Brown University vs UPenn: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Brown University and University of Pennsylvania, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Brown University vs UPenn at a glance
Brown University admits 5.4% of applicants and UPenn 5.4% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $26,976 at Brown University and $29,577 at UPenn. Six-year graduation rates are 95.6% and 96.9%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Brown University admits 5.4% of applicants and UPenn 5.4%, so both are about equally selective.
- The average net price after grants is $26,976 a year at Brown University and $29,577 at UPenn; Brown University costs $2,601 less a year.
- 95.6% of students graduate within six years at Brown University, against 96.9% at UPenn.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $99,974 for Brown University and $121,687 for UPenn; UPenn is $21,713 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $14,567 at Brown University and $15,000 at UPenn.
- Brown University enrolls 7,226 students (midsize city) and UPenn 10,650 (large city).
Side by side
Brown University and UPenn in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Brown University | UPenn |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 5.4% |
| Applicants | 46,568 | 56,332 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1580 | 1510–1570 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–35 | 34–36 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $26,976 | $29,577 |
| Tuition, in state | $74,650 | $71,236 |
| Tuition, out of state | $74,650 | $71,236 |
| Cost of attendance | $91,676 | $92,288 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $39 | Not reported |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $228 | $234 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $10,079 | $12,421 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $24,827 | $25,263 |
| Over $110,000 | $48,459 | $61,455 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 95.6% | 96.9% |
| First-year retention | 98.8% | 98.9% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $99,974 | $121,687 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $14,567 | $15,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $166 | $170 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 7,226 | 10,650 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Large |
| Location | Providence, RI | Philadelphia, PA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Brown University reports 59 bachelor's programs and UPenn 77; 42 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Brown University vs UPenn
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Brown University or UPenn?
Brown University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Brown University admits 5.4% of applicants and UPenn admits 5.4%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Brown University 1510–1580; UPenn 1510–1570.
Which is cheaper, Brown University or UPenn?
Brown University has the lower average net price after grants: $26,976 a year at Brown University against $29,577 at UPenn. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Brown University or UPenn graduates earn more?
UPenn graduates earn more at the median: $99,974 ten years after entry for Brown University and $121,687 for UPenn. Median federal debt at graduation is $14,567 and $15,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Brown University or UPenn?
UPenn does: 95.6% of Brown University students graduate within six years, against 96.9% at UPenn.
How big are Brown University and UPenn?
Brown University has 7,226 students in Providence, RI and UPenn has 10,650 students in Philadelphia, PA.