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College comparison
Stanford 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 |  Stanford Stanford, CA |  Penn Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateStanford University is more selective | 4% | 5% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1510–1580 | 1510–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 7,554 | 10,650 |
| Avg net price | $13,807 | $28,699 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Stanford reports higher median earnings | $124,080 | $111,371 |
| Graduation rate | 92% | 97% |
| Median debt | $12,000 | $15,715 |
| Economic mobility | 2.2% | 2.1% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Stanford vs Penn: how they compare
Two premier private universities, each offering a top-tier education but with distinct financial realities and campus environments.
By the numbers Stanford presents a stronger financial value proposition, with an average net price of $14k (vs. Penn’s $29k) and a 10-year median earnings multiplier of 9.0x per dollar of net price (vs. Penn’s —3.9x). Post-graduate outcomes are high at both, with Stanford’s 10-year median earnings at $124k compared to Penn’s $111k. Selectivity is similar, with Stanford’s 4% acceptance rate and 1510–1580 SAT range slightly edging Penn’s 5% and 1510–1570. Stanford shows greater economic mobility (225% vs. 205%) and less year-to-year volatility in its admit rate (42% vs. 58%). Penn, however, has a marginally higher graduation rate (97% vs. 92%) and a perfect DOE financial health score of 3.0/3 (vs. Stanford’s 2.6/3).
Where they overlap Both are intensely selective institutions that attract highly capable and ambitious students. They are well-regarded for launching graduates into professional careers and advanced study, backed by significant institutional resources and global recognition.
How they differ The core contrast is environmental. Stanford’s sprawling, suburban Silicon Valley campus fosters a tech-centric, entrepreneurial culture. Penn is embedded in the city of Philadelphia, offering an urban collegiate experience. Culturally, Penn’s environment is often characterized as pre-professional, while Stanford’s culture is intertwined with Northern California tech innovation.
Who each suits Stanford suits students drawn to technology, venture capital, and a suburban environment. Penn is a match for those seeking a pre-professional atmosphere within a historic city, with particular strengths in undergraduate business, economics, and nursing.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Stanford University or University of Pennsylvania harder to get into?
- Stanford University is more selective: Stanford 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 Stanford University vs University of Pennsylvania?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1580 at Stanford 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.