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By University HQ Staff Writers
Edited by Evelyn Keener
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University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights the best programs for an MBA in Washington D.C.

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What Can You Do With an MBA in District of Columbia

Whether you are just starting out, or are a mid-career professional seeking advancement to a higher level, Washington DC has the right college, university, or business schools in the non-profit, private, or public sector that will help prepare you for a brighter future.

You can choose from a full-time MBA, part-time MBA, or various classes (online, on-campus, or a little of both) and have the flexibility to get your Master of Business Administration (MBA) in as little as fifteen months. An MBA program helps prepare you for an esteemed career in business, non-profit, or government associations while enhancing your critical thinking capacity and developing your ability to lead a team and business to success. Your ongoing education can also help you get a higher-ranking position, such as an executive manager or CEO.

Having an MBA can provide you with the power of leadership in various business fields with expansive earning potential and an opportunity to enhance your knowledge and go even further. Moreover, you will have a world of opportunity right in your own backyard, with access to renowned non-profits, multi-national organizations, and prominent government agencies in the Washington DC area. Or, if you want to attend one of these prestigious schools from elsewhere in the country, there are virtual, weekend, and evening class options providing accessibility for working professionals and current students alike.

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Top 5 Best MBA Programs in District of Columbia

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1

Georgetown University

Score: 87.67

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $58,848
    • Out-of-State:$58,848
  • Net Price: $35,566
  • Acceptance Rate: 12%
  • Retention Rate: 97%
  • Graduation Rate: 96%
  • Total Enrollment: 20,984
  • Undergrad Students: 7,900
  • Graduate Students: 13,084
  • Grads Salary: $87,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Georgetown University
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2

Howard University

Score: 77.77

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $37,334
    • Out-of-State:$37,334
  • Net Price: $28,279
  • Acceptance Rate: 53%
  • Retention Rate: 88%
  • Graduation Rate: 70%
  • Total Enrollment: 12,886
  • Undergrad Students: 9,809
  • Graduate Students: 3,077
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Howard University
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3

George Washington University

Score: 77.26

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $35,100
    • Out-of-State:$35,100
  • Net Price: $42,723
  • Acceptance Rate: 49%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 85%
  • Total Enrollment: 25,939
  • Undergrad Students: 11,482
  • Graduate Students: 14,457
  • Grads Salary: $85,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • George Washington University
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4

American University

Score: 72.45

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $32,224
    • Out-of-State:$32,224
  • Net Price: $41,369
  • Acceptance Rate: 41%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 79%
  • Total Enrollment: 13,885
  • Undergrad Students: 7,917
  • Graduate Students: 5,968
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • American University
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5

Trinity Washington University

Score: 71.51

  • Graduate Tuition
    • In-State: $15,390
    • Out-of-State:$15,390
  • Net Price: $13,586
  • Acceptance Rate: 97%
  • Retention Rate: 69%
  • Graduation Rate: 38%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,895
  • Undergrad Students: 1,561
  • Graduate Students: 334
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Trinity Washington University

Why Consider an Online MBA?

The city of Washington, D.C. — our nation’s capital — is full of opportunity and continues to grow at a rapid pace. It’s no wonder that the District of Columbia is known for its quality education and is found to be very appealing to college students every year. Not only is this community home to over twenty public and private colleges and universities, but it also offers some of the oldest schools in the country, including Georgetown University, which was founded in 1789 and is the oldest institution for higher education in D.C. and the oldest Catholic university in the US.

Despite the high cost of living, one of the things that makes Washington, DC a great source for education is that they offer a wide array of options to earn your MBA, whether you are interested in learning through services provided online or you prefer to meet with faculty and classmates face-to-face. Either way, you will find the same content, support, and ability to network, even if you skip campus life and apply for a distance learning program.

Many students search for online MBA programs because they are typically more flexible, so you can still work full-time while taking classes in your spare time. In addition, online courses may end up being less expensive than programs that center around on-campus academics since you won’t have to pay for transportation, textbooks, room and board, or other traditional expenses, and you can earn your MBA in anywhere from 15 months to 3 years depending on the college or university you select.

