University of Pennsylvania Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Paying for Penn can feel intimidating, especially for first-generation families, but the truth is that Penn meets 100% of demonstrated need with no loans. That means what you actually pay depends on your family’s financial picture—not a sticker price. On this page, we’ll break down Penn’s costs, need-based aid, hidden funding gems, and how Honors and ROTC programs can make a real difference. For state-level options, see our Pennsylvania aid guide alongside this full CRP scholarships hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Pennsylvania
| Category (Full-time) | On-Campus (All Students) | Off-Campus (All Students) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (flat-rate; see band below) | $71,236 | $71,236 |
| Housing (allowance) | $12,640 | $12,564 |
| Meal Plan / Food (allowance) | $6,534 | $5,796 |
| Books & Supplies (allowance) | $1,358 | $1,358 |
| Transportation (standard allowance) | $1,062 | $1,062 |
| Personal Expenses (allowance) | $2,008 | $2,008 |
| Total (before aid) | $94,838 | $94,024 |
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.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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). |
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.
🏆 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.
⭐ 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.
🎖️ 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
Honors FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No. Students either apply for BFS during the admission process or are invited; the University Scholars Program requires a separate, competitive application once enrolled.
Does joining BFS or University Scholars add time to your degree?
No. These programs run alongside your regular coursework and often accelerate access to research, internships, and faculty mentoring rather than delay graduation.
Are there scholarships tied to BFS or University Scholars?
Not tuition scholarships. Instead, members get access to targeted funding like the Franklin Opportunity Fund for internships, and CURF-managed research grants.
What deadlines should families keep in mind?
BFS consideration usually happens during the freshman application process; University Scholars applications open later (typically sophomore year) once students have a clear research direction.
📎 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.
✅ Last updated: September 22, 2025