University of Pennsylvania

General Information about the University of Pennsylvania

Established in 1740, the University of Pennsylvania is the nation's fourth oldest college. Penn serves more than 19,000 students with an endowment worth roughly $5.2 billion.

An Ivey League university, Penn is a selective school with a nearly 15% acceptance rate. The university was founded by legendary scientist and statesman Benjamin Franklin. Notable alumni include investor Warren Buffet, poet Ezra Pound and author Noam Chomsky.

Admissions and Enrollment Information

Applicants to the University of Pennsylvania can complete an application online or mail one to the admissions office. Penn also accepts the Common Application. Students interested in applying are required to submit SAT or ACT scores. Applicants taking the SAT must also take two SAT subject tests. Admissions to Penn graduate programs vary depending on department.

University of Pennsylvania Academic Departments

Annenberg School for Communication

Established in 1959, the Annenberg School for Communication offers graduate degrees in journalism, speech and advertising. Undergraduate students can major in communications. Students can participate in research in fields, like politics, public health and youth communications.

Graduate School of Education

Students in the Graduate School of Education pursue master's and doctoral degrees. Doctoral candidates can earn degrees in educational linguistics, education policy and reading, writing and literacy. The Graduate School of Education has a population of more than 500 students.

Law School

The University of Pennsylvania Law School has master's, doctoral and Juris Doctorate degrees. The University of Pennsylvania Law Review is the nation's oldest law review. The Law School also lets students earn certificates in environmental policy, public policy and gender and sexuality studies.

School of Arts and Sciences

The School of Arts and Sciences is among Penn's largest undergraduate programs. Popular majors include history, chemistry and fine arts. This school also has architecture, criminology and environmental studies majors. The individualized major program allows students to take courses in multiple disciplines.

School of Dental Medicine

The School of Dental Medicine has master's and doctoral degrees in addition to the Doctor of Dental Medicine professional degree. High achieving students at participating universities can earn a bachelor's degree and a dental degree in 7 years. Partner schools include Hampton University, Villanova University and Muhlenberg College.

School of Design

The School of Design has professional architecture and graduate degrees. Students can earn master's degrees in architecture and historic preservation. Established in 1868, the architecture program is one of the oldest in the country.

School of Engineering and Applied Science

The School of Engineering and Applied Science has majors in bioengineering, chemical and biomolecular engineering and electrical and systems engineering. The college awards bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Popular majors include chemical engineering, computer science and electrical engineering.

School of Medicine

Founded in 1765, the School of Medicine was the nation's first medical school. The school offers programs in biophysics, epidemiology and pharmacology. The medical school serves 720 students and grants master's, doctoral and medical degrees.

School of Nursing

The School of Nursing is home to 975 undergraduate and graduate students. Students can specialize in areas, like behavioral health, adult acute care and gerontology. Established in 1886, the nursing school is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

School of Social Policy & Practice

The School of Social Policy and Practice has degrees in fields, like homelessness, domestic violence and mental health. The school has master's and doctoral degrees like the Master of Social Work. The school also offers dual degree programs allowing students to earn multiple graduate degrees simultaneously.

School of Veterinary Medicine

The School of Veterinary Medicine only awards graduate degrees like the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. The school has one of Penn's smaller student bodies with 125 students. As a rule, Pennsylvania residents have a better chance for admission than students from other states.

Wharton School of Business

The Wharton School of Business is the only undergraduate business school in the Ivey League. Founded in 1881, Wharton was the world's first school of business. Fields of study include accounting, finance and marketing.

Contact Information

• Address: University of Pennsylvania Admissions Office, 3451 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104
• Phone Number: (215) 898-5000