Percentage of Students Enrolled By Distance Education

Typical MBA Concentrations

Students can concentrate in certain areas of business by taking specialized classes along with their regular MBA courses. Alumni from these courses are more easily able to enter positions as leaders or high-level partners within the business world because of the focused experiential learning they gain. There are many different concentrations to choose from. The following are just a few of the many concentrations available.

  • Finance
    Those who choose to study finance as their concentration may select a career in governance, corporate finance, risk management, or general management. They will often be required to report to the highest levels of management within a company so that all decisions can be made from a well-rounded view with all possible info.
  • Consulting
    The demand for advisors and consultants is continuously growing. This concentration combines courses from management to analytics. Students will learn strategic values while expanding their experience for prospective employers.
  • Marketing
    This concentration is for students who want to advance in account management, advertising, market research, media planning, sales promotions, brand management, and more. Coursework includes consumer behaviors and needs while focusing on product and service development. You may also learn the science of leveraging social media marketing on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
  • Business Analytics
    In today’s world, businesses prefer to make data-driven decisions. Business analytics focuses on data-heavy problem-solving techniques. By choosing this concentration, students will use contemporary skills to gain valuable insight into data manipulation and decision-making solutions in a business environment.
  • Cybersecurity
    Cybersecurity has emerged rapidly as the need to secure data continues to grow for small and large businesses. Students who choose to concentrate on cybersecurity will emphasize methods and strategies to prevent, detect, prepare for, and respond to cyber-attacks.

Accreditation in the District of Columbia

State accreditation in the District of Columbia assures the public that the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), has examined schools, programs, teachers, and staff for quality and determined that state standards have been met. Hence, the goal of OSSE’s approval system and accreditation in the District of Columbia is to ensure that all teachers, service providers, and administrative staff are of high standards and excellent quality in utilizing numerous routes in education preparation.

Other accreditation agencies you may need to be familiar with are the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Schools request this accreditation and then must meet the terms and requirements to be provided it.

Career and Job Outlook for MBA Graduates

Washington, D.C. is best known for all things political. It is a city with a population of 4.8 million people and an average household income of $93,200, where 48% of its residents hold a college degree.

The District of Columbia s home to many establishments and major corporations, including 1,000 internationally-owned businesses, 400 international organizations, and over 100 academic institutions that operate degree programs that attract and educate students from all over. Of the rankings of all the metropolitan areas in the U.S., Washington DC has the highest college graduate percentage.

The region is also home to fifteen Fortune 500 companies that represent multiple financial corporations like Fannie Mae, the World Bank, and Capitol One; internationally renowned hospitality industries such as Marriott and Hilton; technology associations that include Blackboard, CoStar, and The Advisory Board; as well as Lockheed Martin, Computer Sciences Corporation, and General Dynamics engineering giants.

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Washington, DC is considered a hub for global policy-makers, thought leadership, and critical international conversations about global politics, economy, peace, and the environment. The great city of Washington, DC is the headquarters for 176 foreign embassies, as well as all three of the US federal branches of government. In fact, the largest organization that hires the most employees in the region is the federal government, with the public-school system trailing right behind and coming in at number two. Thus, there are other large corporations in the area who also hire numerous employees to work at their offices in the District of Columbia, such as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank, just to name a few in addition to the following.

Careers & Salary for District of Columbia MBA Grads

  • Accounting - $61,692 annual salary:
    Students who take up accounting get a comprehensive education in taxation, management, consulting, corporate accounting, and auditing governmental and non-profit organizations.

    Some career opportunities along with annual salary include:

    • Consulting - $68,848
    • Corporate Accounting - $56,844
    • Asset Management - $69,250
    • Public Accounting - $57,754
    • Financial Analyst - $61,250
    • Investment Banking - $81,250

  • Business Economics/Public Policy - $68,640 annual salary:
    Concentrations are offered by the Department of Business Economics and Public Policy in public policy analysis areas and economic consulting.

