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Wharton School Surges to No. 2 in U.S. Business Rankings

Students engaging in study and discussion outside the Wharton School.

News Summary

The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania has been ranked the second-best business school in the U.S. by U.S. News, tying with Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. This marks a shift from last year, where Wharton held the No. 1 position alongside Stanford University. Factors influencing the rankings include career placement success and student excellence, with Wharton boasting an impressive 83.90% employment rate for full-time MBA graduates.

University City, PA—Wharton School Surges to No. 2 in Rankings

Exciting news for students and alumni of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School! This prestigious institution has just been named the second-best business school in the U.S., according to the latest annual rankings by U.S. News. In a fierce competition, Wharton ties for second place with Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, while Stanford University steals the spotlight, clinching the top spot.

Last year, Wharton shared the No. 1 rank with Stanford, so this slight shift in position has certainly stirred up conversations among business enthusiasts and prospective students alike. With Harvard University now ranked sixth, it seems like the winds of change are blowing through the world of elite business education!

The Numbers Behind the Rankings

So, what contributes to these impressive rankings? U.S. News looks at a variety of factors to come up with their results. They focus on essential areas like career placement success, student excellence, and insights from experts in the field. This year’s rankings also emphasize different career outcomes for law students and other graduate programs, making for a well-rounded assessment.

The ranking system is specifically designed for full-time and hybrid programs, ensuring that part-time MBA options don’t cloud the results. In Wharton’s case, a whopping 83.90% of its full-time MBA graduates find employment right after graduation. That number is impressive, to say the least! For a bit of comparison, Stanford graduates see a significantly lower employment rate of 60.90%.

Cost of Attendance and Returns

Stepping into the world of financials, let’s talk numbers! Wharton has a full-time MBA tuition that comes in at $79,800 per year, while their executive MBA program will set you back a total of $223,500. Despite the price tag, the investment seems to pay off, especially when considering the 90.4% employment rate three months post-graduation—just slightly behind Dartmouth’s Tuck School at 90.7%.

Another fascinating fact is that within the top ten business schools, five are affiliated with the Ivy League. It looks like Ivy League institutions are still making their mark in the business world!

Graduate Salaries and Program Competitiveness

In terms of earnings, Stanford leads the pack with an average salary and bonuses that total around $206,955. That’s some serious cash for fresh graduates! Wharton, while it may not top the salary chart, performs consistently well across various metrics, earning the title of “best” business school for 2025—an accolade that’s quite impressive.

The acceptance rate at Wharton stands at 20.5%, putting it comfortably within the realm of Ivy League admission standards. With such competitive figures and a strong reputation, it’s no wonder that prospective students are eagerly vying for a spot at this Philadelphia gem.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, it’ll be intriguing to see how these rankings influence prospective students and their choices of schools. Will Wharton reclaim the top spot next year? Only time will tell, but for now, it’s all about celebrating this remarkable achievement. The Wharton School continues to shine brightly in the realm of business education!