The Best MBA Programs in DC for 2027
Key Points: Best MBA Programs in DC
- Georgetown University ranks #1 in the Washington DC area on a 96.2 Program Score, with a 95% graduation rate.
- Every school on this list is private.
- George Washington University follows at #2 with a 93.3 Program Score.
- Programs analyzed
- 7
- Schools ranked
- 7
- Average graduation rate
- 67%
We analyzed 7 accredited MBA programs in Washington DC and the surrounding metro and ranked 7 schools on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes. Graduation rates across the 7 ranked schools run from 14% to 95%, so the same credential carries very different odds of finishing.
Georgetown University leads with a 96.2 Program Score on a 95% graduation rate. Across all 7 ranked MBA programs in DC the average graduation rate is 67%, ranging from 14% to 95%. All 7 are private, so selectivity and completion do more to separate them than control does. National median pay for the field is $105,770 a year per the BLS, the benchmark every school on this list feeds into regardless of what it charges.
MBA Programs in DC, Compared by Score
Georgetown leads at 96.2, and Trinity Washington closes the chart at 62.5. Longer bars rank higher.
Our Methodology for Ranking MBA Programs in DC
Each Program Score runs from 0 to 100: outcomes count for 44%, selectivity and academics for 38%, and scale and value for 18%, all from federal data. See how the weights work.
The 7 Best MBA Programs in DC, Ranked for 2027
The 7 best MBA Programs in DC, ranked by outcomes.
Georgetown University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 95%
- Admit rate
- 13%
- Tuition
- Varies by program
Georgetown University offers its MBA as Full-time, Part-time and Flex Online tracks, with a Global Business Experience consulting course and a 220,000+ alumni network.
- 95% graduation rate
- Program Score 96.2
- 13% admit rate
- Full-time, Part-time and Online formats
Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business offers the Master of Business Administration in several formats: a Full-time MBA, a Part-time MBA available in person or online, and an Online MBA that combines virtual classes with two week-long residencies in Washington, D.C. The school says students can personalize their core courses, choose electives aligned with the future of work, and gain international experience through real-world consulting in the Global Business Experience. The curriculum puts early emphasis on leadership "power skills," ethical decision-making and AI fluency. Career support comes from the McDonough Career Center, which offers individualized coaching, recruitment events and treks. The school reports that 78% of its Full-time MBA class of 2025 received a job offer within three months of graduation, and it points to a global alumni network of more than 220,000 professionals. Admissions run in rounds, with several application deadlines each year.
Georgetown has a 95% graduation rate and admits 13% of applicants, so the program is highly selective. Its Program Score of 96.2 out of 100 is the basis of its ranking. The program fits applicants who want a choice among full-time, part-time and online formats, and who value a Washington, D.C. location with access to policy and industry leaders. Because admission is competitive, applicants should plan for the round-based deadlines and the application components the school lists.
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 84%
- Admit rate
- 47%
- Tuition
- Varies by program
George Washington University's MBA comes in four formats, from a 53-credit full-time Global MBA to a 46.5-credit online option.
- 84% graduation rate
- Program Score 93.3
- 47% admit rate
- Flex, Global, Online and Healthcare formats
The Master of Business Administration at George Washington University's School of Business is offered as several distinct programs. The Flex MBA is 46.5 credits and can be taken part- or full-time, on campus, online or both. The Global MBA is a full-time, 53-credit, STEM-designated program built around the Consulting Abroad Program. The Online MBA is 46.5 credits, part- or full-time, with live discussions and case studies, and the Online Healthcare MBA is a part-time, 46.5-credit track with health services electives. Students can add more than 15 certificates and choose from over 200 electives, and joint and dual degrees are available. The school says the curriculum stresses ethics, corporate citizenship and a global perspective, and uses its Washington, D.C. location for contact with the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
GW graduates 84% of its students and admits 47% of applicants. The MBA's Program Score is 93.3 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. The program fits working professionals who want to choose between campus, online and hybrid study, and full-time students who want an international cohort experience. Candidates should compare the four formats closely, since credit counts and delivery differ.
American University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 75%
- Admit rate
- 62%
- Tuition
- Varies by program
A sustainability-focused MBA at Kogod that can be paired with an MS in Sustainability Management in two years.
