MBA in USA: Universities, Requirements, Fees, Scholarships and Placements

Study Abroad Team 11/04/2025

Sulekha Study Abroad: From Expert Guidance to Global Opportunities.

An MBA in the United States involves intense coursework combined with many opportunities for networking, which makes it a life-changing experience. A few prestigious business schools in the United States offer unique curriculum designed for various career objectives.

Most Fortune 500 companies are within reach of students pursuing their education in the United States, specifically in financial capitals such as New York and San Francisco. Being in the same geographic location facilitates networking opportunities and increases the chances of securing employment with top firms. Notably, the average salary for MBA graduates is around $115,000, much higher than that for graduates of a bachelor's program.

Why Pursue an MBA in the USA?

  • International Repute: American MBA schools enjoy international repute for their rigorousness and high standards, ranking at the top in international listings.

  • Diverse Specializations: From business to entrepreneurship, a variety of specializations are available to support different career goals.

  • Networking: Pursuing an MBA in the U.S. provides access to extensive alumni and industry networks.

  • Cultural Experience: Living in the U.S. allows for engagement with diverse cultures and ideas, enhancing both personal and professional growth.

  • Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: The U.S. is the right place for young entrepreneurs, where there is exposure to foster entrepreneurial ideas. Focusing on innovation, venture capital availability, and a pro-innovation regulatory regime, the country is the best place to initiate startups.

Top MBA Programs in the USA

Here are some of the best MBA colleges in USA for Indian students:

University

Location

Program Duration

Tuition Fee (USD)

University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)

Philadelphia, PA

2 years

$80,000

Harvard Business School

Boston, MA

2 years

$73,440

Stanford Graduate School of Business

Stanford, CA

2 years

$74,706

University of Chicago (Booth)

Chicago, IL

2 years

$74,919

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)

Cambridge, MA

2 years

$77,168

Dartmouth College (Tuck)

Hanover, NH

2 years

$77,520

University of Virginia (Darden)

Charlottesville, VA

2 years

$68,400

University of California--Berkeley (Haas)

Berkeley, CA

2 years

$69,000

University of Michigan (Ross)

Ann Arbor, MI

2 years

$66,048

Columbia Business School

New York, NY

2 years

$77,376

Note: Tuition fees are approximate and may vary based on additional costs and currency fluctuations.

MBA in USA Admission Requirements

Admission requirements differ between institutions but typically consist of:

  • Academic Qualifications: A valid undergraduate degree.

  • Work Experience: Generally, 2-5 years of professional work experience; some programs accept less.

  • Standardized Tests: Scores on the GMAT or GRE; some institutions may waive this requirement based on work experience or academic record.

  • English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-native English speakers.

  • Essays and Recommendations: Personal statements and letters of recommendation.

  • Interviews: By invitation, in-person or online.

MBA in USA Application Process

The application process consists of a few important steps:

  • Research Programs: Find programs fitting your career aspirations and eligibility standards.

  • Prepare for Tests: Schedule and prepare for GMAT/GRE and TOEFL/IELTS tests.

  • Gather Documents: Ready transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, and other documents as needed.

  • Application: Submit applications before deadlines, with all parts complete.

  • Interview: Conduct interviews if necessary.

  • Decision and Visa Application: Upon being admitted, file for an F-1 student visa to study in the US.

MBA in USA Intakes

In the US, Master of Business Administration (MBA) courses mostly start in the Fall semester, usually in August or September. A few universities have Spring and Summer intakes as well, but these are not as popular. The following table provides the intake periods, the start dates, and the usual application deadlines of some MBA courses:

University

Intake Period

Start Date

Application Deadlines

Columbia Business School

August Entry

August

Round 1: September
Round 2: January
Round 3: April

January Entry

January

Round 1: June
Round 2: September

Yale School of Management

Fall Intake

August

Round 1: September
Round 2: January
Round 3: April

Spring Intake

January

Round 1: October
Round 2: December

Kellogg School of Management

Fall Intake

September

Round 1: September
Round 2: January
Round 3: April

Spring Intake

January

Round 1: October
Round 2: December

Joseph M. Katz Graduate School

August Entry

August

Round 1: October
Round 2: January
Round 3: April

One-Year MBA

August

Application deadlines vary; typically, in the preceding year

Note: Application deadlines vary by institution and may be subject to change. It's advisable to check the official website of each business school for the most current information.

Specializations Offered

US MBA schools provide an array of specializations, some of which include:

  • Finance: Investment banking, corporate finance, asset management.

  • Marketing: Brand management, digital marketing, consumer behavior.

  • Entrepreneurship: Management of start-ups, venture capital, innovation.

  • Operations Management: Supply chain management, logistics, manufacturing.

  • Information Technology: Data analysis, IT management, information security.

  • Healthcare Management: Hospital management, healthcare policy, biotechnology.

  • International Business: Global strategy, cross-cultural management, international trade.

  • Human Resources: Talent management, organizational behavior, labor relations.

Rankings of Top MBA Programs

Below is a summary of national and international rankings for some of the top MBA programs in the USA:

University

U.S. News Ranking

Bloomberg Businessweek Ranking

Financial Times Global Ranking

1

1

1

2

2

5

3

3

6

4

4

9

5

5

7

10

10

15

11

11

20

12

12

18

University of Michigan (Ross)

13

13

22

Columbia Business School

14

14

25

Note: Rankings are based on the latest available data and may vary depending on the ranking source and methodology.

