Penn dates its founding to 1740, when prominent evangelist George Whitefield had the idea of building a Philadelphia charity school that would double as a house of worship for his followers. After construction was underway, however, the cost was seen to be much greater than the available resources, and the project went unfinished for a decade.
Grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and enriched by the integrated resources of four undergraduate and 12 graduate schools, Penn offers students an unparalleled education informed by inclusivity, intellectual rigor, research, and the impetus to create new knowledge to the benefit of individuals and communities around the world.Penn has a long and proud tradition of intellectual rigor and pursuit of innovative knowledge… That tradition lives today through the creativity, entrepreneurship, and engagement of our faculty, students, and staff.
With more than $700 million in annual R&D expenditures, Penn is one of the nation's top research universities, not only generating important new knowledge in the fields of medicine, technology, business, science, and beyond, but applying this knowledge to improve the lives of individuals and communities at home and around the world. Innovative research that yields actionable knowledge is one of the cornerstones of Penn Compact 2020, President Gutmann’s vision for the future of the University.
International Student and Scholar Services offers a wide range of services and resources to help international students, faculty, and visiting scholars, including advice, information, and referrals in such areas as immigration, employment, and overseas travel.
West Philadelphia, home to the Penn campus, sits across from the Schuylkill River from Center City, Philadelphia. The neighborhood is characterized by tree-lined residential neighborhoods with pre-war apartment buildings, brick-row homes, ornate Victorian twins and charming single-family homes. Penn Home Ownership Services, helps foster the University's commitment to neighborhood development by offering incentives, and support to faculty and staff to purchase and renovate homes.
Penn Libraries Global is a rich network of information resources and human expertise, offering access to knowledge at Penn and around the world. This guide covers:
ISC works and collaborates with IT professionals in Penn’s Schools and Centers to deliver key systems, services, and products that will help transform how the University works, educates, and conducts research.
University of Pennsylvania Health System
Penn Medicine’s central source for information, including physician directories, directions to facilities, appointment scheduling, and health advice from one of America's best hospitals.
Student Health Service
Schedule appointments online and learn about health services available at Penn, including emergency care, insurance, vaccines, and women's health.
Penn offers many avenues to find what you like and what you’re good at, and meet peers whose interests align with and diverge from your own. This wide diversity of social, political, religious, and cultural activities on campus deeply enriches the life of the University.
A proud member of the Ivy League, Penn offers many unique and exciting opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to cheer on the mighty Quakers, participate in competitive team sports, and stay physically fit at state-of-the-art, world-class training centers.
Participate in social, political, artistic, and multicultural activities that put learning into practice.