UPenn Graduate School: All You Need to Know

The UPenn graduate school system is one of the most prestigious in the world and home to some of the Ivy League’s most competitive programs. From Wharton to the Perelman School of Medicine, UPenn gives you the chance to study at the highest level while being part of a diverse, collaborative community.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the UPenn graduate acceptance rate, application requirements, funding options, and tips to make your UPenn graduate application stand out.

• UPenn Graduate School Overview
• Twelve Graduate Schools at UPenn
• UPenn Graduate School Acceptance Rate
• UPenn Graduate School Admission Requirements
• How to Get into UPenn Graduate School
• Funding Your Graduate School at UPenn
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

UPenn Graduate School Overview

At UPenn, graduate school is a network of 12 different schools all located on the same campus. This setup makes collaboration across fields a natural part of the experience. Whether you’re interested in law, medicine, engineering, education, or the arts, you’ll find a place at UPenn.

Here are the graduate degrees you can earn at UPenn:

UPenn graduate population

In total, UPenn has over 17,600 graduate and professional students, making it one of the largest and most diverse Ivy League graduate networks.

Students come from all 50 states and over 120 countries, and about one-third are international students. This means that no matter where you’re from, you’ll be learning alongside people with a wide range of experiences and perspectives.

The gender balance is fairly even across most programs, though fields like Nursing, Medicine, and Law may have slightly different ratios.

At UPenn, graduate students follow many different paths. Below are the degrees students pursue for Fall 2024:

• Doctoral Academic (PhD, EdD, DMA) – about 25% of students
• Doctoral Professional (JD, MD, DNP, VMD) – about 20%
• Master’s Academic (MA, MS, MSE, etc.) – around 35%
• Master’s Professional (MBA, LLM, MSN, MArch, etc.) – about 20%

So whether you’re aiming for a PhD in engineering or an MBA at Wharton, UPenn offers programs that match a variety of academic and career goals.

The number of graduate students by school (Fall 2024) is as follows:

With nearly 18,000 graduate students, UPenn offers both big-school networks (like Engineering and Wharton) and smaller, close-knit programs (like Annenberg or Social Policy). When you apply, think about the kind of academic community you want to join and how your goals connect with UPenn’s diverse graduate landscape.

Twelve Graduate Schools at UPenn

If you’re considering graduate school, UPenn gives you the chance to learn, collaborate, and innovate at one of the nation’s top research universities. With 16,000+ students enrolled in over 300 programs and access to 170+ research centers, you’ll find endless opportunities to grow and connect across fields.

At UPenn, you can choose from twelve graduate and professional schools listed below:

1. School of Arts & Sciences

The School of Arts & Sciences is UPenn’s academic heart, home to 27 departments in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Graduate students can choose from over 30 graduate groups leading to master’s and doctoral degrees. With nearly 500 distinguished faculty—many with Pulitzer Prizes, Nobel Prizes, or MacArthur Fellowships—this school provides both depth and breadth in scholarship.

2. The Wharton School

Wharton, founded in 1881, was the world’s first collegiate business school and remains a global leader in business education. Graduate offerings include the MBA, Executive MBA, PhD, and a wide range of executive programs. Its powerful alumni network of nearly 100,000 and resources like Knowledge@Wharton make it one of the most influential business schools in the world.

3. Annenberg School for Communication

The Annenberg School is focused on understanding communication in today’s society. While its graduate programs are primarily at the doctoral level, they offer students a strong foundation in theory, research methods, and applied work.

Graduates often go on to roles in academia, media policy, and cultural institutions, shaping how information and communication influence public life.

4. School of Dental Medicine

One of the oldest dental schools in the country, Penn Dental Medicine combines rigorous training with hands-on patient care. Students pursue a DMD with options for dual degrees in areas like public health and bioengineering, while also engaging in community dental clinics that serve thousands of local residents each year.

