The Wharton School : Rankings, Fees, Courses, Acceptance Rate

This B-School is particularly famous among international students because of the factors like research opportunities, creative curriculum, career opportunities, and supportive community. Due to all these factors, the Business and Management enthusiasts apply to this School from all around the world, which makes it a competitive and ambitious B-School to get into. The Wharton School acceptance rate stands at 20.5 % for the MBA Class of 2026, which makes this B-School hard to get into. This low acceptance rate suggests that out of every 100 applications, only 11 to 12 students are rolled out an offer.

Although it is not impossible to get into an MBA programme at Wharton from India. It is expected of an Indian student to achieve these scores mentioned in the table to put their best foot forward in the Wharton application process.

The MBA programs at The Wharton School are ranked at #1 by the US World and News ranking body (2025) among the best Management programs worldwide. Yes, the Wharton MBA is worth it due to several factors, including the worldwide degree recognition, high employability, and Business and Management skills mastery. The Wharton MBA graduates of class 2024 are placed in some of the top companies of the world Ab Bernstein, Activision Blizzard, Adobe Inc., Alixpartners, Alpine Investors, with an average median package of USD 178,000 (INR 1.59 Cr), with the first year tuition cost of USD 84,830 (INR 71.5 L) for the Wharton MBA. Not to mention the long-term career benefits.

Widely popular among the Business and Management enthusiasts all over the world, the Wharton School ranking stays high in the list of the best Business schools. According to US World and News, the Business programs of the University of Pennsylvania, which are provided under Wharton, are ranked #1 among the 124 best business schools of the world. The QS ranking, on the other hand, has given the UPenn Wharton School, #2 rank consecutively for two years, 2025 and 2024.

The ranking is decided based on the return of investment, thought leadership, entrepreneurial & Alumni outcomes, employability, and diversity, based on these parameters, the Wharton School has received a score of 99.8 out of 100.

International students are required to pay tuition and fees to study Business and Management at this B-School. The Wharton MBA first tuition fee at this B-School ranges between INR 35 L and 71 L for various specialisations.

It is apparent from the tables below that the total tuition and fee to complete Wharton MBA can cost an international student around USD 254,432 (INR 2.14 Cr). Although the tuition cost varies as per the programme sand the specialisation that a student is choosing.

The table below shows the first year course fee of Wharton MBA courses:

Second year course fee of Wharton MBA courses:

(USD 1 = INR 84.41)

The Wharton School is the B-School of the University of Pennsylvania, which is situated in Philadelphia. Living expenses make up a 26% of the total Wharton MBA expenses which is indeed a significant part of the total cost to be borne by a student. The Wharton living expenses can be USD 33,804 (INR 28.5 L) a year for an international student.

Mentioned below is the table showing all the fee components that make up the entire cost of Wharton MBA:

(USD 1 = INR 84.41)

A big chunk of the living expenses goes to the accommodation rent. The Wharton on-campus rent is higher than off-campus. For Housing at Wharton, the students have many options:

·         On Campus: The Wharton provides On-campus housing options to all its students and the rooms are well air conditioned and amenities such as bathroom, beds, and close proximity to colleges and classes as these college houses are at the centre location of the University of Penn. These on-campus housing options can cost a first year student USD 12,640 (INR 10.6 L), and USD 16,580 (INR 13.9 L) a year for Upper classes such as MBA.

·         Off-Campus housing: The city of Philadelphia is filled with options of affordable stays near Wharton. If a student isn't able to pay for on campus housing as off-campus housing can be considered a bit costly by many. The students are suggested to join Facebook groups, talk to the current students by reaching them on linked in, or take help of real estate apps such as Zillow prior to their stay. Although the average rent per month near Wharton excluding utilities and food can cost a student USD 1,396 (INR 1.17 L), but the apartment can have rented in sharing as most of the Indians who are studying at Wharton choose this option.

The B-School is famous for its strong connections and the reputation in the Business and Management world. The Wharton MBA benefits are: a student gets an instant recognition, becomes part of a large community around the world, and gets a chance to have the most amazing college life. The Wharton Placement rate for the class 2023 was 97.2% which indicates the value of education at this school. The top companies which hired the Wharton MBA graduates include: Ab Bernstein, Activision Blizzard, Adobe Inc. Alixpartners, Alpine Investors etc.

Wharton receives applications from all around the world and most of the MBA applications received demonstrate certain level of experience. MBA Class 2026 had an average prior experience of 5+ years in various industries. Although, Wharton accepts applications of the students without or minimum work experience in their early decision round.

A student must show the professional maturity and the Business acumen required to survive Wharton MBA, which can be demonstrated by mentioning any extracurricular activities, any leadership role, or volunteering for the social causes etc. Students must put a lot of work and thoughts into writing Wharton essay, which should be honest yet powerful.

Additionally, great scores in the exams such as GMAT/GRE, GPA can be crucial in the Wharton application process.

