- About Wharton at the University of Pennsylvania
- Class Profile (Wharton MBA Class of 2026)
- The University of Pennsylvania Wharton Curriculum
- The University of Pennsylvania Wharton MBA Placement
- University of Pennsylvania MBA Eligibility Criteria
- University of Pennsylvania Requirements
- Application Deadlines (2025 Intake)
Are you aiming for an MBA that balances academic excellence with hands-on learning and a strong sense of purpose? If yes, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania makes a perfect choice because of its well rounded approach.
Curious about what makes Wharton a standout choice and how you can put your best foot forward in the admissions process? Let’s break it down.
About Wharton at the University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania Wharton School stands among the world’s premier business institutions. Founded in 1881, it was the first collegiate business school in the world and has since become synonymous with innovation, academic rigor, and global leadership. Wharton’s MBA program is known for its quantitative depth, world-class faculty, and unmatched alumni network, with over 100,000 graduates across more than 150 countries.
Located in Philadelphia, the Wharton School is part of the Ivy League’s University of Pennsylvania, offering MBA students access to interdisciplinary courses across law, engineering, and healthcare. In essence, the university offers a dynamic, customizable MBA that adapts to individual career goals.
Stellar rankings
Wharton consistently ranks at the top in major global rankings:
- #1 Best Business Schools in the US – U.S. News & World Report, 2025
- #2 in MBA in the US – QS Global MBA Rankings 2025: United States
These rankings reflect Wharton’s academic excellence, employer appeal, and global reach.
Highlights of the Wharton MBA
- Dual campus flexibility
Students can take advantage of the Philadelphia and San Francisco campuses for bi-coastal learning.
- Global immersion program
Wharton’s short-term study abroad initiatives offer firsthand business exposure in diverse international markets.
- Leadership ventures
There are experiential programs designed to develop leadership through challenge-based learning.
- AI for business major
A new 2025 specialization is available that combines technical AI training with ethical and economic analysis of the issues raised by AI.
Class Profile (Wharton MBA Class of 2026)
The most recent data available is regarding the Wharton MBA Class of 2026. Here are the key details that are relevant for 2025 applicants:
| Criteria | Stats |
| Applications received | 7,322 |
| Enrolled students | 866 |
| Average GMAT score | 732 |
| Average GPA | 3.7 |
| Average work experience | 5 years |
| Women percentage | 47% |
| International students | 31% (from 65 countries) |
| Undergraduate Majors – Business | 32% |
| Undergraduate Majors – STEM | 32% |
| Undergraduate Majors – Humanities | 36% |
| Consulting background | 28% |
| PE/VC | 15% |
| Nonprofit/Government | 11% |
| Tech | 10% |
| Investment banking | 9% |
| LGBTQ+ students | 10% |
| First-generation students | 11% |
This diverse and high-achieving MBA class of 2026 reflects Wharton’s commitment to building a collaborative and forward-thinking business community.
The University of Pennsylvania Wharton Curriculum
Wharton offers one of the most flexible MBA structures among top-tier programs.
Core curriculum
It includes Financial Accounting, Corporate Finance, Marketing, Ethics, and more, designed to build strong business foundations.
Electives and majors
Students can choose from 200+ electives and 21 MBA majors, including:
- Finance
- Business Analytics
- Healthcare Management
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- Artificial Intelligence for Business (new for Fall 2025)
Cross-registration with other Penn graduate schools allows a tailored, interdisciplinary experience.
The University of Pennsylvania Wharton MBA Placement
Wharton is well-known for its strong career outcomes across consulting, finance, tech, and entrepreneurship. Students also benefit from Wharton’s extensive alumni network and industry-specific career treks.
Here are the key placement details for the MBA class of 2024:
| Metric | Data (Class of 2024) |
| Median salary | $175,000 |
| Percentage of students who reported job offers | 93.1% |
| Top industries for placements and their percentage | Consulting (25.2%), Financial services (36.6%), Tech (14.1%) |
University of Pennsylvania MBA Eligibility Criteria
In order to gain admission to the Wharton MBA program, applicants must demonstrate both academic readiness and leadership potential. Alongside official transcripts from every university you have attended, Wharton asks for valid GMAT or GRE scores, which can come from either in-person or online exams.
If English isn’t your first language, you need to submit proof of language proficiency. The admissions team reviews applications holistically, looking at your career trajectory, personal character, and contributions beyond the classroom.
International students from outside the EEA will need to secure a visa, and all candidates must pay a non-refundable application fee when submitting their materials.
University of Pennsylvania Requirements
The University of Pennsylvania requirements emphasize both academic excellence and leadership potential. The key application requirements include the following:
- Online application form
- GMAT or GRE score
- Academic transcripts
- Two essays
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- English proficiency test (TOEFL/IELTS for non-native speakers)
- Interview (by invitation only)
University of Pennsylvania Acceptance Rate
The University of Pennsylvania acceptance rate for undergraduates is roughly 5-6%. For the Wharton MBA program, the estimated acceptance rate is 10-12%, depending on the application round and applicant pool strength.
Please note: Applicants are encouraged to apply early and craft a distinctive profile that highlights achievements, clarity of goals, and alignment with Wharton’s values.
Application Deadlines (2025 Intake)
Please note: 2025-26 application deadlines will be announced soon
| Round | Deadline |
| Round 1 | Expected in September first week, 2025 |
| Round 2 | Expected in January first week, 2026 |
| Wharton Moelis Deferred Admissions Round | Expected in the last week of April, 2026 |
Now, with all the critical information available at your fingertips, do you see yourself building the next chapter of your career at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School?
Well, getting there takes more than ambition! It takes a well-devised strategy, meticulous preparation, and expert guidance. That’s where a trusted MBA admissions partner like LilacBuds comes in!
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Whether you are aiming for scholarships or simply want to put your best foot forward, LilacBuds provides end-to-end support to help you stand out in a fiercely competitive applicant pool created by students across the globe.
That said, do you want to boost your chances of getting into the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School?
Get in touch with LilacBuds MBA consultants today! Good luck!
