Today I will share the three major differences between Wharton and Columbia MBA programs on class profile, curriculum and post-MBA placement trends.
Class profile
Wharton and Columbia get above 6000 applications with an acceptance rate of 14%. For Wharton, you need a slightly higher GMAT score in the 730 to 740 range. The biggest difference is the % international and the % women candidates. Wharton is leading among top schools for the percentage of Women candidates, while Columbia leads among top schools for accepting international applicants. The latest class had over 50% international for Wharton. For minority US candidates Columbia represented 42% in the latest class. So when you consider diversity from Women, International, and minority US candidates – Columbia is ahead of Wharton.
Curriculum
Wharton has a traditional 20-month curriculum where candidates can choose from 21 majors and over 200 electives with a customizable core. Students get an opportunity to plan for their summer internship, global experiential learning, or their entrepreneurial venture. Columbia MBA has a traditional schedule where students must complete all core before choosing electives with no option for majors or concentrations.
In terms of flexibility and major, Wharton is the program for you.
But if you are an experienced professional, Columbia MBA has a January entry or J-term with no option for an internship. This will be a greater value add for those returning to their employer or continue their job function.
Both programs offer similar global experiential learning opportunities.
On Dual Degree or Joint Degree Wharton MBA can be completed with 13 fully integrated programs while Columbia MBA can be combined with 11 professional degrees, including law, engineering, medicine, international affairs, and social work.
Post-MBA Placements
For the latest class, Columbia MBA placed 33% into Consulting while Wharton placed 24%, with both attracting a $175,000 median base salary.
On Financial Services. Wharton had a slight advantage in terms of the total % of offers, but on post-MBA salary in the industry, Wharton was ahead of Columbia by $13,000.
Both the schools also placed candidates in Media and Technology, with Wharton again leading in base salary.
Apart from Consulting, where Columbia has a clear edge, Wharton leads in all other industries with both % placed and on median base salary.
On function, Consulting and Investment Banking were popular at Columbia, while at Wharton, Private Equity and Consulting were the top 2 by % hired and on median base salary.
