MBA in USA : Top Universities, Eligibility, Fees & Jobs

The United States of America (USA) remains the most preferred destination for higher education by most international students, especially for an MBA. As per Poets & Quants, which analyzed the Open Doors Report and other data about international students, the average Indian student population among non-USA resident students across all programs is 26%. In the top USA B-schools, it is 27.9%. 

It alludes to the popularity of American degrees. An MBA in the USA is a dream for many. However, it is crucial to be aware of all the degree aspects. For the same, we will take you through average MBA fees in the USA, top MBA universities in the USA, costs involved, and others.

Benefits of doing an MBA in the USA

Top-ranked universities

50 US business schools rank among the top 100 globally according to the QS rankings. Hence, earning an MBA from such institutes of repute makes you stand out from the crowd. More than 51 MBA specializations are offered in the USA and are recognized worldwide.

Comprehensive scholarships

Studying MBA in the US sounds expensive. However, full and partial funding options have made it affordable for Indian students. Good GMAT scores can also help you get a scholarship.

Industry exposure

The USA is one of the leading economies, with a global brand presence in the job market. Indian students take up MBA there to get industry exposure and experience with the top brands. The international brands offer internships, live projects, training, and certification courses to the top 50 US B-schools. 

Multicultural environment

The United States of America has been the most preferred overseas education destination with international students from all over the world. It offers a welcoming and safe environment to students and working professionals. Universities in the USA are culturally diverse and allow overall development for the same reason. 

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Important Resources to Read About USA
Top Reasons to Study in the USA	Why study in USA?	Difference Between L1 and H-1B Visa
Study in USA After Class 12	Post Study Work Permit in the USA	Salary After MS in USA
Best Cities to Study in USA	Study in USA for Indian Students After 12th	Masters in USA Costs
Requirements for Studying in USA	Study in the USA from India	Cost of Studying in USA

MBA in the USA Course Highlights

Colleges in the US	500+ colleges
MBA Specialization	MBA in Marketing, MBA in General Management,  MBA in Finance, MBA in Human Resource Management
Admission Requirements	Average GPA- 3.4 TOEFL iBT Score- 70 Average 5 years of Work Experience
Average Tuition Fees	73,472.70 USD
Average Salary	86,020.05 USD
Top Recruiters	Google, HCL, Amazon, Deloitte among others

Types of MBA in the USA

Full-time MBA

A full-time MBA program is a classroom program of two years. In the first year, students will have exposure to business subjects. In the second year, the students need to take up one or two majors or specializations based on their grades or interest. The first year will be common for all, but the classes will be divided as per the specialization in the second year. In the second year, students will have to do various training and internships with different brands. A full-time MBA program is meant for regular students. 

Part-time MBA

A part-time MBA is for individuals who are already employed and working. They take classes only on the weekends. Hence, the course duration may exceed from two to four years. 

Executive MBA

This course is designed for senior positions like managers. It focuses on leadership, monitoring, teamwork, and communication skills. Companies organize executive MBA programs for existing employees or management officials to help them upskill. 

Online MBA

Online MBA is done through the digital mode of study. There are no fixed tenure and timings for the classes. Students can take the course from different countries without being physically present. 

Top MBA Specializations in the USA 

Specializations	Description
MBA in General Management	An MBA in General Management not only gives you a chance to build your general management skills but also covers different aspects such as operations, digitalization, and people management.
MBA in Marketing	If you are looking to make an appealing career in marketing then MBA in Marketing is an ideal choice that fortifies the knowledge of the aspirant on the topics like massive data, Consumer behavior, Marketing analytics, Pricing Strategy, and Brand management.
MBA in Consulting	An MBA in Consulting helps you develop a fair understanding of business operations and people management.
MBA in Entrepreneurship	Students wishing to establish themselves as an entrepreneur can opt for this specialization.
MBA in Operations Management	This specialization focuses on planning, handling, and managing production to produce efficient results.

