Harvard vs. Wharton: Which Ivy League Business School Is Right for You? FAQs

When it comes to choosing a top-tier business school, Harvard Business School (HBS) and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) are two of the most prestigious and well-respected options available. Both schools offer world-renowned faculty, cutting-edge research, and a vast network of alumni that can help you achieve your career goals.

However, there are also some key differences between the two schools that may make one a better fit for you than the other. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of Harvard Business School and the Wharton School to help you make the best decision for your future.

Table of Contents

Academics

Harvard Business School

Focus on the case method of learning, which emphasizes active participation in class discussions
Core curriculum includes courses in accounting, finance, marketing, operations, and strategy
Offers a wide range of elective courses to specialize in specific fields
Has a strong reputation for research and scholarship

Wharton School

Offers a more quantitative approach to business education, with a focus on data analysis and modeling
Core curriculum includes courses in accounting, economics, finance, marketing, and statistics
Also offers a wide range of elective courses, including specialized tracks in areas such as entrepreneurship and healthcare
Has a strong reputation for its undergraduate program in business

Rankings

Harvard Business School

Consistently ranked as the #1 business school in the world by U.S. News & World Report
Also ranked #1 in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking
Has the highest average GMAT score of any business school in the world

Wharton School

Consistently ranked among the top 5 business schools in the world by U.S. News & World Report
Ranked #3 in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking
Has the second highest average GMAT score of any business school in the world

Cost

Harvard Business School

Tuition for the MBA program is $73,440 per year
Fees and other expenses can add up to an additional $30,000 per year
Total cost of attendance for the two-year MBA program is approximately $200,000

Wharton School

Tuition for the MBA program is $78,830 per year
Fees and other expenses can add up to an additional $25,000 per year
Total cost of attendance for the two-year MBA program is approximately $180,000

Career Outcomes

Harvard Business School

Graduates of Harvard Business School typically earn high salaries upon graduation
Median starting salary for the Class of 2020 was $155,000
Many graduates go on to work at top consulting, finance, and technology companies

Wharton School

Graduates of the Wharton School also earn high salaries upon graduation
Median starting salary for the Class of 2020 was $145,000
Many graduates go on to work at top consulting, finance, and technology companies

Which School Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision of which school to attend depends on your individual preferences and goals. If you are looking for a school with a strong academic reputation, a focus on the case method of learning, and a vast network of alumni, then Harvard Business School may be the right choice for you. If you are looking for a school with a more quantitative approach to business education, a focus on data analysis and modeling, and a strong undergraduate program in business, then the Wharton School may be a better fit.

Here are some additional factors to consider when making your decision:

Location: Harvard Business School is located in Boston, Massachusetts, while the Wharton School is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Class size: Harvard Business School has a smaller class size than the Wharton School, with approximately 900 students in each MBA class. The Wharton School has approximately 1,800 students in each MBA class.
Culture: Harvard Business School has a more traditional and conservative culture, while the Wharton School has a more entrepreneurial and innovative culture.
Personal fit: It is important to visit both schools and talk to current students and alumni to get a sense of which school is the best fit for your personality and career goals.

1. Which school is more difficult to get into?

Harvard Business School has a lower acceptance rate than the Wharton School, but both schools are highly competitive.

2. Which school is more prestigious?

Both Harvard Business School and the Wharton School are highly prestigious institutions. Harvard Business School is often ranked slightly higher in global rankings, but both schools are considered to be among the best business schools in the world.

3. Which school has a better career outcomes?

Both Harvard Business School and the Wharton School have excellent career outcomes. Graduates of both schools typically earn high salaries and go on to work at top companies in a variety of industries.

4. Which school is a better fit for me?

The best way to decide which school is the best fit for you is to visit both schools and talk to current students and alumni. This will give you a sense of the culture of each school and help you make an informed decision about which school is the right one for you.

5. What are the key differences between Harvard Business School and the Wharton School?

The key differences between Harvard Business School and the Wharton School are:

Focus: Harvard Business School has a more traditional focus on the case method of learning, while the Wharton School has a more quantitative focus on data analysis and modeling.
Curriculum: Harvard Business School has a core curriculum that includes courses in accounting, finance, marketing, operations, and strategy. The Wharton School also has a core curriculum, but it includes more courses in economics and statistics.
Class size: Harvard Business School has a smaller class size than the Wharton School, with approximately 900 students in each MBA class. The Wharton School has approximately 1,800 students in each MBA class.
Culture: Harvard Business School has a more traditional and conservative culture, while the Wharton School has a more entrepreneurial and innovative culture.

6. Which school is better for me if I want to work in consulting?

Both Harvard Business School and the Wharton School are excellent choices for students who want to work in consulting. However, Harvard Business School has a slightly higher placement rate in consulting than the Wharton School.

7. Which school is better for me if I want to work in finance?

Both Harvard Business School and the Wharton School are excellent choices for students who want to work in finance. However, the Wharton School has a slightly higher placement rate in finance than Harvard Business School.

8. Which school is better for me if I want to work in technology?

Both Harvard Business School and the Wharton School are excellent choices for students who want to work in technology. However, the Wharton School has a slightly higher placement rate in technology than Harvard Business School.