5. Stuart Weitzman School of Design

The Weitzman School of Design prepares students to tackle challenges in art, architecture, planning, and preservation. Graduate programs emphasize creativity and problem-solving, blending technical skill with social and environmental awareness. With degrees and certificates in 11 areas, students engage in projects that connect design with real-world impact.

6. Graduate School of Education

Penn GSE is nationally recognized for preparing leaders in teaching, policy, and research. Graduate students study areas such as higher education, literacy, educational psychology, and social theory. The school also partners with local communities and schools, reflecting its commitment to equity and access in education.

7. School of Engineering and Applied Science

Penn Engineering combines innovation with interdisciplinary collaboration. Founded in 1852, the school now leads in areas like robotics, nanotechnology, and bioengineering. Graduate students benefit from advanced labs, entrepreneurial opportunities, and partnerships with other UPenn schools, preparing them to apply technology to global challenges.

8. Penn Carey Law

Penn Carey Law offers a rigorous legal education enriched by opportunities for cross-disciplinary study. Students can pursue certificates or joint degrees with other Penn schools, blending law with fields such as business or public health. Its faculty, clinics, and pro bono programs ensure graduates are prepared for both legal practice and public service.

9. Perelman School of Medicine

The Perelman School of Medicine, America’s first medical school, consistently ranks among the best in the nation. Graduate offerings include MD, PhD, and combined-degree programs. With strong NIH funding and training at UPenn’s top hospitals, students gain unmatched clinical and research experience while advancing patient care and biomedical discovery.

10. School of Nursing

Penn Nursing is a leader in nursing science and education, offering graduate programs such as MSN, DNP, and PhD. Students gain clinical experience at UPenn’s world-class hospitals and use cutting-edge labs to prepare for roles in advanced practice, research, and health care leadership.

11. School of Social Policy & Practice

The School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) has a long history of training students to address social justice issues. Graduate programs include social work, nonprofit leadership, and social policy, along with a doctorate in clinical social work. Students engage in fieldwork locally and internationally, preparing them to lead change in communities and organizations.

12. School of Veterinary Medicine

Penn Vet takes a “One Health” approach, connecting animal health with human health and public policy. Its graduate programs train veterinarians through the VMD degree and advanced specialties. With hospitals for both small and large animals, along with research on zoonotic diseases and agriculture, Penn Vet plays a vital role in global and local health.

UPenn Graduate School Acceptance Rate

Graduate admissions at UPenn are very competitive. While there isn’t a single overall UPenn grad school acceptance rate, some program shares its own numbers:

When it comes to getting into UPenn’s graduate programs, acceptance rates look very different depending on the school. Some, like the Perelman School of Medicine (~2.4%), the Annenberg School for Communication (7%), and Carey Law (~10%), are extremely selective.

Others—such as Penn Engineering (~18.6%), the School of Arts & Sciences (21%), and the Wharton School (~20.5%)—are still tough but admit a larger share of applicants. If you’re looking at programs like the Graduate School of Education (~39.1%), the Stuart Weitzman School of Design (47%), or the School of Nursing (62%), you’ll find the odds a bit more approachable.

Overall, the UPenn grad school acceptance rate depends on your field of study. But no matter where you apply, you’ll be competing with talented students from around the world.

UPenn Graduate School Requirements

Each of UPenn’s twelve graduate and professional schools has its own admissions process, but most applicants can expect a similar set of requirements. Here’s what you should know before you get started:

Minimum education

To apply, you’ll need a U.S. bachelor’s degree or an equivalent international credential from a recognized institution. While UPenn doesn’t set a strict GPA cutoff, most admitted students have strong academic records—typically around a 3.5 GPA or higher.

If you earned your degree abroad and aren’t sure how it compares, the admissions team for your program will help assess equivalency.

English proficiency

If English isn’t your first language, you’ll likely need to show proficiency through one of the standard exams: TOEFL, IELTS, or Pearson PTE Academic. Some programs waive this requirement if you’ve already studied at an institution where English was the main language of instruction. It’s best to check with your school to confirm.

