The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania is one of the most prestigious business schools globally and has consistently set the standard for business education. We know almost all business school hopefuls have Wharton on their ‘dream school’ list. So, if you want to make this dream school a reality, this article is your starting point.
In this comprehensive guide, we dive deep into the Wharton MBA Program. From unveiling the unique Class of 2026’s profile to dissecting the career trajectory of the Class of 2024, we leave no stone unturned. We also explore application deadlines, the cost of attendance, scholarships, the admissions process, and the MBA curriculum.
Let’s get started with some general information.
General information on Wharton MBA
Here is some essential information about the Wharton MBA program:
| Dean | Erika H. James |
| Location | 3733 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 |
| Admissions Office | Office of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Vance Hall, Suite 111, 3733 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 |
| Phone | +215-898-6183 |
| Fax | +215-898-0120 |
| mba-admiss@wharton.upenn.edu | |
| Social Media | Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn |
Class Profile for Wharton MBA Class of 2026
The Wharton MBA Class of 2026 represents a dynamic and diverse group of students, embodying Wharton’s mission to develop leaders who drive innovation and impact across industries. Here’s a detailed look at the class profile, showcasing the breadth of academic, professional, and personal experiences that make up this exceptional cohort.
Class Overview
| Metric | Details |
| Total Applications | 7,322 |
| Enrolled Students | 866 |
| Women | 47% |
| International Students | 31% |
| Countries Represented | 65 |
| LGBTQ+ Representation | 10% |
| First-Generation Students | 11% |
| Military Representation | 6% |
Professional Background
| Metric | Details |
| Average Work Experience | 5 Years |
Pre-MBA Industries
| Industry | Percentage |
| Consulting | 28% |
| Private Equity/Venture Capital | 15% |
| Nonprofit/Government | 11% |
| Technology | 10% |
| Investment Banking | 9% |
| Other | 7% |
| Financial Services | 5% |
| Healthcare | 4% |
| Investment Management | 4% |
| Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) | 2% |
| Media/Entertainment | 2% |
| Energy | 1% |
| Real Estate | 1% |
| Retail | 1% |
Academic Background
| Metric | Details |
| Average GPA | 3.7 (4.0 scale) |
| Average GMAT | 732 |
| Average GRE Quant | 163 |
| Average GRE Verbal | 162 |
Undergraduate Majors
| Field of Study | Percentage |
| Business | 32% |
| STEM | 32% |
| Humanities | 36% |
Key Takeaways
- Wharton’s Class of 2026 boasts an impressive level of diversity, with 31% international students representing 65 countries and 47% women.
- The class reflects a strong professional foundation, with an average of 5 years of work experience and significant representation from consulting (28%) and private equity/venture capital (15%).
- The academic profile is equally impressive, with an average GMAT score of 732 and a balanced mix of business, STEM, and humanities undergraduate majors.
This well-rounded and accomplished class is set to thrive in Wharton’s rigorous MBA program, bringing varied perspectives and experiences to the classroom.
Wharton MBA Employment Report for the Class of 2024
The Wharton MBA Class of 2024 demonstrates strong career outcomes across various industries, functions, and locations. With an impressive employment rate and competitive compensation packages, Wharton continues to deliver exceptional career opportunities for its graduates. Below is an in-depth look at the employment data.
Employment Summary
| Category | Number | Percentage |
| Total Graduates | 916 | 100% |
| Seeking Employment | 634 | 69.2% |
| Reporting Job Offers | 590 | 93.1% (of seeking) |
| Reporting Job Acceptances | 559 | 88.2% (of seeking) |
| Not Seeking Employment | 201 | 21.9% |
| – Returning to Company | 117 | 12.8% |
| – Self-Employed/Starting Business | 55 | 6.0% |
| – Postponed Job Search/Continuing Education | 19 | 2.1% |
| – Personal Reasons/Other | 10 | 1.1% |
Observations:
- A high percentage of job seekers (93.1%) received offers, and 88.2% accepted them within three months of graduation.
- Nearly 22% of the class did not seek employment, with 12.8% returning to their previous employers and 6% pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.
