The University of Pennsylvania, founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740, is an historic and highly selective member of the Ivy League. With over 10,000 undergraduates from every state and many countries, the University prides itself on its diversity. UPenn is nationally recognized for its interdisciplinary programs such as the Institute for Medicine and Engineering and the Joseph H. Lauder Institute for Management and International Studies, which allow students to pursue a variety of academic and professional pursuits. The University also boasts The Wharton School, ranked as one of the top three business schools in the country. UPenn’s interdisciplinary character carries over into its research endeavors. With a research budget of more than $800 million per year and 165 research centers, it is one of the top research universities in the country. As a result, many undergraduates have the opportunity to engage in research projects of their own during their time here.
UPenn students are intellectually and socially involved, both on and off campus. A number of University courses and student groups, including the Civic House and the Netter Center for Community Partnerships, incorporate outreach into their mission and stress the importance of local community engagement; and many students actively participate in community-service efforts in Philadelphia.