Standardized tests

Test requirements vary depending on your program:

• PhD programs often ask for the GRE (Penn’s code is 2926), though not all do.
• Professional schools may require the GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT, depending on the field.
• Master’s programs may be test-optional or waive testing entirely.

Always double-check your program’s admissions page so you don’t miss an important detail.

Application materials

Most programs will ask you to put together:

• A Statement of Purpose that outlines your academic path and future goals.
• Recommendation letters (submitted online whenever possible).
• A resume or CV with your academic, research, and professional experience.
• Official transcripts from every school you’ve attended.

Some programs may also want extras like writing samples, portfolios, or research proposals, especially if you’re applying in fields like design, the humanities, or social sciences. Remember that once you submit these materials, they become the property of Penn, so keep personal copies.

Special notes: UPenn takes a holistic approach to admissions, meaning your entire application is considered. If your transcript includes pass/fail marks from the COVID-19 disruptions, rest assured that these will not count against you.

While interviews are not required for every program, some schools may invite selected applicants to participate as part of the review process. If you’re able to visit campus, many schools also host open houses, tours, and information sessions.

How to Get into UPenn Graduate School

UPenn looks for students who thrive academically, make an impact in their fields, and embrace the university’s collaborative, cross-disciplinary culture. Here are key ways to strengthen your application, with tips tailored to UPenn’s unique admissions process:

1. Show academic strength.

UPenn’s graduate programs are rigorous, so your academic record is one of the first things committees will notice. Highlight advanced coursework, honors projects, and research experience that show your ability to succeed at the graduate level.

Many admitted students have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, but equally important is the evidence that you’ve pushed yourself in challenging subjects.

Tip: If your GPA isn’t perfect, use your Statement of Purpose or recommendations to highlight an upward trend or strengths in relevant coursework. Admissions committees value resilience and context as much as raw numbers.

2. Prove your fit with UPenn.

One of UPenn’s hallmarks is its single, contiguous campus that makes it easy to cross disciplinary boundaries. Admissions officers want to see that you’ll take advantage of this unique setup. Reference specific faculty you’d like to work with, research institutes that align with your goals, or interdisciplinary opportunities such as combining law with business or engineering with medicine.

Tip: Go beyond listing UPenn’s resources. Explain why those opportunities matter for your growth. For example, if you’re applying to the Graduate School of Education, mention how UPenn’s local partnerships in Philadelphia schools align with your research interests.

3. Highlight your impact.

UPenn values students who not only excel individually but also contribute to their communities. Share examples of leadership roles, professional accomplishments, or service projects that illustrate how you’ve made a difference. Admissions readers want to see how you’ll enrich Penn’s collaborative environment.

Tip: Use specific metrics or outcomes. Instead of just saying you “led a project,” describe how your leadership increased efficiency, served a community, or inspired others to get involved.

4. Craft a focused Statement of Purpose.

Your Statement of Purpose is where you connect the dots: your academic journey, professional goals, and how UPenn is the right place for you. Be clear about the research questions you want to pursue or the problems you hope to solve, and show how Penn’s faculty, programs, and culture uniquely support those ambitions.

Tip: Avoid generic statements like “I want to study at a top university.” Instead, weave in UPenn-specific details, such as working with a particular professor, joining an interdisciplinary lab, or benefiting from UPenn’s 170+ research centers.

5. Secure strong recommendations.

Choose recommenders who can speak to your readiness for graduate-level work. Professors, research mentors, or supervisors who know your strengths and growth areas can provide the kind of detailed insights admissions committees value.

Tip: Give your recommenders plenty of time, and share your resume, transcript, and draft Statement of Purpose so they can write a letter that complements your application rather than repeating it.

Funding Your Graduate Education at UPenn

Pursuing a graduate or professional degree at UPenn is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your future, but it can also be a significant financial commitment. Fortunately, UPenn offers a wide range of funding opportunities to support students, along with guidance on budgeting and financial wellness.

Types of funding available

Graduate students at UPenn may receive financial assistance through scholarships, fellowships, grants, assistantships, and loans. Many programs provide funding packages for PhD students that cover tuition and living stipends, while master’s and professional students often explore a combination of fellowships, external scholarships, part-time work, or federal aid.

