College Comparison
University of Pennsylvania vs WashU (St. Louis): 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
WashU (St. Louis)
St. Louis, MO
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UPenn | WashU |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 5.9%wins | 12.0% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1570 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35wins | 33–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $66,104 | $62,982wins |
| Avg Net Price | $31,229 | $22,117wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $111,371wins | $86,182 |
| Graduation Rate | 96.8%wins | 94.5% |
| Retention Rate | 98.1%wins | 95.9% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 8:1 | 7:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 10,768wins | 7,897 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UPenn edges out WashU 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%
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $111,371
- ✓Graduation Rate: 96.8%
WashU Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $62,982
- ✓Avg Net Price: $22,117
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 7:1
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