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UW Foster MBA Program Overview (2025)
Welcome to the UW Foster School of Business, one of the top business schools in the United States. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the MBA program and the application process. Whether you are a prospective student or just curious about the program, this article will guide you through all the essential information you need to know.
Located in Seattle, Washington, the UW Foster School of Business offers a world-class MBA program known for its rigorous curriculum and strong emphasis on real-world applications. Foster's outstanding faculty, combined with the vibrant business community of Seattle, creates an environment that nurtures innovation and fosters leadership skills.
UW Foster Business School MBA Acceptance Rate
The University of Washington Foster School of Business has an acceptance rate of approximately 42% for its MBA program. The average undergraduate GPA of admitted UW Foster MBA students is around 3.34, with an average GMAT score of approximately 700. Applicants typically have about six years of work experience prior to admission.
Please note that acceptance rates and class profiles can vary between different MBA programs at Foster, such as the Full-Time MBA, Evening MBA, Executive MBA, and Global Executive MBA. For instance, the Evening MBA program reports an average undergraduate GPA of 3.4 and an average GMAT score of 638.
These statistics indicate that while Foster's MBA programs are selective, they also value a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds among their applicants.
Read: UW Foster MBA Acceptance Rates
UW Foster Class Profile (2025)
- Location: Seattle, Washington
- Class Size: 111 students
- Average Age: 29 years
- Age Range (Middle 80%): 26 – 33 years
- Average Work Experience: 6 years
GMAT Scores:
- Median: 710
- Middle 80% Range: 660 – 740
GRE Scores:
- Median Quantitative: 164
- Middle 80% Quantitative Range: 155 – 170
- Median Verbal: 158
- Middle 80% Verbal Range: 155 – 163
Average GPA: 3.3
Gender Distribution:
- Women: 47%
- Men: 53%
International Students: 56%
- U.S. Students of Color: 53%
- U.S. Underrepresented Students of Color: 24%
- First-Generation College Students: 19%
- LGBTQ+: 9%
- U.S. Military: 18%
Geographic Distribution:
- Washington State Residents: 21%
- Other U.S. State Residents: 23%
Undergraduate Majors:
- Engineering: 34%
- Business: 22%
- Economics: 11%
- Mathematics and Computer Sciences: 10%
- Art and Humanities: 5%
- Biological and Agricultural Sciences: 5%
- Social and Behavioral Sciences: 5%
- Health and Medical Sciences: 4%
- Other Fields: 4%
UW Foster MBA Cost — Tuition & Fees
Full-Time MBA Program (2024-2025 Academic Year):
- Washington State Residents:
- Quarterly Tuition: $13,352
- Quarterly Fees: $368
- Total Tuition & Fees per Academic Year (3 Quarters): $41,160
- Total Program Cost (2 Years): $82,320
- Non-Residents:
- Quarterly Tuition: $18,909
- Quarterly Fees: $368
- Total Tuition & Fees per Academic Year (3 Quarters): $57,831
- Total Program Cost (2 Years): $115,662
Please note that these figures exclude additional estimated expenses such as room and board, books, transportation, personal expenses, and health insurance.
Evening MBA Program (2024-2025 Academic Year):
- Tuition per Credit: $1,242
- Quarterly Fees: $368
- Total Program Cost (76 Credits): Approximately $97,704
The Evening MBA program is fee-based, meaning all students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency status.
- Technology Management MBA (TMMBA) Program: $97,025
- Executive MBA Program: $134,106
- Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) Program: $126,000
- Hybrid MBA Program: $96,000
Please note that tuition and fees are subject to change and may vary based on the year of admission and other factors.
UW Foster Employment Report
| Industry | Percentage | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Consulting | 33% | $168,417 |
| Technology | 47% | $144,328 |
| Manufacturing | 5% | $131,788 |
| Retail | 5% | $129,333 |
| Financial Services | 5% | $147,500 |
| Other* | 10% | $143,214 |
The 'Other' category includes sectors such as Energy, Healthcare, Media, and Real Estate.
| Function | Percentage | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Consulting | 30% | $169,442 |
| Finance/Accounting | 22% | $133,603 |
| General Management | 10% | $146,559 |
| Marketing/Sales | 23% | $157,117 |
| Operations/Logistics | 12% | $130,900 |
| Other | 3% | $150,700 |
Major Employers:
Graduates have secured positions at leading firms across various industries. Notable employers include:
- Consulting: Accenture, Bain & Company, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, McKinsey & Company, PwC.
- Technology: Adobe, Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, T-Mobile.
- Financial Services: BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo.
- Manufacturing: Blue Origin, Dell, Nike.
- Retail: Starbucks, Walmart.
UW Foster MBA Application Overview
UW Foster MBA Programs & Degrees
- Traditional, Full-Time MBA - An immersive 20-month program designed for professionals aiming to accelerate their careers or pivot industries. It offers a rigorous curriculum complemented by experiential learning opportunities.
- Evening MBA - A three-year, part-time program structured for working professionals. Classes are held two evenings per week, allowing students to balance work and study effectively.
