George Washington University School of Business
Washington, DC · 2 years · Official Site
$59,760
2 years
Data reflects 2026 admissions cycle
“Steps from the White House. If your MBA endgame involves government contracts or international development, GW delivers.”
Program Overview
George Washington's MBA program benefits from the same DC proximity as Georgetown McDonough but at a lower admissions bar. The campus is blocks from the White House, World Bank, IMF, and K Street. For candidates targeting government consulting, international development, or defense contracting who don't get into Georgetown, GW offers similar geographic advantages.
The 100-person class draws heavily from the DC professional ecosystem: government employees, military officers, and NGO workers seeking MBA credentials. International business and government relations are the core academic strengths.
Culture & Community
GW's culture is professional and policy-oriented. Many students work part-time in government or consulting while pursuing the MBA. The DC social and professional scene is accessible, and networking events at think tanks, embassies, and policy conferences supplement classroom learning.
Academics & Curriculum
GW's international business and government relations courses are the academic highlights. The school benefits from faculty with government consulting experience and guest speakers from the policy world. International development, defense management, and public-private partnerships are areas of particular depth.
Career Outcomes
GW's employment report shows 25% of graduates entering government and nonprofit, 25% consulting, 20% finance, and 15% tech. Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, and KPMG are primary recruiters for government consulting roles. Median base salary is $130,000 with total first-year compensation around $153,000.
Who Should Apply
GW fits candidates targeting DC government careers who want MBA training without Georgetown's selectivity or brand premium. Military officers, government employees, and international development professionals will find a community that understands their backgrounds.
What to Watch Out For
GW competes with Georgetown McDonough for DC employer attention and usually loses on brand recognition. The $60,000 tuition is steep for a school ranked #48. If you can get into Georgetown, the brand premium is probably worth the additional selectivity hurdle. Outside DC, GW's MBA brand is thin.
Known For
Best For
Aiming for a 675+ GMAT? Start your prep today.
Get GMAT Prep Resources →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at GW?
George Washington's MBA acceptance rate is approximately 42% for the class of 2026. The school enrolls about 100 full-time MBA students.
Is GW good for government careers?
GW's DC location provides access to government agencies, think tanks, and consulting firms. The school is a strong option for government and policy careers, though Georgetown McDonough has stronger brand recognition among DC employers.
What is the average salary after GW MBA?
GW graduates earn a median base salary of $130,000 with total first-year compensation averaging about $153,000. Government consulting and private sector consulting drive the strongest placement.
Compare George Washington
George Washington Deep Dives
See also: Overall Rankings · Highest Salaries · Is an MBA Worth It? · GMAT vs GRE Guide