Salaries by Industry
| Industry | Median Salary (US $) | Median Sign-On Bonus (US $) | Sign-On Bonus Recipients (%) |
| Consulting | $190,000 | $30,000 | 72.5% |
| Financial Services | $175,000 | $50,000 | 57.2% |
| – Hedge Funds/Other Investments | $200,000 | $50,000 | 57.1% |
| – Investment Banking | $175,000 | $57,500 | 78.4% |
| – Venture Capital | $200,000 | $27,500 | 20% |
| Technology | $162,750 | $30,000 | 46.6% |
| Health Care | $163,000 | $25,000 | 43.3% |
| Media/Entertainment | $140,000 | $15,000 | 58.8% |
| Retail | $145,000 | $20,000 | 50% |
| Energy | $165,000 | $50,000 | 54.5% |
| Real Estate | $150,000 | $17,500 | 18.2% |
| Social Impact | $120,000 | N/A | 6.7% |
Observations:
- Consulting and financial services remain top choices, offering competitive median salaries ($190,000 and $175,000, respectively) and high sign-on bonuses.
- Venture capital and hedge funds offer some of the highest median salaries ($200,000), reflecting the lucrative opportunities in these fields.
- Technology, a popular industry, provides a median salary of $162,750, with nearly half of hires receiving sign-on bonuses.
Salaries by Function
| Function | Median Salary (US $) | Median Sign-On Bonus (US $) | Sign-On Bonus Recipients (%) |
| Consulting/Strategy | $190,000 | $30,000 | 66.7% |
| Investment Banking | $175,000 | $57,500 | 78.8% |
| Product Management | $162,750 | $42,500 | 52.4% |
| General/Project Management | $150,000 | $25,000 | 35.7% |
| Investment Management | $180,000 | $47,500 | 34.5% |
| Marketing/Product Marketing | $153,750 | $30,000 | 66.7% |
Observations:
- Consulting and investment banking lead in popularity, with consulting offering a median salary of $190,000 and investment banking providing the highest median sign-on bonus of $57,500.
- Product management roles in technology also offer competitive compensation, with a median salary of $162,750 and sign-on bonuses for more than half of hires.
Salaries by Location
| Region | Median Salary (US $) | Median Sign-On Bonus (US $) | Sign-On Bonus Recipients (%) |
| U.S. (All) | $175,000 | $30,000 | 58.1% |
| – San Francisco | $175,000 | $30,000 | 46.8% |
| – New York | $175,000 | $30,000 | 58.1% |
| – Boston | $190,000 | $27,500 | 52.6% |
| International | $134,826 | $30,000 | 40% |
| – Asia | $150,000 | $30,000 | 46.7% |
| – Europe | $119,052 | $35,801 | 25% |
Observations:
- The majority of graduates (over 90%) secured roles in the U.S., with New York and San Francisco as the most popular locations.
- International roles offered slightly lower median salaries ($134,826), but still competitive for global markets.
Key Takeaways
- Wharton graduates enjoy strong career outcomes, with 93.1% of job seekers receiving offers within three months of graduation.
- Consulting and financial services dominate industry placements, with high median salaries and significant sign-on bonuses.
- Entrepreneurship remains an important path, with 6% of graduates starting their own businesses.
- Wharton’s global reputation is evident in its diverse job locations and high compensation across industries and functions.
This data reinforces Wharton’s position as a top choice for ambitious MBA candidates seeking exceptional career opportunities.
Wharton MBA Admissions
Application Deadlines
The admissions process is conducted in multiple rounds, providing applicants with several opportunities to submit their materials.
Here are the deadlines:
Application Timeline Overview
Application Deadline | Interview Invitations | Decisions | |
| Round 1 | September 4, 2024 | October 24, 2024 | December 10, 2024 |
| Round 2 | January 3, 2025 | February 19, 2025 | April 1, 2025 |
| Round 3 | April 2, 2025 | April 18, 2025 | May 13, 2025 |
| Deferred Admissions Round | April 23, 2025 | May 29, 2025 | July 1, 2025 |
Wharton MBA Application Components
Securing a spot in the Wharton MBA program involves a comprehensive application process that assesses candidates based on various criteria. Below is a breakdown of the key components required for a complete application and insights into each element:
| Application Component | Details |
| Background Information | – Contact information (e.g., mailing address and phone number) – Date of birth – Academic degrees earned – Professional experience – Family information – Prior Conviction Information |
| Application Fee | – The application fee is $275 and non-refundable. – Payment can be made by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express) along with the application. |
| Essays | – 2 Required Essays – 1 Reapplicant Essay – 1 Optional Essay |
| Transcripts | – Transcripts of all academic work completed at the baccalaureate/undergraduate level and beyond are required. – Regardless of credit or degree, transcripts are a crucial component. |
| Letters of Recommendation | – Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the candidate’s work performance, preferably from a current or former supervisor. |
| GMAT or GRE Score | – All applicants must submit GMAT or GRE results no more than five years old. |
| English Language Test Score | – Non-native English speakers with limited exposure to English must provide results from TOEFL iBT, PTE, or IELTS. – Required for those whose native language is not English or completed a degree in a non-English institution. |
| Resume | – A one-page resume highlighting functional job skills, depth of experience, leadership, and potential for growth. – Emphasizes learning and skills acquired rather than the duration of work experience. |
Wharton MBA Interview
Securing an interview invitation for the Wharton MBA program is a significant milestone, and if you find yourself in this position, you’ll likely engage in an innovative interview format known as the Wharton MBA Team Based Discussion (TBD). Let’s delve into the details of this unique interview process.
