Penn’s graduate programs prepare students to advance the global frontiers of knowledge, research, and practice.
The University is committed to providing graduate students with the widest range of opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. Its unique graduate groups are interdisciplinary by design, including faculty across multiple departments and schools.
Penn pioneered professional education in America and continues to set the pace today with outstanding professional degree programs that prepare students to become leading practitioners in their fields.
Admission to Graduate Programs
How to Apply
The admissions process for graduate programs at Penn is decentralized. Applicants apply directly to the program of interest. For most programs, the application is available online.
Required Tests
All applicants to PhD programs must present their scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The University’s institution code is 2926. For information about the administration of the GRE, see the Educational Testing Service website.
Applicants who are non-native English speakers are required to report scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
International Applicants
Penn is a leader among its peers in welcoming students from every part of the world. The division of International Student and Scholar Services offers help, advice, and information on all matters connected to immigration, employment, adjustment to a new culture, and living in Philadelphia.
Funding Opportunities
Students admitted to most Ph.D. programs receive multi-year financial packages to cover tuition, fees, health insurance and a living allowance or stipend. The terms of the award may vary according to field of study. Contact individual programs for details. Time until completion of the PhD degree, while it varies by field, is typically 5-6 years for a student entering with a bachelor’s degree.
Students admitted to the professional degree programs and research masters programs are generally self-funded; financial aid is available in the form of need based loans to defray the cost of tuition and living. Partial merit-based scholarships are available in some schools. Tuition and other fees vary. Contact the specific school for details on costs, and Student Financial Services for information on loans
Overview of Graduate Student Body
Penn is home to more than 23,700 students. Nearly half are graduate and professional students; one third are international students, and 20 percent are members of U.S. minority groups. Women account for almost half of all graduate students.
School |
Professional Degree |
PhD |
Total |
Annenberg |
0 |
88 |
88 |
Medicine |
918 |
563 |
1,481 |
Graduate Arts & Sciences |
905 |
1,557 |
2,462 |
Dental |
606 |
0 |
606 |
Education |
1,243 |
152 |
1,395 |
Engineering |
692 |
410 |
1,102 |
Law |
888 |
|
888 |
Nursing |
387 |
52 |
439 |
Design |
555 |
38 |
593 |
Social Policy & Practice |
339 |
34 |
373 |
Veterinary Medicine |
448 |
|
448 |
Wharton |
2,041 |
187 |
2,228 |
While You Are at Penn
Financial Aid/Cost of Living/Tuition & Fees
Ph.D.Degree
Students admitted to most Ph.D. programs receive multi-year financial packages to cover tuition, fees, health insurance and a living allowance or stipend. The terms of the award may vary.
Tuition |
General Fee |
|
| Years 1-5 | $24,000 |
$2,000 |
| Years 6-10 | $3,000 |
$500 |
Ph.D. students do not typically register for courses during the summer, although students on 12-month stipends may have required lab rotations. Courses taken for credit during the summer are subject to tuition charges at the part-time rate: $4,450 per cu + a $250 General Fee.
Professional Degrees
Students admitted to the professional degree programs and research masters programs are generally self-funded; financial aid is available in the form of need based loans to defray the cost of tuition and living. Partial merit-based scholarships are available in some schools. Tuition and other fees vary. Contact the specific school for details on costs, and Student Financial Aid for information on loans.
| Room & Board | 14,400 |
| Books & Supplies | 1,200 |
| Miscellaneous* | 5,150 |
*includes Penn Student Health Insurance
Grad Center/Resource Guide
The Graduate Student Center is dedicated for the use of the University’s graduate and professional students. Located in the heart of campus on Locust Walk, the Center hosts a variety of programs designed by Graduate Fellows especially for graduate students. There is also a lounge, computer lab, casual study space, and meeting and event rooms.
The Graduate Student Center publishes a Campus Resource Guide specifically for graduate and professional students at Penn.
Housing/Off-Campus Living
Living on campus is a great option for students new to Penn or the Philadelphia area. Off campus there are many options in terms of location, convenience, cost, and type of unit. The Off-Campus Living Office assists students and maintains an extensive database of rental properties. Philadelphia is ranked among the most livable cities in the nation. The University provides on-campus housing to graduate and professional students in Sansom Place.
Other Resources
Penn has many resources to enrich the personal lives of its students, including: