Discover MBA in USA: Your Ultimate Guide
The United States has over 1 million international students. It is one of the most popular international study destinations. The USA has been the top choice for Indian students. Business Administration is the most popular program in the USA. 23% of international postgraduate students find jobs in the US (Source).
The US has many options for academic study and employment for international students. Top companies value an MBA in USA for top academics. This blog will guide everything about studying MBA in USA for Indian students, explore options in US colleges, programs, eligibility, MBA jobs in the USA, and quality of education.
Highlights
| Eligibility for MBA Colleges | GMAT, English proficiency, GRE, GPA, Bachelor’s degree |
| MBA course duration | 1 to 2 years |
| Average Tuition Fee | INR 32 to 64 lakhs |
| Career Prospects | IT manager, HR manager, Financial advisor, Operations research officer |
| Specializations | Finance, Marketing, Economics, International business, data analytics, Investment management |
| Average Salary | INR 96 lakhs |
| Scholarships / Internships | Offered by University |
| Living Cost | 1,67, 800 INR |
Why Study MBA in the USA?
- Top Ranking Universities in USA provide the leading academic disciplines, careers, and teaching staff. The best MBA colleges in the USA include Harvard Business School, Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and MIT.
- There is a diversity of opportunities in the USA for employment, programs, and multicultural environments.
- Students have networking opportunities in top MBA colleges. Career events and training are helpful in career advancement. Students have better job opportunities from companies like Apple and Amazon.
- There is diversity in MBA specializations and course content.
- Best MBA schools in the USA are recognized by top companies. The high-quality curriculum, teaching, and learning are well-known in the world. Most students consider business in the USA for renowned institutions and in demand degrees.
Types of MBA in the USA
- Full-Time MBA: It is the critical foundation for business studies. Full-time MBA provides a global perspective while studying full-time. It gives you top insights from international leaders and teachers. You have hands-on experience working with professionals. You work on case studies and multicultural potential for business. Students develop strong business skills with knowledge.
- Part-Time MBA: If you want to continue working professionally, you can study part-time. A part-time MBA spans longer than a full-time MBA. Part-time MBA is a flexible and accelerated academic program.
- Executive MBA: This is a study program for full-time working professionals. Along with gaining expertise, you get the same business knowledge as full-time students. Executive MBA is for career management.
- Online Global MBA: Virtual classes allow students to attend courses and gain education from anywhere. No matter how busy you are, virtual classes are aligned with your commitments and convenience.
Top MBA Colleges in the USA for Indian Students
MBA colleges in the USA are accredited and prestigious. They create future leaders and business professionals in the business market. US MBA Colleges are renowned for providing a diversity of course options. United States MBA Rankings as per QS Global MBA rankings 2024 are:
| QS MBA Ranking | University | Tuition Fees |
| 1 | Stanford Graduate School of Business | 69 lakh INR (USD 82000) |
| 2 | The Wharton School | 69 lakh INR (USD 82000) |
| 3 | Harvard Business School | 62 lakh INR (USD 73000) |
| 4 | MIT Sloan School of Management | 68 lakh INR (USD 81000) |
| 5 | Columbia Business School | 70 lakh INR (USD 83000) |
| 6 | The Kellogg School of Management | 70 lakh INR (USD 83000) |
| 7 | Haas School of Business, Berkeley | 71 lakh INR (USD 84000) |
| 8 | The University of Chicago Booth School of Business | 70 lakh INR(USD 83000) |
| 9 | UCLA Anderson School of Management | 65 lakh INR (USD 77000) |
| 10 | Yale School of Management | 71 lakh INR(USD 84000) |
1. Stanford Graduate School of Business
Stanford is the 2024 World’s best MBA School in the US for leadership and contribution. It believes in research, knowledge, and leaders in the world.
| Address | 655 Knight Way, Stanford, CA, United States |
| Year Founded | 1925 |
| Tuition Fees | 82,455 dollars or 69 lakh INR |
| Global QS Ranking | 1 |
| Programs offered | General MBA, One Year MBA |
| Phone number | +1 6507232146 |
| Official Site | https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/ |
| Exams required | IELTS, GMAT, GRE |
2. Wharton School of Business
It is the business School of the University of Pennsylvania. People like Donald Trump and Elon Musk have graduated from this institution.
