The Best MBA Programs in DC for 2026
The best MBA programs in DC are the accredited schools that graduate their students and charge honestly for it, not the ones with the biggest name on the building. Hakia analyzed 18 accredited MBA programs in Washington DC and the surrounding metro and ranked 18 schools on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes. Tuition across the 18 ranked schools runs from $5,760 to $67,896 a year, a $62,136 spread for the same credential.
Georgetown University leads with a 96.2 Hakia Score on a 95% graduation rate, at $67,896 a year. Across all 18 ranked MBA programs in DC the average graduation rate is 52%, ranging from 14% to 95%. 2 of the 18 are public and 16 are private, a split that drives most of the price gap below. 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.
Below is the full ranked table, followed by a school-by-school look at what actually separates the MBA programs in DC: cost, completion, selectivity, and where the degree leads. This list covers the DC metro, so some schools sit in Maryland or Virginia; the city of each is shown in the table. Every figure is drawn from federal IPEDS and BLS data, and no school pays for placement.
Key Takeaways on the Best MBA Programs in DC
- Georgetown University ranks first among MBA programs in DC with a 96.2 Hakia Score and a 95% graduation rate.
- Tuition across the 18 ranked MBA programs in DC spans $5,760 to $67,896 a year, a $62,136 gap for the same credential.
- The 18 ranked MBA programs in DC graduate 52% of students on average, from 14% to 95%.
- 2 of the 18 ranked schools are public, where the in-state rate is what District of Columbia residents actually pay.
- 11 of the 18 offer a confirmed online option, which matters in a city where commuting time is the real cost.
- National median pay in the field is $105,770 (BLS), the same benchmark whichever Washington DC school a student picks.
Hakia analyzed 18 accredited MBA programs in Washington DC and the surrounding metro reported to IPEDS, scoring each on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes, then ranked one entry per school on its strongest program. No school is rewarded for sticker price alone, and none pays for inclusion.
The 18 Best MBA Programs in DC, Ranked for 2026
| # | Program | Type | In-state tuition | Grad rate | Admit rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Georgetown UniversityWashington, DC | Nonprofit | $67,896 | 95% | 13% | 96.2 |
| 2 | George Washington UniversityWashington, DC | Nonprofit | $67,420 | 84% | 47% | 93.3 |
| 3 | American UniversityWashington, DC | Nonprofit | $57,952 | 75% | 62% | 89.2 |
| 4 | Howard UniversityWashington, DC · online option | Nonprofit | $35,344 | 70% | 41% | 89.2 |
| 5 | George Mason UniversityFairfax, VA · online option | Public | $10,392 | 68% | 87% | 84.4 |
| 6 | University of Maryland Global CampusAdelphi, MD · online option | Public | $7,776 | 33% | NR | 75.8 |
| 7 | The Catholic University of AmericaWashington, DC | Nonprofit | $56,930 | 79% | 83% | 72.8 |
| 8 | Marymount UniversityArlington, VA | Nonprofit | $39,270 | 54% | 93% | 72.4 |
| 9 | Capitol Technology UniversityLaurel, MD · online option | Nonprofit | $26,350 | 43% | 74% | 66.5 |
| 10 | Washington Adventist UniversityTakoma Park, MD | Nonprofit | $24,804 | 29% | 46% | 66.5 |
| 11 | DeVry University-VirginiaArlington, VA | For-profit | $16,448 | NR | NR | 64.2 |
| 12 | Strayer University-Global RegionWashington, DC · online option | For-profit | $13,725 | 14% | NR | 63.6 |
| 13 | Trinity Washington UniversityWashington, DC · online option | Nonprofit | $26,360 | 49% | 100% | 62.5 |
| 14 | Strayer University-VirginiaArlington, VA · online option | For-profit | $13,725 | 36% | NR | 61.3 |
| 15 | Strayer University-MarylandSuitland, MD · online option | For-profit | $13,725 | 38% | NR | 60.9 |
| 16 | Strayer University-District of ColumbiaWashington, DC · online option | For-profit | $13,725 | NR | NR | 59.9 |
| 17 | University of Management and TechnologyArlington, VA · online option | For-profit | $9,360 | 33% | NR | 59.8 |
| 18 | University of the Potomac-Washington DC CampusWashington, DC · online option | For-profit | $5,760 | 33% | NR | 55.4 |
NR — not reported by the institution in the latest IPEDS collection.
