MBA in US – Top Universities, Fee, Eligibility, Intake, Scholarships
Studying an MBA in US is a wise move, considering how the country is one of the most popular choices for international students. There are several reputed universities and institutions offering high-quality MBA programs with world-class faculty, hands-on learning opportunities, and excellent industry links with global corporations. The US is home to some of the top-ranked global universities for MBA programs, including Stanford, Harvard, Wharton, and more. Most of these institutions offer solid ROI for students along with excellent employability alongside.
Two-year MBA courses in the US are highly recognized by global employers, enabling deep-rooted learning of the core syllabus including finance, strategy, and management in Year 1, along with specializations in Year 2, including unique options like sustainability and AI, among others. Another advantage is the multicultural and cosmopolitan environment for international students in the US along with vibrant campus life. Additionally, the country has a flourishing job market, with lucrative opportunities for MBA graduates in fields like finance, technology, marketing, administration, and more. The H1-B visa also helps international students stay back and build a career in the US. Here is a closer look at some of the key aspects related to studying MBA in US for your perusal.
MBA in US Highlights
| Total No of Colleges | N/A |
| Cost | $31- 90,000 per year |
| Intake | Fall (August-September), Spring (January), Summer (May) |
| Specialization | General Management, International Management, Finance, Leadership, Operations Management, Consulting, Marketing, Technology Management |
| Exams Required | GMAT/GRE and English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) |
Types of MBA in US
| Full-Time Two-Year MBA | Full-Time One-Year MBA | Part-Time MBA | Online MBA | International/Global MBA | Executive MBA |
| First year covers core disciplines while you can specialize in selected areas in the concentration periods and elective modules in the second year | More intensive and accelerated program with similar course content as two-year MBA programs | Degree completion often takes between 2-5 years or more, with weekly class schedules at convenient times | Course completion from home with similar content like physical courses and extended durations | Same content as full-time MBAs, with higher concentration of international management and business | Suited for mid-career professional and has work experience requirements. They are taught part-time while students can continue working |
Top 10 MBA Colleges in US
| Name of the College | QS Ranking (Global MBA Rankings-2025) | Action |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 | Apply |
| Harvard University | 4 | Apply |
| Stanford University | 6 | Apply |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 10 | Apply |
| University of Pennsylvania | 11 | Apply |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 12 | Apply |
| Cornell University | 16 | Apply |
| University of Chicago | 21 | Apply |
| Princeton University | 22 | Apply |
| Yale University | 23 | Apply |
Eligibility Criteria to Pursue MBA in US
- Four-year bachelor’s degree from either an accredited institution in the US or a global equivalent
- Personal statement and resume
- Work experience of 2-3 years if necessary
- Letters of recommendation
- GMAT score (usually above 600)
- English proficiency proof (TOEFL/IELTS scores)
MBA in US Student Visa
- You should obtain the F visa to study MBA at a university/college
- You will require a valid passport and complete the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form
- Other necessities include the receipt for application fee payment and a photograph as per the guidelines
- The certificate of eligibility for nonimmigrant (F-1) student status for Form I-20 is necessary (I-20 will be sent to you by the institution once you enter data in SEVIS)
- Other documentation may sometimes be required, including academic transcripts and certificates, standardized test scores, proof of funds, and your intention to return from the US once you complete your course
- You will have to attend your visa interview and provide your digital fingerprint scans as a part of the process
How Much Does It Cost for MBA in US?
- The average cost is approximately $31,300 per year or around $62,600 for a two-year course
- In-person programs may cost around $46,700 annually on average, with part-time program costs standing at $16,000 per year
- Private and reputed institutions may charge up to $83-90,000 per year as well
Cost of Living in US
- Housing– $4,800-20,000 per year
- Food- $300-500 per month
- Transportation- $90-130 per month
- Internet and Phone- $20 per month
- Entertainment and Recreation- $50-100 per month
- Shopping- $100 per month
Work Permit after Pursuing MBA in US
- You can enroll in the OPT (Optional Practical Training) module after completing your MBA
- It is a 12-month period which allows you to stay back and work in the country
- Graduates from STEM-certified MBA courses are also eligible for another 24 months (three years in all) for the OPT
- You have to apply for the OPT up to 90 days prior to completing the MBA degree and up to 60 days after graduating
- During the OPT, you may apply for the H-1B work visa which is the work permit for highly-skilled migrants. You should have an employer sponsor for the same
- There is a cap on the visa, which is given to bachelor’s and then master’s students, and once the cap is reached, there is a lottery that takes place
Eligibility Criteria for Work Permit
- Bachelor’s or higher degree in a specialty field (may hold foreign degree that is the equivalent)
- The degree requirement should be common to the industry in any parallel position among similar entities
- Other requirements may include holding an unrestricted registration, state license, or certification that offers authorization for practicing a specialty occupation with immediate engagement in employment