| Address | Vance Hall, Spruce St, Philadelphia, United States |
| Year Founded | 1881 |
| Tuition Fees | $84,874 per year or 69 lakh INR |
| Global QS Ranking | 2 |
| Programs offered | General MBA, Executive, Business analytics, Finance |
| Phone number | +2158982575 |
| Official Site | https://www.wharton.upenn.edu/ |
| Exams required | IELTS, GMAT, GRE |
3. Harvard School of Business
Harvard provides a global MBA experience. The faculty guides you for career planning. The full-time course is based on real-world management. Students are a part of tech simulation and case method courses. The MBA program at Harvard is STEM-designated.
| Address | Boston, MA, United States |
| Year Founded | 1908 |
| Tuition Fees | $74,910 per year or 62 lakh INR |
| Global QS Ranking | 3 |
| Programs offered | General MBA |
| Phone number | +16174956000 |
| Official Site | https://www.hbs.edu/ |
| Exams required | IELTS, GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, PTE |
4. MIT Sloan School of Management
Students are prepared for challenges in the future. MIT MBA graduates are world business leaders.
| Address | 100 main St, Cambridge, United States |
| Year Founded | 1914 |
| Tuition Fees | $82,000 per year or 68 lakh INR |
| Global QS Ranking | 6 |
| Programs offered | General MBA, Management, Business analytics, Finance |
| Phone number | +16172585435 |
| Official Site | https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ |
| Exams required | IELTS, GMAT, GRE |
5. Columbia Business School
It is one of the oldest Business Universities in the world. MBA students are thinkers, insightful, and create solutions. The program brings you into the real business world.
| Address | 665 W130 St, New York, United States |
| Year Founded | 1816 |
| Tuition Fees | $84,496 per year or 70 lakh INR |
| Global QS Ranking | 7 |
| Programs offered | General MBA |
| Phone number | +12128541100 |
| Official Site | https://business.columbia.edu/ |
| Exams required | IELTS, GPA |
6. Kellogg School of Management
The business school is focused on business growth and success in the business market. Kellogg gives personal growth, solutions, confidence, and leaders. It has a full-time MBA of 2 years and one year MBA.
| Address | 2211 N Campus Dr, Evanston, United States |
| Year Founded | 1908 |
| Tuition Fees | $83,600 per year or 70 lakh INR |
| Global QS Ranking | 12 |
| Programs offered | General MBA, MBAi, MBA+MS design, JD MBA,
MD MBA, Management, Executive |
| Phone number | +18474913300 |
| Official Site | https://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/ |
| Exams required | IELTS, essay |
Eligibility for MBA in the USA
USA MBA colleges are among the top ten business schools in the world. They are known for their world-class curriculum and academic structure. MBA in the USA is promising for higher paying salaries. MBA in the USA is a sought-after option for international students. The top b- schools have some admission criteria like GPA and essay questions.
- GRE or GMAT minimum of 650
- Analytical Writing assessment
- A four-year Bachelor’s degree or similar qualification with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Academic transcripts
- English proficiency test score of TOEFL 109, IELTS 7.5 band score
- Resume
- 2 to 8 years of work experience
- Letters of Recommendation
- Essays
How long is an MBA in the USA?
Studying for an MBA in the USA generally ranges from one to two years for international students:
- Executive MBA: Executive MBA is study with work experience. It is corporate and professional. This program spans around 12 to 24 months
- Part-Time MBA: If you want to continue working as a professional, you can study part-time. Part-time MBA spans longer than Full-time MBA, around 2 to 3 years.
- Accelerated MBA: This MBA program is flexible, a two year full time study is designed to be completed in 12 months.
1- Year MBA in USA
USA has advanced one year MBA options that provide excellent learning opportunities to students for a fast track career. Graduates can start working early, after just one year of studies. This is also a lucrative option for most international students as they pay tuition fees for just one year instead of two.
Study MBA in USA: Total Cost
Top US business school fees can be more than one crore in two years. Students can expect MBA fees in the USA to be 50 to 80 lakh INR (USD 60000 to 95000). The cost of an MBA in the USA depends on individual lifestyles, location, and expenses.
Tuition Fees
An average tuition fee is expected to be 32 to 64 lakhs (USD 40000 to 76000) annually. The average MBA fee for top business schools in the USA is approximately 41 lakhs a year (USD 48000).