MBA Programs in DC, Compared by Score
Each program scores 0 to 100 on the Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. Longer bars rank higher.
A Closer Look at the Top MBA Programs in DC
Georgetown University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 95%
- Admit rate
- 13%
- In-state
- $67,896
- Out-of-state
- $67,896
Georgetown graduates 95% of its students, above the 52% average across this ranking, on a 96.2 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 96.2, #1 of 18
- 95% graduation rate
- $67,896 tuition
- Most selective program here
Georgetown is a private, nonprofit institution in Washington, DC. Its MBA program ranks #1 of the 18 analyzed here with a 96.2 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 71.9 group average. The program graduates 95% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. Georgetown admits 13% of applicants, more selective than the 65% average for the group. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 14% to 95%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 20,031 students.
On cost, Georgetown charges $67,896 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,760 at Potomac to $67,896 at Georgetown. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 84%
- Admit rate
- 47%
- In-state
- $67,420
- Out-of-state
- $67,420
George Washington graduates 84% of its students, above the 52% average across this ranking, on a 93.3 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 93.3, #2 of 18
- 84% graduation rate
- $67,420 tuition
- Admits just 47% of applicants
George Washington is a private, nonprofit institution in Washington, DC. Its MBA program ranks #2 of the 18 analyzed here with a 93.3 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 71.9 group average, in the top third of the 18 ranked programs, 2.9 points behind top-ranked Georgetown. The program graduates 84% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. George Washington admits 47% of applicants, more selective than the 65% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 14% to 95%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 25,374 students.
On cost, George Washington charges $67,420 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,760 at Potomac to $67,896 at Georgetown. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
American University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 75%
- Admit rate
- 62%
- In-state
- $57,952
- Out-of-state
- $57,952
American graduates 75% of its students, above the 52% average across this ranking, on an 89.2 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 89.2, #3 of 18
- 75% graduation rate
- $57,952 tuition
- Admits just 62% of applicants
Based in Washington, DC, American is a private, nonprofit institution. Its MBA program lands at #3 of the 18 ranked here, earning an 89.2 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 71.9 group average, in the top third of the 18 ranked programs, 7 points behind top-ranked Georgetown. The program graduates 75% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. American admits 62% of applicants, more selective than the 65% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 14% to 95%. The university enrolls 12,321 students overall.
On cost, American charges $57,952 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,760 at Potomac to $67,896 at Georgetown. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Howard University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 70%
- Admit rate
- 41%
- In-state
- $35,344
- Out-of-state
- $35,344
Howard graduates 70% of its students, above the 52% average across this ranking, on an 89.2 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 89.2, #4 of 18
- 70% graduation rate
- $35,344 tuition
- Online option available
Howard is a private, nonprofit institution in Washington, DC. Its MBA program ranks #4 of the 18 analyzed here with an 89.2 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 71.9 group average, in the top third of the 18 ranked programs, 7 points behind top-ranked Georgetown. The program graduates 70% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. Howard admits 41% of applicants, more selective than the 65% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 14% to 95%. The university enrolls 14,890 students overall. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Howard charges $35,344 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,760 at Potomac to $67,896 at Georgetown. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 68%
- Admit rate
- 87%
- In-state
- $10,392
- Out-of-state
- $34,860
At $10,392 a year in-state, George Mason is among the more affordable mba programs ranked here, holding an 84.4 Hakia Score on a 68% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 84.4, #5 of 18
- 68% graduation rate
- $10,392 in-state vs $34,860 out-of-state
- Online option available
George Mason is a public institution in Fairfax, VA. Its MBA program ranks #5 of the 18 analyzed here with an 84.4 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 71.9 group average, in the top third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 68% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. George Mason admits 87% of applicants, less selective than the 65% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 14% to 95%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 39,766 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, George Mason charges $10,392 a year in-state, roughly 3x the $34,860 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,760 at Potomac to $67,896 at Georgetown. The spread makes the program a clearer value for VA residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MD · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 33%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $7,776
- Out-of-state
- $11,976
At $7,776 a year in-state, UMGC is among the more affordable mba programs ranked here, holding a 75.8 Hakia Score on a 33% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 75.8, #6 of 18