Interview Format Overview
Team Based Discussion (TBD)
| Duration | 35 minutes |
| Participants | 4-5 fellow MBA applicants |
| Objective | Collaborative problem-solving |
| Assignment | Team-based task with a prompt |
| Random Assignment | TBD groups are assigned randomly |
In the TBD, candidates engage in a 35-minute exercise that simulates a team setting, providing a glimpse into their ability to collaborate and solve problems collectively. Here’s what you can expect:
- Team Setting: You’ll interact with 4-5 fellow MBA applicants.
- Assigned Prompt: The discussion revolves around a prompt with a specific purpose.
- Collaborative Outcome: As a team, you’ll work together to achieve a tangible outcome based on the given prompt.
- Random Group Assignment: TBD groups are assigned randomly, promoting diversity and testing adaptability.
One-on-One Interview
Following the TBD, candidates proceed to a 10-minute one-on-one interview with a member of the admissions team. This individual interview offers an opportunity for reflection on your TBD performance and provides additional insights into your candidacy.
Wharton MBA Cost of Attendance
Pursuing an MBA at the Wharton School is a significant investment, but the program’s robust financial aid options ensure accessibility for talented candidates from diverse backgrounds. Here’s an overview of the tuition, cost of attendance, and scholarship opportunities for Wharton MBA students.
MBA Program Tuition and Cost Breakdown
The cost of attending the Wharton MBA program includes tuition, university fees, living expenses, and health insurance. Below is a detailed breakdown for the 2024–2025 academic year:
| Expense | First-Year Budget (2024-2025) | Second-Year Budget (2024-2025) |
| Tuition | $84,830 | $83,830 |
| University Fees | $4,670 | $4,670 |
| Living Expenses | $33,804 | $33,804 |
| Health Insurance | $4,412 | $4,412 |
| Total | $127,716 | $126,716 |
Key Notes on Cost:
- Living Expenses include housing, food, and personal expenses for a moderate lifestyle.
- Health Insurance is mandatory, and the listed cost assumes enrollment in the university’s plan.
Wharton MBA Scholarships
Pursuing an MBA at the Wharton School is not only a transformative academic experience but also a financial commitment. To assist students in their educational journey, Wharton offers a variety of scholarships and fellowships catering to diverse backgrounds, achievements, and aspirations.
List of Wharton MBA Fellowships
Here is a glimpse of some of the notable fellowships available at Wharton:
| Fellowship Name | Criteria | Award Amount |
| Joseph Wharton Fellowships | Outstanding academic, personal, and professional achievements | Varies |
| Emerging Economy Fellowships | Support for students from emerging economies worldwide | Varies |
| Forte Fellowships | Leadership in academia, profession, or creativity; commitment to women’s empowerment | Varies |
| ROMBA LGBT+ Fellowship | LGBT+ and ally business leaders; $20,000 scholarship and exclusive programming | $20,000 minimum |
| Wharton Prism Fellowship | LGBTQIA community leadership; Full tuition coverage | Full Wharton tuition |
| Social Impact Fellowships | Leadership in the public and/or not-for-profit sectors | Varies |
| Chapman Taylor Family MBA Fellowship | Financial support for Wharton graduates with a preference for Peace Corps volunteers | Varies |
Corporate and Foundation Supporters
Wharton MBA fellowships are generously supported by various corporations and foundations, reflecting a commitment to fostering diverse and talented business leaders. Some of the key supporters include Alcoa Inc., American Express Philanthropic Program, Bank of America Corporation, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., and many more.
