Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
UPenn
$328,008
4-year total (private)
VS
UW
$226,776
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UPenn = $111,768 | UW = $156,816. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
UPenn Top Majors
FinanceEconomicsNursingComputer ScienceBiologyUW Top Majors
Computer ScienceEngineeringBiologyBusinessPsychology
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is UPenn or UW harder to get into?+
UPenn is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.4% compared to 48.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UPenn or UW?+
At sticker price, UW costs less over 4 years ($226,776 vs $328,008). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UPenn offers an average of $54,060/year in aid while UW offers $17,490/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UPenn and UW?+
The average SAT score at UPenn is 1530 and at UW it is 1380. 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 UPenn or UW graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UPenn have a higher average starting salary ($92,800 vs $73,200). 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?+
UPenn has a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UW has 21:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do UPenn and UW compare for campus life?+
UPenn is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with a 299-acre campus. UW is in Seattle, Washington (urban setting) with 703 acres. UPenn competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UW in NCAA D1.