University of Pennsylvania Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the University Scholarships hub • See Pennsylvania state aid
- How Penn’s financial aid meets 100% of need with no loans
- Family cost breakdown by income level
- QuestBridge full-ride opportunities
- FAFSA and CSS Profile deadlines
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~5.8%
- Middle 50% SAT: 1490–1570
- Middle 50% ACT: 34–35
- Average HS GPA: ~4.0 (unweighted)
Source: University of Pennsylvania Common Data Set 2024–25. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Penn at a Glance
Last verified: October 11, 2025
The University of Pennsylvania’s financial aid program is designed to make an Ivy League education possible for every admitted student. Penn meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans for all undergraduates. Families earning under $65,000 pay no cost for tuition, housing, or meals, and those earning up to $150,000 often pay a reduced amount based on need.
As a long-time QuestBridge partner university, Penn offers full-ride scholarships to matched students through the National College Match. Financial aid is entirely need-based, and both U.S. and international students are eligible for consideration by filing the FAFSA and CSS Profile by the stated deadlines.
FAQ
Does Penn participate in QuestBridge? Yes. Penn is a QuestBridge partner offering full-ride scholarships for matched students.
Does Penn offer merit scholarships? No. All aid is need-based and automatically awarded.
Does Penn include loans in aid packages? No. Penn eliminated loans from its financial aid in 2009.
What’s the average net price? About $26,123 after aid, with lower costs for families earning under $150,000.
https://admissions.upenn.edu/
https://admissions.upenn.edu/admissions-and-financial-aid/tuition-and-financial-aid
https://srfs.upenn.edu/financial-aid
https://srfs.upenn.edu/financial-aid/how-aid-works
https://questbridge.org/college-partners/university-of-pennsylvania
https://oir.upenn.edu/common-data-set
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?215062-University-of-Pennsylvania
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Pennsylvania
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $71,020 | $71,020 |
| Housing & Meals (on-campus) | $19,890 | $19,890 |
| Total (before aid) | $95,338 | $95,338 |
Additional estimated costs not billed directly to Penn include Books & Supplies (~$1,358), Personal Expenses (~$2,008), and Transportation (~$1,062). These indirect expenses are excluded from the table because they are not paid directly to the university.
Tuition band (full-time): Penn bills a flat undergraduate rate for ~3.0–5.5 C.U. per term (part-time & summer billed per C.U.).
Notes on allowances: Housing, food, books, personal, and transport are based on Penn’s standard cost-of-living estimates.
For the most accurate estimate for your family, complete Penn’s Net Price tools and the CSS Profile. If you’re new to the CSS Profile, see our plain-English guide: /css-profile-guide/.
- Who qualifies? No one — Penn does not participate in state reciprocity or WUE pricing.
- How much? N/A — private flat pricing.
- Apply or automatic? N/A.
Does Penn have different prices for in-state vs. out-of-state students?
No. As a private university, Penn’s tuition & required fees are the same for all undergraduates.
What full-time credit band does the flat tuition cover?
SRFS bills a flat rate for approximately 3.0–5.5 course units (C.U.) per term; part-time and summer are billed per C.U.
How is the transportation allowance set?
Penn uses a standardized allowance to account for two round trips per year; amounts may differ for students traveling from longer distances.
https://srfs.upenn.edu/financial-aid/cost-attendance
https://srfs.upenn.edu/financial-aid/how-aid-works
https://admissions.upenn.edu/admissions-and-financial-aid/tuition-and-financial-aid
https://questbridge.org/college-partners/university-of-pennsylvania
https://oir.upenn.edu/common-data-set
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?215062-University-of-Pennsylvania
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic Merit (Institutional) | N/A | Penn’s undergraduate aid is need-based only; the university does not award academic or athletic merit scholarships. | No | Aid is re-evaluated annually based on demonstrated need and required filings. | Students with demonstrated financial need (meets 100% of need; no-loan policy). | Feb 1 (RD); Nov 1 (QuestBridge/ED) |
Note: Penn is a QuestBridge National College Match partner. Highly qualified, low-income students should review Match timelines and requirements (in addition to completing the CSS Profile and FAFSA).