Top Universities for MBA in the USA

As discussed, there are several prestigious B-schools in the US. Let us check out some of the globally ranked top MBA colleges in the USA for Indian students: 

University/ School	QS Global MBA Ranking 2023	Eligibility Criteria
Stanford Graduate School of Business	1	A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution GMAT/GRE test scores English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL) Updated resume Statement of Purpose Three recommendation letters
Harvard Business School	2	Minimum four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution  GMAT/GRE test scores  English language proficiency test scores (if your undergraduate program’s MOI was not English) IELTS: 7.5  TOEFL: 109 PTE: 75 Educational transcripts  Two recommendation letters Updated Resume
Wharton School of Business	3	A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution  GRE/GMAT scores English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL or PTE)  Educational transcripts Two essays  Two recommendation letters  Updated resume
MIT Sloan School of Management	6	A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent  from an accredited institution GRE/GMAT scores  Educational transcripts  English language proficiency test scores  IELTS: 7 TOEFL: 577 PBT/90 IBT Three recommendation letters Updated Resume
Columbia Business School	8	A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution GRE/GMAT scores  Essays  Updated Resume  Recommendation Letter  IELTS: 7.5  TOEFL: 105 Duolingo English Test: 125
The University of California, Berkeley (Haas)	11	Minimum four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution GRE/GMAT scores  English language proficiency test scores IELTS Exam: 6.5 TOEFL Exam: 80 Duolingo English Test: 115
UCLA Anderson School of Management	15	A four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution GRE/GMAT scores  Educational transcripts  English language proficiency test scores  IELTS: 7.0  TOEFL: 560  Two recommendation letters  Essay
Yale School of Management	18	A four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution GRE/GMAT scores  Educational transcripts  Two recommendation letters  Two essays  Updated Resume

Intake for MBA in the US

There are majorly three admission intakes in the USA:

• Spring Intake
• Fall Intake
• Summer Intake 

However, the major semesters are Fall and Spring and a few colleges offer summer intakes.

Detailed Analysis of Some of the Top Universities in USA for MBA

1. Stanford University 

Stanford Graduate School of Business in California topped the QS World University Rankings 2022 for a full-Time MBA program, with an overall score of 94.2. 

Education at Stanford GSB will impart skills, knowledge, and vision to lead you to innovation and development. 

GMAT Score Eligibility: 750 or higher

GRE Score Eligibility: Verbal = 164, Quantitative = 165

Minimum IELTS Score: 7

Tuition Fees for MBA Program: $75,000 (INR 55 Lakhs)

Employment Rate: 62.60%

Top Specialization: Information Management, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Marketing

2. University of Philadelphia (Wharton)

The Wharton School was the first b-school in the USA(established in 1881) and now has the most prominent alumni network. The best offerings at Wharton include joint degree programs. 

GMAT Score Eligibility: 733 or higher

GRE Score Eligibility: Verbal = 162, Quantitative = 162

Minimum IELTS Score: 7

Tuition Fees for Management Program: $81,000 (INR 60 Lakhs)

Employment Rate: 81%

Top Specialization: Finance

3. University of Chicago (Booth) 

The University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business secured 12th rank in the QS World University rankings – Full-Time MBA: Global 2022. The programs offered in management help you hone your analytical and managerial skills.

GMAT Score Eligibility: 732 or higher

GRE Score Eligibility: Verbal = 163, Quantitative = 163

Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5

Tuition Fees for MBA Program: $74,000 (INR 54 Lakhs)

Employment Rate: 84.30%

Top Specialization: Economics, Finance

4. Northwestern University (Kellogg) 

The Kellogg School of Management is among the best MBA universities in the USA, holding 16th rank in the QS World University Rankings. You get to access a wide range of full-time and part-time MBA programs that focUSAon practical training and real-world projects. It has an impressive portfolio of alumni that have become CEOs of big companies worldwide.

GMAT Score Eligibility: 724 or higher

GRE Score Eligibility: Verbal = 160, Quantitative = 154

Minimum IELTS Score: 7

Tuition Fees for School of Management: $75,000 (INR 55 Lakhs)

Employment Rate: 80.60%

Top Specialization: Marketing 

5. Harvard University 

The Harvard Business School ranks 2nd in the QS World University Rankings – Full-Time MBA: Global 2022. It is one of the most renowned b-schools. You get hands-on training due to the interactive business education they have been offering since 1925. 

