MBA in USA: Universities, Cost, Eligibility
According to the US Department of Education, the US is the largest MBA market in the world. More than 1,25,000 MBA candidates graduate annually. Last year, in 2024, over 200,000 individuals graduated with an MBA degree. If you have a degree in MBA in the USA, getting a job is easy once you finish your degree.
If you want to study MBA in the USA but are still trying to figure out where to start, don’t worry. In this blog, Shuraa Education will help you understand the universities’ costs, the eligibility criteria, and the best universities to get admitted to. Go through this guide, and you will indeed have some idea about how to study abroad.
Why Study an MBA in the USA
Doing an MBA in the USA offers cutting-edge facilities, academic excellence, and promising career opportunities. Here are some key reasons why pursuing an MBA in the USA is a worthwhile endeavour:
- US institutions emphasise experiential learning through internships, co-ops, and various training programs. These opportunities allow students to interact with industry leaders and prepare for future challenges.
- Many Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in the US. Which significantly increases one’s chances of getting a position at any prominent firm. Additionally, job roles often involve leadership-oriented activities and key decision-making responsibilities.
- According to the US Department of Education, the US is the largest MBA market globally. With over 125,000 MBA candidates graduating annually.
Top Ranked MBA Universities in USA for 2025
Below down are the top universities for pursuing an MBA course:
| Rank | University | Overall score |
| 1 | Harvard University | 96.5 |
| 4 | Stanford university | 92.3 |
| 5 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 91.8 |
| 7 | University of Pennsylvania | 91.3 |
| 12 | University of California Berkeley | 87.1 |
| 16 | Northwestern University | 84.7 |
| 18 | New York University (NYU) | 84.3 |
| 19 | University of Chicago | 83.5 |
| 22 | Columbia University | 82.7 |
| 27 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 80.8 |
Top 6 MBA Specializations for 2025
The USA is home to top-ranked business schools offering a variety of MBA specialisations. Here are some Best MBA colleges in the USA:
| MBA Specialization | University Name |
| MBA in General Management |
|
| MBA in Marketing |
|
| MBA in Human Resource Management |
|
| MBA in Entrepreneurship |
|
| MBA in Finance |
|
| MBA in Business Analytics |
|
Types of MBA Programs in the USA
Universities in the USA offer a wide range of MBA programs that are both full and highly flexible. The different types of MBA programs available in the USA are listed below:
| Types of MBA | Description | Colleges |
| Full-Time MBA | A two-year immersive on-campus MBA program. |
|
| Executive MBA | An MBA program for working professionals, with weekend or intensive sessions. |
|
| Part-Time MBA | An MBA program for working professionals, with evening or weekend classes. |
|
| Online MBA | Flexibility allows students to pursue an MBA anywhere, anytime. |
|
| Early Career MBA | Students with limited work experience fast-track their business careers. |
|
| Global MBA | Students aiming for global careers offering international expertise. |
|
Eligibility Criteria for MBA in the USA
The basic criteria are generally consistent; below are the eligibility criteria for MBA in the USA:
- A minimum of 16 years of education. It’s a four-year undergraduate degree. Some universities may also accept 15 years of education.
- English language proficiency test scores, such as IELTS.
- GMAT or GRE test scores, with a minimum score of 600 or 300+, respectively.
- You should have 2-3 years of work experience for some institution.
IMPORTANT: Many US institutions consider candidates without work experience, but those with work experience often have an advantage.
Documents Required for Studying an MBA in the USA
International students must submit additional documents when applying for an MBA in the USA. These include:
- Your Cover Letter
- USA Student Visa
- Academic Transcripts
- Letters of Recommendation
- GMAT/GRE Scores
- Your Resume
- Statement of Purpose for MBA
- Minimum English Proficiency Test Scores: IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 100, PTE 54
How many MBA intakes are there in the USA?
USA colleges and universities offer three different intakes for studying abroad. This is not like Indian universities, where there is only one intake! So, here’s a plus point about studying in the USA. There are 3 intakes mentioned below:
- The Fall Intake: This is a popular intake for Indian students who want to study in the USA. It starts in August.
- The Spring Intake: It’s the second-best option amongst the students, and if you miss the September intake, you can choose this one. It starts in January.
- The Summer Intake: This is available for limited programs and colleges. This intake usually starts in May.
MBA Admission Requirements in US Business Schools
In addition to academic qualifications, qualifying scores in exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or DET are required for pursuing a Master of Business Administration in the USA.
