University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

private nonprofitgraduate

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Quick Facts

“Leges sine moribus vanae”("Laws without morals are useless")

1740

Founded

Private research university

Type

10,768

Total Students

$66K

Tuition (In-State)

$66K

Tuition (Out-State)

$31K

Avg Net Price

Acceptance Rate

97%

Graduation Rate

6-year

98%

Retention Rate

Doctoral Universities

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of Pennsylvania

Founded by Benjamin Franklin, Penn is an Ivy League pioneer of innovation and interdisciplinary education.

The University of Pennsylvania, an esteemed Ivy League institution rooted in the vision of Benjamin Franklin, stands as a beacon of innovation and interdisciplinary excellence in Philadelphia. Chartered in 1755, Penn was conceived by Franklin as an educational hub dedicated to training leaders in academia, commerce, and public service, a legacy it proudly upholds today. This commitment to pioneering education is evident in its rich history of "firsts," including the establishment of North America's inaugural medical school in 1765 and the world's first collegiate business school, the Wharton School, in 1881.

Today, Penn fosters a vibrant intellectual community across its four undergraduate and twelve graduate and professional schools, encompassing renowned programs like the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the School of Nursing. The university is a powerhouse of research, consistently ranking among the top U.S. institutions for its substantial contributions to groundbreaking discovery. Students benefit from a dynamic learning environment that blends rigorous academics with a collaborative spirit, preparing them to tackle complex challenges across various fields.

Nestled in the bustling University City neighborhood of West Philadelphia, Penn's campus offers a quintessential college experience. Iconic landmarks like Houston Hall, the nation's first student union, provide a lively hub for student life, while Franklin Field boasts a storied athletic tradition as home to the Penn Quakers, competing in the NCAA Division I Ivy League. Penn's commitment to a diverse and inclusive community is reflected in its historical outreach to international students and its ongoing efforts to create a welcoming environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive and contribute to a global dialogue.

Key Highlights

✦An Ivy League research university, chartered in 1755 by founder Benjamin Franklin.
✦Pioneered numerous "firsts," including North America's first medical school (1765) and the world's first collegiate business school, the Wharton School (1881).
✦Boasts a substantial $24.8 billion endowment (2025) and ranked second nationally with $2.172 billion in research expenditures (FY2024).
✦Home to 4 undergraduate and 12 graduate/professional schools, offering a comprehensive academic experience to 23,374 students (Fall 2022).
✦Its alumni, trustees, and faculty include 3 U.S. Presidents, 38 Nobel laureates, and 36 living undergraduate billionaires.
✦Features Houston Hall, recognized as the first student union building in the United States, and Franklin Field, an historic athletic venue.

Timeline

1740

A group of Philadelphians organizes to erect a great preaching hall, designed by Edmund Woolley.

1749

Benjamin Franklin circulates "Proposals Relating to the Education of Youth in Pensilvania," outlining his vision for a "Public Academy of Philadelphia."

1755

The College of Philadelphia is chartered, formalizing the institution's establishment.

1765

The first medical school in America is founded, making Penn the first institution to offer both undergraduate and professional education.

1779

The revolutionary State Legislature creates the University of the State of Pennsylvania, marking the first American institution of higher learning to take the name "University."

1791

The College of Philadelphia and the University of the State of Pennsylvania merge to form the University of Pennsylvania.

1872

The campus moves across the Schuylkill River to West Philadelphia, an area now known as University City.

1881

The Wharton School, the world's first collegiate business school, is founded.

1896

Houston Hall, often described as the first student union building in the United States, opens.

1946

ENIAC, the world's first all-electronic digital computer, is created at Penn.

🏛️

286 Years

of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

8 notable schools within University of Pennsylvania

🎭

College of Arts and Sciences

One of the four undergraduate schools offering a broad liberal arts education.

⚙️

School of Engineering and Applied Science

An undergraduate school focusing on innovative engineering and scientific research.

🏫

Wharton School

The world's first collegiate business school, founded in 1881, offering both undergraduate and graduate programs.

💉

School of Nursing

One of the four undergraduate schools dedicated to nursing education and research.

⚖️

Law School

Its first professor, James Wilson, notably helped write the U.S. Constitution.

🏥

Medical School

The first medical school in North America, established in 1765.

🏥

School of Dental Medicine

A graduate professional school for dental education (also known as Penn Dental).

🏥

School of Veterinary Medicine

The only school of veterinary medicine in the United States that originated directly from its medical school, established in 1884.

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