- 75% graduation rate
- Program Score 89.2
- MBA + MS Sustainability Management option
- International consulting project
American University runs this MBA through its Kogod School of Business, and the page builds it around sustainability and artificial intelligence. Courses blend traditional MBA material with sustainability concepts, students work on real-world projects with organizations committed to sustainability, and an international consulting project gives them experience with clients abroad. A dual option combines the MBA with an MS in Sustainability Management, earning two degrees in two years, with electives in business, environment or policy tracks. The page also points to career guidance on resumes, job searches and interview preparation, and to an alumni network of more than 23,000 graduates. The Washington, DC location is presented as a source of internship and networking access across government, finance and media.
Federal figures show a 75% graduation rate and a 62% admit rate at American University. The MBA holds a Program Score of 89.2 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It suits professionals who want a general management degree with a sustainability angle and who value proximity to policy and government institutions. Students who want deeper specialization can look at the dual MBA and MS route, which the page describes as the way to add in-depth sustainability expertise to business leadership training.
Howard University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 70%
- Admit rate
- 41%
- Tuition
- Varies by program
Howard University's MBA is a 48-credit program with a 33-credit core and joint degrees with law, medicine, pharmacy, social work, divinity and engineering.
- 70% graduation rate
- Program Score 89.2
- 48-credit MBA
- Six dual degree options
Howard University's Master of Business Administration is offered through its School of Business, which the school says was the first university in Washington, D.C. to earn AACSB International accreditation. The program consists of 48 credit hours, including 33 credit hours of core courses that form the foundation of graduate business education. The full-time day program is described as a two-year experience with small class sizes. Howard also lists dual degree options with other professional schools: JD/MBA with the School of Law, MD/MBA with the School of Medicine, PharmD/MBA with the School of Pharmacy, MSW/MBA with the School of Social Work, MDiv/MBA with the School of Divinity, and BSE/MBA with the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Computer Sciences. The program page also carries an online MBA listing.
Howard has a 70% graduation rate and admits 41% of applicants. The program's Program Score of 89.2 out of 100 is the basis of its ranking. It suits students who want a traditional full-time MBA cohort in Washington, D.C., or who plan to pair business training with a law, medical, pharmacy, social work, divinity or engineering degree.
Catholic University of America
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 79%
- Admit rate
- 83%
- Tuition
- Varies by program
A 36-credit Catholic-rooted MBA finishing in as little as 9 months on campus, with four specialization options.
- 79% graduation rate
- Program Score 72.8
- 36 credits
- As few as 9 months on campus
The Busch School of Business at The Catholic University of America offers this MBA for recent graduates with less than five years of professional experience. It has 36 credits: 24 in core coursework across finance, marketing, operations and management, and 12 in a specialization such as Strategic Management, Data Analytics, People Management or Church Administration. The program is rooted in Catholic social teaching and emphasizes ethical decision-making. The on-campus version can be completed in as little as 9 months and includes an internship requirement, and the page also describes a flexible online pathway. The school reports AACSB accreditation and says the degree is endorsed by the Cardinal Newman Society.
Federal data show a 79% graduation rate and an 83% admit rate at The Catholic University of America. The MBA has a Program Score of 72.8 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It suits early-career graduates who want a short, structured MBA with a faith-based ethical framework. Students leaning toward analytics, people management or church administration can use the 12-credit specialization to shape the degree, and those who need flexibility can look at the online option.
Strayer University-Global RegionOnline Program
Washington, DC · For-profit · online option
- Grad rate
- 14%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- Tuition
- Varies by program
Strayer's MBA is 10 courses with 13 listed concentrations, including AI systems management and cybersecurity management.
- 14% graduation rate
- Program Score 63.6
- Open admission
- 10 courses, 13 concentrations
Strayer University-Global Region offers an online Master of Business Administration of 10 master's courses, each 11 weeks long, with online and in-person options at select campuses. The page says the degree develops understanding of management functions and organizational behavior, along with decision making, critical thinking and ethical challenges. Listed skills include business communication, how markets affect organizations, management strategy, leadership, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Thirteen concentrations are offered, among them Accounting, Artificial Intelligence Systems Management, Business Data, Digital Entrepreneurship, Finance, Health Services Administration, Human Resource Management, Cybersecurity Management, Marketing, Project Management and Public Administration. The school cites its own 2023 alumni survey, in which 91% of MBA alumni agreed the degree was a worthwhile investment.
