Anderson and Foster are two highly regarded MBA programs, but they differ in key areas. Anderson holds a stronger US News ranking. Anderson reports a higher median base salary. Anderson offers lower annual tuition, and Anderson delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Foster is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Anderson | Foster |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #182026 | #262026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #162024 | #292024 |
| Financial Times Rank | #242025 | — |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #112025 | — |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $65,049 | $67,596 |
| Median Base Salary | $172,000 | $145,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 561% | 436% |
| Class Size | 360 | 204 |
| Acceptance Rate | 25.0% | 19.0% |
| Median GMAT | 714 | 700 |
| Average GPA | — | — |
Green = better value per metric. Rankings: lower rank number = better. Salary & ROI: higher = better. Acceptance rate & tuition: lower = better.
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Want context on the metrics above? These guides break down how to read the numbers — rankings methodology, salary distributions, and ROI math.
UCLA Anderson is a top choice for those looking to work in entertainment, real estate, and tech on the West Coast. Known for its entrepreneurial culture and strong alumni ties in Los Angeles, Anderson offers a high ROI given its public school tuition.
The Foster School of Business at the University of Washington sits at the epicentre of the Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks ecosystem. With one of the highest percentages of tech-sector placements among Top 30 programs, Foster is the go-to MBA for professionals targeting Pacific Northwest tech and management consulting. Its selective 19% acceptance rate and strong value proposition—especially at in-state tuition—make it one of the most underrated programs in the country.
Both are highly ranked MBA programs. Anderson ranks higher in US News, but Anderson delivers a stronger 5-year ROI of 561%. The best choice depends on your career goals and preferred location.
Foster is more selective with a 19.0% acceptance rate, compared to 25.0% for Anderson.
Anderson reports a median base salary of $172,000, while Foster reports $145,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Anderson annual tuition is $65,049 and Foster is $67,596. Anderson offers a 2,547 lower annual cost.
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