Kellogg and Wharton are both elite M7 MBA programs, but they differ in key areas. Wharton holds a stronger US News ranking. Wharton reports a higher median base salary. Kellogg offers lower annual tuition, and Wharton delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Wharton is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Kellogg | Wharton |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #42026 | #22026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #62024 | #22024 |
| Financial Times Rank | #102025 | #32025 |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #82025 | #22025 |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $78,276 | $84,830 |
| Median Base Salary | $185,000 | $248,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 491% | 631% |
| Class Size | 500 | 918 |
| Acceptance Rate | 20.2% | 19.2% |
| Median GMAT | 727 | 733 |
| Average GPA | — | — |
Green = better value per metric. Rankings: lower rank number = better. Salary & ROI: higher = better. Acceptance rate & tuition: lower = better.
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Want context on the metrics above? These guides break down how to read the numbers — rankings methodology, salary distributions, and ROI math.
Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern is the birthplace of modern marketing education. Known for its collaborative culture, team-based learning, and strong emphasis on leadership development, Kellogg graduates are highly sought after in consulting and consumer goods industries.
The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious business schools in the world. Known for its rigorous finance curriculum and extensive alumni network, Wharton consistently ranks at the top of MBA rankings. The school offers unparalleled access to Wall Street and a collaborative learning environment.
Both are elite M7 programs. Wharton ranks higher in US News, but Wharton delivers a stronger 5-year ROI of 631%. The best choice depends on your career goals and preferred location.
Wharton is more selective with a 19.2% acceptance rate, compared to 20.2% for Kellogg.
Kellogg reports a median base salary of $185,000, while Wharton reports $248,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Kellogg annual tuition is $78,276 and Wharton is $84,830. Kellogg offers a 6,554 lower annual cost.
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