- Having education, training, or experience equivalent to the US higher degree
MBA Scholarships for US
| Scholarship | Details |
| Chicago Booth Merit-Based Scholarships | Applicants are considered based on their academic merit, interview quality, life experiences, and career goals |
| Harvard Business School Need-Based Scholarships | Scholarships are given based on financial need with 50% of students receiving the same with average amounts of $46,000 per year. Need is calculated based on the applicant’s income, assets, undergraduate debt, and socioeconomic background |
| Columbia Business School Scholarships | Partial-tuition scholarships are offered to candidates based on their need or merit Amounts range between $10-30,000 and awards are usually renewed for the second study year |
| Yale School of Management (SOM) Scholarships | Scholarships are given for both MBA program years based on merit, achievements, community contributions, etc. |
| Yale SOM Global Leaders from India MBA Scholarship | This offers five merit-based scholarships covering at least half of tuition for Indian candidates |
Career Prospects
- MBA graduates in the US find opportunities in consulting, private equity, consumer products, F&B, financial services, healthcare, and technology
- Project management, supply chain management, business analytics, and artificial intelligence training are new-age specialties that are highly marketable in a competitive space
- Some popular jobs include positions like IT manager, medical and health services manager, human resources manager, personal financial advisor, and operations research analyst
Salary After MBA in US
- General Manager– $63-129,000 per year
- Chief Financial Officer- $99-251,000 per year
- Marketing Director- $72-175,000 per year
- Senior Financial Analyst- $72-113,000 per year
- Human Resources Manager- $57-105,000 per year
- Director of Operations- $75-176,000 per year
- Financial Analyst- $56-93,000 per year
- Marketing Manager- $58-122,000 per year
- Financial Controller- $70-140,000 per year
- Finance Manager- $77-138,000 per year
- Operations Manager- $59-129,000 per year
- Senior Accountant- $60-94,000 per year
- Accounting Manager- $63-116,000 per year
- Finance Director- $83-177,000 per year
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Pursuing an MBA in the USA
1. Why should I consider pursuing an MBA in the USA?
The USA is home to some of the world’s best business schools, offering a combination of academic excellence, diverse student bodies, and extensive networking opportunities. An MBA from a top-ranked institution in the USA can open doors to a wide range of global career opportunities, enhance leadership skills, and provide exposure to innovative business practices.
2. What are the top MBA specializations offered by business schools in the USA?
The most popular MBA specializations include: General Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, Operations, Strategy, Information Technology, and Supply Chain Management. Many top schools also offer niche areas like Real Estate, Healthcare, Social Enterprise, and Nonprofit Management.
3. What is the typical duration of an MBA program in the USA?
Most full-time MBA programs in the USA span two years. However, some schools, like the MIT Sloan School of Management, offer accelerated programs that can be completed in 1.5 to 2 years.
4. How much does an MBA in the USA cost?
The tuition fees for a full-time MBA in the USA can range between $45,000 and $90,000 per year, depending on the school. Harvard Business School, for example, charges around $73,440 per year, while the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) charges $84,350.
5. What are the average GMAT scores for top MBA programs?
The average GMAT score for top business schools ranges between 700 and 740. For example, Wharton has an average GMAT score of 728, while Columbia University has an average of 729.
6. What kind of post-MBA salary can I expect in the USA?
The median post-MBA salary varies by school but generally ranges from $130,000 to $175,000 annually. For instance, graduates from Harvard, Wharton, and Stanford typically earn around $175,000, while those from UCLA Anderson earn around $130,000.
7. What industries hire the most MBA graduates?
The most common industries hiring MBA graduates are: Consulting (30%), Finance/Accounting (25%), Technology (15%), FMCG/Retail/E-commerce (9%).
8. Do I need prior work experience to apply for an MBA in the USA?
Yes, most top MBA programs require applicants to have 3-5 years of professional work experience. However, some programs may accept exceptional candidates with less experience.
9. How do I apply to an MBA program in the USA?
To apply, you typically need the following: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent, GMAT or GRE scores, Resume/CV, Personal statement or essay, Letters of recommendation, Application fee.
10. Can I work while studying for an MBA in the USA?
Yes, many MBA programs in the USA allow students to work part-time while studying, particularly through internships and co-op programs. These opportunities help students gain practical experience and build networks.
11. What are the visa options for international students pursuing an MBA in the USA?
International students typically need an F-1 visa to study full-time in the USA. After graduation, students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), allowing them to work in the USA for up to 12 months, with an additional 24 months for STEM-related fields.
12. How can I improve my chances of getting admitted into a top MBA program in the USA?
To enhance your chances: Achieve a high GMAT/GRE score, Gain significant work experience, preferably with leadership roles, Showcase a clear career plan and how an MBA fits into it, Obtain strong letters of recommendation, Prepare a compelling personal statement.
If you have more specific questions, feel free to ask or schedule a consultation with our experts!
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