Cost of Studying

The overall cost of an MBA in the USA involves tuition fees and living costs:

  • Tuition Fees: From roughly $65,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on the institution.

  • Living Expenses: Between $15,000 to $25,000 per year, including food, accommodation, and other living expenses.

  • Total Estimated Cost: About $80,000 to $105,000 annually.

Scholarships for MBA Students in the USA

Financial assistance is a key factor for most MBA applicants. American business schools provide numerous scholarships to bring in talented students from diverse backgrounds:

  • Merit-Based Scholarships: These are given based on academic performance, professional success, or leadership potential.

  • Need-Based Scholarships: To support students who show financial need.

  • Diversity Scholarships: Intended to foster diversity in the student population, including those provided by the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, designed to enhance African American, Hispanic American, and Native American representation in business study and leadership.

  • Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) Fellowship: Offers scholarships and leadership development for LGBTQ+ MBA students to create an environment of inclusion in business studies.

Placement Opportunities and Employment Trends

The job market for MBA graduates depends on the school and the current economic climate. Recent statistics show:

  • At Harvard Business School, 23% of MBA graduates were still looking for jobs three months after graduation, up from earlier years.

  • Likewise, other leading U.S. MBA schools, such as Stanford University and the University of Pennsylvania, have also posted mixed employment outcomes due to industry demand and changes in the economy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the duration of an MBA program in the USA?

Most full-time MBA programs span two academic years, approximately 18 months of term time, including a summer break between years.

What is the structure of part-time MBA programs?

Part-time MBA programs are designed for working professionals, with classes held during evenings or weekends, typically extending over three years or more.

Do MBA programs in the USA require work experience for admission?

Many programs prefer applicants with prior work experience, with top-tier schools often requiring five or more years.

What are the common admission requirements for MBA programs?

Admissions typically consider undergraduate GPA, GMAT or GRE scores, work experience, essays, letters of recommendation, and sometimes interviews.

Can I pursue an MBA without a business undergraduate degree?

Yes, MBA programs welcome applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, including engineering, humanities, and sciences.

Is it mandatory to take the GMAT for MBA admissions?

While the GMAT is widely used, some schools accept GRE scores, and a few may not require standardized test scores at all.

Study Abroad
Study in USA
Share
Follow Us On Follow Sulekha Study Abroad on Instagram Follow Sulekha Study Abroad on Facebook Follow Sulekha Study Abroad on Twitter Follow Sulekha Study Abroad on Youtube

Post Your Comment

All Comments

0 comments
Be the first to post a comment.

Recently Added Study Abroad Blogs

Top Study Abroad Consultants in

Pranav Enterprises

Nungambakkam, Chennai, 600034
4.9/5 (140 reviews)
Sulekha Verified
Study Abroad, Foreign education entrance exam coaching
Established in 2018, Walk International provides a
View Profile

Texas Edu Assist

Sector 23 Dwarka, Delhi, 2013609
Sulekha Verified
Study Abroad, Foreign education entrance exam coaching
View Profile

The Parashars

Bhikaji Cama Place, Delhi, 110006
4.6/5 (10 reviews)
Sulekha Verified
Study Abroad, Foreign education entrance exam coaching
The Parashars, established in 1998, boasts over 25
I totally recommend them. Once you handover your details to them you literally don’t have to worry, they will make sure that you get your slot before your intake.
View Profile

Consigner Overseas Education Private Limited

Laxmi Nagar, Delhi, 110092
5.0/5 (32 reviews)
Sulekha Verified
Study Abroad, Foreign education entrance exam coaching
Consigner Overseas Education Private Limited was e
“The service was excellent and very professional. The team was polite, trustworthy, and ensured everything was handled smoothly. Highly satisfied with the overall experience
View Profile

Keemaya Overseas Education Services

Dwarka, Delhi, 110075
4.8/5 (4 reviews)
Sulekha Verified
Study Abroad, Foreign education entrance exam coaching
Keemaya Overseas Education Services is a leading e
I got an instant call and set my meeting.
View Profile

Infocus Overseas Education Consultants

Udyog Vihar, Gurgaon, 122016
4.2/5 (16 reviews)
Sulekha Verified
Study Abroad, Foreign education entrance exam coaching
Infocus Overseas Education Consultants, headquarte
ndjdjene shrines skndjdbebs d
View Profile

Innvictis Solutions LLP

Sector 32, Noida, 201301
4.9/5 (41 reviews)
Sulekha Verified
Study Abroad, Foreign education entrance exam coaching
Innvictis Solutions LLP is a leading student visa
View Profile

Ucaug Private Limited

Sector 44, Gurgaon, 122003
4.0/5 (2 reviews)
Sulekha Verified
Study Abroad, Foreign education entrance exam coaching
Texas Review India, established in 2014, helps stu
Texas Review is one of the best consultancy for Abroad Education and Immigration services along will all abroad educational exams like IELTS,GRE,GMAT,TOEFL,PTE and SAT.
View Profile

Petals International

Mayur Vihar Phase 1, Delhi, 110091
5.0/5 (1 reviews)
Sulekha Verified
Study Abroad, Foreign education entrance exam coaching
Petals International, founded in 2011, provides ov
great greo[nghrn[oggrgrgr
View Profile

Study UK International Limited

Nehru Place, Delhi, 110019
1.0/5 (1 reviews)
Sulekha Verified
Study Abroad, Foreign education entrance exam coaching
View Profile

Related Articles to Study in

Ask NEHA
Popular Categories
B2B & Business Services
Education and Training
Personal Service
Top Cities (US)