MBA Program Stats

Annual Tuition: $84,874

Acceptance Rate: 19.23%

Full-Time Enrollment: 864

Average GPA: 3.6

Median GMAT: 740

International: 35%

Minority: 20%

Female: 50%

Male: 48%

Average Age: 28

What You Need To Know

The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is to finance what Harvard is to general management or Northwestern is to marketing. There’s an impressive variety of financial electives here taught by some of the best finance faculty in the world. We agree with Dan Bauer, formerly of The MBA Exchange, a leading admissions firm, who put it this way: “A Wharton MBA education is like a ‘blue-chip stock’ with a long history of growth. Yes, the market’s enthusiasm and demand for any investment will ebb and flow over time, but in this case, the long-term ROI is rock solid.”

The Wharton School was founded in 1881, making it the world’s first collegiate business school. The Wharton MBA program is a two-year, full-time MBA program that is globally recognized for intellectual leadership and innovation across every discipline of business education. Th B-School is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – a city with rich history, and cultural heritage, and iconic landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

“The diversity of Wharton’s student profile was extremely attractive to me. I feel that rather than specializing in a specific field, it encompasses a dynamic range of experienced individuals that I look forward to learning from and collaborating with. I believe exposure to this multitude of expertise will only give me a leg up when re-entering the workforce,” says MBA Daniel Rooney.

Academics And Programs

To truly understand the wide-depth of a Wharton education, it may be helpful to look at the types of students the B-School accepts. Wharton has a full-time enrollment of 877 MBAs, which falls in line with pre-pandemic numbers. One area where the Wharton School has surged is the percentage of females in its MBA cohorts. One of Wharton’s points of pride is their percentage of women selected into the program. Last year, women comprised 52% of the class and this fall, the school admitted 50% women, turning a feat into a tendency. Along the same lines, 35% of the class is made up of international students – Wharton’s 2nd-highest representation in this area over the past decade.

Overall, the Class of 2024 covers 77 countries, with 11% of the class being First Generation and another 8% identifying as LGBTQ+. Overall, 29% of the Class includes Caucasian Americans, with Asian Americans (23%), African Americans (7%), and Hispanic Americans (5%) also representing large segments of the class.

The Wharton MBA program emphasizes an intensive, flexible core in general business education, plus the depth of 18 majors and breadth of over 200 electives.

The school’s month-long pre-term session includes a two-day off-campus retreat where students begin the process of learning to lead in a team environment. The first year’s focus is a core curriculum that students complete together in learning teams of six. The core gives students the foundation of broad management skills that are applicable to any industry. In recent years, the B-School has developed 30 to 40 new analytics courses and currently employs 50 professors from the field.

A big differentiator for the Wharton MBA program is the ability to declare a major. Six of their majors are designated as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors, which help students excel in high-demand roles that require both business and technical skills. There’s also an added bonus – the chance to spend one semester in the Bay Area at the school’s San Francisco campus.

During the summer months between the first and second years, students are busy with internships, career treks, and volunteer projects around the world. When they return, the second-year curriculum offers flexibility to follow personal interests and career goals.

Part of the application asks for two essays and GMAT and GRE scores. Students are required to complete 19 credit units to graduate, but tuition covers 21 credit units, allowing students to take electives outside of Wharton at other graduate schools at the University of Pennsylvania.
Wharton offers a variety of student-led conferences and leadership development opportunities through the McNulty Leadership program which offers activities such as ventures, workshops, and coaching. They also have access to the Venture Lab where students can develop and scale ideas. Wharton is a bi-coastal program, offering MBA students the option to attend a semester at the San Francisco campus; a short drive to Silicon Valley.

“Wharton was my top choice from day one. It’s the only school that offers the opportunity to spend a semester at the San Francisco campus, giving students a unique East Coast cum West Coast experience. Given my entrepreneurial goals, this opportunity is essential to my b-school experience as it would expand the exposure I would get to the startup scene in the U.S.,” says MBA Dheeraj Chowdary Nekkanti.