- Hybrid MBA - A 21-month program combining 95% online coursework with quarterly in-person sessions. Ideal for professionals seeking flexibility without compromising on-campus engagement.
- Technology Management MBA (TMMBA) - An 18-month program focusing on the intersection of business administration and technology. Designed for professionals aiming to lead in tech-driven industries.
- Executive MBA (EMBA) - A two-year program tailored for mid to senior-level managers. It emphasizes strategic leadership and advanced management skills, with classes held weekly or monthly.
- Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) - A program designed for experienced professionals seeking a global perspective on business leadership. It offers immersive experiences in international business markets.
- Deferred MBA - Allows college seniors to secure a place in the MBA program before gaining the required work experience. Students can pursue their passions immediately after undergraduate studies, knowing they have a spot reserved at Foster's MBA program.
- Joint Degrees - Foster offers several joint degree options, enabling students to combine their MBA with another graduate degree:
- MBA + Master of Public Administration - Integrates business management with public sector leadership.
- MBA + Master of Health Administration - Combines business acumen with healthcare management expertise.
- MBA + Juris Doctor (JD) - Merges legal studies with advanced business education.
- MBA + Master of Science in Information Systems - Blends sales and marketing strategy with information technology proficiency.
UW Foster MBA Deadlines
| Application Round | Application Deadline | Decision Notification Date |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | October 1, 2024 | December 20, 2024 |
| Round 2 | January 7, 2025 | March 28, 2025 |
| Round 3 | March 12, 2025 | May 15, 2025 |
Note: International applicants are encouraged to apply by Round 2 to ensure sufficient time for visa processing. For comprehensive details and updates, please refer to the UW Foster MBA Application Deadlines page.
UW Foster MBA Requirements
Application Checklist:
- GMAT/GRE Score - UW Foster accepts both GMAT and GRE scores. The highest overall score will be considered if taken multiple times. Test-optional applicants must complete the Test Optional Summary of Qualifications form.
- Transcripts - Must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
- Essays - Two required essays, one optional essay, and an optional Diversity, Equity & Inclusion essay.
- Letters of Recommendation - Two letters from individuals familiar with your work and academic abilities.
- Resume - A professional resume detailing your career experience, achievements, and academic background.
- Video Interview - Applicants receive video interview instructions 1–3 business days after the application deadline.
- Application Fee - $90 non-refundable application fee.
- UW Foster MBA Essays:
Prompts:
- Essay #1 - Tell us your ideas about what lies ahead in your career. What are the gaps or deficiencies currently preventing you from pursuing these potential career paths? How do you plan to use your time in the Foster MBA program to fill these gaps and advance your career? (750 words)
- Essay #2 - Resilience is one of the most important values of a successful Foster student. Tell us about what resilience means to you and share some of the ways that you have demonstrated resilience in overcoming personal or professional challenges. How do you anticipate showing resilience during your time as an MBA candidate? (500 words)
- Optional Essay - Include this essay if you have additional information you believe would be helpful to the admissions committee in considering your application. (500 words)
- Optional Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Essay - At the Foster School of Business, we embrace diversity as one of the foundations of both successful business strategy and a world-class educational experience. We share the University’s dedication to promoting the understanding and appreciation of human differences and the constructive expression of ideas. We welcome you to share some of the ways you have practiced inclusion, promoted equity, or supported the advancement of underrepresented groups. (500 words)
Learn more here: UW Foster MBA Essays Guide: Overview, Tips & Examples
- UW Foster MBA Interview - selected applicants will be invited for an interview as part of the application process. All applicants are required to submit a video interview. You will receive an email with instructions on recording the video interview 1-3 business days after the application deadline. Once you receive the invitation via email, you will have about one week to complete the video interview. The email instructions will specify the submission deadline.
It is important to prepare for the interview by researching the Foster School and thinking about how your experiences align with its values and goals. Practice answering common interview questions and be ready to articulate why you are a strong candidate for their program.
Read: How to Nail Your UW Foster MBA Interview: Overview, Questions, & Tips
- UW Foster MBA Letters of Recommendation - In addition to the essays, you will also need to secure two letters of recommendation. These letters should come from individuals who are familiar with your work experience and academic abilities. It is important to choose recommenders who can speak to your strengths and provide valuable insights into your qualifications for the program. Make sure to give your recommenders enough time to write the letters and provide them with any necessary information to support your application.
Learn more here: How to Get the Perfect MBA Recommendation Letter—With Examples. Also, click here for our free Leland Recommender Prep Template.
Stanford MBA Curriculum & Class Structure
The UW Business School offers a comprehensive MBA program designed to develop leadership skills and business acumen. The curriculum is structured over two years, each focusing on different aspects of business education.
Year 1
In the first year, students engage in core courses that cover fundamental business disciplines. These courses are designed to provide a solid foundation in areas such as leadership development, managerial finance, competitive and corporate strategy, and operations and supply chain management. This foundational knowledge equips students with the analytical tools necessary for effective decision-making in complex business environments.
