University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business vs Cornell University Introduction
This article compares the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business and Cornell University in various aspects including cost, admissions, academics, and outcomes. Both institutions are well-regarded and have their unique strengths, but by delving deeper into their offerings, prospective students can make an informed decision about which school best aligns with their goals and preferences.
University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business Overview
The Wharton School of Business, part of the University of Pennsylvania, is a prestigious business school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Established in 1881, Wharton is the world’s first collegiate school of business and has consistently been ranked among the top business schools in the United States. Known for its rigorous curriculum and strong emphasis on experiential learning, Wharton prepares its students for successful careers in various industries, including finance, consulting, and entrepreneurship.
Wharton Costs & Tuition
The total cost of attendance at Wharton for the 2021-2022 academic year is estimated to be $81,378 for undergraduate students, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, with the school offering a combination of need-based grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans. Approximately 45% of Wharton undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid.
Wharton Admissions
Admission to Wharton is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 7.5% for the class of 2025. Prospective students must submit their Common Application, along with high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Wharton also requires a supplemental essay specific to the school. Interviews may be conducted for selected applicants.
Wharton Degrees Offered
Wharton offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various fields of business. The school’s flagship program is the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with 20 different concentrations available. At the graduate level, Wharton offers a full-time MBA program, an Executive MBA program, and several specialized master’s degrees, including a Master of Business Analytics and a Master of Finance. Doctoral programs are available in nine different fields of business research.
Wharton Academics
Academically, Wharton is renowned for its rigorous and innovative curriculum. The school emphasizes experiential learning through case studies, simulations, and real-world projects. Additionally, students have access to a vast network of resources, including cutting-edge research centers, global immersion programs, and a strong alumni network. Some of Wharton’s notable academic strengths include finance, entrepreneurship, and management.
Wharton Diversity
Wharton is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment. The school has a variety of initiatives aimed at supporting underrepresented students, including scholarships, mentorship programs, and diversity-focused clubs and organizations. In the class of 2025, 51% of students are female, and 42% are US students of color.
Wharton Students
Wharton students are known for their ambition, drive, and collaborative spirit. The school’s undergraduate population consists of around 2,500 students, while the MBA program enrolls approximately 1,700 students. Students are encouraged to join and participate in the numerous clubs and organizations on campus, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration.
Wharton Campus
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Wharton’s campus offers a vibrant urban setting with access to countless professional and cultural opportunities. The school’s state-of-the-art facilities include modern classrooms, study spaces, and research centers. Outside of academics, students can explore Philadelphia’s rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and thriving arts scene.
Wharton Alumni
Wharton’s vast alumni network includes over 99,000 graduates across 153 countries. Notable alumni include Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX; Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway; and Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet and Google. This strong network provides valuable connections and resources for students as they embark on their careers.
Wharton Rankings
Wharton consistently ranks among the top business schools in the United States and globally. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report, Wharton is ranked as the #1 Best Business School in the country. In the 2021 QS Global MBA Rankings, it is ranked #2 in the United States and #5 worldwide.
Wharton Outcomes
Wharton graduates are sought after by top employers in various industries, including finance, consulting, and technology. According to the school’s 2020 undergraduate employment report, 95.5% of students secured full-time employment or continued their education within six months of graduation. The median base salary for Wharton graduates was $85,000.
Cornell University Overview
Cornell University is an Ivy League institution located in Ithaca, New York. Founded in 1865, it has a reputation for academic excellence and a diverse range of programs across its seven undergraduate colleges and seven graduate divisions. Cornell is known for its strong emphasis on research, collaborative culture, and commitment to public service. In addition to its main campus in Ithaca, Cornell has facilities in New York City and Qatar.
Cornell Costs & Tuition
The total cost of attendance at Cornell for the 2021-2022 academic year is estimated to be $79,730 for undergraduate students, including tuition, fees, room, and board. Like Wharton, financial aid is available for those who qualify, with the school offering need-based grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans. Approximately 50% of Cornell undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid.
Cornell Admissions
Cornell has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 10.9% for the class of 2025. Applicants must submit the Common Application or the Universal College Application, along with high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Additionally, each undergraduate college at Cornell has specific supplemental essay requirements. Interviews may be offered for some programs.
