UW Foster MBA

A Diverse, Experienced, and Collaborative MBA Cohort

Foster is known for its competitive admissions standards and carefully selected cohort. With an average of six years of professional experience and nearly half the class being international, the environment fosters deep learning and global perspective.

Class Profile Highlights (MBA Class of 2025)

• Class Size: 118 enrolled students
• Average Age: 28 years (mid‑80% range: 24–34)
• Average Work Experience: 6 years (mid‑80% range: 3–8 years)
• Gender Composition: Women 32%, Men 66%, Non‑binary/Prefer not to say 2%
• U.S. Students of Color: 59%; Underrepresented Students of Color: 37%
• First‑Generation College Students: 16%; U.S. Military Affiliates: 29%
• Residency: Washington state residents 19%; Other U.S. residents 35%; International students 46%
• Academics & Background
  • Average Undergraduate GPA: 3.4
  • Average GMAT: 700 (mid‑80% range: 665–730); GMAT Focus Edition average: 675 (range: 595–755)
  • GRE Scores: Quant 160 (153–167), Verbal 159 (154–163)
  • Advanced Degrees: 13% hold an additional degree
  • Top Undergraduate Majors:
    • Engineering (28%)
    • Business (19%)
    • Computer Science & Math (13%)
    • Social & Behavioral Sciences (11%)
    • Economics (10%)
    • Arts & Humanities (7%)
    • Other Fields (6%)
• Program Details
  • Average First‑Year Core Class Size: 59 students
  • Average Second‑Year Electives Class Size: 28 students
  • Credits Required to Graduate: 88
• Employment & Salary (Class of 2023)
  • Offers Accepted Within 3 Months: 89%
  • Offers Accepted at Graduation: 75%
  • Average Base Salary: $151,116; Median: $145,000; Mid‑80% Range: $130,000–$175,000
  • Signing Bonus Recipients: 72%; Average Bonus: $35,774

The Foster Full‑Time MBA is a top‑ranked, rigorous two‑year business program focused on leadership, strategy, and experiential learning in Seattle’s innovation ecosystem.

• Program Duration: 2 Years (Full‑Time MBA)
• Tuition & Fees (2025‑26 rates):
  • Washington State Residents: $84,810 total program cost
  • Non‑Residents / International: $119,148 total program cost
• Estimated Cost of Attendance (Per Year, non‑resident estimates):
  • Room & Board: ~$29,668
  • Books: ~$1,100
  • Transportation: ~$2,108
  • Personal Expenses: ~$3,344
  • Health Insurance: ~$3,600
  • One‑time MBA Association & Club Dues: ~$650 total

Graduates of the UW Foster Full-Time MBA program consistently achieve outstanding career outcomes, making it one of the top MBA programs in the U.S. for job placement and return on investment.

• Average Post-MBA Salary: $151,116 (~₹1.25 crore), among the highest for MBA graduates in the U.S.
• Job Offer Rate (3 months post-graduation): 89%
• Top Hiring Sectors:
  • Consulting – 32%
  • Marketing & Sales – 36%
  • Operations & Logistics – 14%
  • Finance & Accounting – 10%
  • General Management – 6%
  • Other – 2%
• Top Hiring Regions:
  • Technology – 47%
  • Consulting – 33%
  • Other – 20%
• Top Recruiters: Amazon, Bain & Company, Deloitte, EY Parthenon, Kearney, McKinsey & Company, Microsoft, PwC, Starbucks, The Boston Consulting Group, T-Mobile USA, Wells Fargo, ZS Associates
• Alumni Network: 93,000+ Foster alumni worldwide, offering access to a powerful global network

The Foster Full-Time MBA Program offers one intake per year, beginning each fall. Applicants may apply to any of the below deadlines; however, only one application per academic year is permitted.

Autumn 2026 Intake (Entry: September 2026)

• Round 1
  • Application Deadline: October 1, 2025 (11:59 PM PDT)
• Round 2
  • Application Deadline: January 6, 2026 (11:59 PM PDT)
• Round 3
  • Application Deadline: March 24, 2026 (11:59 PM PDT)

Prepare a comprehensive application packet that demonstrates your academic ability, leadership potential, and professional vision. All materials must be submitted online by your chosen deadline.

Requirements

• Application Form
  Complete the online application through the UW Graduate School portal.
• Resume / Curriculum Vitae
  Submit a current, concise professional resume (1–2 pages) highlighting your career progression, leadership experience, and impact.
• Transcripts
  Provide official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Test Scores
  Submit GMAT or GRE scores (optional waivers may be available). Foster evaluates candidates holistically beyond test scores.
• Letters of Recommendation
  Two professional letters of recommendation are required, preferably from supervisors or colleagues who can speak to your leadership, teamwork, and professional achievements.
• Essays
  1. Essay 1 – Post-MBA Plans (750 words max)
     Describe your career goals after earning your MBA. Identify gaps or skills you need to develop and explain how the Foster MBA program will help you bridge those gaps and advance your career. Include how you plan to contribute to the Foster community through clubs or events.
  2. Essay 2 – Foster Mission Statement (500 words max)
     The Foster mission states: "TOGETHER – WE FOSTER LEADERS, WE FOSTER INSIGHTS, WE FOSTER PROGRESS – TO BETTER HUMANITY." Select one part of this mission statement and explain how it resonates with you personally or professionally. Use examples to illustrate your impact and growth.
  3. Essay 3 – Optional (500 words max)
     Use this optional essay to provide additional context that may help the admissions committee understand your application better, such as gaps in employment or other unique circumstances.
  4. Essay 4 – Optional (500 words max)
     Discuss how you have practiced inclusion and promoted belonging, highlighting at least two examples where you actively contributed to fostering an inclusive environment. Use the STAR method (Situation, Action, Outcome) to structure your response.
• Interview
  By invitation only. Conducted virtually or on-campus by admissions staff or alumni. Interviews assess leadership potential, motivation, and program fit.
• Application Fee
  $100 (non-refundable); the application will be reviewed only after payment.
• Additional Documents (Optional)
  Certifications, awards, or other supporting materials may be submitted to enhance your application.