MBA at McDonough School of Business vs NYU Stern

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Deciding between an MBA at McDonough School of Business (Georgetown University) and NYU Stern School of Business involves key considerations. NYU Stern offers a prestigious program with strengths in finance, marketing, and technology, leveraging its location in NYC. McDonough emphasizes global business and social impact, with a strong focus on ethical leadership. Your decision should align with your career goals, preferred campus atmosphere, and learning style. NYU Stern excels in industry connections and NYC opportunities, while McDonough provides a strong network and emphasis on values. Assess these factors to select the program that best suits your professional aspirations and desired MBA experience.

Overview Comparison
McDonough School of BusinessStern School of Business
ranking (overall)# 43 Financial Times 2025
# 17 Financial Times 2021
# 31 Financial Times 2020
# 31 Financial Times 2025
# 13 Financial Times 2021
# 22 Financial Times 2020
ProgramsPG Programs -8
UG Programs -3
PG Programs -8
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees  59700
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 12070 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   54896
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  44200
[For PG Program]
CollegeDunia Reviews-7.7/10 Read 1 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

ranking# 24 for Business by US News 2025
# 151 for Business by QS World University 2025
# 136 for Business by Times Higher Education 2023
# 6 for Business by US News 2025
# 17 for Business by QS World University 2025
# 24 for Business by Times Higher Education 2023
application#1362 Applicants
# 275 Admissions
# 20 % Acceptance Rate
-
exam scoresIELTS - 7/9TOEFL - 100/120Duolingo - 135/160IELTS - 7/9TOEFL - 100/120
documents required#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose
application datesSep 8, 2025 (Early Action Application Deadline For 2026 Intake)
Jan 7, 2026 (Round 2 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake)
Apr 1, 2026 (Round 3 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake)
Oct 1, 2026 (Round 1 Application Deadline For 2026 Intake)
Sep 15, 2025 (Round 1 Application Deadline For Fall 2026)
Oct 15, 2025 (Round 2 Application Deadline Fall 2026 Intake)
Dec 1, 2025 (Initial Notification of Round 1)
Jan 1, 2026 (Initial Notification of Round 2)
Jan 15, 2026 (Round 3 Application Deadline Fall 2026 Intake)
Apr 1, 2026 (Initial Notification of Round 3)
Apr 15, 2026 (Round 4 Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intkae)
Comparison Notes
  • Stern has a higher number of female students, with them making up 43% of the class while McDonough has only 32%. McDonough has an international student community of 28% while Stern has 32%, but at McDonough 37 countries are represented while at Stern only 30 are.
  • Stern offers a lot more electives and specializations than McDonough.
  • McDonough allows students to get credit doing relevant classes at other schools in Georgetown University as well as in other universities in the state. Students are encouraged to do experiential learning through these, certificate courses, and Intensive Learning Experiences.
  • Stern prompts experiential learning through its partnerships with various companies, where students can work in fields like technology, branding, non-profit, investment, etc. Students can also do additional courses and projects at the school.
  • The dual degree opportunities offered by McDonough are MBA/JD, MBA/MD, MBA/MPP, and MBA/MSFS. These can be completed in 3-5 years, depending on the course.
  • The dual degree opportunities offered by Stern are MBA/JD, MBA/MD, MBA/MPA, MBA/MFA, MBA/MS, and MBA/DDS. The time period for these is also 3-5 years.
  • Both schools offer merit and need-based scholarships, but Stern awards more full-tuition scholarships. Both colleges also have special fellowship opportunities for women and LGBTQIA+ students.
  • Even though both colleges are located in prominent American cities, New York is far more of a business hub than DC is.
  • Both schools offer global learning experiences, complete with short trips to other countries.

Although both schools have their merits, Stern may be a better option in the long run, as it has more recognition and a more career-specific approach.