Texas at austin vs Penn — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Penn is the more selective of the two (5.4% vs 26.6% acceptance). Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#45 vs #14). Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $75K). Texas at austin has lower sticker-price tuition ($44,908 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 Texas at austin for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
Choose Penn for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Penn is more selective (5.4% vs 26.6% acceptance); Penn has a higher median SAT (1553 vs 1395).
Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $75K); Penn has a higher 6-year graduation rate (96.5% vs 88.9%).
Texas at austin has lower sticker-price tuition ($44,908 vs $68,686); Penn offers a larger average aid package ($70,971 vs $20,219).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Texas at austin | Penn |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #45 | #14 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 26.6% | 5.4% |
| Yield rate | 47.4% | 68% |
| Median SAT | 1395 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.90 |
| Number of applications | 72,885 | 65,236 |
| International students | 9% | 24% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $75K | $111K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $132K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $117K | $183K |
| Graduation rate | 88.9% | 96.5% |
| Retention rate | 96.7% | 98.8% |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $15,715 |
| Tuition · year | $44,908 | $68,686 |
| Avg. aid package | $20,219 | $70,971 |
| % of need met | 75% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $19,919 | $32,558 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 53,864 | 24,023 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Texas at austin or Penn?
It's harder to get into Penn. Texas at austin accepts 26.6% of applicants, while Penn accepts 5.4%.
Do Texas at austin or Penn graduates earn more?
Penn graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $111K vs $75K.
How much is tuition at Texas at austin vs Penn?
Sticker-price tuition is $44,908 per year at Texas at austin and $68,686 per year at Penn.
What SAT score do you need for Texas at austin or Penn?
The median admitted SAT score is 1395 at Texas at austin and 1553 at Penn; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Texas at austin or Penn?
Penn ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #45 for Texas at austin vs #14 for Penn.
Which university offers more financial aid — Texas at austin or Penn?
The average aid package is $20,219 at Texas at austin and $70,971 at Penn.
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