affiliation	N/A
Academic calendar	semester
Setting	urban
2014 Endowment	$9,582,335,000

Applying

When applying to University of Pennsylvania, it's important to note the application deadline is January 1, and the early decision deadline is November 1. Scores for either the ACT or SAT test are due January 1. The application fee at University of Pennsylvania is $75. It is most selective, with an acceptance rate of 10.4 percent.

Selectivity	most selective
Fall 2014 acceptance rate	10.4%
Application deadline	January 1
SAT/ACT scores must be received by	January 1

Academic Life

The student-faculty ratio at University of Pennsylvania is 6:1, and the school has 67.4 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at University of Pennsylvania include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Social Sciences; Health Professions and Related Programs; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; and Engineering. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 97.8 percent.

Class sizes
Classes with fewer than 20 students (67.4%) 67.4% 20-49 (22.2%) 22.2% 50 or more (10.4%) 10.4%
Student-faculty ratio	6:1
4-year graduation rate	87%
Five most popular majors for 2014 graduates
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services 21% Social Sciences 16% Health Professions and Related Programs 10% Biological and Biomedical Sciences 9% Engineering 9%

Student Life

University of Pennsylvania has a total undergraduate enrollment of 9,746, with a gender distribution of 50.2 percent male students and 49.8 percent female students. At this school, 54 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 41 percent of students live off campus. University of Pennsylvania is part of the NCAA I athletic conference.

Total enrollment	21,296
Student gender distribution
Male (50.2%) 50.2% Female (49.8%) 49.8%
Undergraduate men who are members of a fraternity
In fraternity (30%) 30.0% Independent (70%) 70.0%
Undergraduate women who are members of a sorority
In sorority (27%) 27.0% Independent (73%) 73.0%
Collegiate athletic association	NCAA I

Campus Services

University of Pennsylvania offers a number of student services including nonremedial tutoring, women's center, placement service, day care, health service, and health insurance. University of Pennsylvania also offers campus safety and security services like 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late night transport/escort service, 24-hour emergency telephones, lighted pathways/sidewalks, and controlled dormitory access (key, security card, etc). Of the students at University of Pennsylvania, 3 percent have cars on campus. Alcohol is permitted for students of legal age at University of Pennsylvania.

Students who have cars on campus	3%
Health insurance offered	Yes

Cost and Financial Aid

At University of Pennsylvania, 47.8 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $40,044.
Paying for college doesn't have to be difficult or devastating. Go to the Paying for College knowledge center to get advice on raising cash and reducing costs, or use the U.S. News 529 Finder to choose the best tax-advantaged college investment account for you.

Tuition and fees	$49,536 (2015-16)
Room and board	$13,990 (2015-16)