    Some career opportunities and annual salary include:

    • Financial Analyst - $68,667
    • Consulting - $70,759

  • Entrepreneurship/Corporate Innovation - $62,288 annual salary:
    The entrepreneurship program includes comprehensive courses in consulting, international business, leadership, organizational theory, strategic management, human resource management, organizational behavior, and entrepreneurship. The undergraduate curriculum prepares students for managerial positions while providing specialized training in management, international studies, and entrepreneurship.

    Some career opportunities and annual salary include:

    • Finance/Banking - $75,400
    • Sales - $59,875
    • Financial Analyst - $56,167

  • Finance (including Real Estate) - $65,328 annual salary:
    One of the most critical functions of a business is finance. There is an abundance of opportunities in the finance industry and two concentration tracks to choose from; Real Estate and Finance.

    Some career opportunities and annual salary include:

    • Investment Banking - $84,528
    • Commercial Banking - $57,333
    • Sales and Trading - $60,270
    • Asset Management - $65,211
    • Corporate Finance - $60,392
    • Real Estate - $62,865
    • Consulting - $68,296
    • Financial Analyst - $60,967

  • Information Systems - $66,764 annual salary:
    This major is designed with a focus on processing and IT issues in operations, and managing intricate national firms utilizing specialized business process models.

    Some career opportunities and annual salary include:

    • Information Technology - $66,027
    • Consulting/IT - $67,313

  • Management - $59,166 annual salary:
    Students who take the management specialization study organizational behavior, international business, business policy, organizational management, entrepreneurship, and human resources management. Undergraduate students are trained in specialized global studies, management, and entrepreneurship while being prepared for management positions.

    Some career choices include:

    • Consulting - $73,100
    • Management - $59,357

How to Choose & FAQ's

Getting your MBA in the District of Columbia is a very good choice, since Washington not only cares about its educational programs but also about the teachers and school staff involved with their school systems. Still, there are a few things you should be aware of before choosing just any college or university to attend.

  • Get Estimates on Tuition Costs and Living Expenses (if you decide to live on Campus)
    It happens too many times to too many good people; they get a tuition price and then anywhere from a few months to a few years later are hit with more fees. This is why it is important to get all fees upfront, so you won’t be hit with surprises later. Write your questions down and get answers to each one. Ask questions like, “Does that include room and board for the full term?”, and “Will that cover all my textbooks throughout my courses?” You would be surprised how many hidden fees you will unveil just by asking directly.
  • The Importance of Attending an Accredited Institute
    One of the biggest mistakes you can make in your career is attending a school with no accreditation. With all the hype about colleges being accredited, you have to wonder why certain schools are not. There must be a reason why they cannot be accredited or they would be. Furthermore, you will not be able to get any financial assistance from the government at a school that is not accredited and most employers won’t even consider hiring someone who got their degree from a college or university without accreditation.
  • Check Reviews and Visit Schools
    Of course, by visiting a school’s website you will read nothing but good things about it, whether the school is good or bad. Therefore, if you want to know the truth about a college or university, it’s always best to check the opinions of outside sources. Many students share their views and experiences publicly on review boards and message forums, which you can check out online. Also, attend events that allow you to visit schools to make sure you know what you are getting into before signing up. Although a school may look great in a photo, there’s no telling when that photo was actually taken, a lot can change over time.
  • Do they have the Right Programs to Fit Your Career?
    Never take it for granted that all schools have what you are looking for since every school has its own unique programs and courses. You should always visit a school counselor to get all the facts about the courses they teach. If you are not exactly sure what courses are required for your career choice, you can also ask a school aid. They are there for your benefit. There is also an abundance of information online about careers and the main courses needed to attain certain degrees.
  • Find out about Partnership Programs
    Many MBA programs include internship programs that can help you practice your craft while earning your degree. Some may also offer hands-on training or a part-time job that you can do while attending college so that, by the time you graduate, you will already have experience in the field. Moreover, most partnership programs will already have a good job all set up for you when you get your degree. To find out whom they collaborate with, check with the school.

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