University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Quick Facts
“Leges sine moribus vanae”("Laws without morals are useless")
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About University of Pennsylvania
A historic Ivy League powerhouse, founded by Benjamin Franklin, pioneering education and research.
The University of Pennsylvania, an esteemed private Ivy League research university in Philadelphia, stands as a testament to Benjamin Franklin's vision. Chartered in 1755, it was conceived as an institution to cultivate leaders across academia, commerce, and public service, making it one of the original colonial colleges.
Penn is renowned for its groundbreaking contributions to education. It established the first medical school in North America in 1765 and later, in 1881, founded the Wharton School, the world's first collegiate business school. Its academic strength spans four undergraduate schools—the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Wharton School, and the School of Nursing—along with a dozen graduate and professional schools, including its distinguished law and medical schools.
Students at Penn experience a vibrant campus life in the University City neighborhood of West Philadelphia, with landmarks like Houston Hall, the nation's first student union building. The university's commitment to research is evident in its significant expenditures, ranking second nationally. With a rich history of welcoming diverse students, developing residential life, and offering a robust NCAA Division I athletic program, Penn fosters an engaging and intellectually stimulating environment for future leaders.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, a pioneer in American higher education.
- ✦A private Ivy League research university, consistently recognized among the nation's elite institutions.
- ✦Hosts the Wharton School, the world's first collegiate business school (established 1881).
- ✦Established the first medical school in North America (1765) and the nation's first university teaching hospital (1874).
- ✦Boasts an endowment of $24.8 billion (2025) and reported $2.172 billion in research expenditures in FY 2024.
- ✦Alumni network includes 3 U.S. Presidents, 38 Nobel laureates, 36 living undergraduate billionaires, and signers of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution.
- ✦Home to ENIAC, the world's first all-electronic digital computer, created in 1946.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
8 notable schools within University of Pennsylvania
The Wharton School
The world's first collegiate business school, established in 1881, renowned for its global leadership in business education.
Medical School
Founded in 1765, it was the first medical school in North America, pioneering medical education.
Law School
One of the university's esteemed graduate schools, known for its contributions to legal scholarship and history.
School of Engineering and Applied Science
One of the four undergraduate schools, offering a comprehensive range of engineering and applied science programs.
School of Nursing
One of the four undergraduate schools, known for its leadership in nursing education and research.
School of Dental Medicine
Established for comprehensive dental education and research.
School of Veterinary Medicine
The only school of veterinary medicine in the United States that originated directly from its medical school, founded in 1884.
School of Education
A graduate school that has notably supported pioneering scholars like Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander.
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