Additional Fellowship Opportunities
Throughout the MBA program, students have access to additional fellowship opportunities, each with its own application process, award amounts, and criteria. Some notable categories include:
- 2nd Year Financial Aid Awards: Providing additional support based on financial need and a review of existing financial aid.
- Academic Fellowships: Recognizing academic excellence in various categories, including best student, top 5%, and top 10%.
- Entrepreneurial Awards and Fellowships: Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship through various awards and fellowships.
- Leadership Fellowships: Acknowledging demonstrated leadership and financial need, such as Behrman Family Fellowships.
- Real Estate Fellowships: Centered on excellence in real estate education, with awards from the Samuel Zell and Robert Lurie Real Estate Center.
- Whitney M Young Fellowship: Awarded to second-year, active members of the AAMBAA community for academic excellence and contributions to diversity.
- Toigo Fellowships: Supporting minority MBA candidates pursuing finance careers with networking, leadership training, and merit awards.
Wharton MBA Program Overview
The Wharton MBA program is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum, providing a flexible and dynamic approach to learning. Let’s explore the intricacies of the program, including the curriculum structure, core courses, major requirements, and the extensive range of elective courses available.
MBA Curriculum Overview
The Wharton MBA Curriculum is structured into three categories, each contributing to a holistic learning experience:
| Curriculum Component | Credit Units (CU) |
| Core Curriculum | 9.5 CU |
| Major Requirements | 5.0 CU |
| Electives | 4.5 CU |
| Total | 19 CU |
MBA Core Curriculum
The MBA Core Curriculum forms the foundation of your Wharton education, blending fixed core and flexible core courses. This core curriculum, totaling 9.5 credit units (CUs), is divided into two parts:
Fixed Core (3.25 CU – First Semester)
- Leadership: Foundations of Teamwork and Leadership
- Develop your personal leadership style through interactive simulations.
- Marketing: Marketing Management
- Apply analytical concepts and marketing tools to strategic decisions.
- Microeconomics: Microeconomics for Managers
- Master the fundamental theory of microeconomics.
- Microeconomics: Advanced Microeconomics for Managers
- Apply microeconomic theory to firm management.
- Statistics: Regression Analysis for Managers
- Gain expertise in regression analysis and experimentation.
- Management Communication: Speaking and Writing
- Enhance communication skills through speaking and writing courses.
Flexible Core (6.25 CU – First Semester or Later)
- More than half of the core courses offer flexibility, allowing customization based on individual learning styles and interests.
Options within Flexible Core Areas:
- Operations, Information, and Decisions
- Marketing
- Communication
- Accounting
- Corporate Finance
- Macroeconomics
- Management
- Legal Studies & Business Ethics
MBA Majors
The Wharton MBA program offers a diverse array of 21 majors, enabling students to tailor their education to specific career goals. Each major typically consists of five CUs, including four CUs beyond the core curriculum.
Some notable majors include:
- Business Analytics (STEM Certified Major): Equips students with tools for solving real-world business problems using data.
- Finance (STEM Certified Major): Develops financial leadership skills for both private and public sectors.
- Health Care Management: Blends specific coursework with professional development opportunities in the healthcare sector.
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Prepares students for entrepreneurial careers in various settings.
- Real Estate: Focuses on industry-specific courses and electives, providing tools for leadership in real estate.
- Strategic Management: Deepens understanding of competitive advantage and broader competitive dynamics.
- Social and Governance Factors for Business (STEM Certified Major): Explores relationships between business, society, and environmental, social, and governance factors.
Elective Courses
Wharton offers nearly 200 elective courses across 10 academic departments, allowing students to delve deeper into specific areas of interest. Notably, students can select up to four courses from the University of Pennsylvania’s other schools, enhancing the interdisciplinary nature of the Wharton MBA.
Final Thoughts
As we conclude this guide, it is evident that the Wharton MBA Program stands as a dream school for ambitious individuals seeking an unparalleled business education. The Class of 2026’s profile showcases the diversity and excellence that defines the Wharton community. Insights from the employment reports for the Class of 2024 provide a glimpse into the program’s impact on career trajectories.
Prospective applicants can navigate the application process armed with knowledge about deadlines, cost considerations, and available scholarships. The overarching program overview emphasizes Wharton’s commitment to shaping future business leaders. May this guide empower you to embark on a transformative journey at Wharton, where academic excellence meets real-world impact.