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College comparison
Harvard vs Penn
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Harvard Cambridge, MA |  Penn Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateHarvard University is more selective | 4% | 5% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1510–1580 | 1510–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,601 | 10,650 |
| Avg net price | $19,066 | $28,699 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Penn reports higher median earnings | $101,817 | $111,371 |
| Graduation rate | 98% | 97% |
| Median debt | $14,000 | $15,715 |
| Economic mobility | 1.8% | 2.1% |
| Test policy | test-required | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Harvard vs Penn: how they compare
Two selective urban Ivy League institutions, where the choice often hinges on differences in outcomes and campus environment.
By the numbers QuantAdmit data shows a clear trade-off between prestige and economic outcomes. Harvard is slightly more selective (4% vs. 5% acceptance) with a marginally higher top-end SAT (1580 vs. 1570). However, Pennsylvania graduates report higher 10-year median earnings ($111k vs. $102k). On value, Harvard's lower average net price ($19k vs. $29k) generates a superior earnings multiplier (5.3x vs. 3.9x). Penn excels in economic mobility (205% vs. 176% rate) and holds a perfect DOE financial health score (3.0/3 vs. 2.8/3). Both have near-identical graduation rates (98% vs. 97%).
Where they overlap Both offer significant resources, network access, and academic rigor as Ivy League schools in major East Coast cities. They attract high-achieving students and provide pathways to leadership and graduate programs.
How they differ Culturally, they diverge. Penn is often described as having a socially engaged campus life, characterized as collaborative within a competitive framework. Harvard’s environment carries substantial global prestige, which can shape a formally intellectual atmosphere. The social scene at Penn is often noted as being more integrated into daily student life.
Who each suits Harvard suits the student focused on leveraging its institutional prestige and a lower net price, who thrives in a tradition-steeped environment. Pennsylvania is a match for the professionally oriented student who values strong post-graduate earnings, economic mobility, and a campus culture noted for its dynamic social and collaborative spirit alongside rigorous academics.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Harvard University or University of Pennsylvania harder to get into?
- Harvard University is more selective: Harvard University's acceptance rate is approximately 4% and University of Pennsylvania's is approximately 5% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Harvard University vs University of Pennsylvania?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1580 at Harvard University and 1510–1570 at University of Pennsylvania. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.