Since Penn does not publish GPA/test tiers for automatic merit, there are no ranges to list here.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Does Penn offer automatic academic scholarships?
No. All institutional aid is need-based. If your family qualifies for aid, Penn meets 100% of demonstrated need with grants and work-study (no loans).
Do I need to submit SAT/ACT scores for 2025–2026 admissions?
Yes. For the 2025–26 cycle, Penn requires SAT or ACT scores. If you submit multiple test sittings, Penn superscores (they consider your highest section scores across dates).
What forms determine whether I receive aid?
You’ll file the CSS Profile and FAFSA (plus tax documents as requested). New to CSS? Use our plain-English walkthrough: /css-profile-guide/.
Can outside/private scholarships stack with Penn aid?
Outside awards are coordinated with your package. They typically reduce work-study and summer earnings first, then grants if needed—so always report them early.
How are “automatic” awards handled for QuestBridge finalists?
QuestBridge follows its own Match rules and deadlines. If you’re a finalist, follow QB instructions closely and complete all Penn aid forms on time.
Penn Student Registration & Financial Services – https://srfs.upenn.edu/financial-aid
Penn Admissions/Financial Aid – https://admissions.upenn.edu/financial-aid
Current Applicant Aid Deadlines – https://srfs.upenn.edu/financial-aid/deadlines
QuestBridge at Penn – https://admissions.upenn.edu/admissions-and-financial-aid/apply/first-year-students/questbridge
Official FAQ – https://collegereadyparent.org/university-of-pennsylvania-scholarships/
QuestBridge Dates & Requirements – https://questbridge.org/
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
Penn does not offer university-wide flagship or competitive merit scholarships. All undergraduate aid is awarded on the basis of financial need. Because CRP uses a consistent format, we’re including the standard flagship scholarship table below—even though it remains blank for Penn. This makes it clear that families aren’t missing hidden opportunities here.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No flagship competitive scholarships are available at the University of Pennsylvania. | |||||
Penn’s financial aid system is entirely need-based. Instead of flagship merit awards, admitted students with demonstrated financial need receive Penn Grants through the no-loan policy. Named scholarships you may see on an aid award letter are donor-funded components of this need-based system, not separate competitive scholarships.
Flagship Scholarship FAQ
Does Penn have any big, competitive full-tuition scholarships?
No. Penn does not offer flagship or competitive merit scholarships. Instead, they commit to meeting 100% of demonstrated need with grants and work-study.
Why is there a flagship scholarship table here if it’s empty?
CRP uses a standard format across all schools. The blank table makes it clear that you’re not overlooking a hidden competitive award at Penn.
So how do students at Penn reduce costs?
Families file the FAFSA and CSS Profile. Aid-eligible students receive Penn Grants, sometimes supplemented by donor-named scholarships. ROTC, research, and study abroad funding opportunities are listed in the Hidden Gems section.
How does this compare to flagship competitive scholarships at other universities?
Many state flagships use competitive merit programs to recruit top students. Penn, as a private Ivy, instead relies on generous need-based aid and has no flagship merit track.
Penn Student Registration & Financial Services – https://srfs.upenn.edu/financial-aid
Penn Admissions/Financial Aid – https://admissions.upenn.edu/financial-aid
Aid Philosophy & Scholarship Policy – https://srfs.upenn.edu/financial-aid/types/grants
Donor-Funded Aid – https://srfs.upenn.edu/financial-aid/types/grants-donor-funded
🎖️ Honors College
Penn doesn’t have a single “Honors College” with its own tuition scholarships. Instead, it offers two selective Scholars Programs — Benjamin Franklin Scholars (BFS) and the University Scholars Program. These programs don’t provide automatic merit aid, but they do open doors to exclusive seminars, research opportunities, and special funding streams that can lower real costs for families.
Top of their high school class, usually with advanced coursework (AP/IB or dual enrollment). Curious learners who thrive in small, discussion-driven settings. Research-minded, with early interest in independent projects and faculty mentorship.
