UPenn Acceptance Rate

The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), an Ivy League institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is renowned for its highly selective undergraduate admissions process. For the Class of 2028, UPenn reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 5.8%, reflecting its status as one of the most competitive universities in the United States. This selectivity is driven by a growing applicant pool, with over 59,000 applications received in the most recent cycle, as well as the university’s emphasis on academic excellence, holistic review, and diversity. UPenn publishes transparent admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, providing detailed insights into acceptance rates and applicant demographics.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 5.8% for the Class of 2028, with approximately 3,400 students admitted out of over 59,000 applicants, marking a slight decrease from the previous year’s rate of 6.5%.
• Early Decision Rate: 14.9%, significantly higher than the regular decision rate, with around 1,200 students admitted from an estimated 8,000 early applicants, reflecting UPenn’s preference for committed candidates.
• International Student Rate: Estimated at 5.0%, based on historical trends, as specific data for the Class of 2028 is unavailable; international applicants face additional competition due to limited spots.

Over the past decade, UPenn’s acceptance rates have trended downward, indicative of increasing competitiveness as application numbers continue to rise. The Early Decision program plays a significant role in admissions, offering a higher likelihood of acceptance for students who commit early, a trend mirrored at other Ivy League schools. International admissions remain particularly selective due to the university’s global appeal and constrained capacity for non-domestic students. Compared to peer institutions like Harvard (3.2%) and Princeton (5.5%), UPenn’s selectivity is on par, positioning it among the elite in higher education. For the most accurate and updated statistics, prospective students are encouraged to visit the official UPenn admissions website at admissions.upenn.edu or review the Common Data Set for historical context.