Mendoza and Wharton are two of the most competitive MBA programs in the country, but they differ in key areas. Wharton holds a stronger US News ranking. Wharton reports a higher median base salary. Mendoza offers lower annual tuition, and Wharton delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Wharton is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Mendoza | Wharton |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #282026 | #22026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #392024 | #22024 |
| Financial Times Rank | — | #32025 |
| QS Global MBA Rank | — | #22025 |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $65,766 | $84,830 |
| Median Base Salary | $130,000 | $248,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 394% | 631% |
| Class Size | 165 | 918 |
| Acceptance Rate | 42.0% | 19.2% |
| Median GMAT | 670 | 733 |
| Average GPA | — | — |
Green = better value per metric. Rankings: lower rank number = better. Salary & ROI: higher = better. Acceptance rate & tuition: lower = better.
The Mendoza College of Business at Notre Dame is distinguished by its values-based approach to business education. Consistently ranked among the top MBA programs for ethics and social responsibility, Mendoza produces leaders known for integrity and collaborative problem-solving. Its strong alumni network, tight-knit community, and growing consulting and finance placement make it a compelling choice for candidates who want a rigorous MBA without the competitive culture of larger programs.
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.
Wharton is a top M7 program; Mendoza is a highly ranked T15 school. 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 42.0% for Mendoza.
Mendoza reports a median base salary of $130,000, while Wharton reports $248,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Mendoza annual tuition is $65,766 and Wharton is $84,830. Mendoza offers a 19,064 lower annual cost.
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