GMAT Score Eligibility: 730 or higher 

GRE Score Eligibility: Verbal = 155 to 166, Quantitative = 155 to 170

Minimum IELTS Score: 7

Tuition Fees for Business School: $74,000 (INR 54 Lakhs)

Employment Rate: 70.90%

Top Specialization: Consulting, Finance 

6.Columbia University 

The Columbia Business School has ranked ninth in the QS World University Rankings – Full-Time MBA: Global 2022 due to its executive and full-time MBA programs. These courses help students become good leaders, entrepreneurs, and managers. The faculty follows an informative and traditional teaching method that you will find engaging. 

GMAT Score Eligibility: 700 to 760 

GRE Score Eligibility: Verbal = 154 to 167, Quantitative = 156 to 170

Minimum IELTS Score: 7.5

Tuition Fees for MBA Program: $78,000 (INR 57 Lakhs)

Employment Rate: 73.30%

Top Specialization: Finance, Consulting 

7. University of California (Berkeley) 

Berkeley HAAS, California, ranked 11 in the QS World University Rankings – Full-Time MBA: Global 2022. It is one of the most well-known business schools in the USA and is known for its full-time MBA program.

GMAT Score Eligibility: 710 to 750 

GRE Score Eligibility: Verbal = 159 to 168, Quantitative = 159

Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5

Tuition Fees for School of Business: $65,000 (INR 47 Lakhs) in-state, $69,000 (INR 51 Lakhs) out-of-state 

Employment Rate: 71.70% 

Top Specialization: Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Statistics 

8. Yale University 

The Yale School of Management ranked 18 on the QS World University Rankings – Full-Time MBA: Global 2022 and offers unique joint, full-time, and executive MBA programs. The business studies program at Yale allows you to indulge in “raw” cases and deal with real-world problems. Besides, you get to go to academic centers to learn theory and practical applications. 

GMAT Score Eligibility: 680 to 760  

GRE Score Eligibility: Verbal = 155 to 165, Quantitative = 160 to 167

Minimum IELTS Score: 7

Tuition Fees for School of Management: $73,000 (INR 54 Lakhs)

Employment Rate: 75.40%

Top Specialization: Engineering, Operations Management, Economics   

Business Schools Waiving GMAT Scores in 2022 

Business Schools Waiving GMAT Scores in 2022 

Business School	Eligibility criteria for a GMAT Waiver
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Applicants should submit a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) certificate
University of Michigan- Ross School of Business	Applicants applying for a waiver will be evaluated on the basis on their academic and professional accomplishments including but not restricted t Undergraduate or graduate academic  record, especially in analytical or quantitative courses Master’s degree in an analytical or quantitative discipline CPA, CFA, or international equivalent
Georgetown University- McDonough School of Business	MIM applicants having a GPA of 3.2 or above are eligible for a GMAT waiver.
UNC Kenan-Flager Business School	Applicants having a GPA of 3.2 or above in a Business, Economics, Analytics or STEM fields Earned an advanced degree in MD,  JD or a PhD or MS degree within a business economics or STEM field.  CPA, CFA, or international equivalent More than five years of professional experience in a quantitative or analytical field
Cornell University	All applicants applying for the Full-Time MBA programs are eligible for a GMAT/GRE waiver.
Kelley School of Business	Undergraduate or graduate academic record Work experience related to analytical and quantitative fields.

Documentation Needed for MBA in the USA

Students need to produce all kinds of necessary documents to process admission in the USA. Here are some of the most important documents for admission in MBA programs: 

All past academic qualifications and transcripts. It includes high school, graduation, post-graduation, and all relevant certificates. 

• Minimum two Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from faculty or past employers. 
• Updated copies of resume. 
• Statement of Purpose. 
• USA study visa. 
• TOEFL or IELTS test scores. 
• GRE or GMAT scores. 
• Work experience certificate. 
• Passport-size photographs 

How to get Admission to an MBA in the USA? 

American universities usually have two sessions for admission intakes- Fall and Spring. Indian students need to do thorough research about all the American B-schools and their eligibility criteria. It helps you choose the top five or six institutes where you can apply for an MBA. 

Choose the specialization that you want to go for. Usually, the American B-schools offer all the sought-after specializations. Next, you need to meet the eligibility criteria. 

Fill the application form by paying the application fee. Work on relevant documents like SOP and LORs. Make sure you track the important dates and application deadlines so that you don’t apply at the last minute. The competition is intense, so apply to as many institutes as you can. Prepare yourself well for the interview rounds. 

Exams required for MBA in USA

To get admission to an MBA program in the USA, the students must clear some standard examinations. They are also required to qualify the English language proficiency tests.

