University of Pennsylvania: Cost, Financial Aid, and Affordability - Everything You Need to Know

What Does It Cost to Study at UPenn?

The total cost of studying for the 2026–2027 academic year for a student living on campus is $99,082 (₹92.25 lakhs). This includes tuition, fees, housing, food, books, transport, and personal costs.

Here is the cost breakdown for 2026–2027:

(Exchange rate: $1 = ₹93.48 as of April 21, 2026)

Tuition and fees are fixed, mandatory costs. The housing allowance is based on the standard room rate in University College Houses.

How Much Aid Do Students Actually Get?

Of Penn's approximately 10,000 undergraduate students, 45.4% currently receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $70,552 (₹65.68 lakhs). This average package is more than the cost of tuition and covers 76% of a student's total cost of attendance.

For comparison, in 2008, when Penn's no-loan financial aid policy was first introduced, the average aid package covered only 57% of the total cost of attendance. The aid has grown significantly over the years.

Explore: Scholarships in USA for Indian students

What Is the Quaker Commitment at UPenn?

In 2025, UPenn launched the Quaker Commitment — an expansion of its undergraduate financial aid program designed to provide more support for middle- and lower-income families.

The Quaker Commitment makes four clear guarantees to admitted students who apply for aid:

• Your aid package will meet 100% of your demonstrated need with no loans.
• The value of your primary family home will not impact your aid eligibility.
• If your family earns up to $200,000 (with typical assets), your aid is guaranteed to cover at least full tuition.
• If your family earns under $75,000/₹69.82 lakhs (with typical assets), your aid covers all billed expenses (tuition, fees, housing, and dining) plus extra support for equal access on campus.

What Do "Highly Aided" Students Get Extra?

Students with family incomes less than $75,000/₹69.82 lakhs (with typical assets) are eligible for additional benefits, including laptop funding and funding for summer courses, as well as summer research and internship experiences.

Is UPenn Need-Blind or Need-Aware for Indian Students?

This is a critical point for Indian applicants.

Penn is need-blind for citizens and permanent residents of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Penn is need-aware for international applicants, which means your financial need does factor into the admissions decision.

In simple terms, if you are an Indian student applying for aid, UPenn will consider your financial situation when deciding whether to admit you. This does not mean you should not apply. It means you must apply for aid at the same time as you apply for admission.

Know more: What are the need-blind universities in USA?

What Is the Deadline Rule for International Students?

International students must apply for financial aid at the same time as they apply for admission. Requests for financial aid after being admitted as an international student cannot be considered.

Also note: your financial aid decision applies to all four years (or eight semesters) of your undergraduate study. International students who are not admitted with a financial aid package in their first year are not eligible to apply for financial aid at a later point in their studies.

Do not wait. Apply for aid when you apply for admission. Check US university application deadlines and act fast.

Is the Aid Guaranteed for All Four Years?

Penn commits to meet full demonstrated need for four years or eight semesters for all admitted students. If your family's financial situation stays the same, your financial aid stays similar. If circumstances change (like a parent losing a job), your package may be adjusted.

Most students must reapply for financial aid each academic year. However, admitted students who are packaged as "highly aided" in their first year only need to submit a FAFSA each subsequent year. International highly aided students do not need to submit anything after their first year.

Indian students must also explore the external scholarships to study in USA and apply to a suitable one.

How Do You Apply for Financial Aid at UPenn?

All financial aid applicants need to submit a CSS Profile and Federal Tax Returns or Tax Return/Income Statement from their country.

Indian students applying for international aid should follow the Checklist for International Students on UPenn's Student Financial Services website at srfs.upenn.edu

Key Takeaways for Indian Students

• Total cost for 2026-27 is $99,082 (₹92.25 lakhs) (on-campus)
• UPenn meets 100% of demonstrated need — no loans
• Average aid package is $70,552 (₹65.68 lakhs), covering 76% of costs
• The Quaker Commitment guarantees full tuition for families earning up to $200,000
• UPenn is need-aware for international students; apply for aid with your admission application
• Aid is locked in for all 4 years
• Highly aided international students need no paperwork after Year 1