College Comparison
University of Pennsylvania vs UC Irvine: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
School
UC Irvine
Irvine, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UPenn | UC Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 5.9%wins | 25.6% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1570wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $66,104 | $45,014wins |
| Avg Net Price | $31,229 | $12,840wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $111,371wins | $80,735 |
| Graduation Rate | 96.8%wins | 86.0% |
| Retention Rate | 98.1%wins | 93.8% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 8:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 10,768 | 29,494wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UPenn edges out UC Irvine on 6 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.
UPenn Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 5.9%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1570
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $111,371
- ✓Graduation Rate: 96.8%
UC Irvine Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $45,014
- ✓Avg Net Price: $12,840
- ✓Total Enrollment: 29,494
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.