Anderson and McDonough 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. McDonough offers lower annual tuition, and Anderson delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Anderson is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Anderson | McDonough |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #182026 | #312026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #162024 | #212024 |
| Financial Times Rank | #242025 | #422025 |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #112025 | #342025 |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $65,049 | $64,350 |
| Median Base Salary | $172,000 | $162,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 561% | 529% |
| Class Size | 360 | 262 |
| Acceptance Rate | 25.0% | 31.0% |
| 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.
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.
Georgetown McDonough sits in the nation's capital, offering unmatched access to government, policy, international organizations, and nonprofits. The school is ideal for those interested in the intersection of business and public policy.
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.
Anderson is more selective with a 25.0% acceptance rate, compared to 31.0% for McDonough.
Anderson reports a median base salary of $172,000, while McDonough reports $162,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Anderson annual tuition is $65,049 and McDonough is $64,350. McDonough offers a 699 lower annual cost.
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