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Georgia Tech vs University of Pennsylvania

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

16.0% Georgia Tech acceptance
5.4% UPenn acceptance
$142,264 Georgia Tech cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
47,285
Setting
Urban
UPenn
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Private
Founded
1740
Enrollment
28,304
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Georgia Tech saves $29,658
Georgia Tech
$33,794
UPenn
$63,452
Acceptance Rate UPenn more selective
Georgia Tech
16.0%
UPenn
5.4%
Graduation Rate UPenn higher
Georgia Tech
90%
UPenn
96%
Avg SAT Score UPenn higher
Georgia Tech
1450
UPenn
1530
Starting Salary UPenn higher
Georgia Tech
$83,600
UPenn
$92,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgia Tech UPenn Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,794$63,452Georgia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$12,682$63,452Georgia Tech
Room & Board$12,642$18,550Georgia Tech
Acceptance Rate16.0%5.4%UPenn
Graduation Rate90%96%UPenn
Average SAT14501530UPenn
Student-Faculty Ratio15:16:1UPenn
Enrollment47,28528,304-
Avg Financial Aid$16,280$54,060UPenn
Starting Salary$83,600$92,800UPenn
Endowment$4.2B$20.5BUPenn
Campus Size400 acres299 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgia Tech
$185,744
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UPenn
$328,008
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgia Tech = $120,624 | UPenn = $111,768. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgia Tech Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessIndustrial EngineeringBiology

UPenn Top Majors

FinanceEconomicsNursingComputer ScienceBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Georgia TechUrban
UPennUrban
Campus Size
Georgia Tech400 ac
UPenn299 ac
Athletics
Georgia TechNCAA D1
UPennNCAA D1
Region
Georgia TechSouth
UPennNortheast
Founded
Georgia Tech1885
UPenn1740
Enrollment
Georgia Tech47,285
UPenn28,304

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgia Tech or UPenn harder to get into?+
UPenn is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.4% compared to 16.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgia Tech or UPenn?+
At sticker price, Georgia Tech costs less over 4 years ($185,744 vs $328,008). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgia Tech offers an average of $16,280/year in aid while UPenn offers $54,060/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Georgia Tech and UPenn?+
The average SAT score at Georgia Tech is 1450 and at UPenn it is 1530. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do Georgia Tech or UPenn graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UPenn have a higher average starting salary ($92,800 vs $83,600). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
Georgia Tech has a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UPenn has 6:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Georgia Tech and UPenn compare for campus life?+
Georgia Tech is located in Atlanta, Georgia (urban setting) with a 400-acre campus. UPenn is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 299 acres. Georgia Tech competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UPenn in NCAA D1.