Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
NYU
$328,064
4-year total (private)
VS
UPenn
$328,008
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: NYU = $172,224 | UPenn = $111,768. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
NYU Top Majors
BusinessLiberal StudiesFilmEconomicsComputer ScienceUPenn Top Majors
FinanceEconomicsNursingComputer ScienceBiology
Need Help Choosing Between NYU & UPenn?
Get free personalized guidance from college admissions experts. Application strategy, essay reviews, and financial aid help.
Get Free College Guidance →
✓ 100% free consultation
✓ Expert admissions advisors
✓ No obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NYU or UPenn harder to get into?+
UPenn is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.4% compared to 12.2%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, NYU or UPenn?+
At sticker price, UPenn costs less over 4 years ($328,008 vs $328,064). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. NYU offers an average of $38,960/year in aid while UPenn offers $54,060/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for NYU and UPenn?+
The average SAT score at NYU is 1480 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 NYU or UPenn graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UPenn have a higher average starting salary ($92,800 vs $74,100). 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?+
NYU has a 8:1 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 NYU and UPenn compare for campus life?+
NYU is located in New York, New York (urban setting) with a 230-acre campus. UPenn is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 299 acres. NYU competes in NCAA D3 athletics and UPenn in NCAA D1.