University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School
Overview
The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania is consistently ranked as one of the top MBA programs in the world. Known for its strength in finance, entrepreneurship, and leadership, Wharton offers an elite business education that combines rigorous academic training with real-world business applications. Located in Philadelphia, Wharton is a global leader in business education, with a curriculum designed to prepare students for leadership roles in various industries.
The full-time MBA at Wharton spans two years, with a customizable curriculum that includes core courses in finance, marketing, management, and operations, alongside more than 18 majors such as health care management, real estate, and entrepreneurship. Wharton’s emphasis on experiential learning is evident through programs like the Wharton Global Consulting Practicum, leadership ventures, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center. Students also benefit from access to the largest business school alumni network in the world.
Wharton’s location in a major city like Philadelphia, combined with its strong reputation, allows students to engage with top firms in finance, healthcare, and consulting, and access global career opportunities. Wharton graduates are known for their high employability and leadership skills, making the program a top choice for aspiring executives.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Wharton is consistently ranked in the top 5 MBA programs globally by BusinessWeek, recognized for its strength in finance, entrepreneurship, and global business.
Number of Students
- Approximately 860 full-time MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 19%, making it one of the most selective MBA programs in the world.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 730, with a range of 700–770 for most accepted applicants.
Top Hiring Companies
- McKinsey & Company
- Goldman Sachs
- Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
- Amazon
- Bain & Company
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of Wharton typically earn starting salaries of $160,000 per year, with significant signing bonuses and performance-based incentives.
Notable Alumni
- Donald Trump: 45th President of the United States.
- Elon Musk: CEO of Tesla and SpaceX.
- Ruth Porat: CFO of Alphabet and Google.
Carnegie Mellon University – Tepper School of Business
Overview
The Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University is known for its strong focus on technology, analytics, and leadership development. Located in Pittsburgh, Tepper provides students with a rigorous academic foundation combined with hands-on learning experiences that emphasize data-driven decision-making. The Tepper MBA program is particularly well-regarded for its emphasis on management science and quantitative skills, making it a top choice for students interested in technology, finance, and consulting.
Tepper offers a full-time, two-year MBA program, as well as part-time and online hybrid options for working professionals. The full-time MBA program includes core courses in finance, marketing, operations, and organizational behavior, along with numerous electives that allow students to specialize in areas like business analytics, technology strategy, and entrepreneurship. One of the key features of the Tepper MBA is the Leadership Assessment and Development (LEAD) program, which helps students develop critical leadership skills through coaching and feedback.
Carnegie Mellon’s proximity to the tech and financial hubs of Pittsburgh and its strong relationships with companies in Silicon Valley and beyond provide MBA students with excellent career opportunities. The school’s focus on analytics and data-driven decision-making makes it particularly attractive to students pursuing careers in tech, finance, and consulting.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Tepper is consistently ranked in the top 20 MBA programs globally by BusinessWeek, with particular recognition for its focus on technology and analytics.
Number of Students
- Approximately 240 full-time MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 30%, making it a competitive but accessible program.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 680, though candidates with strong quantitative and technical backgrounds are given priority.
Top Hiring Companies
- Microsoft
- Deloitte
- JPMorgan Chase
- Amazon
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the Tepper MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $130,000 per year, with significant bonuses and incentives.
Notable Alumni
- David Tepper: Billionaire hedge fund manager and owner of the Carolina Panthers.
- Patricia Nakache: General Partner at Trinity Ventures.
- James Swartz: Founder of Accel Partners.
University of Pittsburgh – Katz Graduate School of Business
Overview
The Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh offers an MBA program that emphasizes leadership, innovation, and experiential learning. Located in Pittsburgh, the Katz MBA program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive business education, while also allowing them to specialize in areas such as finance, operations, marketing, and strategy. Katz is known for its strong focus on collaboration and real-world business applications, with numerous opportunities for students to engage with the business community through consulting projects, internships, and case competitions.
The Katz MBA offers both a full-time, two-year program and a one-year accelerated MBA for students with prior business experience. The curriculum includes a core set of courses in management, finance, marketing, and operations, along with electives that allow students to pursue specialized tracks such as supply chain management or healthcare management. One of the key features of the Katz MBA is the Consulting Field Project, which allows students to work directly with companies to solve real-world business challenges.
