2023 Best MBA Programs in Washington

Compare MBA Degrees in Washington for 2023

Key Highlights:

• • Comprehensive comparisons and data about tuition fees, average starting salaries, GMAT scores, and enrollment statistics for MBA programs in Washington.

• • Detailed profiles of both online and on-campus MBA programs in Washington, their strengths, unique specializations, faculty expertise, and alumni networks are included to help align your study choice with your career ambitions.

• • Insights into Washington's diverse economic sectors, demonstrating how an MBA degree serves as a potent tool in these industries.

Washington State boasts a robust economy with strong sectors such as technology, aerospace, healthcare, agriculture, and retail. These sectors provide numerous opportunities for MBA graduates.

The technology sector is a significant driver of Washington's economy. An MBA with a specialization in Technology Management or Information Systems could lead to promising opportunities within this industry. Aerospace is another major industry in the state. Those specializing in Operations Management or Supply Chain Management can find rewarding roles within this sector.

Healthcare is another prominent industry in Washington. For those pursuing an MBA with a focus on Healthcare Administration or Healthcare Management, there are ample career prospects. The state's thriving agriculture sector provides opportunities for those with an Agribusiness or Sustainability specialization. Lastly, the retail industry offers roles for those specializing in Marketing or Retail Management.

Here are some top companies in Washington where MBA graduates often find employment:

• • Microsoft: As one of the world's leading technology companies, Microsoft offers various leadership roles suitable for MBA graduates.

• • Amazon: This global e-commerce giant provides ample opportunities for MBAs with a focus on marketing and supply chain management.

• • Boeing: As one of the largest aerospace manufacturers globally, Boeing offers roles within operations management – ideal for those with an MBA specialization in Operations Management.

• • Starbucks Corporation: This globally recognized coffee brand offers roles suited to MBAs specializing in Marketing or Retail Management.

• • Providence Health & Services: A healthcare organization that offers various strategic planning and healthcare administration roles – perfect for those with an MBA specialization in Healthcare Administration.

Compare MBA Program Averages Across

Washington, the U.S. and Online

Table of Best Ranked MBA Programs in Washington

What is the Average Graduate MBA Salary in Washington?

While the average starting salary for graduates of an in-person MBA program in Washington is about $84,108, the lowest average MBA starting salary is $65,000 from Western Washington University, and the highest average MBA starting salary is $119,904 from University of Washington.

The average starting salary for graduates of an Online MBA program from an institution in Washington is between $68,228 from Gonzaga University and $100,000 from Washington State University. The average starting MBA salary for graduates of online MBA programs within Washington is $83,507.

Average Graduate Salaries for In-Person MBA Programs

• Average: $84,108 from Washington's 12 In-Person MBA Programs
• Lowest In-Person: $65,000 from Western Washington University
• Highest In-Person:$119,904 from University of Washington

Average Graduate Salaries for Online MBA Programs

• Average: $83,507 from Washington's 3 Online MBA Programs
• Lowest Online: $68,228 from Gonzaga University
• Highest Online: $100,000 from Washington State University

What is the Average Tuition for MBA Programs in Washington?
If you plan on attending an MBA program, it's best to start thinking about fiscal responsibility. A prospective B-Student needs to weigh their tuition options. An AACSB-accredited MBA program can pave the way for a great starting salary or career advancement. An online MBA program can provide the flexibility of completing a program while being employed in your respective career.

While the average in-person MBA program in Washington will cost about $40,291, the least expensive MBA program is $11,439 from Eastern Washington University, and the most expensive is $73,280 from University of Washington.

An Online MBA program from an institution in Washington will cost you between $33,495 from Gonzaga University and $35,024 from Washington State University. The average cost of online MBA programs within Washington is $34,260.

Average Tuition for In-Person MBA Programs

• Average: $40,291 from Washington's 12 in-person MBA Programs
• Lowest in-person: $11,439 from Eastern Washington University
• Highest in-person: $73,280 from University of Washington

Average Tuition for Online MBA Programs

• Average: $34,260 from Washington's 3 online MBA Programs
• Lowest online: $33,495 from Gonzaga University
• Highest online: $35,024 from Washington State University

What is the ROI for MBA Programs in Washington?

Choosing an MBA program requires more than a glance at the school's reputation or curriculum. The return on investment (ROI) should take center stage in your evaluation. This measurement reveals the potential value derived from your tuition investment, putting key factors such as starting salary and career progression under the microscope.

By scrutinizing the ROI, you're not just making a decision—you're making an informed one. This approach will ensure the selection of an MBA program that provides the most bang for your buck. Checking the ROI might not be an afterthought; it could be the game-changer in your MBA journey.

While the average in-person MBA program ROI from Washington is 135%, the lowest ROI is 74% from University of Washington Bothell, and the best ROI is 332% from Eastern Washington University.

The ROI from Online MBA programs in Washington range between 102% from Gonzaga University and 143% from Washington State University. The average ROI of online MBA programs within Washington is 122%.

In-Person ROI for MBA Programs

• Average: 135% from Washington's 12 in-person MBA Programs
• Lowest in-person: 74% from University of Washington Bothell
• Highest in-person: 332% from Eastern Washington University

Online ROI for MBA Programs

• Average: 122% from Washington's 3 online MBA Programs
• Lowest online: 102% from Gonzaga University
• Highest online: 143% from Washington State University

What is the Average GMAT Score Needed for an MBA Program in Washington?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized examination used by MBA schools to assess their applicant pool. The test is strategically designed to measure an applicant’s analytical, verbal, writing and mathematical skills. The GMAT is used as a predictor of success in MBA programs and tests one’s ability to successfully handle the advanced quantitative and qualitative study of business and management.

