The Whitman School has maintained its position in the top 40 national ranking by Poets&Quants, now standing at No. 36 in the nation and No. 22 among private universities. Last year, Whitman held the No. 34 spot, while in 2020, it was ranked No. 48.
Poets&Quants utilizes a methodology that incorporates three equally weighted (33.3%) data sources: Admissions Standards (e.g., acceptance rate, SAT scores, diversity), Career Outcomes (e.g., placement at 90 days, compensation, internships), and Academic Experience (e.g., survey of recent alumni regarding satisfaction and experience scores).
Whitman’s rankings in each category 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 slightly adjusted its methodology by considering data from three years to mitigate year-over-year fluctuations.
Alex McKelvie, interim dean of the Whitman School, expressed pride in maintaining a top 40 ranking for the best undergraduate business programs. He emphasized the recognition of Whitman’s strong 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. This achievement reflects positively on Whitman’s faculty, staff, and students.
Lindsay Quilty, assistant dean of undergraduate programs, highlighted the significant investments made in enhancing the academic experience through curriculum enhancements, leadership development opportunities, and fostering an inclusive environment. The increasing number of applications and the largest female cohort in program history demonstrate the positive impact of these initiatives. The Poets&Quants survey results validate the strategic investments that resonate with alumni long after graduation.
Poets&Quants reported the participation of 91 schools in the 2024 rankings, including two previously unranked schools. They emphasized that all 91 undergraduate business programs recognized are at the forefront of business education, providing a transformative learning experience for students. 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 about the Whitman School’s undergraduate programs, visit its website.