McDonough and GSB are two of the most competitive MBA programs in the country, but they differ in key areas. GSB holds a stronger US News ranking. GSB 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 | GSB |
|---|---|---|
| Rankings | ||
| US News Rank | #312026 | #12026 |
| Bloomberg BBW Rank | #212024 | #12024 |
| Financial Times Rank | #422025 | #22025 |
| QS Global MBA Rank | #342025 | #42025 |
| Admissions & Financials | ||
| Annual Tuition | $64,350 | $82,455 |
| Median Base Salary | $162,000 | $197,000 |
| 5-Year ROI | 529% | 497% |
| Class Size | 262 | 436 |
| Acceptance Rate | 31.0% | 6.1% |
| Median GMAT | 700 | 738 |
| 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.
Stanford Graduate School of Business is the most selective MBA program globally, with an acceptance rate below 7%. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, GSB is the top choice for aspiring tech entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. Its small class size fosters deep relationships and personalized education.
GSB is a top M7 program; McDonough is a highly ranked T15 school. GSB 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 6.1% for GSB.
McDonough reports a median base salary of $162,000, while GSB reports $197,000. Actual salary varies significantly by industry and function.
McDonough annual tuition is $64,350 and GSB is $82,455. McDonough offers a 18,105 lower annual cost.
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