Cornell Degrees Offered
Cornell offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across its various colleges and schools. Some of the most popular undergraduate majors include engineering, business, computer science, and biological sciences. At the graduate level, Cornell offers numerous master’s and doctoral programs, as well as professional degrees in fields such as law, medicine, and business administration.
Cornell Academics
Cornell is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to education, with students able to take courses across the university’s different colleges and schools. The university boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, allowing for personalized attention and mentorship. Some of Cornell’s notable academic strengths include engineering, agriculture, and hotel administration.
Cornell Diversity
Cornell is committed to diversity and inclusivity, with a variety of initiatives aimed at supporting underrepresented students. In the class of 2025, 51% of students are female, and 47% are US students of color. The university offers scholarships, mentorship programs, and diversity-focused clubs and organizations to foster an inclusive campus environment.
Cornell Students
Cornell’s undergraduate population consists of approximately 15,000 students, while the total enrollment, including graduate and professional students, is around 24,000. With a vibrant and engaged student body, the university offers countless opportunities for students to get involved in campus life, including over 1,000 clubs and organizations.
Cornell Campus
Nestled in the picturesque Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, Cornell’s campus offers a stunning natural setting with access to numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. The university’s facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, research centers, and libraries, as well as cultural and athletic venues.
Cornell Alumni
Cornell’s alumni network consists of over 250,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include Ruth Bader Ginsburg, former Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court; Bill Nye, science communicator and television personality; and Robert F. Smith, founder, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners. This extensive network provides valuable connections and resources for students as they pursue their careers.
Cornell Rankings
Cornell consistently ranks among the top universities in the United States and around the world. According to the 2021 U.S. News & World Report, Cornell is ranked #18 in National Universities. In the 2021 QS World University Rankings, it is ranked #20 globally.
Cornell Outcomes
Graduates of Cornell University go on to successful careers in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. According to the school’s 2020 undergraduate career outcomes report, 95% of students secured full-time employment, continued their education, or pursued other endeavors within six months of graduation. The median base salary for Cornell graduates was $72,000.
University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business vs Cornell University Cost Comparison
Both the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business and Cornell University have comparable costs of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year, with Wharton’s estimated total cost being $81,378 and Cornell’s being $79,730. Financial aid options are available at both schools, with roughly 45% of Wharton students and 50% of Cornell students receiving some form of aid.
It’s important for prospective students to consider their individual financial situations and the return on investment when choosing between the two institutions. While costs are relatively similar, the median base salary for Wharton graduates is higher at $85,000 compared to Cornell’s $72,000.
Wharton vs Cornell Admissions Difficulty
Admission to both Wharton and Cornell is highly competitive, with Wharton having a slightly lower acceptance rate of 7.5% compared to Cornell’s 10.9% for the class of 2025. Both schools require applicants to submit standardized test scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays.
While both institutions are highly selective, the data suggests that gaining admission to Wharton may be slightly more challenging due to its lower acceptance rate. However, prospective students should consider factors beyond acceptance rates, such as program offerings, academic strengths, and campus culture, when deciding which school to attend.
Wharton vs Cornell Academic Difficulty
Both Wharton and Cornell are known for their rigorous and challenging academic environments. Wharton’s curriculum emphasizes experiential learning and offers a diverse range of concentrations within its business programs. Meanwhile, Cornell is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to education, allowing students to take courses across its different colleges and schools.
While the academic difficulty at both institutions may be relatively equal, the focus of each school’s curriculum differs. Prospective students should carefully consider their academic interests and goals when choosing between the two schools, as well as the resources and support available at each institution.
Wharton vs Cornell Outcome Comparison
In terms of outcomes, both Wharton and Cornell boast impressive employment rates and median base salaries for their graduates. Wharton reports a 95.5% employment or continued education rate within six months of graduation, with a median base salary of $85,000. Cornell has a similar outcome, with a 95% rate and a median base salary of $72,000.
While both schools provide excellent outcomes for their graduates, Wharton’s higher median base salary may be a deciding factor for some students. However, it’s important to consider factors beyond salary, such as job satisfaction, career advancement opportunities, and alumni networks when evaluating the potential outcomes of attending either institution.