- 33% graduation rate
- $7,776 in-state vs $11,976 out-of-state
- Largest campus in this ranking
Based in Adelphi, MD, UMGC is a public institution. Its MBA program lands at #6 of the 18 ranked here, earning a 75.8 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 71.9 group average, in the top third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 33% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 14% to 95%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 63,012 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, UMGC charges $7,776 a year in-state, versus $11,976 for out-of-state students. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,760 at Potomac to $67,896 at Georgetown. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 79%
- Admit rate
- 83%
- In-state
- $56,930
- Out-of-state
- $56,930
Catholic University of America graduates 79% of its students, above the 52% average across this ranking, on a 72.8 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 72.8, #7 of 18
- 79% graduation rate
- $56,930 tuition
- Admits just 83% of applicants
Based in Washington, DC, Catholic University of America is a private, nonprofit institution. Its MBA program lands at #7 of the 18 ranked here, earning a 72.8 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 71.9 group average, in the middle third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 79% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. Catholic University of America admits 83% of applicants, less selective than the 65% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 14% to 95%. The university enrolls 5,243 students overall.
On cost, Catholic University of America charges $56,930 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,760 at Potomac to $67,896 at Georgetown. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Marymount University
Arlington, VA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 54%
- Admit rate
- 93%
- In-state
- $39,270
- Out-of-state
- $39,270
Marymount graduates 54% of its students, above the 52% average across this ranking, on a 72.4 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 72.4, #8 of 18
- 54% graduation rate
- $39,270 tuition
- Admits just 93% of applicants
Based in Arlington, VA, Marymount is a private, nonprofit institution. Its MBA program lands at #8 of the 18 ranked here, earning a 72.4 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 71.9 group average, in the middle third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 54% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. Marymount admits 93% of applicants, less selective than the 65% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 14% to 95%. The university enrolls 4,060 students overall.
On cost, Marymount charges $39,270 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,760 at Potomac to $67,896 at Georgetown. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Capitol Technology University
Laurel, MD · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 43%
- Admit rate
- 74%
- In-state
- $26,350
- Out-of-state
- $26,350
Capitol Technology ranks #9 of the 18 mba programs in this analysis, with a 66.5 Hakia Score and a 43% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 66.5, #9 of 18
- 43% graduation rate
- $26,350 tuition
- Online option available
Based in Laurel, MD, Capitol Technology is a private, nonprofit institution. Its MBA program lands at #9 of the 18 ranked here, earning a 66.5 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 71.9 group average, in the middle third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 43% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Capitol Technology admits 74% of applicants, less selective than the 65% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 14% to 95%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,065 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Capitol Technology charges $26,350 a year in-state. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,760 at Potomac to $67,896 at Georgetown. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its an online option.
Washington Adventist University
Takoma Park, MD · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 29%
- Admit rate
- 46%
- In-state
- $24,804
- Out-of-state
- $24,804
Washington Adventist ranks #10 of the 18 mba programs in this analysis, with a 66.5 Hakia Score and a 29% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 66.5, #10 of 18
- 29% graduation rate
- $24,804 tuition
- Admits just 46% of applicants
Based in Takoma Park, MD, Washington Adventist is a private, nonprofit institution. Its MBA program lands at #10 of the 18 ranked here, earning a 66.5 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 71.9 group average, in the middle third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 29% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Washington Adventist admits 46% of applicants, more selective than the 65% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 14% to 95%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 612 students.
On cost, Washington Adventist charges $24,804 a year in-state. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,760 at Potomac to $67,896 at Georgetown. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its genuine selectivity.
DeVry University-Virginia
Arlington, VA · For-profit
- Grad rate
- NR
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $16,448
- Out-of-state
- $16,448
DeVry-Virginia ranks #11 of the 18 mba programs in this analysis, with a 64.2 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 64.2, #11 of 18
- $16,448 tuition
- Smallest campus in this ranking
Based in Arlington, VA, DeVry-Virginia is a private, for-profit institution. Its MBA program lands at #11 of the 18 ranked here, earning a 64.2 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 71.9 group average, in the middle third of the 18 ranked programs. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 19 students.
