Official PostWharton FT MBA Complete Information: 2023-2024 In this post, you will find all the relevant information for the
Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. The post provides information on key aspects of Wharton: its academics, culture and student clubs, scholarships, and career report.
Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania | Data Point / School | Wharton |
US News Ranking | 3 |
Applicants | 6319 |
Accepted | 1442 |
Enrolled | 894 |
Acceptance | 23% |
Yield Rate | 62% |
GPA | 3.6 |
Average WE | 60 |
% GMAT | 71% |
Average GMAT | 733 |
Median GMAT | 740 |
GMAT Domestic | 729 |
GMAT International | 739 |
% GRE | NA |
Average GRE Q | NA |
Average GRE V | NA |
Employed at Graduation | 87% |
Employed 3 Months | 96% |
Average Salary | $166,391 |
Average Bonus | $34,891 |
Salary and Bonus | $190,992 |
US News Ranking Data | Year | Ranking |
2024 | 3 |
2023 | 1 |
2022 | 2 |
2021 | 1 |
2020 | 1 |
IntroductionWharton is one of the largest MBA programs in the world, with a class size averaging in the high 800s over the last several years. The program is contained predominantly within a single building, Huntsman Hall, which fosters student interaction through its numerous meeting, study, and social spaces.
In order to create a smaller community feel, the incoming class is divided into four clusters of approximately 215 students each. These clusters are further divided into three cohorts of approximately 70 students each. Students take fixed core classes with their assigned cohort and complete group assignments with their learning teams.
After completing the first-year core curriculum, students choose their electives and no longer take classes within cohorts. However, they are still assigned to learning teams, which are mentored by second-year students.
Wharton also offers a number of opportunities for students to mix with students from the other graduate schools at Penn. This is facilitated by both formal and informal events.
As per the official website, Wharton's MBA program features a rigorous core curriculum that provides a foundational understanding of key business principles. This core can be tailored to your unique background and ambitions by selecting from 21 specialized majors and nearly 200 elective courses. Your personalized learning journey goes beyond course selection; the core curriculum itself offers choices to shape your experience.
Section I: AcademicsThe educational approach at Wharton is grounded in a foundational core curriculum that also offers significant adaptability. In their first year, students must engage in a standard set of core courses, beginning with a three-week pre-term session that equips all students with essential business knowledge before the start of the fall term. This is accompanied by a compulsory retreat for learning teams and a comprehensive series of foundational courses spanning a year. These foundational courses focus on three critical dimensions that mirror the overarching educational philosophy at Wharton: leadership, analytical rigor, and a wide range of knowledge. The structure of Wharton's curriculum features both mandatory and elective elements. Following the completion of 3.25 credit units of obligatory coursework alongside their cohort, students have the opportunity to tailor their education by choosing 6.25 credit hours from an array of flexible core courses. These courses are diverse in content, schedule, and structure, allowing students to tailor their learning to align with their specific interests in one of eight different course categories, based on their intended major or professional goals. The compulsory core courses, undertaken with peers in the first semester of the first year, are part of this structured yet customizable learning pathway.
- Advanced Microeconomics for Managers
- Foundations of Teamwork and Leadership
- Marketing Management
- Microeconomics for Managers
- Regression Analysis for Managers
- Speaking and Writing
Flexible Core Course Areas are:
- Accounting
- Communication
- Corporate Finance
- Legal Studies and Business Ethics
- Macroeconomics
- Management
- Marketing
- Operations, Information, and Decisions
Students who have previous professional or academic background in a specific area may have the option to bypass the related core course (though this does not apply to all core courses), either by passing a waiver test or obtaining approval from the course instructor. A significant number of first-year students, even those eligible to skip a core course, decide to enroll in it anyway, choosing it over an elective for a review of the material or to enhance camaraderie within their learning teams and cohorts. Indeed, around 40% of students eligible for waivers still opt to take the core course, valuing the review and the opportunity to strengthen relationships. Upon finishing the core curriculum in the first year, students can select from almost 200 elective courses offered across ten different departments to complete their major requirements. To fulfill their degree, students are required to undertake at least 9.5 credits of elective coursework, with five of those credits contributing towards their major. Typically, majors are structured to require five credit units (including one credit from the core curriculum), offering students the flexibility to pursue one or several majors from the available options.
