University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business vs Fordham University Introduction
Choosing the right school for higher education can be a daunting task. In this comparison, we will be looking at two universities: the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business and Fordham University. Here, we will compare their costs, admissions, academics, and other factors to help you make an informed decision.
University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business Overview
The Wharton School of Business, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an Ivy League institution and is one of the top business schools in the world. Established in 1881, it offers undergraduate, MBA, Executive MBA, and doctoral programs in various fields of business and finance. Known for its rigorous curriculum, extensive alumni network, and excellent career outcomes, Wharton attracts some of the brightest minds from around the world.
Wharton Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Wharton is on the higher end of the spectrum, with an annual undergraduate tuition of around $57,770. Additional fees, such as room and board, books, and other expenses, bring the total estimated cost of attendance to around $80,000 per year. However, the school offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students manage expenses.
Wharton Admissions
Admission to Wharton is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 7.4%. Prospective students are expected to have an excellent academic record, strong standardized test scores, and well-rounded extracurricular activities. The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is between 1460 and 1550, while the middle 50% ACT range is between 33 and 35. Wharton also values demonstrated leadership and a passion for business.
Wharton Degrees Offered
Wharton offers undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral programs, with concentrations available in areas such as finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and real estate. The school is also renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to explore subjects across the various Penn schools.
Wharton Academics
Academic rigor at Wharton is renowned for its extensive curriculum, which emphasizes experiential learning and hands-on projects. Students are expected to actively participate in classes, often working on team projects and presenting their findings. Wharton’s faculty includes industry leaders and top researchers, ensuring students receive a world-class education.
Wharton Diversity
Wharton is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus, with students hailing from various ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds. The school offers numerous resources and programs to support a diverse student body, including affinity clubs, diversity-related coursework, and professional development opportunities.
Wharton Students
Students at Wharton are known for their ambition, intelligence, and drive. The student body is highly collaborative, with many students participating in clubs, organizations, and competitions. Networking is a vital aspect of the Wharton experience, and students often form lifelong connections with their classmates.
Wharton Campus
Wharton’s campus is located in the heart of Philadelphia, offering students access to a vibrant city with a rich history and an abundance of cultural and recreational opportunities. The campus itself features state-of-the-art facilities, including the modern Huntsman Hall, which houses classrooms, study spaces, and dining options.
Wharton Alumni
Wharton boasts an extensive and powerful alumni network, with graduates occupying leadership positions in top companies worldwide. Some notable alumni include Elon Musk, Warren Buffett, and Sundar Pichai. Wharton alumni often remain engaged with the school, offering mentorship and networking opportunities for current students.
Wharton Rankings
Wharton consistently ranks among the top business schools globally, with many of its programs and concentrations ranking in the top 10. U.S. News & World Report ranked Wharton as the number one business school in the United States in its 2021 rankings.
Wharton Outcomes
Graduates of Wharton can expect excellent career outcomes, with a consistently high employment rate and competitive salaries. The average starting salary for Wharton MBA graduates in 2020 was $150,000, with many securing positions in finance, consulting, and technology.
Fordham University Overview
Fordham University, located in New York City, was founded in 1841 and is a private research institution. Known for its strong liberal arts foundation and commitment to social justice, Fordham offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including business, humanities, and social sciences. The university has three campuses: Rose Hill in the Bronx, Lincoln Center in Manhattan, and Westchester in West Harrison.
Fordham Costs & Tuition
Fordham’s tuition is comparable to other private universities, with an annual undergraduate tuition of around $54,730. Additional fees, such as room and board, books, and other expenses, bring the total estimated cost of attendance to around $75,000 per year. Fordham offers financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students manage their expenses.
Fordham Admissions
Admissions at Fordham are competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 46%. Prospective students are expected to have a strong academic record, with a middle 50% SAT range of admitted students between 1230 and 1390, and a middle 50% ACT range between 27 and 32. Fordham values well-rounded applicants and looks for students who have demonstrated leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to their education.
Fordham Degrees Offered
Fordham offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in various fields, including business, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The Gabelli School of Business at Fordham offers bachelor’s, master’s, and MBA programs in disciplines such as finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
Fordham Academics
Academics at Fordham emphasize a strong liberal arts foundation, with students required to take core classes in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Class sizes are typically small, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1. The university’s commitment to social justice is reflected in its curriculum, with many courses examining issues of ethics, morality, and social responsibility.
Fordham Diversity
Fordham embraces diversity and inclusion, with students representing a variety of ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic backgrounds. The university offers resources and programs to support a diverse student body, including affinity clubs, diversity-related coursework, and professional development opportunities.
Fordham Students
Students at Fordham are known for their intelligence, compassion, and commitment to social justice. The campus culture is welcoming and supportive, with many students participating in clubs, organizations, and service opportunities. The university’s New York City location offers students access to internships, networking events, and cultural experiences.
Fordham Campus
Fordham’s three campuses each offer a unique environment for students. The Rose Hill campus, located in the Bronx, features a traditional college campus atmosphere with Gothic architecture and sprawling lawns. The Lincoln Center campus, located in Manhattan, offers a more urban experience, while the Westchester campus provides a suburban setting.
Fordham Alumni
Fordham boasts a strong alumni network, with graduates occupying leadership positions in various industries. Notable alumni include Denzel Washington, John Brennan, and G. Richard Wagoner Jr. Fordham alumni often remain engaged with the university, offering mentorship and networking opportunities for current students.
Fordham Rankings
Fordham consistently ranks among the top national universities, with U.S. News & World Report ranking it at number 66 in its 2021 rankings. The Gabelli School of Business is also well-regarded, with its programs often ranking among the top 100 business schools.
Fordham Outcomes
Graduates of Fordham can expect positive career outcomes, with a high employment rate and competitive salaries. The average starting salary for Fordham graduates is around $60,000, with many securing positions in finance, marketing, and education.
University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business vs Fordham University Cost Comparison
The University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business and Fordham University are both relatively expensive, with annual undergraduate tuition fees of around $57,770 and $54,730, respectively. Including additional expenses, the total estimated cost of attendance per year at Wharton is around $80,000, while it is around $75,000 at Fordham. Both schools offer financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students manage their expenses.
Wharton vs Fordham Admissions Difficulty
Admissions to both Wharton and Fordham are competitive, but Wharton is significantly more difficult to gain admission to, with an acceptance rate of around 7.4% compared to Fordham’s 46%. Prospective students will need to have an excellent academic record, strong standardized test scores, and well-rounded extracurricular activities to be considered for admission at Wharton, while Fordham’s requirements are slightly more lenient.
Wharton vs Fordham Academic Difficulty
Both Wharton and Fordham offer rigorous academic programs, but Wharton’s curriculum is widely considered more challenging, with a focus on experiential learning, hands-on projects, and extensive participation. Fordham’s academics emphasize a strong liberal arts foundation, with smaller class sizes and a focus on social justice issues.
Wharton vs Fordham Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both Wharton and Fordham can expect positive career outcomes, but Wharton graduates typically secure higher starting salaries and more prestigious positions. The average starting salary for Wharton MBA graduates in 2020 was $150,000, while the average starting salary for Fordham graduates is around $60,000. Both schools boast strong alumni networks and offer extensive resources for professional development and networking.