Katz’s location in Pittsburgh provides students with access to top companies in industries such as healthcare, finance, and technology. The school’s strong emphasis on leadership development and experiential learning ensures that graduates are well-prepared for management and executive roles across a variety of industries.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Katz is ranked among the top 50 MBA programs globally by BusinessWeek, with a strong focus on leadership and experiential learning.
Number of Students
- Approximately 150 full-time MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 40%, making it a moderately competitive program.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 620, though the program also accepts GRE scores.
Top Hiring Companies
- PNC Financial Services
- UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center)
- FedEx
- Deloitte
- Bank of America
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the Katz MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $105,000 per year, with additional signing bonuses and performance incentives.
Notable Alumni
- Richard Simmons: Former CEO of Allegheny International.
- Mark A. Nordenberg: Chancellor Emeritus of the University of Pittsburgh.
- Marina Malenic: Senior Director at Stratfor.
Lehigh University – College of Business
Overview
Lehigh University’s College of Business offers a comprehensive MBA program designed to equip students with the skills needed to succeed in leadership and management roles. Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Lehigh’s MBA program is known for its emphasis on innovation, global business, and interdisciplinary learning. The program is AACSB-accredited and provides students with a strong foundation in business fundamentals while also allowing them to specialize in areas such as finance, supply chain management, and marketing.
Lehigh’s MBA offers both full-time and part-time options, allowing students to complete the program at their own pace. The full-time MBA can be completed in as little as 16 months, while part-time students can take up to six years to finish their degree. The program includes core courses in finance, accounting, marketing, and management, with the opportunity for students to participate in global immersion experiences, internships, and consulting projects.
Lehigh’s proximity to New York City and Philadelphia provides students with access to top companies in finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. The program’s focus on experiential learning, combined with its strong alumni network, ensures that graduates have access to excellent job placement opportunities in a wide range of industries.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Lehigh’s MBA program is ranked among the top 75 MBA programs globally by BusinessWeek, with particular recognition for its focus on global business and interdisciplinary learning.
Number of Students
- Approximately 100 full-time MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 50%, making it a competitive program with a balanced admissions process.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 620, though waivers are available for students with significant professional experience or other advanced degrees.
Top Hiring Companies
- Johnson & Johnson
- Air Products & Chemicals
- Vanguard
- Goldman Sachs
- Deloitte
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the Lehigh MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $110,000 per year, with additional bonuses and performance-based incentives.
Notable Alumni
- John M. Levis: Chairman of Ernst & Young (EY).
- Edward Shapiro: Vice Chairman of Amtrak and former Managing Partner at PAR Capital Management.
- C.J. McCollum: Professional NBA player and entrepreneur.
Pennsylvania State University – Smeal College of Business
Overview
Penn State’s Smeal College of Business offers one of the top MBA programs in the state, known for its strength in supply chain management, finance, and marketing. Located in University Park, Pennsylvania, the Smeal MBA program provides students with a rigorous business education, while also emphasizing leadership development, ethics, and sustainability. The program is AACSB-accredited and offers students a variety of experiential learning opportunities, including internships, consulting projects, and global immersion programs.
The Smeal MBA is a full-time, two-year program that includes a core curriculum covering finance, accounting, marketing, and operations, along with numerous elective courses that allow students to specialize in areas such as business analytics, real estate, and healthcare management. One of the key features of the Smeal MBA is its focus on leadership development, with programs like the Leadership Immersion Program and the Smeal Executive Panel, which allow students to engage with top executives and business leaders.
Smeal’s location at Penn State’s main campus provides students with access to a global alumni network and connections to top companies in industries such as supply chain management, manufacturing, and finance. The program’s strong reputation and emphasis on leadership development ensure that graduates are highly sought after by employers around the world.
BusinessWeek Ranking
- Smeal is consistently ranked among the top 30 MBA programs globally by BusinessWeek, with particular recognition for its supply chain management program.
Number of Students
- Approximately 120 full-time MBA students.
Acceptance Rate
- The acceptance rate is around 35%, making it a competitive program.
Average GMAT Score
- The average GMAT score for admitted students is 650, though GRE scores are also accepted.
Top Hiring Companies
- Procter & Gamble
- General Electric (GE)
- Deloitte
- Amazon
- IBM
Average Starting Salaries
- Graduates of the Smeal MBA program typically earn starting salaries of around $120,000 per year, with additional signing bonuses and incentives.
Notable Alumni
- John Surma: Former CEO of United States Steel Corporation.
- John O’Hara: Founding Dean of the Smeal College of Business.
- Jon Huntsman Sr.: Founder of Huntsman Corporation.