- Accounting
- Business Analytics*
- Business Economics and Public Policy*
- Business, Energy, Environment, and Sustainability*
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors for Business*
- Finance*
- Health Care Management
- Individualized
- Management
- Marketing
- Marketing and Operations (joint major)
- Multinational Management
- Operations, Information, and Decisions*
- Organizational Effectiveness
- Quantitative Finance*
- Real Estate
- Social and Governance Factors for Business*
- Statistics*
- Strategic Management
*STEM-certified major
One benefit Wharton students enjoy is the ability to take up to four courses at any of the 11 other Ivy League graduate schools at the University of Pennsylvania, including:
- Annenberg School for Communication
- Graduate School of Education
- Penn Carey Law School
- Perelman School of Medicine
- School of Arts and Sciences
- School of Dental Medicine
- School of Engineering and Applied Science
- School of Nursing
- School of Social Policy and Practice
- School of Veterinary Medicine
- Stuart Weitzman School of Design
Wharton's educational approach is not confined to a single pedagogical style. Professors at Wharton are given the latitude to tailor their teaching strategies according to the subject matter. It's common for faculty to employ a diverse array of teaching techniques—including lectures, case studies, simulations, and group projects—throughout a term. Typically, courses in marketing and strategy incorporate a higher number of case studies and discussions, while those in finance, accounting, and operations management are more likely to focus on quantitative analysis and lectures, though there are always exceptions to these trends.
Wharton emphasizes collaborative and hands-on learning as a means for students to confront a broad spectrum of business scenarios. The school highlights the importance of engaging with a diverse and exceptional group of peers in small settings, promoting experimentation, risk-taking, and the collective creation of ideas. Such interactions are designed to transform students' perspectives and enrich their educational experience, as stated on the school's website.
Wharton is renowned for its expertise in finance, with 38.6% of its 2022 graduates entering this sector, showing a consistent interest in finance over the years. However, consulting has also emerged as a popular career path, with more graduates opting for consulting roles than investment banking. Prominent firms like Accenture Strategy, Amazon, Bain & Company, and Google, among others, have recruited multiple Wharton graduates in 2022. Beyond finance and consulting, technology, healthcare, and retail have been significant industry choices for 2022 graduates. Wharton prides itself on a wide range of specializations, supported by a Career Management Team that focuses on over 30 industry clusters, helping students secure employment through developed recruiting relationships.
Students at Wharton benefit from the school's strong reputation and diverse recruiting opportunities, especially in sectors like healthcare management. The abundance of extracurricular activities further enhances networking opportunities. The school's career services are particularly valued for bringing in industry experts and alumni to discuss various sectors, and the staff's direct industry experience is seen as a significant advantage. This hands-on experience from career services staff, who have worked in sectors like banking and strategy, offers invaluable insights and guidance for MBA candidates aiming to enter these fields.
Section II: Culture and Student ClubsWharton maintains its reputation as a finance powerhouse, with 38.6% of its 2022 graduates securing jobs in various sectors of the financial services industry. This consistent interest in finance is reflected in the steady percentage of graduates moving into this field over the past few years. Wharton's strong quantitative focus is evident across its curriculum, even in less expected contexts, reinforcing its status as a "quant" school. The finance department, staffed by 50 professors, offers over 35 courses, including the core "Corporate Finance" class, which nearly all first-year students take.
Wharton enriches its finance education through six professional clubs, each catering to different facets of finance.
The Finance Club and Investment Management Club, for instance, provide resources like resume reviews, mock interviews, and industry panels. The latter also facilitates interactions with hedge fund legends and organizes trips to financial hubs and an annual trek to meet Warren Buffett. The Wharton Investment Management Fund offers practical experience in equity management, allowing students to pitch investment recommendations.
The Restructuring and Distressed Investing Club aims to educate and link Wharton to the broader industry and Penn Law School, participating in competitions and organizing the Wharton Restructuring and Distressed Investing Conference, which addresses current industry challenges and trends.
The Sales and Trading Club supports members interested in entering this sector with training, industry insights, and networking opportunities, demonstrating Wharton's comprehensive approach to finance education and career preparation.
