1740
Philadelphia, PA

About University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania, also known as UPenn, is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution.  As one of the oldest centers of higher learning in the United States, the school was founded in 1740 as the Academy of Philadelphia.  The first students were enrolled in 1751.  The mission of UPenn is “the creation and dissemination of knowledge, serving as a model for colleges and universities throughout the world.”  

Away from brick-and-mortar, some 250 years later, UPenn's education definitely reaches the world.  With Penn Online, global learners have the opportunity to build their professional skills and grow their mind to meet contemporary challenges.  Certificates, continuing education courses, and degrees are availble through the following distance education programs:

  • Arts & Sciences Online Learning
  • Online Continuing Medical Education
  • Online Continuing Nursing Education
  • Online Dental Education
  • Penn Engineering Online Learning
  • Penn LPS Online
  • English Language Programs
  • Wharton Executive Education

Accreditation & Licensing

University of Pennsylvania is accredited by:

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Type:

4-year, Private not-for-profit

Highest Level Offered:

Doctor's degree

Religious Affiliation:

Not applicable

Enrollment:

Undergraduate: 13,139 ; Graduate: 19,677

Percent of Fully Online Students:

Undergraduate: 9% ; Graduate: 17%

Graduation Rate:

97%

Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:

$111,371

Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):

$15,715

Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:

52%

Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:

$53,735

Yellow Ribbon Program:

Yes

Online Programs offered by University of Pennsylvania

Check Program Availability

All Programs

Computer Science & IT

Best Buy degree
Master of Science in Engineering / Artificial Intelligence

Nursing

Best Buy degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice / Executive Leadership
Best Buy degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice / Post-Master's
Post-Graduate Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Psychology & Human Services

Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology
Popular degree
Doctorate in Clinical Social Work

Frequently Asked Questions About University of Pennsylvania

Is University of Pennsylvania accredited?

Yes. University of Pennsylvania is institutionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

How many online programs does University of Pennsylvania offer?

University of Pennsylvania offers 6 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.

What degree levels does University of Pennsylvania offer?

University of Pennsylvania offers graduate-level programs, including master's, doctoral, and graduate certificate pathways.

How should students contact admissions at University of Pennsylvania?

Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.

Is University of Pennsylvania expensive, and what are the tuition costs?

Roughly speaking, University of Pennsylvania falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.

How quickly can I enroll at University of Pennsylvania?

Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.

What should transfer students ask University of Pennsylvania first?

The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.

What GPA do most University of Pennsylvania programs require?

Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 3.2.

Is University of Pennsylvania military friendly?

University of Pennsylvania shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.

How can students request information from University of Pennsylvania through GetEducated?

Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.

What documents are most commonly required for University of Pennsylvania applications?

Most listed programs ask for Interview, Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Occupational License. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.

Does University of Pennsylvania accept life experience credit?

University of Pennsylvania does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.

Are University of Pennsylvania programs fully online or mixed?

University of Pennsylvania includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.

What kinds of online programs does University of Pennsylvania offer?

University of Pennsylvania has online program options in areas such as Nursing, Psychology & Human Services, and Computer Science & IT; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.

Are any admission tests required for University of Pennsylvania programs?

One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.

Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at University of Pennsylvania?

For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.

Do any University of Pennsylvania programs have state authorization limitations?

Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.

How often can students start at University of Pennsylvania?

Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For University of Pennsylvania, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.

How should working adults compare University of Pennsylvania programs?

Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.

What should students compare before choosing a University of Pennsylvania program?

Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.

Featured Ranking Reports

University of Pennsylvania is featured in 1 of our ranking reports!

GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.

We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.

Geographic and Educational Overview

Google Map

University of Pennsylvania is located in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania at a Glance:

State flag of PA
Harrisburg
13,002,700
46,054 sq mi
14
101
14
$15,200.00

Top Incentives in Pennsylvania:

Top Career Pathways in Pennsylvania:

Healthcare Management
  • Entry Level: Clinic Manager ($65,000)
  • Mid Level: Healthcare Administrator ($95,000)
  • Senior Level: Hospital Director ($150,000+)
  • Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
  • Certifications: ACHE, CMPE
* Data is approximate and may be AI-enhanced