Standard examinations for MBA in USA	GRE and GMAT
English Language Proficiency Tests	IELTS and TOEFL

Estimated MBA in the USA Fees 

The universities mentioned above offer different MBA programs to accommodate international students. 

After the pandemic, most restrictions resulted in a low global student count by 15% from 2020 to 2021. However, with new-age solutions, students started enrolling again. 

The types of MBA courses spread across USA universities are: 

MBA Courses	Lowest Average Fees (Per Year)
Full-Time MBA	$73,000 (INR 54 Lakhs)
Part-Time MBA	$13,000 (INR 8 Lakhs)
Online MBA	$10,000 (INR 7 Lakhs)
Executive MBA	$89,000 (INR 65 Lakhs)
Early Career MBA	$26,000 (INR 19 Lakhs)

Most universities offer financial aid that significantly lowers the overall MBA in the USA fees.

Affordable MBA in the USA for Indian students

For Indian students, getting an MBA from the USA is a dream. However, on average, an MBA in the USA costs around 70 lakhs a year. It is just the fee, and you will have to pay seven-eight lakhs for the living cost too. It can be difficult to manage for many deserving students. 

Taking note of this, we have listed down the cheapest MBA colleges in the USA for Indian students. The average tuition fees of these range from INR nine lakhs to 17 lakhs yearly. 

• University at Buffalo: USD 12,195 (INR 9.05 lakhs) 
• Lamar University: Less than USD 16,000 (INR 11.87 lakhs)
• Iowa State University: USD 16,983 (INR 12.60 lakhs)
• California Miramar University: USD 22,815 (16.93 lakhs)

Job Opportunities after the MBA program in the USA

According to the Corporate Recruiters Survey of 2020, MBA graduates in the USA are paid around 115,000 USD to 145,000 USD per annum (INR 85,45,788 to INR 1,07,75,124). Listed below are some of the available jobs after an MBA in the USA -: 

• Operations Manager
• Project Manager
• IT Manager
• Executive Director
• System Engineer
• Human Resource Manager
• Sales Manager
• IT Consultants
• Chief Financial Officer
• Business Development Director
• Senior IT Manager
• Account Manager
• Accounting Manager
• Finance Manager
• Financial Analyst
• HR Director
• Data Analyst
• Sr Product Manager
• Business Development Manager
• Office Manager
• Marketing Manager
• Management Consultant

Visa Requirements

For academic purposes, students are granted an F-1 student visa that allows them to pursue degree programs at both graduate and undergraduate levels. The student must obtain the I-20 form from the enrolled university,and they can work part-time jobs while studying in the US. Only 20 hours per week is permissible for working on campus.

List of documents required to apply for visa:

• Recent passport size photograph
• A valid passport
• DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
• Visa application fee receipts
• VFS appointment letter
• SEVIS receipt and I-120

Scholarship Name	About/ Awarded to
Wharton Academic Excellence Scholarship	International students studying MBA at Wharton Business School and achieve the highest academic performance (GPA)  during their second and third semesters qualify for it.  Amount/Benefit: $10,000
Dr. Bruce I. Jacobs Scholars in Quantitative Finance	MBA students at Wharton Business School with high GPA majoring in Quantitative Finance during their second year.  They must complete nine credits in the first year of their MBA.  Amount/ Benefit: $25,000
J. N. Tata Endowment Awards	One-time loan scholarship to Indians offered at the beginning of an academic year for full-time Ph.D./ postgraduate/ postdoctoral/ research fellowships studies, in all fields. Amount/ Benefit: $10,000
The International Peace Scholarship	It is a merit-based scholarship for female international students looking to study any course including MBA at UCLA Anderson School of Management.  Amount/ Benefit: $10,000
Dean’s Scholarship	Both domestic and international students pursuing an MBA from Boston University Questrom School of Business with outstanding academic, professional, and personal qualities.  Amount/ Benefit: $10,000 to full tuition fees

Conclusion

The USA offers the best MBA programs from top universities for international students. You can find numerous opportunities in the country due to the diversity and exposure. The best universities like Stanford or Berkeley will teach you the curriculum through a unique approach. 

MBA in the USA can cost anywhere between $10,000 (INR 7 lakhs) to $73,000 (INR 54 lakhs) or more for a year. 

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