Foster and Haas are two highly regarded MBA programs, but they differ in key areas. Haas holds a stronger US News ranking. Haas reports a higher median base salary. Foster offers lower annual tuition, and Haas delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Haas is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Foster | Haas |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #262026 | #102026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #292024 | #82024 |
| Financial Times Rank | — | #122025 |
| QS Global MBA Rank | — | #102025 |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $67,596 | $68,444 |
| Median Base Salary | $145,000 | $185,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 436% | 576% |
| Class Size | 204 | 291 |
| Acceptance Rate | 19.0% | 15.0% |
| Median GMAT | 700 | 726 |
| 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.
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.
UC Berkeley Haas is known for its culture of innovation and defining leadership principles: "Question the Status Quo," "Confidence Without Attitude," "Students Always," and "Beyond Yourself." Located near Silicon Valley, Haas is a pipeline to the tech industry.
Both are highly ranked MBA programs. Haas ranks higher in US News, but Haas delivers a stronger 5-year ROI of 576%. The best choice depends on your career goals and preferred location.
Haas is more selective with a 15.0% acceptance rate, compared to 19.0% for Foster.
Foster reports a median base salary of $145,000, while Haas reports $185,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Foster annual tuition is $67,596 and Haas is $68,444. Foster offers a 848 lower annual cost.
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