While Wharton is traditionally viewed as a stronghold in finance, consulting has equally become a cornerstone of its offerings. In 2022, a higher proportion of Wharton's MBA graduates pursued careers in consulting (24.3%) compared to investment banking/brokerage (11.7%), maintaining a trend seen in previous years. The Wharton Consulting Club stands out as one of the school's largest student organizations, despite the absence of a dedicated consulting department. Instead, students interested in consulting often opt for a major in Strategic Management, one of the seven majors offered within the management department, which boasts 44 full-time faculty members. This major requires courses like "Foundations of Teamwork and Leadership," along with a choice between "Managing the Established Enterprise" or "Managing the Emerging Enterprise," and four additional credits in management-related subjects, including "Corporate Diplomacy" and "Technology Strategy," among more than 20 strategy-focused electives.
The Consulting Club is proactive in preparing students for the consulting recruitment season through activities such as mock interviews, workshops, and case practice sessions, utilizing the extensive network of alumni from top consulting firms. The Club's
Case Family Program offers targeted support by pairing experienced consultants with first-year students for case training. Additionally, the Club organizes a lecture series featuring industry professionals to discuss case studies and interview techniques, and provides a comprehensive digital library of past cases.
For those seeking practical experience, Wharton offers hands-on consulting opportunities through initiatives like the
Wharton Community Consultants program. This program, aimed at socially conscious students, engages volunteers in providing consulting services to local organizations and nonprofits, often in leadership capacities. Although paused at the moment, interested individuals are encouraged to check the program's website for updates.
Wharton was a pioneer in entrepreneurial studies, introducing a fully integrated curriculum in 1973, a tradition that continues with robust offerings for students interested in starting their ventures. The Entrepreneurship and Innovation major, requiring completion of specific management courses and the "Entrepreneurship" course, is supported by over 30 electives ranging from "Technology Strategy" to "Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship."
The Venture Lab Startup Challenge, awarding up to $150,000 in prize money, is a highlight for entrepreneurs at Wharton, fostering innovative startups across various sectors.
The school’s commitment to entrepreneurship is further evidenced by the
Venture Initiation Program (VIP), which provides mentorship and resources for student ventures, and the recent $10M donation to establish the
Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA) program and support the
Venture Lab. Additionally, the
Visiting Experts program offers one-on-one mentorship from successful entrepreneurs.
Wharton’s Entrepreneurship Club, with over 400 members, and the
Private Equity and Venture Capital Club, one of the largest student organizations, play crucial roles in nurturing entrepreneurial and investment careers. Despite a smaller percentage of graduates entering private equity and venture capital, the interest and support within these fields are significant, highlighted by industry treks and competitions.
The annual
Wharton Entrepreneurship Summit and
Private Equity and Venture Capital Conference provide platforms for networking, learning, and discussion on current industry trends. Notably, a considerable number of students pursue entrepreneurship directly after graduation, underscoring Wharton’s enduring impact on fostering new business leaders.
Wharton's management department, featuring notable academics like Nicolaj Siggelkow and Adam Grant, plays a pivotal role in shaping future leaders, with 5.7% of the Class of 2022 entering general management roles. Renowned companies such as Amazon, DoorDash, and General Mills have been active recruiters of Wharton graduates for these positions.
The General Management Club, established in response to student interest in 2003, supports over 150 members with various professional development activities including speaker events and career panels.
The school's commitment to evolving workplace trends is highlighted by the annual
Future of Work Conference, organized by the
Wharton People Analytics program. This conference discusses critical issues such as mental health at work and new employee activism, with speakers from leading organizations and companies.
Leadership development is a significant focus at Wharton, with the
William P. Lauder Wharton Leadership Fellows program selecting 40–50 students each year to mentor incoming cohorts. This program emphasizes experiential learning through intense training sessions and the organization of the
Learning Team Retreat.
Wharton encourages student initiative in leadership and professional development, allowing students to create new clubs for unaddressed interests, such as the
Wine Club and the Coding Club. Additionally,
MBA Leadership Ventures offer unique outdoor leadership development opportunities, challenging students with physical and team-based tasks in environments ranging from the
Atacama Desert to Antarctica. These ventures are designed to enhance "softer" management skills through practical experience, underscoring Wharton's comprehensive approach to cultivating leadership and management expertise.