Below mentioned are the Wharton MBA class 2026 average scores in the exams mentioned above:

The Wharton School MBA acceptance rate for the class 2026 was 11.8%, meaning out of every 100 applications, only 11 to 12 students were rolled out an offer letter, which makes it quite difficult to get an admission at this B-School.

Although, a student can get admission to this B-School by fulfilling the below mentioned requirements:

The Wharton School MBA Requirements as an International student:

·         A four years Bachelor's Degree from Accredited university

·         Scanned copies of all the Academic Records

·         English Proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL, PTE/Duo lingo English Test), (If a student has studied from an institution where the medium of instruction wasn't English)

·         An online application

·         Letters of Recommendation (Submit at least 2 with one being of current supervisor or manager)

·         Work Experience of minimum 2 years (Preferred)

·         Essay

·         Standardized Entrance test scores (GMAT/GRE)

Wharton MBA Acceptance rate for the Class 2026 stands at 11.8% which means it is a quite selective school, and they require a great deal of commitment for the program, academically and professionally robust individuals. The average GPA of MBA class 2026, was 3.7 on a scale of 4.0. Although, the students must not get discouraged from applying. If they are able to demonstrate the business acumen, professional maturity, and great work experience, they can surely study at Wharton.

The Wharton School MBA Requirements as an International student:

·         A four years Bachelor's Degree from Accredited university

·         Scanned copies of all the Academic Records

·         English Proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL, PTE/Duo lingo English Test), (If a student has studied from an institution where the medium of instruction wasn't English)

·         An online application

·         Letters of Recommendation (Submit at least 2 with one being of current supervisor or manager)

·         Work Experience of minimum 2 years (Preferred)

·         Essay

·         Standardized Entrance test scores (GMAT/GRE)

Wharton is a popular school among international students, although the living expense along with the high tuition fee can feel a little expensive. According to the Wharton's official site, an international student has to spend an amount of USD 33,804 (INR 28.5 L) for one year to pursue MBA at this B-School, from which a big chunk will go in paying rent. Eighty percent of the Wharton MBA students live near Rittenhouse Square, which is located in centre city. The Centre City is known for its best restaurants, shopping outlets, and nightlife.

The commute to the Wharton campus is a 25 minutes' walk, or 10 to 15 minutes through bike or public transportation. The students say on various platforms such as Quora, that they are able to enjoy the luxury high-rises with beautiful views of the park and brownstone homes. The average rent among the students who live in Rittenhouse Square for various kinds of apartments in mentioned below:

(USD 1 = INR 84.41)

Below mentioned are the buildings most Wharton MBA students live in Rittenhouse Square:

·         AQ Rittenhouse

·         2040 Market

·         1919 Market

·         The Dorchester

·         2400 Chestnut

·         2116 Chestnut

·         The Republic

·         Rittenhouse Claridge

·         Wanamaker House

·         1700 Chestnut

·         The Beacon

·         Locust on the Park

·         Aria

·         The Carlyle

·         The Sterling

For Housing at Wharton, the students have many options:

·         On Campus: The Wharton provides On-campus housing options to all its students and the rooms are well air conditioned and amenities such as bathroom, beds, and close proximity to colleges and classes as these college houses are at the centre location of the University of Penn. These on-campus housing options can cost a first year student USD 12,640 (INR 10.6 L), and USD 16,580 (INR 13.9 L) a year for Upper classes such as MBA.

·         Off-Campus housing: The city of Philadelphia is filled with options of affordable stays near Wharton. If a student isn't able to pay for on campus housing as off-campus housing can be considered a bit costly by many. The students are suggested to join Facebook groups, talk to the current students by reaching them on linked in, or take help of real estate apps such as Zillow prior to their stay. Although the average rent per month near Wharton excluding utilities and food can cost a student USD 1,396 (INR 1.17 L), but the apartment can have rented in sharing as most of the Indians who are studying at Wharton choose this option.

There are other options available too such as off-campus services where the students are provided assistance in hunting for the right accommodation, temporary housing services, a reasonably priced short-term housing near the campus etc.

Located in Philadelphia, the city where two rivers the Delaware and the Schuylkill meet, the top destination among the people who are willing to live on the East Coast of the USA, and the city where the founding fathers of the USA met, debated and formed a new country. The Wharton School campus life entails supportive culture, extra-curricular activities, and a large Penn community. The students say that the location of the Wharton makes a lot of difference in their lives as they are able to enjoy the happening city life with lots of restaurants, clubs, and recreational centres nearby.

The Wharton campus promotes diversity and culture, this place ensures that a student feels included and understood during their stay. The School also offers students multiple clubs and organisations, class events, programs and initiatives, athletics and recreation, dining, and housing facilities. In fact, 5,500 undergraduates are choosing to live on-campus due to the affordability and safety. There are more than 45 Wharton clubs and 40+ cohort leadership options.