Hybrid MBA Program Ranked #2 Best Online MBA by Poets & Quants

Foster’s Hybrid MBA program ranks as the best academic experience in the country

The UW Foster School of Business Hybrid MBA program received stellar marks in the Poets & Quants Best Online MBA Programs For 2024. The program, which combines 95% online learning with in-person elements, jumped up six spots to second overall nationwide based on strong outcomes on admission standards, academic experience and career outcomes. This is Foster’s best ever result in these rankings, with a total score of 94.53 out of a possible 100.

Poets & Quants, a leading source for collegiate rankings, reports that rise in rankings is attributed primarily to the program having the best academic experience in the nation, which the site determines by surveying online MBA program alumni. According to Poets & Quants, Foster alumni gave the school the highest rating in nine of 14 categories, ranging from quality of professors to applying lessons directly to their jobs.

“We are delighted that the program’s excellence is being recognized nationally,” says Dean Frank Hodge. “The Hybrid MBA Program embodies our purpose to better humanity through business and reflects our strategy to deliver a world-class education that meets the needs of our students, whether that be in-person or online. I couldn’t be more proud of the Hybrid MBA team.”

“This is remarkable,” says Hybrid MBA Director Jodey Farwell. “We take great pride in delivering an academic experience that builds community among our students. This demonstrates the effectiveness of our hybrid model in forging those bonds in a program available to students across the county.” Currently the Hybrid MBA enrolls students from 25 states and represent 108 different companies.

Foster ranked #1 in experiential learning in alumni survey

Foster was ranked number one in the nation in alumni poll results on experiential learning, which encompasses the program’s in-person immersion component. The quarterly immersions bring together the cohort for a three to five day intensive, on-campus experience that includes interactive classroom discussions, networking, professional development workshops and social events. The program received a 9.94 out of 10 ranking in this area.

The program also received a perfect 10 on satisfaction with ability to participate in and learn from doing presentations. In the Foster Hybrid MBA program, presentations are the product of study teams of six or seven students from varying job function, organizations, and academic backgrounds. Teams provide one another with support, access to different perspectives, and allow students to practice communication, negotiation, leadership and team-building skills.

“One of the strongest aspects of the program is your core team,” says Anne Kertson (MBA 2023). “From learning how to correctly build a cohesive team early on through this process, to navigating a strenuous program with them knowing that you trust, can learn from, push your educational boundaries, and lean on them over the two years together, it stands out as one of the most unique and positive parts of the program design.”

In addition, Foster was ranked number one for being able to immediately apply what you learned in the program to your job. The program is geared toward current working professionals, and regularly incorporates guest lectures from industry leaders speaking to today’s most pressing business challenges.

Career Services in top three for student satisfaction

Foster’s Career Services department was ranked third in the nation regarding student satisfaction, scoring 9.59 out of 10. Career Services at Foster are distinguished by a personal approach to a student’s career path, often incorporating professional coaching, cross-program networking events, mentorship from Foster’s rich alumni network, and resources on resume optimization, job offer negotiation, and executive presence. 100 percent of students surveyed reported they were able to create a network of contacts because of the program. Foster was ranked number six nationwide for overall career impact.

“We are honored,” says Susie Buysse, Director of Career Management at Foster. “Student satisfaction is our highest priority, and we strive to ensure each student has a role in which they are making a meaningful impact and have the opportunity for advancement.”

Foster also received a top 10 ranking nationwide for admission standards, which factors in undergraduate GPA of the most recent incoming class, average years of work experience, acceptance rate and average adjusted GMAT score.

Learn more about the Foster Hybrid MBA program here.