Rankings Data For Wharton

Wharton MBA Rankings

Ranking	2023-2024	2022-2023	2021-2022	2020-2021	2019-2020
Poets&Quants	31	1	3	3	3

Getting Into This School

Tips For Your Wharton Application Essays

Wharton wants to feel confident that you will accept a place in its next class. Be ready to prove it!

MBA Interview Tips – The Wharton Team-Based Discussion

In this video, mbaMission Founder and President Jeremy Shinewald will discuss what to expect at your TBD and how you can best prepare.

Four Tips For Displaying Teamwork In Your Application Essays

Consider the following four ideas when you are writing an essay about teamwork

MBA Program Consideration Set

If you believe you’re a close match to this school–based on your scores, age and work experience, you could look at these other competitive full-time MBA programs as well. We list them by stretch, match, and more to consider. These options are presented on the basis of brand image and ranking status as a general guideline. These are meant to be a starting point for further exploration.

Stretch Schools

Match Schools

More Schools to Consider

Partners who enable Poets&Quants to provide, free to our readers, information, inspiration, and greater access to graduate education opportunities.

Columbia vs. Wharton: The Ultimate Smackdown

SBC analyzes the key differences between two programs consistently ranked in the top seven

Wharton’s Class Of 2024 Profile: MBA Apps Plunge, But Gender Parity & GMATs Hold Steady

Wharton MBA applications declined 13.9% for the incoming class of 2024, a harbinger of what is to come for other business schools

Wharton vs. Harvard Business School

Philly vs. Boston. Facts vs. Stories. Finance vs. General Management. That's the essence of the battle between these two giants: Wharton and Harvard.

Chicago’s Booth vs. Northwestern’s Kellogg School

Considering Booth or Kellogg? It would be easy to see this as a classic battle between a quant school and a poet school. Not quite. Here's our candid assessment of these prestige business schools in Metro Chicago and how one stacks up against the other.

Rankings, Rates, ROI & More: The M7 By The Numbers

All the 2021 school employment report & class profile data — and much more — for the Magnificent Seven B-schools

This Is What It Costs To Get An MBA From A Top Business School

All the data on tuition, expenses & total cost when you study for an MBA from a leading business school in the United States or Europe

GMAT Versus GRE: Which Top-50 MBA Programs Prefer Which Test?

Where a GMAT or GRE score is a must for admission — and where you don't have to worry about sitting for an entrance exam

Average GMAT Scores At The Top U.S. MBA Programs

All the score averages for the Class of 2024 at 27 of the leading business schools

Acceptance Rates & Yield At The Top 50 U.S. MBA Programs

Acceptance rates rose at elite U.S. B-schools in 2022, but across all 50 P&Q-ranked schools the average rate was similar to 2021 — and some schools got much more selective

2023-2024 MBA Admissions Events By School

A school-by-school listing of MBA events for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle

Why Students Chose

“Wharton’s efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in our education are palpable. As a Latina woman, this is of paramount importance to me. From our faculty to our Leadership Fellows to our Cohort and Learning Team, it feels like we are a well-oiled machine of different and complementing ideas. The constant exposure to and debate with people from different cultural backgrounds will help in my journey to become an intercultural leader. Because of my focus on financial education for lower income women, I aspired to join a program that was executing on my same inclusion principles. Dean James’ efforts to breathe diversity into every single aspect of the Wharton education are tangible. Additionally, the opportunity to pursue a double degree in the Lauder Institute also exposed me to an incredibly culturally diverse team. After Wharton and Lauder, I am sure that I will be able to view the world in a diverse lens, which is crucial in developing the flexibility required to embrace change. In my opinion, this is an integral part of what successful leaders will need in a world where the regional business model is no longer enough.” Mercedes Beras-Goico (‘24)

