What does the admissions data for the University of Pennsylvania look like in 2026?
The University of Pennsylvania admitted 3,575 students out of 61,264 applicants to the Class of 2030, resulting in a 5.8% acceptance rate. This admitted group includes students from 49 states and 77 countries. Notably, legacy admits make up 13.1% of the Class of 2030.
What has changed for Penn admissions over the last few years?
The 2025-26 admissions cycle was the first time since the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic that the University of Pennsylvania required all students to submit standardized test scores. Penn joined other Ivy League schools such as Dartmouth, Harvard, Cornell, and Brown in becoming test-permanent once more, while Princeton and Columbia will require test scores beginning in the 2027-28 admissions cycle. For the Class of 2029—when standardized tests were still optional—of those admitted students that submitted testing, 83% submitted scores of 1500+, 16% of admits submitted scores between 1400 and 1490, and less than 2% of admitted students submitted scores below 1390 (once again, this is only admits that submitted testing, and does not account for students that applied test optional). It will be interesting to see how these ranges will change now that Penn has returned to requiring testing.
This past application cycle was also the third year of Penn being unable to consider race in admissions decisions since the 2023 ruling by the Supreme Court that eliminated race-conscious admissions.
What is Penn’s early decision acceptance rate?
Penn also has not disclosed early decision acceptance rates for the last 3 cycles. Before the Class of 2028, here’s what the the early decision data looked like:
Penn Class Year Applications Received Number of Students Accepted Acceptance Rate
2027 8,109 1,204 14.80%
2026 7,794 1,210 15.50%
2025 7,962 1,194 14.90%
2024 6,453 1,269 19.70%
2023 7,110 1,279 18%
We do however know that the number of ED applications declined this past cycle compared to the last two after test scores were required once more:
Penn Class Year Number of Applications Received
2030 7,800
2029 9,500
2028 8,500
2027 8,109
2026 7,794
What has the admissions data for the University of Pennsylvania looked like over the past five years?
Penn Class Year Applications Received Number of Students Accepted Acceptance Rate
2030 61,264 3,575 5.80%
2029 72,544 3,570 4.90%
2028 65,235 3,508 5.40%
2027 59,465 3,489 5.90%
2026 54,588 3,549 6.50%
Penn’s acceptance rate this year is up almost an entire percentage point from last year’s 4.9% (when they received record-high applications), but closer to acceptance rates from prior years. With the re-introduction of testing requirements, this year’s application numbers also fell down to that of earlier years.
Changes to tuition and financial aid
Decisions to apply to a college can also be impacted by tuition costs and financial aid availability. In May 2026, Penn received a $20 million gift to “enhance financial aid and increase support for middle-income students.” Penn also expanded financial aid offerings by 3.8% in March alongside a tuition increase. Since the start of the 2025-26 school year, families earning up to $200,000 have been receiving full tuition scholarships through the Quaker Commitment.
What Does the Waitlist Look Like for the University of Pennsylvania?
The University of Pennsylvania does not have a ranked waitlist. However, as with most schools, the number of students accepted off the waitlist varies based on the data made publicly available so far:
Penn Class Year Number of students who offered a waitlist spot Number of students who accepted a waitlist spot Number of waitlisted students admitted Waitlist acceptance rate
Class of 2028 2,958 2,288 66 2.90%
Class of 2027 3,010 2,288 40 1.70%
Class of 2026 3,351 2,508 147 5.70%
Class of 2025 3,933 2,753 121 4.40%
Class of 2024 3,205 2,350 391 16.60%
While the data has varied year-to-year, it’s also clear that the Penn waitlist has generally become more competitive. So if you find yourself on their waitlist, consider sending a letter of continued interest. A letter of continued interest lets colleges know that you’re committed to attending Penn if you’re admitted and updates them on any important achievements or circumstances since you submitted your original application.
Admission into a school as consistently selective as the University of Pennsylvania is never a guarantee. Make sure you work hard in the most rigorous classes and vie for leadership positions in your extracurriculars. Study hard for the SAT and ACT as test scores will make a difference. If you have your eye on a specific college within Penn, tailor your profile according to your field of interest.
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