The Whitman School has maintained its position in the top 40 national ranking by Poets&Quants, currently standing at No. 36 in the nation and No. 22 among private universities. This marks a slight shift from last year’s ranking of No. 34 and the 2020 ranking of No. 48.
Poets&Quants evaluates rankings based on three key factors, each carrying equal weight (33.3%): Admissions Standards (e.g., acceptance rate, SAT scores, diversity), Career Outcomes (e.g., placement at 90 days, compensation, internships), and Academic Experience (e.g., alumni satisfaction and experience scores).
Whitman’s positions in these categories are as follows:
- Admissions Standards: No. 39 (compared to No. 41 in 2022)
- Career Outcomes: No. 38 (compared to No. 32 in 2022)
- Academic Experience: No. 53 (compared to No. 56 in 2022)
This year, Poets&Quants adjusted its methodology by incorporating data from the past three years to mitigate annual fluctuations in rankings.
Alex McKelvie, interim dean of the Whitman School, expressed pride in maintaining a top 40 ranking for undergraduate business programs. He highlighted the recognition of Whitman’s national reputation and the progress made in key areas. Despite a slight decline in rankings from the previous year, certain metrics reached all-time highs for Whitman, indicating competitiveness in the field. This achievement reflects positively on the faculty, staff, and students of Whitman.
Lindsay Quilty, assistant dean of undergraduate programs, emphasized the school’s significant investments in enhancing the academic experience, leadership opportunities, and fostering inclusivity. The increasing number of applications and the record-breaking female cohort in the current first-year class demonstrate the positive impact of these investments. The Poets&Quants survey results further validate the school’s strategic focus on areas resonating with alumni long after graduation.
Poets&Quants reported the participation of 91 schools in the 2024 rankings, including two previously unrated schools. They highlighted that all 91 undergraduate business programs recognized in the rankings are at the forefront of business education, shaping students’ perspectives and capabilities. These ranked schools represent the top 12% of over 840 business schools accredited by AACSB International, the primary accrediting body for business education.
For more information on the Whitman School’s undergraduate programs, visit its website.