University of Pennsylvania Cost: Tuition, Financial Aid, and More

Thinking about applying to the University of Pennsylvania but worried about how much it costs? Totally fair. The University of Pennsylvania’s cost of attendance for the 2025–2026 year is about $95,612 (if you’re living on campus). However, most students don’t end up paying that full price. UPenn offers strong financial aid, and for many families, the actual cost is much lower.

This blog breaks down the full University of Pennsylvania cost per year, what that looks like each semester, and how much you might pay across all four years. We’ll go over each expense one by one and show you how financial aid can make a serious difference.

• University of Pennsylvania’s Cost of Attendance
• University of Pennsylvania Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

University of Pennsylvania’s Cost of Attendance

The total University of Pennsylvania cost per year for an undergrad living on campus is around $95,612 for 2025–2026. Here’s the full breakdown:

If you’re wondering how much does it cost to go to University of Pennsylvania for 4 years, that adds up to nearly $380,000 before any financial aid. Let’s take a closer look at what each part of the cost actually includes:

UPenn tuition

Tuition is the biggest chunk of the University of Pennsylvania cost per year, sitting at $63,204 for two semesters. That’s about $31,602 per semester.

The tuition covers your course load, advising, and academic resources. Since UPenn is a private school, there’s no in-state discount. Tuition has increased about 3 to 4 percent annually, so expect some fluctuation if you’re planning ahead.

If you’re thinking long-term, tuition alone could cost more than $250,000 over four years, which is a huge part of the total University of Pennsylvania cost.

UPenn housing

First and second-year UPenn students are required to live on campus. The baseline UPenn housing cost is about $13,132 per year, or roughly $6,566 per semester, and that covers your room and utilities (like electricity, water, and internet).

But here’s the thing: not all UPenn dorms cost the same. While first-year housing is standardized, upperclassmen have access to more variety in room types and prices. Here’s a breakdown based on the most recent data for the 2025–2026 academic year:

Most rooms fall under the standard $13,132 rate, especially those in traditional dorms like Fisher Hassenfeld, Hill, Riepe, and Ware. Upperclass housing with private rooms or full kitchens typically pushes into the $17,226 range.

Here’s a quick look at the College Houses that first-years might live in:

• Fisher Hassenfeld. Singles, doubles, and triples with communal bathrooms.
• Hill College House. Doubles and singles with central dining and shared lounges.
• Kings Court English. Traditional-style with a garden courtyard and in-house café.
• Lauder College House. Suite-style rooms ranging from doubles to six-person suites.
• Riepe. Warm, traditional dorm setup with a cozy feel.
• Ware. Large, social dorm with a traditional layout and plenty of community space.

So while the listed University of Pennsylvania cost per year includes a general housing estimate, what you actually pay could vary based on your class year and room choice. Still, most first-year students will fall under the $13,132 rate, which was designed to fit within UPenn’s student aid budget.

UPenn meal plans

If you’re living in a dorm at UPenn, especially in your first two years, you’ll need to enroll in a dining plan. For the 2025–2026 school year, the meal plan cost is $6,534 per year, or about $3,267 per semester. That might sound steep, but it includes full access to UPenn’s dining network, with 18 locations across campus, plenty of food variety, and built-in flexibility.

As a first-year student, you’ll choose between two required plans:

• First-year 187. This one is best for students who prefer eating at retail locations. You get 187 dining swipes per semester (about 12 meals per week), plus $400 Dining Dollars per semester to use at retail spots like cafes and grab-and-go locations. This plan gives you more flexibility in where and how you eat.
• First-Year 296. This plan is ideal if you plan to eat most of your meals at UPenn’s all-you-care-to-eat dining halls. This option includes 296 dining swipes per semester (about 19 meals per week), along with $125 Dining Dollars per semester. It’s more structured and great if you want consistent, buffet-style access.

Both options cost the same—$6,534 per year—and include different balances of swipes and Dining Dollars depending on how and where you prefer to eat.

And yes, this plan is billed by semester, but the agreement covers the entire academic year. After sophomore year, you’re free to opt out or choose a smaller, upperclass plan. Many students switch to cooking at home or dining more casually.

For what it’s worth, UPenn dining puts a lot of emphasis on quality. Meals are prepared from scratch using fresh ingredients, and the dining spaces double as social spots with events, themed dinners, and more.

So, while $6,534 might feel like a lot upfront, it covers roughly 12 to 19 meals per week, snacks, dining dollars, and access to a whole campus-wide food system—which makes it a core part of your University of Pennsylvania cost per year.

