College Comparison
MIT vs University of Pennsylvania: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
MIT
Cambridge, MA
School
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | MIT | UPenn |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.7%wins | 5.9% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1510–1580wins | 1500–1570 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–36 | 34–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $60,156wins | $66,104 |
| Avg Net Price | $19,813wins | $31,229 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $143,372wins | $111,371 |
| Graduation Rate | 96.1% | 96.8%wins |
| Retention Rate | 99.0%wins | 98.1% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 3:1wins | 8:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 4,571 | 10,768wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, MIT edges out UPenn on 7 of 9 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
MIT Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 4.7%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1580
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $60,156
- ✓Avg Net Price: $19,813
UPenn Strengths
- ✓Graduation Rate: 96.8%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 10,768
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.