Penn vs Washington university — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Penn is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 12.1% acceptance). Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#14 vs #23). Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $86K). Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 vs $68,686 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Penn for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Washington university for: lower tuition, a larger aid package, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Penn is more selective (5.4% vs 12.1% acceptance); Penn has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1530).
Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $86K); Penn has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.5% vs 94.3%).
Washington university has lower sticker-price tuition ($65,790 vs $68,686); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $70,971).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Penn | Washington university |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #14 | #23 |
| Rank · THE | — | #69 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 12.1% |
| Yield rate | 68% | 46.7% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1530 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 4.20 |
| Number of applications | 65,236 | 32,754 |
| International students | 24% | 27% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $111K | $86K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $132K | $88K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $183K | $137K |
| Graduation rate | 96.5% | 94.3% |
| Retention rate | 98.8% | 95% |
| Median debt | $15,715 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $68,686 | $65,790 |
| Avg. aid package | $70,971 | $75,604 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,558 | $26,666 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 24,023 | 16,357 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Penn or Washington university?
It's harder to get into Penn. Penn accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Washington university accepts 12.1%.
Do Penn or Washington university graduates earn more?
Penn graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $111K vs $86K.
How much is tuition at Penn vs Washington university?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,686 per year at Penn and $65,790 per year at Washington university.
What SAT score do you need for Penn or Washington university?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Penn and 1530 at Washington university; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Penn or Washington university?
Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #14 for Penn vs #23 for Washington university.
Which university offers more financial aid — Penn or Washington university?
The average aid package is $70,971 at Penn and $75,604 at Washington university.
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