The University of Pennsylvania (commonly referred to as Penn or UPenn) is a private Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is one of nine colonial colleges chartered prior to the U.S. Declaration of Independence when Benjamin Franklin, the university's founder and first president, advocated for an educational institution that trained leaders in academia, commerce, and public service. Penn identifies as the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, though this representation is challenged by other universities. Benjamin Franklin and other Philadelphians established the university in 1749, which would make it the fifth-oldest institution of higher education in the U.S.
The University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA, is a globally recognized leader in medical education, research, and patient care. Established in 1765, it holds the distinction of being the first medical school in North America, boasting a rich history of pioneering advancements. Closely integrated with the Penn Medicine health system, the school provides comprehensive programs that strongly emphasize integrating foundational scientific knowledge with extensive hands-on clinical experience. It is deeply committed to training the next generation of physicians and scientists who will lead discovery, improve health outcomes, and shape the future of medicine, supported by world-class research facilities and a culture of innovation and collaboration.
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