Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University vs University of Pennsylvania

Blacksburg, VA — Philadelphia, PA

Metric
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Location Blacksburg, VA Philadelphia, PA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 30,923 10,650
Acceptance Rate 54.8% 5.4%
SAT Average 1,364 1,553
In-State Tuition $15,948 $68,686
Out-of-State Tuition $37,764 $68,686
Avg Net Price $24,953 $28,699
Median Debt at Graduation $21,500 $15,715
4-Year Graduation Rate 86.3% 96.7%
Retention Rate 93.1% 98.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $67,377 $90,555
Median Earnings (10 yr) $81,698 $111,371
Loan Repayment Rate 661700.0% 202200.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA
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University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and University of Pennsylvania compare?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg, VA) has an acceptance rate of 54.8%, in-state tuition of $15,948, and median 10-year earnings of $81,698. University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) has an acceptance rate of 5.4%, in-state tuition of $68,686, and median 10-year earnings of $111,371.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University or University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $111,371 vs $81,698. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University or University of Pennsylvania?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is the more affordable option at $24,953 per year versus $28,699.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of Pennsylvania has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 96.7% vs 86.3%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025