Federal data shows a 14% graduation rate at Strayer Global Region, and the school is open admission. The program earned a Program Score of 63.6 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits working professionals who want a short MBA with a specialty and an online schedule, and who can plan around the low federal completion figure.
Trinity Washington University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 49%
- Admit rate
- 100%
- Tuition
- Varies by program
A 48-credit MBA delivered 100% online that the school says can be finished in 20 months.
- 49% graduation rate
- Program Score 62.5
- 48 credits, 100% online
- 20-month accelerated format
Trinity Washington University offers a Master of Business Administration of 48 credits that runs entirely online, in both asynchronous and synchronous formats. The school describes it as an accelerated path that working professionals can finish in 20 months. The curriculum covers management functions, managerial competencies and ethical problem solving, and it leans on case studies and real-world application. Trinity says the program is taught and managed by business leaders from the public, private and independent sectors, and it points to a leadership focus that addresses federal agencies and nonprofits alongside corporate management. The page lists careers such as program manager, director of operations, business analyst and consultant. It also notes that applicants on F-1 or B-1 visas are not eligible for fully online graduate programs.
The federal data show a 49% graduation rate at Trinity and an admit rate of 100%, so the school admits every applicant who applies. The program earned a Program Score of 62.5 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking on this site. It suits working adults who want a defined 20-month schedule and an online format, particularly professionals in government, associations or the nonprofit sector who want management training without relocating to Washington, D.C.
Open admission: the school admits every qualified applicant, so it reports no admit rate.
Graduation Rates at the Ranked MBA Programs in DC
The median school on this list graduates 75% of its students. The highest rates belong to Georgetown University (95%) and George Washington University (84%). The school with the highest rate is also ranked #1.
- #1 Georgetown University95% graduation rate
- #2 George Washington University84% graduation rate
- #5 The Catholic University of America79% graduation rate
Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.
How Selective Are the MBA Programs in DC?
On this list, 1 of 7 schools is open-admission, taking every qualified applicant. Of the rest, 3 schools admit fewer than half of applicants, the most selective being Georgetown University at 13%.
- #1 Georgetown University13% admitted
- #4 Howard University41% admitted
- #2 George Washington University47% admitted
Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.
Public and Private MBA Programs in DC
This list holds 6 private nonprofit and 1 for-profit schools.
Control (public, private nonprofit, for-profit) as reported to IPEDS. Public schools usually charge residents less; private schools charge everyone the same rate.
Online Options Among the MBA Programs in DC
Of the 7 schools ranked here, 3 offer distance education. The highest ranked is Howard University, at #4.
- #4 Howard UniversityWashington, DC
- #6 Strayer University-Global RegionWashington, DC
- #7 Trinity Washington UniversityWashington, DC
Based on each school reporting distance-education offerings to IPEDS. Whether this specific degree is fully online varies, so confirm the format with the school.
Campus Size Across the MBA Programs in DC
Enrollment on this list runs from 1,948 at Trinity Washington University to 25,374 at George Washington University. Of the 7, 2 enroll 20,000 students or more and 1 enrolls fewer than 5,000.
Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.
What Graduates of the MBA Programs in DC Earn
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years outEarnings, 4 yrs |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Georgetown UniversityGeorgetown | $188,160 |
| #2 | George Washington UniversityGeorge Washington | $146,816 |
| #3 | American UniversityAmerican | $127,269 |
| #4 | Howard UniversityHoward | $135,741 |
| #6 | Strayer University-Global RegionStrayer-Global Region | $76,080 |
| #7 | Trinity Washington UniversityTrinity Washington | $91,234 |
Four years out, medians on this list run from $76,080 at Strayer-Global Region to $188,160 at Georgetown.
Georgetown leads on both counts: the top rank among these schools and the highest graduate pay.
College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level.
What MBA Programs in DC Cost
All 7 ranked schools are private: 6 are private nonprofit and 1, Strayer University-Global Region, is private for-profit. Cost on this list is therefore not a public versus private question, and no school offers a separate in-state rate to residents.
