$62,784
2 years
Data reflects 2026 admissions cycle
“DC's MBA. Unmatched for policy, international business, and careers where government and commerce collide.”
Program Overview
Georgetown McDonough is a 10-minute walk from the White House. That proximity is the program's defining characteristic. No other top-25 MBA program offers the same access to government agencies, multilateral institutions, lobbying firms, and policy think tanks. The World Bank, IMF, State Department, and dozens of international development organizations recruit from McDonough by default because the school is literally in their backyard.
McDonough enrolls about 260 full-time MBA students per year from roughly 2,800 applicants. The 35% acceptance rate is higher than Tier 1 and Tier 2 programs, but the self-selection of the applicant pool is strong: candidates come specifically for DC's unique career ecosystem. The Georgetown brand carries weight beyond business school, pulling from the university's foreign service, law, and policy schools.
The curriculum blends traditional MBA fundamentals with concentrations in international business, government relations, and social enterprise. The Global Business Experience sends students on international immersion projects, and the school's Jesuit tradition infuses ethics and social impact throughout the program.
Culture & Community
McDonough's culture reflects DC itself: intellectual, policy-minded, and internationally oriented. Conversations in the student lounge are as likely to touch on trade policy or diplomatic negotiations as on marketing strategy or PE deal flow. About 40% of the class comes from international backgrounds, making it one of the most globally diverse programs in the top 25.
The Jesuit tradition influences the school's values without being heavy-handed. Students talk about business as a force for good without the performative social impact rhetoric you'll find at some programs. The 260-person class is mid-sized, large enough for diverse interests but small enough that you'll build real relationships. DC's social scene adds a dimension most MBA programs can't offer: events at embassies, policy conferences on Capitol Hill, and networking dinners with senior government officials.
Academics & Curriculum
McDonough's first-year core covers the standard MBA lineup: accounting, finance, marketing, operations, strategy, and organizational behavior. Teaching leans toward case method with a healthy dose of experiential learning. The international business curriculum is the academic standout, with courses on global markets, political risk, cross-border investment, and international trade taught by faculty with real policy experience.
The Global Business Experience (GBE) is a signature program that sends students to countries in Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe to work on consulting projects for local businesses and NGOs. It's one of the better international experiential programs in MBA education and pairs well with Georgetown's School of Foreign Service, which offers cross-registration opportunities for MBA students.
Dual-degree programs with Georgetown Law and the School of Foreign Service are popular and well-structured. The MBA/JD is a strong combination for careers in regulatory affairs, international trade law, and government contracting. The MBA/MSFS (Master of Science in Foreign Service) is essentially unique to Georgetown and prepares graduates for careers at the intersection of business and diplomacy.
Career Outcomes
McDonough's employment report shows 30% of graduates entering consulting, 20% tech, 15% government and nonprofit, and 12% finance. The consulting placement is driven by Deloitte (which is headquartered in DC), Booz Allen Hamilton, Accenture Federal Services, and the DC offices of McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. Government consulting is a category where McDonough outperforms every other MBA program.
The government and international development pathway is what makes McDonough unique. Graduates take roles at the World Bank, USAID, State Department, and international NGOs that other programs simply don't access at scale. These roles often pay less than private sector alternatives ($90,000-130,000 vs $160,000+), but Georgetown offers loan forgiveness and income-based repayment support that narrows the gap.
Median base salary across all sectors is $155,000, pulled down by the public sector contingent. Private sector graduates (consulting, tech, finance) earn medians closer to $170,000. Total first-year compensation averages about $180,000 for private sector roles.
Who Should Apply
McDonough is the clear choice if your career involves government, policy, international development, or any business that intersects with Washington. Former military officers, government employees, Foreign Service aspirants, and international development professionals will find a community that understands their backgrounds and career goals. If you want to work at the World Bank, a federal agency, or a defense contractor, McDonough's career office has relationships that no other program can match.
What to Watch Out For
McDonough's brand strength outside DC diminishes quickly. In New York finance or West Coast tech, the Georgetown name carries less weight than programs ranked 5-10 spots higher. If you're not planning to stay in DC or work in government-adjacent industries, you'll be paying for access you won't use. The public sector salary drag also means that the school's aggregate employment statistics look weaker than they would if you filtered for private sector only.
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Get GMAT Prep Resources →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Georgetown McDonough?
Georgetown McDonough's acceptance rate is approximately 35% for the class of 2026. The school receives about 2,800 applications for 260 full-time MBA seats. While the rate is higher than many top-20 programs, the applicant pool self-selects heavily toward DC-oriented career goals.
What GMAT score do I need for Georgetown McDonough?
The average GMAT at McDonough is 700, with the middle 80% ranging from 660 to 730. Georgetown evaluates candidates comprehensiveally, with particular emphasis on international experience, leadership in government or nonprofit sectors, and alignment with the school's Jesuit values.
Is Georgetown McDonough good for government careers?
McDonough is the top MBA program for government and policy careers. The school's DC location provides direct access to the World Bank, IMF, USAID, State Department, and dozens of federal agencies and think tanks. No other top-25 MBA offers comparable access to public sector and international development employers.
What is the average salary after Georgetown McDonough?
McDonough graduates earn a median base salary of $155,000 across all sectors. Private sector graduates in consulting and tech earn medians closer to $170,000, while public sector roles (government, international development) typically range from $90,000-130,000. Georgetown offers loan forgiveness programs for graduates in qualifying public service roles.
How does Georgetown McDonough compare to other DC-area MBA programs?
McDonough's main DC competitor is the University of Maryland Smith School of Business. Georgetown has the stronger brand, higher ranking, and deeper government connections. Smith offers lower tuition and stronger analytics programs. For government and international careers specifically, McDonough is the clear first choice in the DC metro area.