Washington Foster vs UCLA Anderson
Which MBA program is right for you?
Washington Foster
UCLA Anderson
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Washington Foster | UCLA Anderson |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #23 | #16 |
| Acceptance Rate | 28% | 25% |
| Avg. GMAT | 710 | 714 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.45 | 3.5 |
| Class Size | 140 | 360 |
| Avg. Salary | $152,000 | $160,000 |
| Employment Rate | 92% | 92% |
| Annual Tuition | $54,966 | $67,246 |
The Verdict
Choose Washington Foster if…
you want Pacific Northwest tech access, smaller class, and Seattle's quality of life.
Full Washington Foster Profile →Choose UCLA Anderson if…
you want LA's entertainment and tech scene, larger network, and year-round sunshine.
Full UCLA Anderson Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Foster and Anderson are the West Coast's top two public MBA programs outside Berkeley. Foster in Seattle has deep Amazon and Microsoft connections with a 140-person class. Anderson in LA has entertainment and broader tech reach with a 360-person class. The comparison is Pacific Northwest vs Southern California, and concentrated tech pipeline vs broader industry access.
The Honest Take
If Amazon, Microsoft, or the Pacific Northwest tech scene is your target, Foster's smaller class and direct pipelines are more efficient. If you want entertainment, LA tech, or a larger alumni network, Anderson's scale and geographic breadth are advantages. Foster is cheaper (public school tuition in Washington) and has the no-state-income-tax benefit. Anderson has stronger national brand recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Foster or Anderson better for tech?
Foster has a higher tech placement percentage (50% vs 39%), with Amazon as the single largest employer. Anderson has broader tech reach across more companies. For Amazon/Microsoft specifically, Foster has a more direct pipeline. For LA-based tech (streaming, gaming, Silicon Beach), Anderson wins.
Which is more affordable?
Foster's in-state tuition ($55,000/year) is lower than Anderson's ($67,000/year). Both states lack state income tax (Washington) or have it (California), so post-MBA take-home pay favors Foster. Anderson's higher salary ($160K vs $152K) partially offsets the cost difference.