University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
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- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Student life at SP2 combines intensive professional training with the resources and community of a major research university. The school occupies Caster Building on Penn's West Philadelphia campus, providing dedicated classrooms, student spaces, and administrative offices within walking distance of university libraries, athletics, and student life. SP2 students participate in broader Penn activities while forming tight-knit cohorts within their programs. The student body includes recent graduates and career changers, many bringing significant life experience and professional backgrounds that enrich discussions and peer learning. Diversity is valued both as a learning resource and a reflection of the populations social workers serve. Student organizations including the Student Government, diversity-focused groups, and interest-based organizations create opportunities for leadership and community building beyond coursework. Housing options include Penn's graduate housing and abundant apartments in West Philadelphia neighborhoods including Spruce Hill, Cedar Park, and University City. Many students live within walking or biking distance of campus, enjoying the urban convenience of Philadelphia's transit system. The city offers extensive cultural amenities, from world-class museums and music to diverse neighborhoods and cuisines. However, the demands of coursework and field placement mean that SP2 students often have limited time for activities outside their programs. The school provides mental health resources, academic support, and community events that help manage the intensity of professional training.
Location & Surroundings
SP2 occupies Penn's West Philadelphia campus, located along the Schuylkill River approximately three miles from center city Philadelphia. The campus blends historic collegiate architecture with modern facilities in a neighborhood that has evolved from exclusively residential to a vibrant mix of academic, commercial, and community spaces. University City, as the area is known, hosts multiple universities, hospitals, and research institutions alongside increasingly diverse residential neighborhoods. Philadelphia, America's sixth-largest city with 1.6 million residents and a metropolitan area of 6 million, offers SP2 students a rich environment for field learning and urban living. The city's diverse communities, range of social service organizations, and accessible government agencies provide abundant opportunities for field placements and research. Philadelphia's lower cost of living compared to other East Coast cities helps students manage finances during graduate study. The climate features hot, humid summers averaging 26°C, pleasant springs and falls, and cold winters with occasional snow. Philadelphia's compact size makes it navigable by public transportation, bicycle, and walking, though having a car can be helpful for field placements in surrounding areas. The city's history, from Independence Hall to its role in social movements, provides context for studying social change. Cultural institutions, professional sports, diverse restaurants, and vibrant neighborhoods offer diversions from demanding academic schedules. Penn's campus itself provides green spaces, fitness facilities, and community within the urban setting.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at SP2 for 2024-25 totals approximately $52,000 annually for the MSW program, with additional fees, living expenses, and health insurance bringing total cost of attendance to approximately $85,000 per year. The school provides financial aid including merit scholarships, need-based grants, and federal loans. Approximately 80% of students receive some form of financial aid. Field placements are unpaid, contributing to the financial challenges of social work education. Career outcomes for SP2 graduates reflect the school's strong reputation and the consistent demand for trained social workers. Recent graduates work across settings including hospitals and health systems, child welfare agencies, schools, mental health clinics, policy organizations, and government agencies. Major employers include Penn Medicine, Philadelphia's Department of Human Services, national nonprofit organizations, and social enterprises. The MSSP and NPL programs prepare graduates for policy analysis and nonprofit management roles respectively. Starting salaries for MSW graduates vary significantly by setting and specialization, ranging from $45,000-55,000 in nonprofit and government settings to $60,000-80,000 in healthcare and specialized clinical roles. Doctoral graduates pursuing academic careers find positions at universities nationwide, with salaries typically starting at $75,000-95,000. SP2's Career Services provides job search support, employer connections, and alumni networking. The Penn alumni network, one of the nation's largest, provides ongoing professional connections. Social work licensure requirements vary by state, with most requiring supervised practice hours post-graduation for full clinical licensure.
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