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Penn - Wharton School
Public UniversityUnited StatesWorld #2

Penn - Wharton School

United States

1,27,716/yr

Living (Bachelors)

1,27,716/yr

Living (Masters)

About

The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, established in 1881, is renowned as the world's first collegiate business school. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Wharton offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral programs, emphasising a rigorous curriculum and a global perspective.

What is the Acceptance Rate at Wharton?

The acceptance rate of the Penn - Wharton School is 9%, indicating that approximately 9 out of every 100 applicants are admitted. In other words, this indicates that the university's selection policy is highly competitive, giving only highly qualified applicants a chance of admission to the Penn - Wharton School.

What is the Annual tuition fee at the Penn - Wharton School?

The annual tuition fee for the MBA program at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (USA) is USD 92,820 (INR 81.9 Lakh) for international students.

The tuition fee in the Wharton School fee structure is a key component that includes additional expenses such as accommodation, health insurance, transportation, meals, and personal costs.

Top Reasons to Study in the Penn - Wharton School

  1. Distinguished Faculty: Wharton's faculty comprises leading scholars and industry experts who contribute significantly to business research and practice. For instance, Professor Olivia S. Mitchell has made notable contributions to the field of insurance and risk management.

  2. Comprehensive Curriculum: Wharton offers a diverse array of concentrations, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests. Undergraduates can choose from 21 concentrations, ranging from finance and accounting to business analytics and social impact.

  3. Global Opportunities: Programs like the Lauder Institute enable students to earn a Wharton MBA alongside an MA in International Studies, fostering a global business perspective.

  4. Research Initiatives: Wharton supports cutting-edge research through initiatives like the AI Research Fund, which provides resources for exploring the intersection of AI advancements with modern business models.

  5. Strong Alumni Network: Wharton's extensive alumni network offers valuable connections across various industries, enhancing career opportunities for graduates.

Admissions

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

9%

Application Fee

$100 - $275


How to Apply at Penn - Wharton School

Undergraduate Applicants:

  • Application Process: Prospective students apply during their senior year of high school through either Early Decisions or Regular Decisions. Applicants must specify their interest in Wharton at the time of application.

  • Admission Requirements: Requirements include the Common Application or Coalition Application, official high school transcripts, standardised test scores (SAT or ACT), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.

Graduate Applicants (MBA Program):

  • Application Process: Applicants must submit an online application through the Wharton MBA admissions portal.

  • Admission Requirements: Requirements include a completed application form, GMAT or GRE scores, transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, two letters of recommendation, essays, and a resume.

Doctoral Programs:

  • Application Process: Applications are submitted online through the Wharton Doctoral Programs application system.

  • Admission Requirements: Requirements include a completed application form, GMAT or GRE scores, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume or CV.


Documents Required to Apply to Penn - Wharton School

Applicant Type

Required Documents

Undergraduate Applicants

Completed application form
Official high school transcripts 

Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) 

Letters of recommendation 

Personal essay

Graduate Applicants

Completed application form 

Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions 

Standardized test scores (GMAT or GRE) 

Letters of recommendation 

Essays or the Statement of Purpose 

Resume or CV

Exams Accepted by Wharton

Here is a brief overview of the exams acceptable at Wharton based on program levels:

Program Level

Required Tests

Undergraduate Programs

SAT or ACT

Graduate Programs

GMAT or GRE for MBA Program and English Proficiency Tests: TOEFL or IELTS 

Doctoral Programs

GMAT or GRE ( score depends on the specific program) and English Proficiency Tests: TOEFL or IELTS 

 


Campus Life

Number of campuses the university has
2

Campus locations
Pennsylvania

View on Google Earth


Transportation in the city

Philadelphia offers a comprehensive public transportation system, making commuting convenient for Wharton students:

  • SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority): Operates buses, trolleys, subways, and regional rail lines throughout the city and surrounding areas.

  • Campus Shuttles: The University of Pennsylvania provides shuttle services for students, enhancing safety and convenience, especially during evening hours.

  • Biking: Philadelphia is bike-friendly, with numerous bike lanes and rental options available.


Services offered by the university

Wharton provides a range of services to support its community, including:

  • Career Services: Offering career counselling, job search resources, and networking opportunities.

  • Academic Advising: Guiding course selection and academic planning.

  • Student Organizations: A variety of clubs and groups catering to diverse interests.


Student life at Penn - Wharton School

Wharton offers a vibrant and dynamic student experience:

  • Student Organizations: Over 100 clubs and organisations cater to a wide range of interests, including professional development, cultural affinity groups, and recreational activities.

  • Events and Conferences: Regularly hosts industry leaders for lectures, workshops, and networking events, providing students with insights into various sectors.

