Penn vs. University of Richmond

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA with University of Richmond in University of Richmond, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Pennsylvania is larger than University of Richmond based on total student enrollment (29,109 students vs. 3,722 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Pennsylvania is located in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting); University of Richmond is in University of Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• University of Pennsylvania is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Richmond is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Pennsylvania 8:1; University of Richmond 7:1.

Penn vs. University of Richmond Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Penn or University of Richmond? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Pennsylvania than University of Richmond ($23,570 vs. $30,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Richmond are 10.6% lower than at University of Pennsylvania ($17,140 vs. $19,174).
• University of Pennsylvania is 5.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Richmond (about $3,456 more per year; $68,686.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.3% higher at Penn than at University of Richmond (about $3,456 more per year; $68,686.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Richmond than at University of Pennsylvania (56% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Pennsylvania students is 28.3% larger than aid received by University of Richmond students ($65,458 vs. $51,039).

Penn vs. University of Richmond Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Penn or University of Richmond? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Richmond and Penn.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Pennsylvania (1540) is 70 points higher than at University of Richmond (1470).
• Incoming Penn students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 34 at University of Richmond).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Pennsylvania 1510/1570; University of Richmond 1410/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Pennsylvania 34/36; University of Richmond 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Penn - Required; University of Richmond - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Penn Jan 5, 2027; University of Richmond Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Penn students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at University of Richmond (3.71).
• University of Richmond has a higher acceptance rate (22.2%) than Penn (5.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 68% at Penn vs. 23.5% at University of Richmond.

Penn vs. University of Richmond Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Penn and University of Richmond? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Pennsylvania's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than University of Richmond's (83%).
• Graduates from University of Pennsylvania earn a median of about $49,700 more per year than University of Richmond graduates about ten years after starting college ($123,600 vs. $73,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Pennsylvania graduates have a $515 lower median loan debt than University of Richmond graduates ($20,633 vs. $21,148).
• Among borrowers, Penn graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Richmond graduates ($213 vs. $218).
• More Penn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Richmond students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 75%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.