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University of Pennsylvania vs West Chester University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania is a private university in Philadelphia, PA, and West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public university in West Chester, PA. University of Pennsylvania is the more selective of the two, admitting about 5% of applicants against 78% at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. West Chester University of Pennsylvania is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,331 a year against $28,699 at University of Pennsylvania. About 97% of students graduate at University of Pennsylvania, compared with 70% at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Ten years after enrolling, University of Pennsylvania alumni earn a median of about $111,371, against $61,258 for West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private

West Chester University of Pennsylvania

West Chester, PA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Philadelphia, PA
West Chester, PA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
10,650
14,164
Acceptance rate
5%
78%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1570
1100–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
34–36
24–28
Test policy
Required
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,699
$23,331
Full cost / yr
$89,028
$28,394
In-state tuition
$68,686
$10,775
Out-of-state tuition
$68,686
$22,599
Application fee
$75
$45
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$17,018
$30k - $48k
$316
$17,414
$48k - $75k
$10,439
$20,417
$75k - $110k
$25,476
$24,715
Over $110k
$55,972
$27,160
Outcomes
Graduation rate
97%
70%
Freshman retention
99%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$90,555
$51,013
Median earnings (10 yr)
$111,371
$61,258
Median debt at graduation
$15,715
$23,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
17%
25%
First-generation students
19%
28%
International students
13%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 5
Rolling

* 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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania harder to get into?
University of Pennsylvania is harder to get into. It admits about 5% of applicants, compared with 78% at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. 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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
West Chester University of Pennsylvania is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,331 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,699 at University of Pennsylvania. 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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
Before aid, West Chester University of Pennsylvania costs about $28,394 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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-3,012 there, against about $17,018 at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Pennsylvania or West Chester University of Pennsylvania?
West Chester University of Pennsylvania is the larger of the two, with about 14,164 undergraduates against 10,650 at University of Pennsylvania.
Does University of Pennsylvania or West Chester University of Pennsylvania have a better graduation rate?
University of Pennsylvania has the higher graduation rate, at about 97% against 70% at West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
Do graduates of University of Pennsylvania or West Chester University of Pennsylvania earn more?
University of Pennsylvania alumni earn more on average: a median of about $111,371 ten years after enrolling, against about $61,258 for West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Pennsylvania and West Chester University of Pennsylvania require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Pennsylvania requires SAT or ACT scores. West Chester University of Pennsylvania considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do University of Pennsylvania and West Chester University of Pennsylvania look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1570 at University of Pennsylvania and 1100–1270 at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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