On-campus resources

UPenn provides dedicated offices and guides to help students manage funding:

• Student Registration and Financial Services (SRFS). Central hub for financial aid policies, student accounts, registration, and billing.
• Graduate Funding & Finances Portal. A collection of resources covering grants, emergency funds, family support for PhD students, and insurance grants.
• Graduate Emergency Fund. Designed to help students facing unexpected financial hardships related to housing, health, or other essentials.
• CURF (Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships). Supports UPenn students applying for national and international fellowships.

External scholarship and loan resources

Many students also supplement UPenn’s aid with outside funding. Helpful resources include:

• Peterson’s Scholarships, Grants & Prizes
• Peterson’s Getting Money for Graduate School
• Reference Services Press Guides
• FastWeb and GrantForward (searchable databases of funding opportunities)
• Finaid.org and Federal Student Aid (information on loans and government support)
• MoneyGeek: Graduate School Financial Aid (financial planning guides)

Beyond tuition and fees, UPenn also provides resources to help with daily living costs. Penn supports graduate students with more than just tuition aid by helping reduce daily living costs. Options include:

• On-campus jobs
• Student government grants for projects and conferences
• Financial wellness programs on budgeting and debt
• A range of discounts and free resources such as transit passes, legal and medical services, and food assistance.

The financial choices you make in graduate school can have a long-term impact. By exploring both Penn’s resources and external opportunities early, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions and focus on your academic journey.

Tip: Keep a personal funding timeline. Mark when fellowship applications are due, when loan paperwork must be submitted, and when grant cycles open. Staying organized ensures you won’t miss out on valuable opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many schools make up the UPenn graduate school system?

The UPenn graduate school system is made up of 12 different graduate and professional schools, all located on one campus. This setup encourages collaboration across fields, allowing you to take courses or work with faculty outside your program of study.

2. What is the UPenn graduate acceptance rate?

It varies widely by program. On the highly selective end, the Perelman School of Medicine (~2.4%), Annenberg School for Communication (7%), and Carey Law (~10%) admit only a small fraction of applicants. Penn Engineering (~18.6%), the School of Arts & Sciences (21%), and Wharton (~20.5%) remain competitive, while the Graduate School of Education (~39.1%), Weitzman School of Design (47%), and Nursing (62%) have higher admit rates.

3. What are the UPenn graduate school requirements?

While each program sets its own standards, most UPenn graduate school requirements include a bachelor’s degree, official transcripts, a Statement of Purpose, recommendation letters, and a resume or CV. Some programs may also ask for portfolios, writing samples, or research proposals. For international students, English proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE) are usually required.

4. Is there a UPenn graduate school GPA requirement?

There’s no strict GPA cutoff, but most admitted students meet or exceed the UPenn graduate school GPA requirements, which are typically around a 3.5 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower, a strong Statement of Purpose, solid recommendations, or relevant research and work experience can help strengthen your UPenn graduate application.

5. How do I apply to UPenn graduate school?

All applications are submitted online through the UPenn graduate application portal, where you’ll upload transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, and test scores if required.

Takeaways

• The UPenn graduate school system includes 12 top-ranked schools, from Wharton to the Perelman School of Medicine, offering diverse academic and professional pathways.
• The UPenn grad school acceptance rate is highly competitive, ranging from just ~2.4% at Perelman Medicine to 62% at the School of Nursing.
• Most UPenn graduate school requirements include a bachelor’s degree, transcripts, recommendations, a Statement of Purpose, and sometimes standardized test scores. The typical UPenn graduate school GPA requirement hovers around a 3.5 GPA or higher.
• All applications are submitted via the UPenn graduate application portal, where meeting deadlines and providing a clear, well-prepared application is key to success.
• If you’re aiming for UPenn, our Private Consulting Program can help you polish your UPenn graduate application and boost your chances of joining this world-class graduate community.