Northwestern University vs University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania is extremely selective with a 5.9% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Northwestern University (7.1%). Graduates of University of Pennsylvania earn $22,008 more per year at the 10-year mark ($111,371 vs $89,363). For families earning $48k–$75k, Northwestern University is more affordable at $7,898 net price vs $17,585.
Admissions & Outcomes
University of Pennsylvania has a higher yield rate (69.3%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1530, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
Evanston, IL
Philadelphia, PA
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), University of Pennsylvania is more affordable at $1,026 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $48,777 vs $57,603.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Northwestern University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (19%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Northwestern University
- 1 Computer Science$98,403
- 2 Computer Engineering$85,918
- 3 Information Science/Studies$83,546
- 4 Industrial Engineering$79,849
- 5 Chemical Engineering$79,688
University of Pennsylvania
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General$138,932
- 2 Computer Science$125,015
- 3 Finance and Financial Management Services$122,725
- 4 Systems Engineering$101,964
- 5 International/Global Studies$84,653
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Northwestern University
- 1 Economics
- 2 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- 3 Computer Science
- 4 Psychology, General
- 5 Biology, General
University of Pennsylvania
- 1 Data Analytics
- 2 Economics
- 3 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 4 Philosophy
- 5 Biology, General
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Northwestern University
- International students21%
- Tuition (international)$56,286
- Est. total cost/year$74,356
- School typePublic
University of Pennsylvania
- International students24%
- Tuition (international)$53,166
- Est. total cost/year$76,826
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 24% international enrollment, University of Pennsylvania likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Northwestern University or University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania is more selective with a 5.9% acceptance rate, compared to 7.1%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Northwestern University or University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $111,371 compared to $89,363. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Northwestern University or University of Pennsylvania?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Northwestern University has a lower net price at $7,898 per year vs $17,585. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Northwestern University vs University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 96.8%, compared to 95.5%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Northwestern University or University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania has a larger international student population at 24% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Northwestern University and University of Pennsylvania?
At Northwestern University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $98,403 within two years. At University of Pennsylvania, the top-earning major is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $138,932. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.