A new way to tour UPenn
A typical UPenn tour can feel impersonal, leaving you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a guide the school assigns you.
SchoolScoops offers private University of Pennsylvania tours tailored to your interests. Choose your own UPenn student tour guide and enjoy a personalized campus visit where you'll get candid answers to your questions.
SchoolScoops is the more personal way to tour University of Pennsylvania
Private and personalized UPenn tours
On a traditional University of Pennsylvania campus tour you’re just a number in a big group. With SchoolScoops, you can book a private University of Pennsylvania tour led by a real UPenn student, giving you a personalized campus visit and the chance to ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own tour guide
Unlike a traditional University of Pennsylvania campus tour, SchoolScoops lets you choose your own tour guide. Whether you want to meet an engineering major, a student-athlete or a fellow transfer student, you'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional University of Pennsylvania campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the tour guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just honest, unfiltered advice about the UPenn experience.
Find out if UPenn is the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. A private UPenn tour helps you decide if University of Pennsylvania is the right fit for your academic goals, career ambitions and college experience.
Can't make it to campus?
Book a 1-on-1 video chat with a UPenn student for personalized insights. Learn about academics, campus culture, and Philadelphia life without leaving home.
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Real feedback on student-led campus tours
Get to know University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is a prestigious Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. UPenn offers top-ranked programs across business, engineering, sciences, and the humanities. A University of Pennsylvania campus tour reveals how the school’s urban setting combines historic charm with modern opportunity, giving students the best of both worlds - world-class academics and vibrant city life.
Overview
Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania is one of the oldest and most respected Ivy League universities in the United States. UPenn pioneered the idea of combining practical and classical education, and that spirit continues today through interdisciplinary learning and hands-on research. A UPenn campus tour highlights the balance of academic rigor, tradition, and innovation that defines the university.
Size
As of fall 2023, UPenn enrolls 28,201 students, including 11,250 undergraduates and 16,951 graduate and professional students. A private University of Pennsylvania tour gives prospective students a closer look at how a large research institution maintains a connected, inclusive campus community.
Acceptance rate
UPenn has an acceptance rate of about 6%, making it one of the most selective Ivy League schools. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1500–1570 or ACT scores between 34–35. A UPenn campus tour can help future applicants understand the academic environment and admissions expectations firsthand.
Cost
For 2024–2025, undergraduate tuition and fees at the University of Pennsylvania total approximately $68,686 per year. Penn practices need-blind admissions for U.S. applicants and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans. Around 46% of undergraduates receive grant-based financial aid. During a private UPenn tour, guides often share insights about financial aid, scholarships, and the real cost of living in Philadelphia.
Ranking
According to U.S. News & World Report, the University of Pennsylvania ranks #10 among National Universities and consistently places in the Top 10 for business, nursing, and computer science. A UPenn campus visit shows why it’s recognized globally for academic excellence and real-world impact.
Academics
UPenn offers more than 90 majors across four undergraduate schools - the College of Arts & Sciences, the Wharton School, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the School of Nursing. With a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students enjoy close collaboration with professors and peers. A University of Pennsylvania campus tour gives visitors a window into this interdisciplinary, hands-on learning environment.
Traditions
UPenn traditions celebrate school pride and history - from Hey Day and the Penn Relays to the Toast Toss at football games and Spring Fling, one of the nation’s largest college festivals. Experiencing these during a UPenn tour helps future students understand the lively and connected Penn community.
Campus landmarks
Notable landmarks include College Hall, Locust Walk, the LOVE Sculpture, Fisher Fine Arts Library, and the Penn Museum. On a University of Pennsylvania campus tour, visitors can explore how UPenn’s historic architecture blends with modern innovation in the heart of Philadelphia.
Student body
Over 80% of UPenn students come from outside Pennsylvania, with many from New York, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Florida, as well as students from over 100 countries. A private UPenn tour provides a personal view of this diverse, global student community.
Become a SchoolScoops guide
In college? Earn $40/hour hosting 1-on-1 campus tours and video chats with future students.
Become a guideYour University of Pennsylvania questions, answered
Where is the University of Pennsylvania located?
The University of Pennsylvania is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the University City neighborhood. A University of Pennsylvania campus tour gives visitors a firsthand look at its central urban setting-close to museums, restaurants, and historic landmarks.
Is the University of Pennsylvania an Ivy League school?
Yes. UPenn is one of the eight Ivy League universities, known for its academic excellence, prestige, and long-standing history of producing global leaders in business, law, medicine, and the sciences.
What is the University of Pennsylvania known for?
UPenn is best known for the Wharton School of Business, one of the world’s top business schools, as well as its leadership in nursing, computer science, engineering, and the liberal arts. The university is also renowned for its research, innovation, and emphasis on civic engagement.
How hard is it to get into the University of Pennsylvania?
UPenn is highly selective, with an acceptance rate near 6%. Competitive applicants typically have GPAs around 3.9–4.0 and strong standardized test scores. A University of Pennsylvania campus visit helps prospective students better understand the academic environment and culture.
How much is tuition at the University of Pennsylvania?
For the 2024–2025 academic year, tuition and fees total roughly $68,686 for undergraduates. Graduate tuition varies by program, but financial aid and scholarships make Penn accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
When was the University of Pennsylvania founded?
UPenn was founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, making it one of the nation’s oldest higher education institutions.
Is the University of Pennsylvania public or private?
UPenn is a private Ivy League research university.
How many students attend the University of Pennsylvania?
The university enrolls about 28,200 students total, including over 11,000 undergraduates and 16,000 graduate and professional students.
How can I tour the University of Pennsylvania?
You can schedule guided or self-guided campus tours through the UPenn Admissions website. For a more personal experience, book a private UPenn campus tour through SchoolScoops and explore campus with a current student guide.
Does the University of Pennsylvania offer virtual tours?
Yes! UPenn offers official virtual tours on its admissions site, and SchoolScoops provides live 1-on-1 virtual tours with real Penn students-so you can explore campus life from anywhere.
Interested in other schools?
SchoolScoops also offers tours and video chats at many other schools
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