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The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

  • July 2, 2025
Admitix Editorial Team
The Wharton School - MBA - Admitix

Consistently ranked among the world’s best MBA programs, the Wharton School is renowned for its data-driven approach, finance and consulting leadership, and powerful alumni network. It ranks #2 in the QS Global MBA Rankings 2025, making it a top destination for high-achieving Indian students.

Here’s all you need to know:

Why Indian Students Choose The Wharton School

FeatureWhy It Matters
Top 3 Globally Ranked MBAPrestigious degree with international brand value
Finance & Consulting HubHistorically dominant in investment banking, MBB consulting
STEM-Designated MBAEligible for 3-year OPT post-study work visa
Largest Elective Catalogue200+ electives; highest academic flexibility among M7
Dual DegreesOptions with Law, Engineering, Healthcare, and Lauder Institute (international focus)
Active Indian Student NetworkWharton India Economic Forum (WIEF), South Asia Club, alumni support

Program Highlights

  • Degree: MBA (2 years, full-time)
  • Special Programs: Lauder (MBA + MA in International Studies), Health Care Management, Wharton/Engineering
  • Average Work Experience: 5 years
  • Average Age: 28
  • Class Size: ~874
  • International Students: ~35% (strong Indian cohort)

Cost of MBA at The Wharton School (2025 Entry)

ExpenseEstimated Cost (USD/year)
Tuition & Fees$87,370
Living Expenses$28,000
Books, Insurance & Misc.$5,000
Total (1 Year)$120,000+ (~₹1 crore)
Total 2-Year Cost: ~₹2 – ₹2.3 crore

Scholarships for Indian Students

ScholarshipOffered ByValue
Wharton Fellowship ProgramWharton (merit-based)Partial tuition support
Emerging Economy FellowshipsWhartonFor students from developing countries incl. India
Reliance Dhirubhai FellowshipReliance + Stanford(Stanford only)
JN Tata Endowment, InlaksExternal₹5–₹10 lakh +
Other AidNeed-based aid availableSubmit financial documents

Admissions Overview for Indian Applicants (2025)

ComponentDetails
GMAT/GRERequired; GMAT median ~733
GPAStrong academic record from top Indian institutions
Work Experience~5 years (minimum not mandated)
Essays2 core essays; introspective + goals-oriented
LORs2 professional recommendations
TOEFL/IELTSRequired if undergrad not in English medium
InterviewBy invite; team-based discussion + one-on-one interview

Application Rounds: Round 1 (Sep), Round 2 (Jan), Round 3 (Mar)
Round 1 or 2 recommended for Indian students.

Career Outcomes & ROI

MetricData
Average Base Salary$175,000
Signing Bonus$30,000
Employment Rate99% within 3 months
Top SectorsConsulting, Finance, Tech, PE/VC
Top RecruitersMcKinsey, BCG, Bain, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Meta, Sequoia, Accenture

Wharton’s alumni network exceeds 100,000, offering lifetime career access!

Why The Wharton School Stands Out for Indian MBA Candidates

  • STEM MBA = 3-year OPT, ideal for Indian students aiming to work in the US
  • Financial aid options make Wharton more accessible than many think
  • Philadelphia location = proximity to NYC, Boston, DC job markets
  • Deep India engagement through alumni, student clubs, and events
  • Wharton grads are widely respected in India for senior leadership and entrepreneurship roles

You Might Also Like: Stanford Graduate School of Business

Need Personalized Help?

At Admitix, we’ve helped Indian applicants with stellar but non-linear profiles get into M7 schools like Wharton by:

  • Mapping Indian academic/work backgrounds to US standards
  • Building strategic essays that resonate with Wharton’s values
  • Curating recommenders and prepping them
  • Simulating Wharton’s Team-Based Discussion interview format
  • Identifying and applying for fellowships and scholarships

Book your free consult today!

FAQs – The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

Q. Is Wharton better for finance or consulting?
Both. Wharton is a top-3 school globally for both fields, with strong pipelines to MBB, top PE firms, and Wall Street banks.

Q. What is the Wharton Team-Based Discussion?
A unique interview format where candidates collaborate on a real-world case with fellow applicants. Tests teamwork, communication, and leadership.

Q. Can Indian students get scholarships at Wharton?
Yes. Merit-based fellowships and emerging market awards are available to Indian students. Need-based aid is also offered.

Q. What GMAT score is needed for Wharton?
Target 730+, though exceptional profiles with lower scores are considered.

Q. Does Wharton have Indian alumni support?
Yes. The Wharton India Economic Forum and regional chapters provide active mentorship and networking.