Harvard and Wharton, the oldest universities in the USA and pioneers of US business education. They are renowned for producing influential leaders and billionaires worldwide. These two prestigious institutions have long been rivals in MBA programs. While Wharton is often considered the top business school in the U.S., Harvard graduates remain unwavering in their belief in their university's exceptional prestige and influence.
This confidence is bolstered by Harvard's history of inspiring numerous Nobel laureates and several U.S. presidents. It is difficult to choose between Harvard and Wharton. But don’t worry, we are there for you! This blog will help you understand the factors to be considered while deciding between Harvard and Wharton for an MBA.
Confused between Harvard and Wharton? Yocket is here to guide you every step of the way. Yocket has helped 10,000+ students get admission to top universities. Start your journey towards admission to abroad universities! We will help you find the best university and assist you in your application, visa, and loan process! Explore Yocket Premium to learn more about services.
Table of Contents |
Harvard vs Wharton: Overview
Let us look at both universities before moving to which university to choose.
Harvard University (est. 1636): Cambridge, Massachusetts
Harvard University is amongst the top universities not only in the United States but also in the world. Harvard is known for its world-class faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and high-quality research output. Over 20,000 degree candidates are enrolled in Harvard’s programs: undergraduate, graduate, and professional courses.
Harvard University offers exceptional education quality, high-end practical learning, and ample work opportunities to its international students. After receiving their MS Degree in MBA from Harvard University, students will be competent to carry out extensive research work in the field.
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4 |
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Student-to-Faculty Ratio |
7 to 1 |
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Acceptance Rate |
3.59% |
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Top Courses |
Biology, Economics, English, History, Political Science, Psychology, Social Sciences |
: How to get into Harvard University?
University of Pennsylvania (est. 1740): Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is a private Ivy League research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin and is the fourth oldest institution of higher education in the United States. The University of Pennsylvania has an enrollment of 25,000 students, out of which 12,222 are international students, making international students almost 50% of the student population. This makes UPenn a diverse cultural and educational hub and gives it a competitive edge.
The University of Pennsylvania offers exceptional education quality, high-end practical learning, and ample work opportunities to its international students. After receiving their MS degree in MBA from the University of Pennsylvania, students will be competent to carry out extensive research work in the field.
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16 |
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Student-to-Faculty Ratio |
16 to 1 |
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Acceptance Rate |
6.5% |
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Top Courses |
Computer Science, Physics, Marketing, Biology, Political Science, Psychology, and Law. |
Suggested: How to get into UPenn?
Harvard vs Wharton: Factors to Consider
Deciding between Harvard and Wharton for the MBA program, two prestigious Ivy League universities involves considering several key factors. Here’s a breakdown to help you determine which institution better aligns with your goals and aspirations.