Wharton's
Health Care Management (HCM) department is recognized as one of the oldest and most distinguished in the health care field, offering a supportive community for scholars, students, alumni, and practitioners. With 25 professors teaching 19 courses, the department has seen a consistent interest from MBA graduates in entering health care and related industries, with 5.6% of the Class of 2022 taking up positions in this sector. The HCM major requires upfront selection upon MBA application, ensuring students engage deeply with the field from the start and build a cohesive alumni network. Key components include foundational courses, a Field Application Project, and specialized electives, alongside opportunities for dual degrees such as MD/MBA and MSN/MBA.
Wharton enhances this academic foundation with practical experiences through the Wharton Global Health Volunteers program, allowing students to work on health care projects in underserved areas worldwide.
The Health Care Club further supports students' career ambitions with over 250 members, organizing career treks, speaker series, and job preparation resources. Additionally, the annual W
harton Health Care Business Conference attracts over 500 attendees, featuring discussions on current health care trends and challenges, with past themes focusing on consumer empowerment, health equity, and digital health adoption. Companies like
Redesign Health and Ribbon Health are among those recruiting Wharton graduates, highlighting the school's role as a leading talent source for the health care industry.
Wharton's MBA program stands out for its strong international focus, consistently ranking high in U.S. News & World Report for its global offerings. With 35% of the Class of 2023 hailing from 77 countries and a significant portion of graduates working abroad, Wharton demonstrates its commitment to cultivating a diverse and global leadership perspective. The program offers a major in Multinational Management and a wide range of international business study options, including the popular INSEAD alliance and exchange programs with 20 partner schools worldwide.
Students interested in deepening their global business acumen can pursue dual degrees in business and international studies through partnerships with the
Lauder Institute at Penn or the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. Wharton's Lauder Institute is especially renowned for combining MBA studies with an MA in international studies, emphasizing language proficiency and cultural immersion through a Summer Immersion program.
Wharton also facilitates firsthand global business exposure through its
Global Immersion Program, taking students to various international destinations to learn about local business practices. Additionally, MBA Leadership Ventures offer unique leadership development opportunities in challenging environments around the world.
The school's commitment to global engagement is further supported by a vibrant array of international and cultural clubs, offering numerous cultural events and activities. This comprehensive approach ensures Wharton students gain the skills, knowledge, and network to thrive in the global business landscape.
Despite not being the first name that comes to mind for marketing, Wharton boasts the world's largest, most cited, and most published marketing department. This prestige is reflected in its consistent ranking by U.S. News & World Report, holding the number two spot among American business schools for 13 consecutive years. Wharton's pioneering role in marketing education began in 1904, being the first to offer a marketing curriculum and developing conjoint analysis, a significant tool in 20th-century marketing practices. With 33 professors and nearly 50 courses, the marketing department offers popular classes like “Pricing Policy” and “Consumer Behavior,” attracting even non-marketing majors.
Students have the option to major in Marketing or pursue a joint major in Marketing and Operations, with the first-year core curriculum including a “Marketing Management” course. For students targeting careers in consumer products and retail (2.5% in 2022), the
Marketing Club provides ample networking and learning opportunities through seminars, interview prep, and the annual
Marketing Conference. This event, themed “Rewriting the Playbook” in 2021, gathers students, faculty, and industry experts to discuss current marketing issues.
Moreover,
Wharton’s Graduate Retail Club focuses on retail and luxury goods, organizing career treks, speaker panels, and its annual conference, with the 17th edition in 2023 themed “Reimagining Savoir Faire.” Companies like Amazon, PepsiCo, and DoorDash are noted recruiters of Wharton marketing students, highlighting the department's significance in shaping industry leaders.
Wharton has significantly enhanced its focus on
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) with the launch of the ESG Initiative, merging several research centers and labs. This initiative introduces three social impact majors—
Environmental, Social and Governance Factors for Business (ESGB); Social and Governance Factors for Business (SOGO); and Business, Energy, Environment, and Sustainability (BEES)—offering students a comprehensive exploration of social impact within and beyond the classroom.
The initiative underscores Wharton's commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, providing a wide array of courses across multiple departments.
The Social Impact Club, part of the global Net Impact network, fosters engagement in various areas such as social entrepreneurship, responsible investing, and environmental sustainability. This club organizes events, networking opportunities, and career treks, aiming to integrate social impact concepts into the curriculum and support students pursuing careers in this sector.
Wharton also offers financial support for students working in social impact through the
John M. Bendheim Loan Forgiveness Fund and encourages participation in competitions like the
Invest for Impact Competition. Additionally, experiential learning opportunities are available through programs like the Nonprofit Board Fellowship, enabling students to contribute to local nonprofits.
