Foster and McCombs are two highly regarded MBA programs, but they differ in key areas. McCombs holds a stronger US News ranking. McCombs reports a higher median base salary. McCombs offers lower annual tuition, and McCombs delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. Foster is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | Foster | McCombs |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #262026 | #182026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #292024 | #152024 |
| Financial Times Rank | — | #352025 |
| QS Global MBA Rank | — | #302025 |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $67,596 | $56,034 |
| Median Base Salary | $145,000 | $168,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 436% | 650% |
| Class Size | 204 | 261 |
| Acceptance Rate | 19.0% | 28.5% |
| Median GMAT | 700 | 706 |
| 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.
UT Austin McCombs offers one of the best value propositions in MBA education. Located in the booming Austin tech scene, McCombs has strong placements in consulting, tech, and energy. The school is known for its Plus program and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Both are highly ranked MBA programs. McCombs ranks higher in US News, but McCombs delivers a stronger 5-year ROI of 650%. The best choice depends on your career goals and preferred location.
Foster is more selective with a 19.0% acceptance rate, compared to 28.5% for McCombs.
Foster reports a median base salary of $145,000, while McCombs reports $168,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
Foster annual tuition is $67,596 and McCombs is $56,034. McCombs offers a 11,562 lower annual cost.
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