While the average GMAT score needed for in-person MBA program in Washington is 521, the lowest average GMAT score is for an MBA program is 400 from Whitworth University, and the highest GMAT score needed is 590 from Western Washington University.

The average GMAT score needed for an online MBA program from an institution in Washington is between 400 from Whitworth University to 563 from Washington State University. The average GMAT scored for online MBA programs within Washington is 501.

Average GMAT Score for In-Person MBA Programs

• Average: 521 from Washington's 12 in-person MBA Programs
• Lowest in-person: 400 from Whitworth University
• Highest in-person: 590 from Western Washington University

Average GMAT Score for Online MBA Programs

• Average: 501 from Washington's 3 online MBA Programs
• Lowest online: 400 from Whitworth University
• Highest online: 563 from Washington State University

Which MBA Schools Have the Highest Student Enrollment in Washington?

The importance of networking, whether it's by way of campus job fairs, student organization members, or faculty mentorship, should not be understated. The average MBA enrollment size has a direct impact on your studies, your job prospects, and your ability to define your career goals.

Every B-School has a strategy behind their enrollment sizes. If a prospective B-Student is looking for networking opportunities, wants to attend job fairs, and plans on joining student organizations, B-School enrollment size plays an important role in the decision making process. For the B-Student interested in the smaller cohort-style classroom experience and thrive with face-to-face collaboration with their professors, a manageable enrollment size is the preferred option.

For Washington state's MBA programs, the range for full-time enrollment is between 9 and 1,198. For part-time enrollment, the range is between 5 and 564.

Average Enrollment for Score for In-Person MBA Programs

• Lowest: 9 from Central Washington University
• Highest: 1,198 from Washington State University
• Average: 362 from Washington's 14 MBA Programs.
• Average: 243 from 879 the nation's campus MBA Programs.

Average Enrollment for Score for Online MBA Programs

• Lowest: 1,198 from Washington State University
• Highest: 1,198 from Washington State University
• Average: 1,198 from Washington's 3 MBA Programs.
• Average: 201 from 327 nation's online MBA Programs.

What MBA Concentrations Available in Washington?

Highly competitive B-Schools recruit part-time and full-time professors that are both academic and industry influencers. They are the subject matter experts in their respective concentrations. To meet the diverse needs of Washington businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 33 MBA concentrations including:

• Finance: 12
• Accounting: 12
• Marketing: 12
• Management: 12
• General Business: 11
• International Business: 10
• Entrepreneurship: 10
• Information Systems: 9
• Supply Chain: 7
• Economics: 7

Here are the top schools offering the widest variety of concentrations to choose from:

• Seattle University: 19
• Western Washington University: 16
• Whitworth University: 14
• Eastern Washington University: 14
• University of Washington Bothell: 13
• Gonzaga University: 13
• University of Washington Tacoma: 12
• Central Washington University: 12
• Washington State University: 12
• Pacific Lutheran University: 12

The Importance of MBA Accreditation

The importance of accreditation can't be underestimated. For many, knowing your school is accredited by the AACSB and regionally accredited by the US Department of Education is enough assurance that you will receive a quality education, where credits are more likely to transfer, and you will be qualified for loans, grants, and scholarships.

AACSB accreditation is considered to be the gold standard in business school credentialing. Established to promote high-quality business education in the U.S., AACSB members developed a stringent accreditation process. Members are held accountable for following an established business education framework set forth by the AACSB. With that comes MBA degrees conferrals that are widely recognized by Fortune 500 companies. This results in lucrative job opportunities.

Cities Offering MBA Programs in Washington

Looking for a particular city in Washington with an accredited MBA program? Research and compare MBA programs from other cities in Washington. Find online programs, programs by concentration, by average GMAT score and more.

• Bellingham
• Bothell
• Ellensburg
• Pullman
• Seattle
• Spokane
• Tacoma

MBA Program Options Available in Washington

Options for earning your MBA in Washington have never been more flexible. Washington MBA programs have become adept at offering effective alternatives for you to earn your MBA, no matter your life situation or schedule.

Washington has 14 Accredited MBA programs. 5 private and 7 public schools offering MBA programs.

Washington has 7 public schools and 5 private schools offering MBA degree programs.

14 Accredited MBA programs.  and 7 public schools offering MBA programs.

Washington schools offer 9 different paths to earn your MBA in Washington including Online, Campus, Full-Time, 1-Year, Distance Education, Evenings and Weekends, Off Campus, Part-Time and Partnership.

To meet the diverse needs of Washington businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 33 MBA concentrations to specialize in.

Awards for MBA Programs in Washington

The ranking of MBA programs is certainly not an exact science and plenty of subjective reasoning and biases come into play. We offer insights into ranking as another way to evaluate a potential MBA program.

Of the 14 accredited MBA programs offered in Washington, 11 of them have been recognized by at least one distinguished publication (PQ, US News, Forbes, BW, FT, Economist and MBAGuide) garnering an award as one of the best MBA programs in the country.

Washington schools have earned a total of 17 Best MBA awards from publications. Here are the top MBA schools and the number of awards the each program has garnered:

• University of Washington: 7
• University of Washington Bothell: 1
• University of Washington Tacoma: 1
• Seattle University: 1
• Seattle Pacific University: 1
• Gonzaga University: 1
• Eastern Washington University: 1
• Central Washington University: 1
• Western Washington University: 1
• Washington State University: 1
• Pacific Lutheran University: 1

Publications and the number of awards granted for Washington schools:

• US News: 1
• Forbes: 1
• BW: 1
• FT: 1
• Economist: 1
• MBAGuide: 11