Georgetown McDonough vs Maryland Smith
Which MBA program is right for you?
Georgetown McDonough
Maryland Smith
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Georgetown McDonough | Maryland Smith |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #20 | #37 |
| Acceptance Rate | 35% | 38% |
| Avg. GMAT | 700 | 685 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.4 | 3.3 |
| Class Size | 260 | 120 |
| Avg. Salary | $155,000 | $140,000 |
| Employment Rate | 91% | 90% |
| Annual Tuition | $62,784 | $48,172 |
The Verdict
Choose Georgetown McDonough if…
you want a top-20 DC MBA with elite international affairs proximity, a 260-student class, and Jesuit-flavored business education.
Full Georgetown McDonough Profile →Choose Maryland Smith if…
you want a Big Ten public DC-metro MBA with strong tech and federal contractor placement at half the tuition for in-state students.
Full Maryland Smith Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Georgetown McDonough (#20) and Maryland Smith (#37) are both DC-metro MBA programs but they recruit different audiences. McDonough is private, top-20, and structurally tied to international affairs through Georgetown's policy and foreign service strengths. Smith is a public Big Ten program with deep federal contractor and tech placement. The 17-spot ranking gap favors McDonough nationally.
Career Markets
McDonough places strongly into management consulting (McKinsey, BCG, Bain all recruit), international development organizations (World Bank, IFC, IMF are walking distance), and federal public sector roles. Smith places into IT consulting, defense and federal contractors (Lockheed, Northrop, Booz Allen), and Maryland's tech corridor. McDonough's recruiting is more national; Smith's is more regional.
The Honest Take
Take McDonough if you can pay for it or earn substantial aid. The 17-spot ranking gap shows up in MBB consulting placement and post-MBA optionality. Take Smith if you're a Maryland in-state resident, target federal contractors specifically, or receive a meaningful scholarship. The cost difference for in-state students is large enough to flip the decision for budget-conscious candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has stronger consulting placement?
Georgetown McDonough. MBB recruits actively, and McDonough produces more consulting outcomes per capita. Smith places into Big Four advisory and federal consulting, but at lower MBB density.
Which is better for international careers?
McDonough by a wide margin. Georgetown's foreign service and international affairs reputation creates direct alumni networks at the World Bank, IFC, IMF, and the State Department.
Which is more affordable?
Maryland Smith for in-state students. Roughly half McDonough's tuition. Out-of-state, the gap narrows but Smith remains cheaper. McDonough offers merit scholarships.