BA Physics (Astrophysics) at University of Pennsylvania

Programme overview

Physics and astronomy are fundamental sciences aimed at discovering the basic principles that govern our universe. Physicists study the interplay between space, time, matter, and energy. Complex behavior in nature is explained in terms of elementary relations between constituent elements and the forces that bind them, over distances ranging from subatomic to cosmic scale.

Faculty: School of Arts and Sciences | Duration: 36 course units | Study mode: full-time | Location: Philadelphia, PA, United States

What you will study

Requires 36 course units in total.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to one of Penn's four undergraduate schools (College of Arts and Sciences, Penn Engineering, School of Nursing, Wharton School) through the Common App, Coalition App or QuestBridge, not to individual majors (university/school-level requirement). Early Decision deadline November 1, 2026 and Regular Decision deadline January 5, 2027 for fall 2027 entry.

USD 65,670 a year (2026-27). Undergraduate tuition for 2026-2027, a single rate for all students of Penn's undergraduate schools. Excludes the General Fee ($6,620), Technology Fee ($918) and Clinical Fee ($770), which are listed separately; excludes housing and meals. Source

First-year entry is in fall (the current cycle is for fall 2027 entry); applicants apply to one of four undergraduate schools (the College, Wharton, Penn Engineering or Penn Nursing) or a coordinated dual-degree programme. Transfer applications are for fall 2027 entry.

First-year applicants for fall 2027: Early Decision (binding) deadline is November 1, 2026, with decisions in December; Regular Decision deadline is January 5, 2027, with decisions in April. The application fee is $75 (fee waivers available through the Common App or Coalition Application). Applications are accepted through the Common App, the Coalition Application or the QuestBridge application. The SAT or ACT is required, with a waiver available for applicants who face hardship. Financial aid materials are due November 6 for Early Decision and February 1 for Regular Decision.

Transfer applications for fall 2027 open on January 5, 2027 and are due March 15, 2027. The application fee is $75 and the SAT or ACT is required (last test dates accepted: February 2027 ACT, March 2027 SAT).

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.upenn.edu/apply

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