- Priority access to BFS seminars and interdisciplinary courses
- Faculty mentorship and advising through the Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships (CURF)
- Franklin Opportunity Fund: stipends for unpaid or underpaid summer internships (BFS only)
- Research and travel grants through BFS and University Scholars for independent projects
- Funding support for conference presentations and advanced study abroad
- Access to a close-knit academic community with shared events and advising
| Program / Fund | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Franklin Scholars (BFS) | No tuition awards; access to seminars, research stipends, Franklin Opportunity Fund ($) | Admitted or first-year Penn students; top academic record; faculty recommendations (for internal applicants) | Yes — as part of main app; current students: May 15 | Yes, participation-based | Top-offer admits/first-year; sophs/juniors may apply if not admitted initially | May 15 (current Penn), at admission |
| Franklin Opportunity Fund (BFS) | $ (internships, summer research) | BFS students, first-years through juniors | Yes — spring application | One-time | BFS students securing unpaid or underpaid summer internships | Apr (typically early in month) |
| University Scholars Program | No tuition; research/travel/conference funds by project | Current undergrads with strong research commitment | Yes — competitive app, once in college | Yes (annually, progress required) | Undergrads with deep research commitment, faculty mentor | Nov 1 |
| CURF Research Grants | Up to $5,000 (summer) or $500–$1,000 (term by term) | All undergrads w/ faculty-mentored project | Yes — app by award | By award/cycle | Students with faculty sponsorship; BFS/Univ Scholars encouraged to apply | Oct, Mar (main cycles) |
Honors FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No. BFS is by invitation/admission or internal app by May 15 of first year; University Scholars is competitive and opens every fall with a Nov 1 deadline.
Does joining BFS or University Scholars add time to your degree?
No. Programs are integrated with your Penn coursework and typically accelerate research/academic opportunity.
Are there scholarships tied to Honors?
Not for tuition. Instead, funding is project-based: stipends for internships, research, or conferences if proposals are approved.
What deadlines matter?
BFS (current Penn students): May 15; Franklin Opportunity Fund: Apr; University Scholars: Nov 1; CURF grants: Oct, Mar.
Benjamin Franklin Scholars – https://curf.upenn.edu/bfs/
BFS Application Deadlines – https://curf.upenn.edu/how-apply/
Franklin Opportunity Fund – https://curf-upenn.smapply.io/prog/franklin_opportunity_fund/
University Scholars – https://curf.upenn.edu/university-scholars/
University Scholars App Timeline – https://curf-upenn.smapply.io/prog/university_scholars_current_student_application/
CURF Research Grants & Deadlines – https://curf.upenn.edu/research-funding/
⭐ College Specialty
Penn is an Ivy League powerhouse and a nationally recognized R1 Research University. Families know it not just for academics, but for the career pipelines that open doors in business, healthcare, science, and public service. For students who want opportunities that stretch far beyond the classroom, Penn’s specialties are worth noting.
- School of Nursing: Ranked among the top 3 nursing schools nationally (U.S. News 2024) with strong clinical and research placements.
- GRASP Lab (Robotics): One of the world’s leading robotics research centers, advancing autonomy, drones, and computer vision.
- Huntsman Program in International Studies & Business: Highly selective dual-degree program blending business and global affairs, with mandatory language study abroad.
- Vagelos Life Sciences & Management (LSM): Combines biology and business, preparing graduates for leadership roles in biotech and pharma.
📎 Official Links
- University of Pennsylvania Homepage
- Benjamin Franklin Scholars Program
- Penn Scholarships & Financial Aid
Final Thoughts
Penn can look overwhelming at first glance with its Ivy League price tag, but families should remember: Penn is one of the most generous private universities in the country. They meet 100% of demonstrated need with no loans, and hidden gems like the Mayor’s Scholarship, ROTC awards, and research funding can make the experience even more affordable. Instead of chasing elusive merit awards, focus on the CSS Profile, FAFSA, and Penn’s own aid process — that’s where the real savings are. If your student is a strong fit academically and socially, Penn’s need-based model makes it far more accessible than the sticker price suggests.