Mandatory fees

In addition to tuition, there are mandatory fees totaling $8,032 per year. These fees support services like the library, student health center, tech systems, fitness facilities, and student events.

They’re not optional and are billed each semester. Expect to pay about $4,016 per semester just in fees. If you need university health insurance, that’s an estimated additional of $4,000 per year, unless you waive it with proof of your own plan.

Books and supplies

UPenn estimates $1,412 per year for books and supplies, which includes textbooks, lab materials, and basic academic needs.

The total expenses can vary based on your major. Nursing students might spend closer to $1,700, while upperclassmen in Wharton may hit $2,300. You can save by renting books or buying used, but you’ll still want to budget a few hundred each semester.

Personal expenses

The University of Pennsylvania cost per year also includes about $2,008 for personal expenses. This estimate covers expenses like laundry, toiletries, your phone bill, and occasional fun: movies, meals out, or a SEPTA ride into the city.

This category is flexible and varies by lifestyle. You might spend more or less depending on your habits, but UPenn includes this estimate so you’re not caught off guard by the cost of everyday life.

Travel and transportation

Whether you’re flying home for the holidays or hopping on a bus, UPenn includes an estimated $1,080 per year for travel.

How much you actually spend will depend on where you live. Students who fly across the country—or internationally—might exceed this, while those from nearby states might spend less. The estimate covers about two round-trips per year.

University of Pennsylvania Financial Aid and Scholarships

Here’s where it gets better: most UPenn students don’t pay that full sticker price. UPenn meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all undergrads, and financial aid comes in the form of grants, not loans, so you don’t have to pay it back.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Students from families earning less than $75,000 typically pay nothing—full cost of attendance is covered.
• Families earning up to $200,000 may have full tuition covered.

The average aid package is about $68,852 per year, which can reduce your actual University of Pennsylvania cost per year to as low as $20,000–$25,000 depending on your situation.

UPenn does not offer merit-based scholarships (standard for Ivy League schools), but you can apply to outside scholarships, and they’ll usually reduce your expected contribution rather than your aid.

The Quaker Commitment

As of the 2025–2026 academic year, UPenn rolled out The Quaker Commitment to strengthen aid for middle-income students.

Here’s what it includes:

• UPenn no longer considers home equity when calculating financial aid. That means your family’s primary residence won’t count against your eligibility.
• If your family earns up to $200,000 (with typical assets), UPenn guarantees a financial aid package that covers at least full tuition.
• If your family earns less than $75,000, your aid will cover all billed expenses—including tuition, fees, housing, and meals.
• All aid packages will continue to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need with no loans included.

There’s no special application for this program. When you submit your regular financial aid forms, you’ll be automatically considered under the Quaker Commitment if you’re eligible.

This new policy expands support for middle-income families and makes UPenn more affordable for more students, which means your University of Pennsylvania cost per year could be far lower than you expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the University of Pennsylvania cost per year for undergraduates?

The University of Pennsylvania cost per year is approximately $95,612 for students living on campus. This includes tuition, fees, housing, meal plans, books, personal expenses, and travel.

2. How much does it cost to go to the University of Pennsylvania for 4 years?

If you don’t receive financial aid, the total University of Pennsylvania cost for 4 years can reach nearly $380,000. However, most students pay far less thanks to generous need-based aid and grants.

3. What does the University of Pennsylvania cost per semester?

The University of Pennsylvania cost per semester is about $47,806, which is half the annual cost. This includes tuition, housing, meal plans, and other fees split evenly between fall and spring.

Takeaways

If you’re trying to figure out whether UPenn is financially realistic for you, here are the biggest points to keep in mind:

• The University of Pennsylvania cost per year is about $95,612, which includes tuition, housing, meals, books, personal expenses, and travel. That full price applies mostly to students who don’t qualify for aid.
• Most students don’t pay that full amount. Thanks to strong financial aid, your actual University of Pennsylvania cost could be far lower—even close to zero if your family earns under $75,000.
• Housing and meal plans are standardized for first-years, with costs of $13,132 and $6,534 respectively. After sophomore year, students can opt for different housing types and dining options, which may affect their total University of Pennsylvania cost per year.
• Aid at UPenn comes in the form of grants, not loans, and the Quaker Commitment guarantees full tuition or full cost coverage for many middle-income families. This policy makes the University of Pennsylvania cost more affordable for a wider range of students.
• Want help estimating your real cost and building a strong application? A college admissions consultant can offer expert advice tailored to your goals and financial profile.