University of Pennsylvania Graduates Lead Earnings Rankings
New data shows recent Penn alumni outperforming national salary benchmarks across diverse fields of study.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Financial Aid
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The University of Pennsylvania leads nationwide rankings for post-graduate earnings, with every tracked program exceeding the $34,808 national salary benchmark. Data collected from the Class of 2025 highlights strong financial outcomes for alumni in Philadelphia and beyond.
Why it matters
These figures demonstrate the long-term economic return on investment for students attending top-tier institutions. By consistently outperforming national wage standards, the university underscores the premium placed on specialized education across various industries.
Penn's Computer and Information Sciences program reported median earnings of $241,380 four years after graduation, while philosophy majors earned an average of $107,454. The Class of 2025 survey saw a 54% response rate regarding post-graduate salary data.
The players
University of Pennsylvania
A private Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia that consistently ranks among the top institutions globally for academic and professional outcomes.
The HEA Group
A research and consulting firm that specializes in analyzing higher education data to provide insights into student outcomes and financial equity.
The details
Graduates from the Engineering School reported a 2025 median starting salary of $122,500, with those in Networked and Social Systems Engineering starting at a median of $195,000. These results stem from an analysis of federal earnings data by The HEA Group alongside internal university reporting.
Timeline
2017-2019: HEA Group analyzed federal earnings data from these academic years.
2025: Post-graduate salary data was collected for the University of Pennsylvania Class of 2025.
Culture Shift
This earnings report aligns with the Department of Education's Gainful Employment regulations, which prioritize transparency in post-graduate financial success. It reflects a broader shift toward quantifying the tangible return on investment for specific undergraduate degrees.
Prospective students and families in Philadelphia can use this earnings data to weigh the long-term financial implications of various undergraduate majors. These metrics help inform decisions regarding educational investment and future salary expectations after graduation.
The takeaway
Students should evaluate specific programs based on long-term data rather than general institutional prestige. Choosing a major that aligns with demonstrated high-earning trends can significantly improve post-graduate financial stability.
Further reading
Learn more about the resources and outcomes available at Philadelphia Financial Aid.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Former Penn President Liz Magill earned $4.46 million the year following her resignation - The Daily Pennsylvanian.
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