  • Global Opportunities: Programs like Global Modular Courses and international study trips allow students to gain global exposure and understand international business practices.

  • Community Engagement: Initiatives such as the Wharton Social Impact Initiative encourage students to engage with and contribute to the local community through service and consulting projects.

Faculty

University Faculty:Student Ratio

1:8

University Faculty Stats

Wharton’s faculty comprises more than 235 professors, many of whom are world-renowned researchers and industry experts. Key statistics about Wharton faculty:

  • Tenure and Tenure-Track Faculty: The majority hold PhDs from top institutions and contribute to cutting-edge research.

  • Student-Faculty Ratio: Approximately 8:1, ensuring personalised academic experiences.

  • Diversity & International Faculty: Professors hail from over 20 different countries, bringing global perspectives to the curriculum.

  • Average Age of Faculty: Varies by the department but generally ranges from mid-40s to early 50s.

  • Notable Faculty Members: Professors such as Adam Grant (Organizational Psychology) and Jeremy Siegel (Finance) are widely recognized for their contributions to business thought leadership.

Career Opportunities

Internship opportunities at Penn - Wharton School

Wharton students benefit from a strong network of employers and structured internship programs that provide real-world business experience. The primary industries where Wharton students obtain internships include finance, consulting, technology, entrepreneurship, and healthcare. You may apply to the following programs if planning to study at Wharton: 

  1. Wharton Leadership Ventures: Offers experiential learning through consulting projects and leadership challenges.

  2. MBA Career Management Office: Connects students with internships at top firms in finance, consulting, technology, and other industries.

  3. Global Modular Courses (GMCs): Provide short-term, international internship experiences.

  4. Wharton Undergraduate Consulting Club (WUCC): Offers hands-on consulting opportunities with businesses and nonprofits.


Placement of Penn - Wharton School

Wharton graduates enjoy some of the best placement rates and salaries in the world, with top employers actively recruiting from the school.

Placement Data (2024):

  • Around 98.7% of MBA students from the Class of 2024 received job offers within three months of graduation and over 95% of graduates secure full-time positions or enrol in graduate programs.

  • Median Salary (MBA): $175,000 (INR 1.45 crore) base 

Top Employers:

  • Consulting: McKinsey & Co., Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Bain & Co.

  • Finance: Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, BlackRock

  • Technology: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Meta

  • Healthcare & Pharma: Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer

  • Entrepreneurship: Many Wharton graduates start their own companies or join startups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the average living expenses for masters at the Penn - Wharton School ?
The average living expenses for masters at the Penn - Wharton School is USD 127716.
What is the student faculty ratio at the Penn - Wharton School ?
The student faculty ratio at the Penn - Wharton School is 1:8
How many campuses does Penn - Wharton School have ?
Penn - Wharton School has 2 campuses. All of them have amazing residence halls, student centers, civic spaces, cultural spaces, music halls, transportation facilities, etc.
What is the global ranking of Penn - Wharton School ?
The global ranking of Penn - Wharton School is: 1. QS World University Ranking: 2
What factors should be considered when choosing the Penn - Wharton School
When choosing the Penn - Wharton School for higher education, an international student must consider the following factors: 1. Take a counselling session with Yocket 2. Finalise a budget 3. Research the course of your preference at Penn - Wharton School 4. Arrange your documents for admission 5. Plan for Scholarships or Loans 6. Check out the country’s working rules for international students 7. Apply for a visa
Does Penn - Wharton School provide scholarships for international students?
Yes. An international student can apply for scholarships to pursue their education at Penn - Wharton School by: 1. Looking for country-specific scholarships by contacting the specific scholarship institutions. 2. Applying to or finding out if any subject-specific scholarships are available from the Penn - Wharton School website/ department. 3. Applying to available research assistantships, teaching assistantships, graduate assistantships, or grants.
Is the Penn - Wharton School a good university?
Yes. Established in 1881, Penn - Wharton School is a reputed university to pursue higher education for international/Indian students. The perks of studying at Penn - Wharton School include: 1. Global Recognition 2. Amazing job/ opportunities 3. Research opportunities 4. International exposure 5. Cultural learning 6. Independence
What are the top courses that one can pursue at Penn - Wharton School ?
A few globally recognised courses that one can pursue at Penn - Wharton School are: 1. Business Administration in Penn - Wharton School 2. Executive MBA in Penn - Wharton School 3. Business Administration - Moelis Advance Access Program in Penn - Wharton School
What is the Penn - Wharton School GPA requirement?
The GPA requirement for Penn - Wharton School will vary based on your selected course admission criteria. However, a GPA above 3.5 can help you get admission to most international universities. Check for the official Penn - Wharton School ’s website to know more

Last updated June 10, 2026

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