Penn is the Ivy League school that’s hardest to explain to people outside the Northeast — it’s not Penn State, it’s in Philadelphia not the countryside, and it houses Wharton, which alone makes it worth serious consideration for veterans interested in business. The recent expansion of their Yellow Ribbon program to unlimited spots means every eligible veteran now gets $0 tuition at a school ranked #6 nationally, with the highest BAH rate on our Ivy League list at $2,289/month.
School Overview
| Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Type | Private Research University (Ivy League) |
| Total Enrollment | 28,000+ |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 6:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 5.8% |
| US News Ranking | #6 National Universities |
Tuition & Costs (2024-2025)
| Annual Tuition | $61,710 |
| Room & Board | $18,898 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $80,608 |
Yellow Ribbon Benefits
| Yellow Ribbon Participant | Yes |
| Number of Spots | Unlimited (expanded in 2024) |
| Veteran’s Out-of-Pocket Cost | $0 for tuition |
GI Bill Housing Allowance
- Monthly BAH Rate: $2,289/month
- Annual Housing Benefit: $20,601 (9 months)
- Book Stipend: $1,000/year
Total 4-Year Benefit Value: $340,000+
Notable Programs
Penn’s program depth is staggering. The fact that it houses the #1 business school AND the #1 nursing program tells you something about the range available here:
- Wharton School of Business – The #1 ranked business school in the country. For veterans looking to transition into finance, consulting, or entrepreneurship, a Wharton degree opens doors that stay closed for most people.
- Penn Law – Top-10 law school with strong placement into both government and private practice.
- Perelman School of Medicine – One of the top medical schools nationally, with research opportunities that attract serious students.
- School of Engineering – Top-20 engineering with a practical, industry-connected approach that appeals to veterans with technical MOS backgrounds.
- School of Nursing – Ranked #1 in the country. For medics and corpsmen looking to build on their military healthcare experience, this is hard to beat.
Official Website: upenn.edu
