McDonough and Mendoza are two highly regarded MBA programs, but they differ in key areas. Mendoza holds a stronger US News ranking. McDonough reports a higher median base salary. McDonough offers lower annual tuition, and McDonough delivers the stronger 5-year ROI. McDonough is the more selective program by acceptance rate.
| Metric | McDonough | Mendoza |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #312026 | #282026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #212024 | #392024 |
| Financial Times Rank | #422025 | — |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #342025 | — |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $64,350 | $65,766 |
| Median Base Salary | $162,000 | $130,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 529% | 394% |
| Class Size | 262 | 165 |
| Acceptance Rate | 31.0% | 42.0% |
| Median GMAT | 700 | 670 |
| Average GPA | — | — |
Green = better value per metric. Rankings: lower rank number = better. Salary & ROI: higher = better. Acceptance rate & tuition: lower = better.
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.
The Mendoza College of Business at Notre Dame is distinguished by its values-based approach to business education. Consistently ranked among the top MBA programs for ethics and social responsibility, Mendoza produces leaders known for integrity and collaborative problem-solving. Its strong alumni network, tight-knit community, and growing consulting and finance placement make it a compelling choice for candidates who want a rigorous MBA without the competitive culture of larger programs.
Both are highly ranked MBA programs. Mendoza ranks higher in US News, but McDonough delivers a stronger 5-year ROI of 529%. The best choice depends on your career goals and preferred location.
McDonough is more selective with a 31.0% acceptance rate, compared to 42.0% for Mendoza.
McDonough reports a median base salary of $162,000, while Mendoza reports $130,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
McDonough annual tuition is $64,350 and Mendoza is $65,766. McDonough offers a 1,416 lower annual cost.
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