Year 2
The second year allows students to tailor their educational experience to align with their career aspirations. Students complete courses in ethical leadership, decision-making, and analysis of global business economic conditions. Additionally, a wide range of elective courses is available, enabling students to specialize in areas of interest and gain deeper insights into specific industries or functions.
How to Get Into UW Foster
The Foster School of Business has a competitive admissions process, so a strong application requires strategic planning. Here are three key areas to focus on to enhance your chances of acceptance.
Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Admissions committees look for candidates who have taken initiative, influenced outcomes, and inspired others. Highlight moments when you’ve led teams, spearheaded projects, or navigated challenges with resilience. Whether it’s managing a complex work initiative, leading a nonprofit effort, or driving meaningful change within your organization, emphasize the impact you’ve made. Foster values students who are proactive problem-solvers with a track record of leadership.
Showcase Academic Excellence
A strong academic background demonstrates your ability to handle Foster’s rigorous curriculum. While there is no minimum required GPA or standardized test score, competitive applicants typically have a strong record of undergraduate and graduate programs. If your GPA is lower than ideal, a high GMAT or GRE score can help offset concerns. Additionally, taking quantitative courses or certifications before applying can strengthen your academic profile.
Articulate Clear Career Goals
Foster values applicants who have a well-defined vision for their future. Clearly outline your short-term and long-term career goals and explain how the MBA program will bridge the gap between your current experience and your aspirations. Connect specific Foster resources—such as its strong ties to the Seattle business community, leadership development programs, or specialized tracks—to your ambitions. A focused and compelling career narrative can set you apart from other applicants.
UW Foster Notable Alumni & Faculty
Alumni
- Donald Bren: Chairman of the Irvine Company, a real estate investment company.
- Bill Ayer: Former CEO of Alaska Airlines.
- Peter Adkison: Founder and former CEO of Wizards of the Coast, known for games like Magic: The Gathering.
Faculty
- Charles M.C. Lee: Kermit O. Hanson Professor of Accounting, recognized for his research in behavioral finance and market microstructure.
- William D. Bradford: Professor Emeritus of Finance and former Dean, known for his work in minority business development and finance.
- Zoe-Vonna Palmrose: Professor of Accounting, esteemed for her extensive research on financial reporting and auditing.
Get Into UW Foster With the Help of Experts
Applying to the UW Foster School of Business is a competitive process, and having expert guidance can make all the difference. An experienced MBA admissions coach can help you refine your story, strengthen your essays, and position yourself as the best possible candidate. Whether you're looking for feedback on your resume, tips for acing the video interview, or help crafting a compelling personal narrative, working with a consultant can give you a major advantage.
Here are three highly-rated MBA admissions consultants who specialize in UW Foster applications. You can browse all here:
- Jesse L. — Jesse has helped dozens of applicants successfully get into top MBA programs, including Foster. With a strategic approach, he’ll help you highlight your leadership experience and career goals in a way that resonates with the admissions committee.
- Lucas S. — Lucas specializes in helping candidates craft compelling, authentic essays that set them apart. If you're struggling to tell your story in a way that feels both personal and impactful, he can help you refine your message and stand out.
- Aaron H. — Aaron has extensive experience in MBA admissions and knows what works (and what doesn’t). Whether you need help structuring your application strategy or nailing your interview, Aaron provides personalized coaching to give you the best shot at admission.
UW Foster FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the UW Foster School of Business:
How long does the application process take?
- The application process typically takes a few months from submission to final decision.
What is the acceptance rate for the UW Foster MBA program?
- The acceptance rate varies from year to year, but on average, it is around 25%.
Is work experience required to apply?
- While work experience is not mandatory, most successful applicants have at least two to five years of professional experience.
What is the time commitment for the Hybrid MBA program?
- Students typically dedicate between 20-30 hours per week to coursework.
How much does the Hybrid MBA program cost, and what does the fee include?
- The program fee is structured to cover more than just tuition; it includes textbooks, access to case studies, video lectures, and catering during on-campus sessions.
Are there flexible payment options for the Executive Development Program (EDP)?
- Yes, the EDP offers various payment plans, including options to pay in two, three, or eight installments, accommodating different financial situations.
Can I visit a class or speak with current students before applying?
- Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit classes and interact with current students and faculty to gain insights into the program.
What is the application process for the Executive Development Program?
- Applicants need to submit an online application, including a resume, a personal statement, and a description of their current managerial experience.
What are the class timings for the Evening MBA program?
- Core classes for first and second-year students are held from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm, with a 10-minute break between sessions.
Are there opportunities to serve in MBA Association (MBAA) leadership roles?
- Yes, elections are held during the winter quarter, and first and second-year evening students can apply for leadership positions in the MBAA.
What is the Consulting and Business Development Center at UW Foster?
- The Consulting and Business Development Center (CBDC) connects students with diverse businesses and nonprofits, providing hands-on consulting experience while supporting minority-owned and underserved businesses. Established in 1995, it focuses on business growth, job creation, and community impact.