On cost, DeVry-Virginia charges $16,448 a year in-state. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,760 at Potomac to $67,896 at Georgetown. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. It earns its place in the top 18 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.
Strayer University-Global Region
Washington, DC · For-profit · online option
- Grad rate
- 14%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $13,725
- Out-of-state
- $13,725
At $13,725 a year in-state, Strayer-Global Region is among the more affordable mba programs ranked here, holding a 63.6 Hakia Score on a 14% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 63.6, #12 of 18
- 14% graduation rate
- $13,725 tuition
- Online option available
Based in Washington, DC, Strayer-Global Region is a private, for-profit institution. Its MBA program lands at #12 of the 18 ranked here, earning a 63.6 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 71.9 group average, in the middle third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 14% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 14% to 95%. The university enrolls 12,098 students overall. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Strayer-Global Region charges $13,725 a year in-state. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,760 at Potomac to $67,896 at Georgetown. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
Trinity Washington University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 49%
- Admit rate
- 100%
- In-state
- $26,360
- Out-of-state
- $26,360
Trinity Washington ranks #13 of the 18 mba programs in this analysis, with a 62.5 Hakia Score and a 49% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 62.5, #13 of 18
- 49% graduation rate
- $26,360 tuition
- Online option available
Trinity Washington is a private, nonprofit institution in Washington, DC. Its MBA program ranks #13 of the 18 analyzed here with a 62.5 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 71.9 group average, in the lower third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 49% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Trinity Washington admits 100% of applicants, less selective than the 65% average for the group. That is more open than the 13% rate at Georgetown, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 14% to 95%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,948 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Trinity Washington charges $26,360 a year in-state. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,760 at Potomac to $67,896 at Georgetown. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its an online option.
Strayer University-Virginia
Arlington, VA · For-profit · online option
- Grad rate
- 36%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $13,725
- Out-of-state
- $13,725
At $13,725 a year in-state, Strayer-Virginia is among the more affordable mba programs ranked here, holding a 61.3 Hakia Score on a 36% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 61.3, #14 of 18
- 36% graduation rate
- $13,725 tuition
- Online option available
Based in Arlington, VA, Strayer-Virginia is a private, for-profit institution. Its MBA program lands at #14 of the 18 ranked here, earning a 61.3 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 71.9 group average, in the lower third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 36% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 14% to 95%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,998 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Strayer-Virginia charges $13,725 a year in-state. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,760 at Potomac to $67,896 at Georgetown. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
Strayer University-Maryland
Suitland, MD · For-profit · online option
- Grad rate
- 38%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $13,725
- Out-of-state
- $13,725
At $13,725 a year in-state, Strayer-Maryland is among the more affordable mba programs ranked here, holding a 60.9 Hakia Score on a 38% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 60.9, #15 of 18
- 38% graduation rate
- $13,725 tuition
- Online option available
Strayer-Maryland is a private, for-profit institution in Suitland, MD. Its MBA program ranks #15 of the 18 analyzed here with a 60.9 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 71.9 group average, in the lower third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 38% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 14% to 95%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,290 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Strayer-Maryland charges $13,725 a year in-state. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,760 at Potomac to $67,896 at Georgetown. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
Strayer University-District of Columbia
Washington, DC · For-profit · online option
- Grad rate
- NR
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $13,725
- Out-of-state
- $13,725
At $13,725 a year in-state, Strayer-District of Columbia is among the more affordable mba programs ranked here, holding a 59.9 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 59.9, #16 of 18
- $13,725 tuition
- Online option available
Based in Washington, DC, Strayer-District of Columbia is a private, for-profit institution. Its MBA program lands at #16 of the 18 ranked here, earning a 59.9 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 71.9 group average, in the lower third of the 18 ranked programs. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 188 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Strayer-District of Columbia charges $13,725 a year in-state. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,760 at Potomac to $67,896 at Georgetown. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
University of Management and Technology
Arlington, VA · For-profit · online option
- Grad rate
- 33%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $9,360
- Out-of-state
- $9,360
At $9,360 a year in-state, Management and Technology is among the more affordable mba programs ranked here, holding a 59.8 Hakia Score on a 33% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 59.8, #17 of 18
- 33% graduation rate
- $9,360 tuition
- Online option available
