University of Washington – Foster School of Business
Overview
The University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, located in Seattle, is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the country. Known for its strong ties to the region’s leading industries, including technology, healthcare, and aerospace, Foster offers an MBA program that emphasizes leadership, innovation, and global business strategies. The program is available in multiple formats: full-time, evening, and executive, providing flexibility for professionals at different stages of their careers. Foster’s MBA curriculum is heavily focused on experiential learning, with opportunities for students to participate in consulting projects, internships, and global study tours. The school’s location in Seattle provides excellent access to top companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks, and the tight-knit alumni network helps facilitate job placements and career growth.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #23
- Number of Students: ~125 (Full-time MBA class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 37%
- Average GMAT Score: 695
- Top Hiring Companies: Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, Starbucks, Deloitte, PwC
- Average Starting Salary: $135,000
Notable Alumni
- Satya Nadella: CEO of Microsoft
- Jeffrey Brotman: Co-founder of Costco
- Lindsey Wasson: COO of Space Needle LLC
- Hope Cochran: Former CFO of King Digital Entertainment
Seattle University – Albers School of Business and Economics
Overview
Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics offers a highly regarded MBA program with a focus on ethical leadership and social responsibility. Located in the heart of Seattle, Albers has strong connections to the local business community and provides students with excellent networking opportunities. The program offers a variety of MBA formats, including a full-time, part-time, and executive MBA, catering to the diverse needs of working professionals and traditional students. Albers’ curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, consulting projects, and case competitions. Students have the opportunity to work closely with Seattle’s leading industries in technology, finance, and healthcare, making Albers an ideal choice for those seeking to advance their careers in these sectors.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: #81
- Number of Students: ~150 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Average GMAT Score: 620 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
- Top Hiring Companies: Amazon, Microsoft, T-Mobile, Providence Health, Boeing, REI
- Average Starting Salary: $100,000
Notable Alumni
- Jim Sinegal: Co-founder of Costco
- Jean Bartel: Senior VP at Starbucks
- Gary Locke: Former Governor of Washington and U.S. Ambassador to China
- Jim Donald: Former CEO of Starbucks
Washington State University – Carson College of Business
Overview
Washington State University’s Carson College of Business offers an online MBA program that is highly ranked for its flexibility and affordability. Designed for working professionals, the program allows students to continue their careers while completing their MBA at their own pace. The WSU MBA curriculum focuses on leadership development, business analytics, and global business strategies. The online format provides students with access to a diverse network of peers and faculty from around the world. Carson College has strong ties to industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology, providing students with numerous opportunities for internships and career advancement in these fields.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked (Online MBA highly ranked)
- Number of Students: ~300 (Class size for online MBA)
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Average GMAT Score: GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals
- Top Hiring Companies: Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, Starbucks, Weyerhaeuser
- Average Starting Salary: $90,000
Notable Alumni
- Paul Allen: Co-founder of Microsoft
- Edward R. Murrow: Renowned Journalist
- John Olerud: Former MLB player
- Gary Pruitt: CEO of Associated Press
Gonzaga University – School of Business Administration
Overview
Gonzaga University’s School of Business Administration, located in Spokane, offers a well-respected MBA program that emphasizes leadership, ethics, and global business. The program is designed for both full-time students and working professionals, offering evening classes and part-time options to accommodate busy schedules. Gonzaga’s MBA curriculum focuses on building leadership and strategic decision-making skills, with concentrations in areas such as finance, marketing, and project management. The program’s small class sizes allow for close interaction between students and faculty, creating a personalized learning experience. Gonzaga’s strong alumni network in the Pacific Northwest provides students with excellent career opportunities, particularly in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and education.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~50 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Average GMAT Score: 610 (GMAT waivers available)
- Top Hiring Companies: Providence Health, Avista, Microsoft, Boeing, Washington Trust Bank
- Average Starting Salary: $85,000
Notable Alumni
- Tom Foley: Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
- Tim Egan: Pulitzer Prize-winning Author and Journalist
- Frank Burgess: Former Professional Basketball Player
- Shannon Turner: COO of Providence Health
Pacific Lutheran University – School of Business
Overview
Pacific Lutheran University’s (PLU) School of Business offers a flexible MBA program that focuses on leadership, innovation, and global business practices. Located in Tacoma, PLU’s MBA program is designed for working professionals who are looking to advance their careers while balancing other commitments. The program is available in both full-time and part-time formats, with evening and weekend classes offered to accommodate students’ schedules. PLU’s MBA curriculum emphasizes ethical leadership, strategic decision-making, and global business, with a focus on hands-on learning through internships and consulting projects. The program’s small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty create a supportive learning environment.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~40 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Average GMAT Score: 600 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
- Top Hiring Companies: Boeing, Amazon, MultiCare Health System, State Farm, Costco
- Average Starting Salary: $80,000
Notable Alumni
- Tim Butler: VP of Finance at MultiCare Health System
- Daryl Hofmann: Director of Operations at Boeing
- Christopher Bramlage: Director of Global Marketing at Microsoft
- Dawnelle Anderson: CEO of Rainier Health Network
Western Washington University – College of Business and Economics
Overview
Western Washington University’s College of Business and Economics, located in Bellingham, offers an MBA program with a strong emphasis on leadership, innovation, and sustainability. The program is designed for both recent graduates and working professionals seeking to advance their careers in business management. Western’s MBA program provides a comprehensive foundation in core business areas such as finance, marketing, and operations, with the opportunity to specialize in fields such as business analytics, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. The small class sizes and close-knit community at Western create a collaborative learning environment that prepares students for leadership roles in a variety of industries, particularly in technology, manufacturing, and energy.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~60 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Average GMAT Score: 580 (GMAT waivers available)
- Top Hiring Companies: Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, Alaska Airlines, REI
- Average Starting Salary: $85,000
Notable Alumni
- Craig Bartlett: Creator of “Hey Arnold!”
- James Goldston: Former ABC News President
- Patrick Duffy: Actor on “Dallas”
- Frank Kendall III: U.S. Under Secretary of Defense
Eastern Washington University – College of Business
Overview
Eastern Washington University’s College of Business, located in Cheney, offers an MBA program that provides students with a strong foundation in business management and leadership. The program is available in both full-time and part-time formats, allowing students to customize their learning experience based on their career needs. EWU’s MBA curriculum emphasizes leadership, data-driven decision-making, and ethical business practices. The program is known for its affordability and flexibility, making it a great option for working professionals. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized instruction, ensuring that they receive individual attention from faculty.
Program Details
- Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: ~40 (Class size)
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Average GMAT Score: 550 (GMAT waivers available)
- Top Hiring Companies: Avista, Providence Health, Boeing, Amazon, Microsoft
- Average Starting Salary: $75,000
Notable Alumni
- Michael Roos: Former NFL Player
- Paul Redmond: Former CEO of Avista
- Shelly O’Quinn: CEO of Innovia Foundation
- Earl Boyles: Founder of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Spokane County