With 1.3% of the 2022 graduating class entering social impact roles, Wharton's efforts reflect a growing interest in careers that prioritize societal and environmental well-being, showcasing the school's role in preparing future leaders to address global challenges.
Section III: ScholarshipsWharton Fellowship Program Wharton provides a broad range of fellowship opportunities for many exceptional students, thanks to the generosity of individuals, corporate and foundation donors, and the Wharton School.
All admitted students are considered for Wharton Fellowship support based on the application for admission. Criteria for fellowship selection include unique personal qualities and background, academic achievement, exceptional professional development, and community involvement.
Awards are offered in the Admission and Financial Aid letter. Fellowships are two-year awards, split equally over four semesters for a typical MBA student. The Wharton Fellowship Committee does not offer reconsideration of fellowship support. The information below is a select list of special fellowships available at Wharton.
The purpose of the Chapman Taylor Family MBA fellowship is to provide financial support to a graduate student or students in the Wharton School with a preference for students who have served as a Peace Corps volunteer.
Emerging Economy Fellowships are offered to support students from emerging economies throughout the world.
Forte Fellowships are awarded each year to outstanding students who demonstrate exemplary leadership academically, professionally, or creatively, as well as a proven commitment to the empowerment of women in education or the workplace.
This fellowship is a two-year, full-tuition award to Israeli students who have completed Israeli military service, have attended an Israeli undergraduate institution, and/or have been employed by an Israeli company for the previous five years. Recipients will comprise a distinctive cohort of five to six fellows each year.
Joseph Wharton Fellowships are named in honor of Joseph Wharton, the founder of the Wharton School. These fellowships are awarded to students with outstanding records of academic, personal, and professional achievements.
Established in 2006 by William G. Bollinger to provide financial support to the top international students in the Wharton MBA.
To provide financial support to a graduate student or students at the Wharton School and to support the University’s educational policy of promoting student body diversity, with consideration given to applicants from an Arab League member country (Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen).
The Wharton Prism Fellowship will cover full Wharton tuition over the recipient’s time in the Wharton MBA program. This fellowship is awarded to one student who is a member of and demonstrates leadership in support of the LGBTQIA community.
The ROMBA LGBT+ Fellowship is a joint effort between The Wharton MBA Program and Reaching Out to develop the out LGBT+ and active ally business leaders of tomorrow. Each Fellow receives a minimum $20,000 scholarship and access to exclusive leadership programming including an all-expenses-paid retreat.
Social Impact Fellowships are offered to students with demonstrated leadership in the public and/or not-for-profit sectors.
2nd Year Financial Aid AwardsEstablished to provide additional financial support to Wharton MBA students in their second year of the MBA Program. The fellowship support will be determined by the Wharton Fellowship Committee based on submitted application and a review of existing loan balances, prior fellowships, and other support received.
Academic Fellowships- Ford Fellowship – First year, best student
- Academic Excellence Fellowship – Terms 2 and 3, best student
- Inselbag Fellowship – First year (Top 5% eligible)
- McGowan Fellowship – First year (Top 5% eligible)
- Director’s List Fellowship – Each semester (Top 10% eligible)
- Dr. Bruce I. Jacobs Scholars in Quantitative Finance – Second-year, exceptional students in Quantitative Finance Major
Entrepreneurial Awards and Fellowships- Penn Wharton Innovation Fund
- Summer Venture Award
- Startup Internship Award
- Edward B Shills / Leonard L Zeidman Fellowship
Leadership Fellowships- Behrman Family Fellowships (3) in demonstrated leadership and financial need.
- Recipient selection process maintained within Leadership Program.
Real Estate FellowshipsSamuel Zell and Robert Lurie Real Estate Center Awards: Committed to excellence in education, the Center awards fellowships and scholarships to promising real estate students.
Whitney M Young FellowshipSecond-year, active member of the AAMBAA community who has demonstrated academic excellence and made outstanding contributions to the achievement of excellence by people of color in the Wharton, University of Pennsylvania and/or greater business communities.
Toigo FellowshipsThe Toigo MBA Fellowship provides minority MBA candidates committed to careers in finance with an unmatched network of contacts, a prestigious point of difference in the eyes of employers, one-on-one career guidance, leadership training, a merit award—and more.