“The flexibility of Wharton’s curriculum was a huge draw for me. As someone who has never formally studied business, I appreciate having the options to learn from some of the brightest minds in business through lectures, engage in robust case discussions with my classmates, and gain real-world experience through collaborative group projects. I’m also interested in participating in the Global Immersion Program to gain an international perspective on how to apply the concepts I learn in class. Having the opportunity to travel abroad and meet with local business leaders, government officials, and Wharton alumni, while learning from professionals in the region will perfectly complement my classroom experience.” Kendall Rankin (‘24)

“The analytical rigor of Wharton’s MBA program, combined with the cross-disciplinary resources of the Social Impact Initiative, was one of the many reasons why I applied to Wharton. Also, it was the only school that has a finance-centric ESG major – an area of expertise that ties to my career goals. Beyond career progress, Wharton has a lot to offer for personal development too. I’m seeking to hone myself as a leader and become a self-aware and resilient investor. Courses like Executive Coaching and Feedback Program will help me recognize my strengths and weaknesses. Overall, I believe a Wharton MBA will help me grow as an investor and authentic leader.” Shriya Kumar (‘24)

“It was the school’s reputation for giving its students a strong finance and quantitative background. This was important to me as I come from a non-technical background. I really want to focus the next few years on developing my quantitative skills and Wharton’s program is perfect to fill this gap in my education.” Lauren Kim (‘24)

“During an info session that Wharton held ahead of Round 1 applications, I heard a current student say that Wharton is the place where you’ll be surrounded by the most diversity of thought that you’ll ever be around. I’ve always tried to surround myself with people who think differently than I do, and who come from backgrounds that are different than my own, so that I can continue to challenge my worldview. Business school was no exception, and I realized after talking with Wharton alums and looking through our required courses, that Wharton would provide me that opportunity.” Taylor Clarke (‘24)

Student Features For Wharton

Meet The Wharton School’s MBA Class Of 2024

Everything is "big" about Wharton and its Class of 2024

Meet The Wharton School’s MBA Class Of 2023

A versatile class joins a top all-around business school

Meet Wharton’s MBA Class Of 2022

More than a dozen new Wharton MBAs share their journeys, goals & dreams

The M7 B-Schools: Everything You Need To Know

All the data on the U.S. B-schools that consistently lead the rankings & spark the imagination of applicants everywhere

High & Low MBA Salaries And Bonuses At The Top 100 B-Schools

All the most important numbers from the top business schools in the United States

MBA Pay By Region: Here’s How Much You’re Worth

A school-by-school look at how much MBAs can expect to earn by region

MBA Pay By Occupation & Industry: Here’s How Much You’re Worth

A school-by-school pay comparison for MBAs in Consulting, Finance, Technology, and more

The major employers of MBAs at Harvard, Stanford and Wharton

Who Really Hires Harvard, Stanford & Wharton MBAs These Days

An exclusive look at today's major MBA employers at Harvard, Stanford & Wharton & how many MBAs they hire from each school

Which M7 School Parties The Hardest? This Survey Found Out

In new report, 84% say grades are secondary to the social side of school

10 Movies Every Business Student Must Watch

From Wall Street to Norma Rae, a movie marathon for admits to business school, current MBAs and anyone interested in life's great truths

Career Stats

Wharton MBA Compensation

Career Statistics	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
Median Base Salary	$ 175,000.00	$ 155,000	$ 150,000	$ 150,000	$ 135,000

Wharton Graduate MBA Career Statistics

Job Offers Received	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
% of MBAs with Job Offer 3 months post Graduation	98.7%	99%	93.5%	98.5%	98.4%