MBA pricing is set by the program rather than by the university's undergraduate rate, so confirm the current tuition on each school's own program page before comparing. Weigh it against what the same program reports for graduation rate and admit rate, since a lower price that few students finish on is not a saving.
How Selective MBA Programs in DC Are
Admission odds across the MBA programs in DC are nowhere near uniform. Georgetown University in Washington admits 13% of applicants, the tightest on this list, while Trinity Washington University admits 100%. A candidate with an uneven undergraduate record has real options here without leaving Washington DC.
That is an 87-point spread, wide enough that the MBA programs in DC do not form a single tier. A file that is competitive at Trinity Washington University will not necessarily clear Georgetown University in Washington, so applying across the range rather than within one band is the sensible strategy here. Completion does not follow the same order: Georgetown University in Washington finishes 95% of its students, the strongest on this list on a 13% admit rate, which is why selectivity is one input to the Program Score rather than the score itself.
Accreditation Across DC Business Schools
The MBA programs in DC are all private: none of the 7 ranked schools is public. Accreditation is what makes their prices comparable at all. For an MBA the signal employers read is business-school accreditation from AACSB sitting on top of the university's institutional accreditation, and a private school's name is not thereby carrying it. Confirm it on the school's own page: Strayer University-Global Region and Georgetown University are held to the same standard.
Why Study for an MBA in Washington DC
The 7 ranked schools all sit in Washington, close enough that most Washington DC candidates can reach several of them. Georgetown University leads, followed by George Washington University and American University, and the table names the town of each. That density is worth using: applying to three schools inside one metro costs application fees and nothing else, and the recruiting calendars overlap.
3 of the 7 also run a confirmed online option, which keeps the credential but gives up most of the local access that justifies studying in Washington DC in the first place.
Careers and Pay After a Washington DC MBA
Every one of the MBA programs in DC points toward the same national labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts national median pay for the field at $105,770 a year, a figure that describes the profession rather than any single school here, and it holds whether a graduate studied at Strayer University-Global Region or at Georgetown University. That is the tradeoff this ranking exists to expose: in the federal wage data, a higher price does not buy a higher salary.
Set against a single national benchmark, the range of prices on this page is the reason to look hard at the cheap end before the famous end. Strayer University-Global Region and Georgetown University feed graduates into the same wage distribution, and nothing in the federal data attaches a higher salary to the higher price. Pay in a metro the size of Washington DC generally runs above the national median, and so does the cost of living that absorbs it. Full occupational detail, including job-growth projections and metro wage breakdowns, is published by the BLS.
Keep Exploring
Common Questions About MBA Programs in DC
What is the best MBA program in Washington DC?
By Program Score, Georgetown University ranks first among the 7 ranked MBA programs in DC, with a 96.2 score and a 95% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes together, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one of them.
Do MBA programs in DC require the GMAT?
Fewer of them every year, and the 7 ranked here are not uniform about it. Georgetown University in Washington is the tightest on this list at 13% and Trinity Washington University the most open at 100%, so the answer depends on which of them a candidate is applying to. Many programs now waive the GMAT or GRE for applicants with several years of relevant work, and the terms differ program by program, so check them on each school's admissions page before registering for a test. A waiver saves the fee and the study time, and it does not loosen the rest of the file.
How much does an MBA cost in Washington DC?
Tuition among the ranked Washington DC schools runs from $5,760 to $67,896 a year. Public schools publish the in-state resident rate, so students moving in from another state should check the out-of-state column before comparing. Neither figure includes Washington DC living costs, which are a real part of the total.
How many MBA programs in DC does this ranking cover?
We analyzed 7 accredited MBA programs across Washington DC and the surrounding metro and ranked the top 7 schools, listing one entry per school on its strongest program. This list covers the DC metro, so some schools sit in Maryland or Virginia; the city of each is shown in the table.
Is it worth doing an MBA in Washington DC instead of online?
3 of the 7 ranked schools run a confirmed online option, so in Washington DC this is a live choice rather than a hypothetical one. An accredited online program carries identical standing on a transcript, since accreditation attaches to the school and the program rather than to the delivery format. What a campus adds is proximity to the employers that school recruits into. The honest comparison is local access against the cost of being here.