Based in Arlington, VA, Management and Technology is a private, for-profit institution. Its MBA program lands at #17 of the 18 ranked here, earning a 59.8 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 71.9 group average, in the lower third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 33% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 14% to 95%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 979 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Management and Technology charges $9,360 a year in-state. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,760 at Potomac to $67,896 at Georgetown. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus
Washington, DC · For-profit · online option
- Grad rate
- 33%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $5,760
- Out-of-state
- $5,760
At $5,760 a year in-state, Potomac is among the more affordable mba programs ranked here, holding a 55.4 Hakia Score on a 33% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 55.4, #18 of 18
- 33% graduation rate
- $5,760 tuition
- Lowest in-state tuition here
Potomac is a private, for-profit institution in Washington, DC. Its MBA program ranks #18 of the 18 analyzed here with a 55.4 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 71.9 group average, in the lower third of the 18 ranked programs. The program graduates 33% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 14% to 95%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,241 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Potomac charges $5,760 a year in-state. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $5,760 at Potomac to $67,896 at Georgetown. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
What MBA Programs in DC Cost
Tuition across the 18 ranked schools runs from $5,760 to $67,896 a year. University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus anchors the low end at $5,760 a year, while Georgetown University in Washington sits at the top at $67,896. The cheapest public option among the MBA programs in DC is University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphi at $7,776; the cheapest private is University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus at $5,760.
Over the two years the credential takes, that is roughly $11,520 in tuition at University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus against about $135,792 at Georgetown University. Public figures here are the in-state resident rate, so an applicant moving to Washington DC from another state should read the out-of-state column before treating the cheap end of this list as cheap.
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 Hakia Score rather than the score itself.
Accreditation Across DC Business Schools
The MBA programs in DC lean private: 16 of the 18 ranked schools are private against 2 public, which is most of why the tuition column above spans what it does. Accreditation is what makes those 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 charging $67,896 is not thereby carrying it. Confirm it on the school's own page: University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus at $5,760 and the priciest name on this list are held to the same standard.
Why Study for an MBA in Washington DC
The 18 ranked schools sit across 7 towns, close enough that most Washington DC candidates can reach several of them. Georgetown University in Washington leads, followed by George Washington University and American University in Washington, 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.
11 of the 18 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 paid $5,760 at University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus or $67,896 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 12-fold tuition spread on this page is the reason to look hard at the cheap end before the famous end. University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus and Georgetown University in Washington 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.
Common Questions About MBA Programs in DC
What is the best MBA program in Washington DC?
By Hakia Score, Georgetown University ranks first among the 18 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 18 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 18 accredited MBA programs across Washington DC and the surrounding metro and ranked the top 18 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?
11 of the 18 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, and at $7,776 in-state, University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphi is what that proximity costs at the low end here. The honest comparison is local access against the cost of being here.
What salary can graduates expect?
The BLS reports a national median of $105,770 a year for the field. It is a national benchmark rather than a Washington DC figure or a promise from any school on this page. Its use is scale: the same median sits behind University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus at $5,760 a year and Georgetown University in Washington at $67,896, and that is the comparison worth making before committing to the second.
Our Methodology for Ranking MBA Programs in DC
Every program earns a Hakia Score from 0 to 100, built only from federal data (IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education, and BLS) and scored against its true peers: programs in the same field at the same degree level. No reputation surveys, no pay-to-play. Here is how the score is weighted:
- Outcomes44%
Graduation rate (26%) and real per-school graduate earnings (18%). Does the program get students to the finish line, and where do they land?
- Selectivity & academics38%
Admissions selectivity (24%) and the academic profile of admitted students (14%).
- Scale & value18%
Enrollment (7%), cost-to-earnings value (6%), and the number of graduates a program produces (5%).
Weights renormalize over the data each program actually reports, so a school missing a metric (many open-access colleges do not publish entrance scores or earnings) is never penalized for it. Scores are percentiles within the peer group, curved to a 0-to-100 scale. What the score does not measure: individual instructor quality, specific course content, or campus culture. Verify those directly with the program.