Industry Choices Of Wharton MBAs

Industry	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
Consulting	24%	27%	25%	25%	25%
Consumer Products & Retail	2%	1%	2%	3%	6%
Energy	1%	1%
Financial Services	39%	35%	36%	36%	37%
FinTech	2%	1%	2%	1%
Future Mobility	0%	1%		2%
Healthcare	6%	5%	7%	4%	6%
Manufacturing	1%	1%	2%	2%	2%
Media, Entertainment, & Sports	1%	2%	1%	1%	2%
Legal/Professional Services	1%	1%	1%	2%	2%
Real Estate	2%	2%	3%	3%	4%
Retail	3%	3%	3%	3%
Social Impact	1%	1%	2%	1%	1%
Technology	17%	19%	16%	15%	15%

Admissions For Wharton

Essay Questions For Wharton

Essay 1: How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experiences, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)

Essay 2: Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

Required Essay for all Reapplicants: Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)

Optional Essay: Please use this space to share any additional information about yourself that cannot be found elsewhere in your application and that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee. This space can also be used to address any extenuating circumstances (e.g., unexplained gaps in work experience, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance, areas of weakness, etc.) that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider. (500 words)

School Features And Admissions Analysis

Wharton MBA Class Of 2025: Apps Fall Again, But Penn Reaches Parity For A 3rd Straight Year

Applications are down at Wharton, the first major MBA program to release a Class of 2025 profile. A harbinger of the state of the MBA?

Wharton Announces 2023-2024 MBA Application Deadlines

The Round 1 deadline to apply to join Wharton's MBA Class of 2026 is Wednesday, September 6

Wharton’s Class Of 2024 Profile: MBA Apps Plunge, But Gender Parity & GMATs Hold Steady

Wharton MBA applications declined 13.9% for the incoming class of 2024, a harbinger of what is to come for other business schools

Wharton 2022 MBA Jobs Report: Median Salary Jumps 12.9% To $175K

16.9% of Wharton MBAs went to work in tech, but in raw numbers, school sets new record for MBAs in the sector

12 Charts That Tell The Wharton MBA Story

Includes an exclusive look at the major employers of Wharton's MBA Class of 2020

What Does Wharton Really Want?

Understanding what the school looks for can help you build a successful application

Former Wharton Admissions Deputy: How To Get Into Your Target MBA Program

Nellie Gaynor offers advice from a former insider on when & how to apply

Your MBA Recommender Strategy Starts Now

5 tips to secure a strong recommendation

Positioning Extracurriculars On Your MBA Application

Tips from the MBA admissions experts on how to stand out

When To Start Your MBA Application

Round one countdown: 7 strategies to start now

Harvard, Stanford & Wharton: Three MBA Essays That Got Candidates Admitted

Successful MBA essay examples for Stanford, Harvard, and Wharton

3 Things You Need To Know If You’re Applying To Wharton

Essential advice from a former Wharton gatekeeper

Tips For The Wharton Team Based Discussion Interview

Who Are You In A Wharton Team Based Discussion?

Talker, derailer, thoughtful opportunist – know your type & adapt accordingly

How to Ace Wharton’s Team-Based Discussion

Plus the rise of the 'Data MBA'

what it costs to hire an MBA admissions consultant

What It Now Costs To Hire An MBA Admissions Consultant

The cost can vary from $20K to a three-school package to $195 an hour for one-on-one coaching

The Most Favorably Reviewed MBA Admission Consulting Firms

These nine MBA admissions firms stand out for their success with MBA applicants

3 Things You Need To Know If You’re Applying To Wharton

Essential advice from a former Wharton gatekeeper

MBA Watch For Wharton

MBA Watch is where thousands of MBA applicants not only get to tell their story but have John A. Byrne, MBA admissions coaches and our audience, assess their odds of admission and get help to improve their chances of getting in!

Mr. Overrepresented MBB Consultant (2+2)

I graduated from the senior class of 2022 at a top Canadian undergraduate business school.

Mr. Soldier Boy

Currently a Military Intelligence Officer training junior officers in human intelligence collection.

Mr. Finance

Undergrad in Business and Data Systems, interned at one of top 3 biggest tech companies but then moved to startup where I eventually lead a sales division.