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University of Pennsylvania vs Villanova University

University of Pennsylvania is a private university in Philadelphia, PA. Villanova University is a private university in Villanova, PA. University of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants and Villanova University about 27%, making University of Pennsylvania the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $28,699 a year at University of Pennsylvania after aid, and about $43,756 at Villanova University. About 97% of students graduate at University of Pennsylvania, compared with 92% at Villanova University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Pennsylvania alumni earn a median of about $111,371, against $100,423 for Villanova University.

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University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private

Villanova University

Villanova, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Villanova, PA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
10,650
6,938
Acceptance rate
5%
27%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1570
1395–1510
ACT (middle 50%)
34–36
32–34
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,699
$43,756
Full cost / yr
$89,028
$84,793
In-state tuition
$68,686
$67,776
Out-of-state tuition
$68,686
$67,776
Application fee
$75
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$17,823
$30k - $48k
$316
$16,496
$48k - $75k
$10,439
$20,923
$75k - $110k
$25,476
$33,389
Over $110k
$55,972
$58,741
Outcomes
Graduation rate
97%
92%
Freshman retention
99%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$90,555
$84,905
Median earnings (10 yr)
$111,371
$100,423
Median debt at graduation
$15,715
$25,874
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
12%
First-generation students
19%
13%
International students
13%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 5
Jan 15

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of Pennsylvania or Villanova University harder to get into?
University of Pennsylvania is harder to get into. It admits about 5% of applicants, compared with 27% at Villanova University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Pennsylvania or Villanova University?
University of Pennsylvania is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,699 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $43,756 at Villanova University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Pennsylvania and Villanova University?
Before aid, Villanova University costs about $84,793 a year and University of Pennsylvania about $89,028. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of Pennsylvania or Villanova University?
University of Pennsylvania. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-3,012 there, against about $17,823 at Villanova University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Pennsylvania or Villanova University?
University of Pennsylvania is the larger of the two, with about 10,650 undergraduates against 6,938 at Villanova University.
Does University of Pennsylvania or Villanova University have a better graduation rate?
University of Pennsylvania has the higher graduation rate, at about 97% against 92% at Villanova University.
Do graduates of University of Pennsylvania or Villanova University earn more?
University of Pennsylvania alumni earn more on average: a median of about $111,371 ten years after enrolling, against about $100,423 for Villanova University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Pennsylvania and Villanova University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Pennsylvania requires SAT or ACT scores. Villanova University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Pennsylvania and Villanova University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1570 at University of Pennsylvania and 1395–1510 at Villanova University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school