Wharton Academy

Cost & Aid

Designed for ambitious undergraduates and early-career professionals, Wharton Academy programs blend rigorous business education with hands-on learning and global perspective. Participants engage with Wharton’s renowned instructors, collaborate with peers from around the world, and gain the skills, confidence, and connections to make a real impact in their future careers.

Program Fees | Program Fee Breakdown | Financial Aid Opportunities

Program Fees

FEE TYPECOSTINCLUDESMEALS PROVIDED
Comprehensive Residential Fee$6,299• Room and board (on-campus housing) • All academic program materials, networking events, and social excursions • Exclusive Wharton MBA Information Session • Wharton Welcome Dinner • Access to Wharton campus facilities and support staff• Two meals per day (breakfast and dinner), Monday–Friday • Two meals per day (brunch and dinner) on Sunday
Commuter Fee$4,699• Academic and program fees • All academic program materials, networking events, and social excursions • Exclusive Wharton MBA Information Session • Wharton Welcome Dinner • Access to Wharton support staffMeals not included

Program Fee Breakdown

What’s Included in Your Program Fee

All participants, whether residential or commuter, receive:

  • Expert-led Course Content – Dynamic instruction from Wharton lecturers and industry professionals.
  • All Instructional Materials – Digital and printed resources, case studies, and access to Wharton’s learning platforms.
  • Networking Opportunities – Connect with peers, mentors, and global professionals through structured events and discussion sessions.
  • Select Group Outings – Exclusive social excursions designed to expand your perspective.
  • Certification of Completion + Digital Badge – Official recognition of your Wharton Academy achievement — a credential to showcase on resumes, graduate applications, and LinkedIn.
  • Exclusive Events – Participation in the Wharton MBA Information Session and Wharton Welcome Dinner.
  • Dedicated Program Support – Personalized guidance from the Wharton Academy team before and during your experience.

Every element is designed to maximize learning, connection, and professional growth — making your investment in Wharton Academy an experience that pays dividends for years to come.

What’s Not Included in Your Program Fee

While your program fee covers extensive instruction, materials, and access to Wharton resources, please note that the following are not included:

  • $50 non-refundable application fee
  • Travel to and from campus (including flights, airport transfers, and ground transportation)
  • Meals not specified in your program description (for example, commuter students’ daily meals and residential students’ weekday lunches)
  • Personal expenses, such as souvenirs, snacks, laundry, or optional recreation
  • Visa application fees or related international travel documentation
  • Access to the University gym or fitness facilities

Residential Option ($6,299)

Students who select the Residential option enjoy the full immersive Wharton experience, including:

  • University Housing – Secure, modern accommodations in Penn’s residential halls.
  • Two Meals per Day – Fresh, nutritious dining options on campus: breakfast and dinner Monday through Friday, and brunch and dinner on Sunday.
  • 24/7 Residential Staff Support – On-site assistance to ensure a safe and enriching stay.
  • Community Spaces – Access to lounges, study areas, and social spaces that foster informal networking and collaboration.
  • Full Access to the Wharton Community – Shared experiences that build lasting connections with fellow students, mentors, and the Wharton network, including the Wharton MBA Information Session and the Wharton Welcome Dinner.
  • Housing provides more than just a place to stay — it’s a built-in community that enhances your Wharton experience from day one.

Commuter Option ($4,699)

Students selecting the Commuter option receive full access to all academic sessions, events, and materials, along with:

  • Participation in all Wharton Academy programming, group activities, and special events.
  • Access to the Wharton MBA Information Session and Wharton Welcome Dinner.
  • Flexibility to return home daily while engaging fully in the academic experience.

Commuter students are responsible for their own daily transportation, meals, and housing accommodations.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Wharton Academy is committed to supporting academically ambitious students from all backgrounds. We offer limited need-based and merit-based financial aid to help outstanding students participate in our programs. 

Wharton Academy Scholarship (Need-Based)

The Wharton Academy Scholarship provides need-based financial assistance to academically talented students who could not otherwise attend a Wharton Academy program due to cost. Awards are partial and may help cover a portion of the comprehensive residential fee or commuter fee. Scholarships are limited and awarded based on demonstrated financial need, as determined through a review of family income, household size, expenses, and other relevant financial circumstances. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

To be considered for aid, applicants must:  

  • Demonstrate financial need through a completed Wharton Academy Scholarship Application. 
  • Submit a program application by the priority deadline of February 4, 2026, 11:59 pm EST and a financial aid application by February 11, 2026. 

How to Apply:
After submitting your program application, visit the Wharton Academy Scholarship Application to complete the financial aid form. This form asks for information about your family’s financial situation to help us assess need. Financial documentation is not required initially but may be requested for verification. 

2026 Scholarship Application 

Scholarship Details 

Scholarship information is reviewed confidentially by the Wharton Academy Review Committee and does not influence admission decisions. 

  • Admission decisions are need-blind. Financial need does not impact whether a student is admitted into a program. 
  • Unfortunately, we are unable to offer financial aid to all students who apply. Funding is limited and awarded based on a combination of demonstrated need and academic merit. 
  • Financial documentation is not required for the initial financial aid application, though we reserve the right to request verification. 
  • Only students who are admitted into a program will be considered for financial aid. 
  • Financial aid decisions will be shared by email within 48 hours of admission notification. 

Warburg Pincus Fellowship (Merit-Based)

The Warburg Pincus Fellowship is a selective, merit-based award that provides full coverage of the comprehensive residential fee ($6,299) for students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, analytical ability, and a clear passion for finance and investing. Warburg Pincus is a global private equity firm. 

This limited fellowship opportunity is available exclusively to applicants for the Fundamentals of Corporate Finance and Valuation program for Session 1: May 31–June 12, 2026. Fellowship recipients are required to reside in on-campus housing and will gain access to exclusive networking events with Warburg Pincus investing professionals. 

Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify, applicants must: 

  • Be currently enrolled in or have completed a university-level Calculus I course 
  • Hold a minimum 3.6 GPA (or equivalent at the university level) Demonstrate proficiency or prior experience in finance 
  • Apply to Session 1 of the Fundamentals of Corporate Finance and Valuation program by the priority deadline (February 4, 2026) 
  • Submit a professional recommendation letter as part of the program application 

Application Process:
There is no separate fellowship application. All applicants to the Fundamentals of Corporate Finance and Valuation program for Session 1 who meet the eligibility criteria and apply by the priority deadline will be automatically considered for the Warburg Pincus Fellowship. 

If it is determined that you meet the eligibility requirements and funding remains available, you will be considered for this award. 

Applications submitted after the priority deadline will continue to be reviewed for program admission but will not be considered for fellowship funding. 

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