Audited Verified Review (AVR)
Brief History
Founded in 1881 by Joseph Wharton, a co-founder of Bethlehem Steel, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania is the world’s oldest collegiate business school. Its MBA program, launched in 1921, is globally recognized for innovation in finance, analytics, and leadership. Wharton pioneered executive education and established a San Francisco campus in 2001. It has produced notable alumni, including Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
NAICS Code
Wharton operates under NAICS Code 611310 (Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools), as it provides higher education, including graduate business programs like the MBA.
Ownership
Wharton is part of the University of Pennsylvania, a private, non-profit Ivy League institution. It is governed by the university’s board of trustees, with funding from tuition, donations, and endowments, including a $50 million gift in 2018.
Management
The MBA program is led by Vice Dean Nancy Rothbard, overseeing academic and student affairs. Senior Vice Dean Joao Gomes and other faculty leaders manage research and operations. The McNulty Leadership Program, under faculty like Adam Grant, enhances leadership training.
Address
Vance Hall, Suite 111, 3733 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 Phone Number (215) 898-6183 Website https://mba.wharton.upenn.edu
Economic Impact
Wharton significantly impacts Philadelphia’s economy, enrolling 877 full-time MBA students and generating over $100 million annually in tuition revenue. Its alumni network of 100,000+ drives global business, with 74.6% of graduates employed at graduation, earning a median salary of $175,000. The school attracts top employers, boosting local commerce and innovation.
Employment
Wharton employs over 240 faculty (140 female, 116 international) and additional staff for its MBA, undergraduate, and executive programs. The school supports 5,000 students and 9,000 annual executive education participants, creating jobs in education and administration.
Compliance
Wharton adheres to accreditation standards from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and complies with U.S. Department of Education regulations. It participates in the MBA Career Services & Employer Alliance’s Standards for Reporting Employment Statistics, ensuring transparent data. No major compliance issues are reported.
Reputation
Ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report and #2 globally by Financial Times, Wharton is renowned for its rigorous finance and analytics curriculum. It faced criticism in 2023 for its response to the Hamas attack, but its academic excellence and alumni network maintain its elite status.
Social Responsibility Participation and Involvement Score (SRPIS)
Score: 8/10. Wharton’s ESG Initiative and Social Impact Fellowships promote sustainability and social good. The Prism and ROMBA Fellowships support LGBTQIA+ leadership, and Tangen Hall fosters entrepreneurship. However, limited evidence of direct community outreach in Philadelphia slightly...
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