Living Cost
The average annual cost of living is expected to be roughly 8 to 20 lakhs INR (USD 10000 to 25000). The average monthly living cost is 1000 to 2000 dollars (INR 83000 to 167000). Expenses in each city in the USA are different.
| Expense | Cost (INR) |
| Rent | 58000 (USD 691) |
| Food | 12000 to 16000 (USD 143 to 190) |
| Entertainment | 8000 (USD 95) |
| Miscellaneous | 13000 (USD 154) |
Read more in detail: Cost of Studying in USA for Indian Students
Cheapest MBA in the USA for Indian Students
MBA in USA tuition fees can be overwhelming for economically challenged students. Students can opt for colleges that offer relatively affordable MBA programs and scholarships. Some affordable MBA colleges in the US are:
- University of South Dakota – INR 16 lakhs (USD 19000)
The university is known for creating future leaders and industry experts.
- Southeast Missouri State University – INR 11 lakhs (USD 13000)
Students gain understanding of the global marketplace, management principles, and business practices.
- Central Michigan University – INR 12 lakhs (USD 14300)
MBA program empowers economic leaders and executive skills.
- University of Buffalo – INR 28 lakhs (USD 33379)
Graduates are smart and ready for challenges in the real business world.
- Missouri State University – INR 25 lakhs (USD 29802)
Students are offered a variety of specializations and equipped with a global perspective.
- San Francisco State University – INR 16 lakhs (USD 19000)
The program builds entrepreneurs and business leaders.
- Minnesota State University – INR 11 lakhs (USD 13000)
Students are equipped with leadership and management practice in the real world.
- Cameron University – INR 22 lakhs (USD 26000)
Students gain diverse critical skills from experienced faculty in finance, business, accounting, marketing, and more.
MBA Scholarships in the USA for Indian Students
Receiving MBA scholarships in the US can be a rewarding and motivating experience. A full scholarship covers full tuition fees and living costs in some. Since MBA tuition fees in the US are high, scholarships for Indian students can be important.
| Scholarship | Value | Criteria |
| Stanford Knight Hennessy Scholars Program Fellowship | Tuition fee, stipend, travel fare to and from USA | Stanford Leadership, high achieving students |
| Harvard Business School Scholarship | 40,000 dollars (33 lakhs INR) | Previous work experience, financial need |
| McKinsey Award | 10,000 dollars (8 lakhs INR) | Undervalued leaders, talent |
| Wharton Fellowship Program | Full Tuition Fee | Merit, financial need, academics, leadership, community, extracurricular activities |
| Bold Fellows Fund | 15000 to 30000 dollars (INR 12 to 25 lakhs) | Financial need, diversity, inclusion, low economic conditions |
MBA Specializations in the USA
Choosing an MBA specialization is important for determining the future job profile. This helps students plan and decide the salary they would like in the future. They should choose their preference for job profile and industry before the study MBA in USA.
- MBA in Marketing: Marketing managers sell products and determine customer needs. They bring solutions to problems.
Relevant Profiles: Marketing manager, Social Media Coordinator
Tuition fees: USD 30,000 – USD 85,000 (INR 24 lakhs – 70 lakhs)
- MBA in Business Analytics: These individuals study business data and data management. The process involves statistics, information technologies, and predictive analysis.
Relevant Profiles: Data Scientist, Business Strategist
Tuition Fees: USD 30,000 – USD 40,000(INR 24 lakhs –33 lakhs)
- MBA in Information Technology: Students learn information technology and project management combined with management.
Relevant Profiles: IT Manager, IT Services Manager
Tuition Fees: USD 50,000 (INR 41 lakhs)
- MBA in Finance: It is a specialized knowledge in finance and analytics. It studies finance markets, corporate finance, and investment. It involves financial statements, asset finance, and finance monitoring.
Relevant Profiles: Investment Banker, Finance Analytics
Tuition Fees: 19,000 USD to 77,000 USD (INR 15 lakhs to 64 lakhs)
- MBA in Data Analytics: Students learn about structured data, strategy, and decision-making processes. Graduates engage in data analytics in banking, telecom, retail, etc.