| University | Academic Requirements (Minimum GPA) | GMAT Score | Average Work Experience | Language Proficiency (TOEFL iBT) |
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | 3.7 | 738 | 5 years | 100 |
| Harvard Business School | 3.7 | 740 | 4.9 years | 109 |
| Wharton School | 3.6 | 728 | 5 years | 100 |
| MIT Sloan School of Management | 3.6 | 730 | 5 years | 100 |
| Columbia Business School | 3.6 | 727 | 5.6 years | 100 |
| Haas School of Business | 3.5 | 710 | 4.5 years | 90 |
| Chicago Booth | 3.6 | 730 | 5 years | 104 |
| Anderson School of Management | 3.4 | 710 | 5.7 years | 87 |
| Kellogg School of Management | 3.7 | 731 | 5 years | 100 |
| Yale School of Management | 3.6 | 720 | 5.1 years | 100 |
| Stern School of Business | 3.6 | 732 | 5.2 years | No minimum score requirement |
| Ross School of Business | 3.4 | 715 | 6.1 years | 100 |
| Fuqua School of Business | 3.3 | 700 | 4.5 years | No minimum score requirement |
| Johnson College of Business | 3.3 | 710 | 5.5 years | 100 |
| Questrom Business School | 3.3 | 683 | 6 years | No minimum score requirement |
Test Scores Required for MBA Admission in the USA
Below are the test scores required for MBA admission in the USA:
IELTS
International MBA applicants typically need an IELTS band score of 6.5 or higher (both paper-based and computer-based tests). Verify the specific university requirements, as they might differ.
GRE
Many US colleges accept GRE scores alongside or in place of GMAT scores. Each institution sets its own GRE score requirements. Kindly verify the details with your selected school or consult a Shuraa expert.
GPA
Your undergraduate GPA is also considered; aim for a 3.6 GPA or a B+ average. Admission decisions may also factor in your performance on graduation exams.
GMAT
Most US universities require a minimum GMAT score of 650, though some may accept scores as low as 500. The GMAT assesses verbal, numerical, cognitive, and analytical skills.
MBA Fees in the USA for Indian Students
| University | Annual Tuition Fees (USD) | Annual Tuition Fees (INR) |
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | 82,455 | 66 lakhs |
| Harvard Business School | 74,910 | 62 lakhs |
| Wharton School | 87,370 | 72 lakhs |
| MIT Sloan | 82,000 | 68 lakhs |
| Columbia Business School | 84,496 | 70 lakhs |
| Haas School of Business | 82,059 | 68 lakhs |
| Chicago Booth School of Business | 80,961 | 67 lakhs |
| Anderson School of Management | 78,350 | 65 lakhs |
| Kellogg School of Management | 81,015 | 67 lakhs |
| Yale School of Management | 82,200 | 68 lakhs |
| Stern School of Business | 84,180 | 69 lakhs |
| Ross School of Business | 75,392 | 62 lakhs |
| Fuqua School of Business | 75,000 | 62 lakhs |
| Johnson College of Business | 79,910 | 66 lakhs |
| Boston Business School | 63,798 | 52 lakhs |
Cost of living expenses in the USA for Indian Students
| Expense Type | Average Annual Expense (USD) | Cost for Indian Students (INR) |
| Accommodation | 16,000 | 13 lakhs |
| Meals | 4,700 | 3 lakhs |
| Transportation | 810 | 67,400 |
| Health Insurance | 4,100 | 3 lakhs |
| Personal Expenses | 3,900 | 3 lakhs |
| Total | 29,700 | 24 lakhs |
MBA Scholarships USA
Below are some of the MBA scholarships available in the USA for international students:
| Business School | Scholarship Name | Award Amount (USD) |
| Harvard Business School |
|
|
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program | Full tuition for up to 3 years | Stipend for living and academic expenses and a travel stipend |
| Wharton School | Joseph Wharton Fellowships | Variable |
| Columbia Business School | Meyer Feldberg Distinguished Fellowship Program | USD 100,000 |
| Haas School of Business |
|
|
| University of Chicago Booth School of Business | Social Impact Fellowship | Full tuition |
| Yale School of Management | Schwarzman Scholars Program | Full tuition |
| NYU Stern School of Business | William R. Berkley Scholarship | 10,000 USD |
| Fuqua School of Business | Merit Scholarships | Partial or Full Tuition Coverage |
| Boston Business School | Dean’s Scholarships | 10,000 USD or Full tuition coverage |
Salary after MBA in the USA
Below are the job opportunities available to MBA graduates based on their specialisation.
| Program | Job Profile | Average Salary (USD) | Average Salary in INR |
| MBA General Management |
|
94,000 | 78 lakhs |
| MBA Finance |
|
106,000 | 88 lakhs |
| MBA Human Resource |
|
74,000 | 61 lakhs |
| MBA Marketing |
|
99,000 | 82 lakhs |
Post MBA work opportunities in the USA for Indian students
After graduating, international students find it attractive to stay in the USA due to its environment, rich culture, and numerous opportunities. The US government offers a process for getting a post-graduate work visa, especially for those with a valid F1 visa.
Students can participate in temporary employment programs like OPT (Optional Practical Training) or CPT (Curricular Practical Training). STEM program graduates in Computer Science, Engineering, and Business Management can extend their stay for up to 3 years.
The USA’s appeal for higher education is based on innovation, extensive research opportunities, high-quality education, and globally recognised degrees.
MBA in the USA with Shuraa Education
We hope this blog on MBA in the USA was easy to read. We have covered everything related to studying in the USA, which can be difficult, but don’t worry. You can contact our overseas education experts if you still have any queries regarding studying abroad.
Shuraa Education is happy to help you at any step. Our experts know how to guide and support students who feel stuck. Contact us today for a free consultation at +91 931 999 8925 or info@shuraaeducation.com.
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