Foster and Kellogg are two of the most competitive MBA programs in the country, but they differ in key areas. Kellogg holds a stronger US News ranking. Kellogg reports a higher median base salary. Foster offers lower annual tuition, and Kellogg delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Foster is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Foster | Kellogg |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #262026 | #42026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #292024 | #62024 |
| Financial Times Rank | — | #102025 |
| QS Global MBA Rank | — | #82025 |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $67,596 | $78,276 |
| Median Base Salary | $145,000 | $185,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 436% | 491% |
| Class Size | 204 | 500 |
| Acceptance Rate | 19.0% | 20.2% |
| Median GMAT | 700 | 727 |
| 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.
Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern is the birthplace of modern marketing education. Known for its collaborative culture, team-based learning, and strong emphasis on leadership development, Kellogg graduates are highly sought after in consulting and consumer goods industries.
Kellogg is a top M7 program; Foster is a highly ranked T15 school. Kellogg ranks higher in US News, but Kellogg delivers a stronger 5-year ROI of 491%. The best choice depends on your career goals and preferred location.
Foster is more selective with a 19.0% acceptance rate, compared to 20.2% for Kellogg.
Foster reports a median base salary of $145,000, while Kellogg reports $185,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Foster annual tuition is $67,596 and Kellogg is $78,276. Foster offers a 10,680 lower annual cost.
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