Relevant Profiles: Data Analyst, Data management
Tuition Fees: USD 62000 (INR 50 lakhs)
US Student Visa Application and Work Permit
The student visa issued by the United States government is of three types:
- F-1 Visa for the nonimmigrant student visa valid for 5 years
- J visa for exchange programs
- M visa is for training or vocational course
Document Checklist for Student Visa
- Proof of enrollment in the academic program provided by the institution
- The institution should be approved by the Student Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP)
- English proficiency test
- Proof of funds in bank statements
- Valid passport
- Printed copies of DS 160 and I 901 SEVIS payment confirmations
- Bachelor’s or equivalent degree
- I-20 form
- Photographs for Visa
- Academic transcripts
How to Apply for a Student Visa in the US?
Obtaining an F-1 Visa for the US is difficult. Some students hire a lawyer for this purpose. Your documentation must be accurate for the Visa to be approved.
- Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form or Form DS 160. Select a US embassy from the list where your interview will be scheduled. This form can be accessed on the Consular Electronic Centre Website.
- Attend an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate. You need to provide fingerprint scans and get your documents verified. You need to prove that you intend to return to your home country after your studies.
- A decision will be taken soon after on the processing and application.
- Follow the conditions mentioned on the visa once you receive it.
PSW Work Permit in the USA
USA degrees are in huge demand but it is uncommon to secure a work visa in the USA. The work visa is limited to a certain amount of time. After this, you need to renew the visa. Non-STEM program work permits are for 1 year. Stem MBA in USA program work permits are for three years.
Documentation for PSW Work Permit
- Proof of bachelor’s degree or other qualification
- A job offer from an employer with the relevant degree for the job
- 10-dollar application fee
- There must be a lack of US applicants for the job
- A Labor Condition Attestation or LCA from the department of labor
- If selected, the employer should pay the government fee and submit the form I 129
How to Apply for US PSW Work Permit
You must apply after you find a sponsor that will be your employer. The H1 B visa is issued over lottery results so there is no way of ensuring you spot. You will have the same probability of visa approval as others.
- Check your eligibility for an H1B visa
- Apply with forms 1-20, signed by the designated university official or DSO.
- Now your employer files a petition for your H1B visa
- Apply for the H1B visa at the nearest US embassy
Jobs and Salaries after MBA in New Zealand
An MBA in the USA lands with the top recruiters and global companies. Salary packages can be up to 1 crore. The average salary for MBA jobs in the US is 115,000 USD or 96,56,515 INR. The various USA MBA job profiles and the corresponding salaries are:
| Position | Average MBA salary | Job Description |
| Operations Research Analyst | 71,97,000 INR | Identify problems in an organization and bring solutions. |
| Financial Advisor | 80 lakh INR | Finance Advisors help people reach their financial goals. They deal with investment, retirement, insurance and estate. |
| Human Resources Manager | 1 crore 9 lakh INR | HR managers handle the administration, recruitment, employees, and planning of the organization. |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | 88 lakhs | The Medical and Health Services Manager operates health care facilities, ensures regulations and maintains records. |
| IT Manager | 1 crore 37 lakh INR | IT management handles information systems and technology. He handles computer systems like hardware. |
FAQs
How much is MBA Salary in the USA?
The top teaching and professional MBA students in the USA have the potential for higher salaries. MBA in finance and accounting in the USA earn quite high salaries. The highest paying salary for an MBA is for business analytics. The top recruiters in the USA for MBA are:
- McKinsey and Company
- J.P Morgan
- Amazon
- KPMG
- Deloitte
- Microsoft
Is GMAT or GRE compulsory for US Business Schools?
The top business schools in the USA require a GMAT in MBA admissions. Some business schools in the USA offer MBA in the US without GMAT-
- Kellogg School of Management
- Sawyer Business School
- Colorado State University
- Hult International Business School
- Columbia Business School
What is the average class size in MBA programs in the USA?
Some schools have classes with less than 200, while some schools have more than 550. The Wharton School has 874 students, while Harvard, Columbia, and Kellogg Schools have large class sizes. The average class size is 382 students.
What is the typical duration of top MBA programs in the USA?
Generally, the duration of an MBA in the US is 2 years. Full-time MBA is the most preferable, to dedicate the complete time to studies. Some colleges also offer 1-year accelerated programs. Nowadays, students want a fast-paced career, flexible courses, and want to start working early. Therefore, accelerated programs are increasing in number.
Is the USA good for an MBA?
USA MBA colleges rank in the top 10 QS MBA World Rankings. The USA MBA program is known for its high return on investment and higher salaries. Most business students want to study MBA in the USA. The top companies are headquartered in the US.