Philadelphia, PA · Private University
Is University of Pennsylvania Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$111,371
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$66,104
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$66,104
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$264,416
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.69x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
3.5 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
96.8%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$15,715
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$31,229
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $66,371 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of Pennsylvania ranked by graduate earnings
46 graduates
135 graduates
28 graduates
17 graduates
83 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of Pennsylvania
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of Pennsylvania, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $246,946) and the lowest (English Language and Literature, General: $42,449) is $204,497/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $246,946 | 3.7x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $206,646 | 3.1x |
| Computer Science | $146,438 | 2.2x |
| Statistics(1yr data) | $129,732 | 2.0x |
| Economics | $125,816 | 1.9x |
| Marketing | $117,639 | 1.8x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $116,366 | 1.8x |
| Chemical Engineering | $107,816 | 1.6x |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | $105,728 | 1.6x |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(1yr data) | $104,502 | 1.6x |
| Cognitive Science | $96,904 | 1.5x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $96,143 | 1.4x |
| Philosophy | $90,761 | 1.4x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $90,686 | 1.4x |
| Political Science and Government | $86,353 | 1.3x |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $85,126 | 1.3x |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $81,134 | 1.2x |
| Biology, General | $78,245 | 1.2x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $77,464 | 1.2x |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $76,896 | 1.2x |
| History | $76,695 | 1.2x |
| Physics(1yr data) | $68,215 | 1.0x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $50,835 | 0.8x |
| Research and Experimental Psychology(1yr data) | $44,542 | 0.7x |
| English Language and Literature, GeneralLowest | $42,449 | 0.6x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pennsylvania | 1.69x | $111,371 | Good ROI |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | 1.48x | $102,491 | Average ROI |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 1.80x | $114,862 | Good ROI |
| Cornell University | 1.58x | $104,043 | Good ROI |
| Yale University | 1.55x | $100,533 | Good ROI |
| Georgetown University | 1.59x | $103,494 | Good ROI |
The Bottom Line
University of Pennsylvania offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $111,371 10 years after starting — $66,371 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 3.5 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.