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Is University of Pennsylvania worth it?
A first pass affordability and outcome read for University of Pennsylvania, using national average inputs. Run your own numbers for a personalized score.
Worth-It Score
Affordable
University of Pennsylvania lands in the affordable band for a typical family. Graduates earn a median of $111,371 ten years after enrolling, and that makes the median debt of $15,715 more manageable than it looks at first glance. For context, University of Pennsylvania's net price is about 14% above the typical 4-year, private nonprofit school. On the numbers alone, this school clears the bar comfortably.
Is the price fair?
Compared to 1237 similar 4-year, private nonprofit schools
This school
$26,017
/yrAverage school like this
$22,837
/yrNet price is slightly above average
You'd pay about $3,180 more per year than the typical student at a similar school. Over 4 years that's roughly $13,000 in extra cost.
Score breakdown
The public version of the score weighs affordability, after graduation outcomes, and repayment burden.
Affordability
40% weight
The yearly net price sits in a range that leaves more room for family cash flow and lower borrowing.
Outcome
40% weight
Graduation and earnings data create a stronger long-run payoff picture.
Repayment
20% weight
Median debt stays in a more comfortable repayment range for a typical graduate.
The numbers behind the score
Median net price per year
$28,699
Median earnings 10 years out
$111,371
Median debt at graduation
$15,715
Graduation rate
97%
At University of Pennsylvania, a typical graduate carries about $15,715 in student debt and earns roughly $111,371 ten years after enrolling. On a standard 10-year repayment plan, that works out to about $179 per month, or 2% of pre-tax income. That sits inside a borrower comfort range for many graduates.
What this means for your family
University of Pennsylvania is a private nonprofit four year school in Philadelphia, PA. Private pricing can swing more dramatically based on aid, so your personalized score matters more here than the national average view alone.
Similar schools worth comparing
These schools share a similar sector, geography, or price range.
Private nonprofit 4-year
Susquehanna
Selinsgrove, PA
Worth-It Score: 63/100
Median net price: $28,819
Private nonprofit 4-year
Muhlenberg
Allentown, PA
Worth-It Score: 70/100
Median net price: $28,905
Private nonprofit 4-year
Thomas Jefferson
Philadelphia, PA
Worth-It Score: 70/100
Median net price: $28,928
Private nonprofit 4-year
Delaware Valley
Doylestown, PA
Worth-It Score: 47/100
Median net price: $28,278
Private nonprofit 4-year
Alvernia
Reading, PA
Worth-It Score: 48/100
Median net price: $28,138
Common questions about University of Pennsylvania
The median net price at University of Pennsylvania is $28,699 per year. That is the average yearly price after typical grant aid for students in the public federal data, not the published sticker price.
Get your personalized Worth-It score
National averages are a starting point. Plug in your actual aid offer, intended major, and family situation to get a score that reflects your specific picture.
Looking at private colleges options in Pennsylvania? See the most affordable private colleges in Pennsylvania →
The Worth-It Score weighs affordability (40%), after graduation outcomes (40%), and repayment burden (20%). Underlying data points come from publicly available federal higher education reporting. See full methodology →