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Factors |
Harvard |
Wharton |
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Rankings |
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Subject Strength |
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Programs |
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Acceptance Rate |
3.59% |
6% |
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Exam Score |
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Location |
Harvard is in Cambridge, Massachusetts, across the Charles River from Boston. The campus is just a short walk from the Boston subway, known as the T, giving students easy access to explore both Boston and Cambridge. Harvard's location also places it near several other prestigious academic institutions, including MIT, Wellesley College, Boston College, Boston University, and Northeastern University. |
Princeton University is located in a quieter, more suburban setting within the town of Princeton, New Jersey. The university integrates seamlessly with the local community, making it an excellent choice for students who prefer a suburban campus atmosphere. However, those interested in city life can still consider Princeton, as it's only about an hour from New York City. This proximity allows students to visit the city for weekend trips or professional opportunities. |
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Weather |
Both Princeton and Harvard are situated in the Northeast region of the United States, experiencing similar weather patterns. Students will encounter all four seasons, so those from warmer areas should prepare for cold weather and occasional snowstorms. Being slightly further north, Harvard tends to have cooler temperatures than Princeton, but both campuses typically endure several months of chilly weather. |
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Admission Requirements |
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Tuition Fees |
Average Tuition Fees USD 60,000 (INR 49,97,580) |
Average Tuition Fees USD 49,070 (INR 40,91,210) |
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Top Recruiters |
Adobe, eBay, Facebook, Google, IBM, Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, Johnson & Johnson, BCG, etc. |
JPMorgan Chase & Co., Scotiabank, Morgan Stanley, Citi, Mastercard, Blackstone, etc. |
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Median Salary |
USD 1,75,000 or INR 1,45,90,620 |
USD 1,04,000 or INR 86,71,000 |
: MBA in USA for Indian Students
1) Program Duration
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Stanford |
Wharton |
|---|---|
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Harvard Business School offers a two-year, full-time MBA program with a general management curriculum focused on real-world practice. |
Wharton’s MBA program is a two-year flagship program. It emphasizes an intensive, flexible core in general business education, plus the depth of 21 majors and the breadth of nearly 200 electives. |
2) Course Credits
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Harvard |
Wharton |
|---|---|
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30 total credits are required, with 15 credits required each term |
19-course units (CUs) |
Also watch: Top 1 Year MBA Programs in the USA: Are they Worth It?
3) MBA Rankings 2024
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Rankings |
Harvard |
Wharton |
|---|---|---|
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Financial Times |
11th |
1st |
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QS Ranking |
3rd |
2nd |
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US News Ranking |
6th |
2nd |
4) Tuition Fees
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Harvard |
Wharton |
|---|---|
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Harvard charged $74,910 (INR 62,50,320) in MBA tuition fees for the academic year 2023-24 |
The first-year Wharton MBA tuition fee is $84,830 (INR 70,78,020) whereas the tuition fee for the second year is $83,830 (INR 69,94,580) |
: How to Pursue MBA in the USA Without Work Experience
5) Application Fees
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Harvard |
Wharton |
|---|---|
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$250 (INR 20,860) |
$275 (INR 22,940) |
6) Minimum Test Score Requirements
7) Admission Stats
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Admission Stats |
Harvard |
Wharton |
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Average GMAT |
719 |
718 |
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GMAT Range |
490-800 |
540-790 |
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Average GPA |
3.67 |
3.50 |
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Selectivity |
12.2% |
16.9% |
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Yield |
89% |
68% |
Do you want to know whether work experience is required for an MBA in the USA? Check out our YouTube video to learn more about it!
Choosing Between Harvard vs Wharton: How to Decide?
Why Would Someone Choose Harvard Over Wharton?
Students might choose Harvard over Wharton for its diverse liberal arts curriculum, allowing exploration beyond just business studies. Harvard boasts a prestigious reputation across numerous academic fields. Its location in historic Cambridge offers an enriching cultural experience. Additionally, Harvard’s vast resources, from well-funded facilities to student organizations spanning publications, arts, community service, and more.
Why Would Someone Choose Wharton Over Harvard?
Students might choose Wharton over Harvard for its prime location in Philadelphia, an urban hub offering proximity to major financial and business centers. Wharton provides a specialized business and finance curriculum tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs and corporate leaders. Moreover, Wharton provides extensive professional resources, including corporate partnerships, career services, and student-run clubs.
From the Desk of Yocket
Deciding between pursuing an MBA at Wharton or Harvard is a coveted opportunity that demands a thoughtful evaluation of your goals and priorities. Both institutions boast world-class reputations, exceptional faculty, and a wealth of resources, but the nuances of each program can make a significant difference in shaping your future trajectory. Consider your desired career path, industry connections, campus culture, and learning style. The choice between these prestigious programs should align with your long-term aspirations and personal preferences.
If you need guidance navigating the intricate MBA application process, Yocket's Experts are ready to support you. We've helped over 10,000 students get into their dream schools, with an impressive track record of over 3,000 admissions to top 100 universities. Join Yocket Premium today!
