Big Dreams, Global Wins!
Are you juggling through several options to land your dream MBA college in the USA? Don’t worry, you’re not alone; every year, there are countless students aspiring for MBA in USA.
An increase of 23% was seen last year in the number of students applying to the USA for higher education, with MBA being one of the most sought-after courses. But it's not uncommon for students to have doubts about how to apply for MBA in USA from India, along with other queries about the eligibility criteria, fee structure, living accommodation, etc. Here’s all the deets!
To study MBA in USA from India is a key part of many MBA dreams. It's where finance meets technology, marketing connects with sustainability, and innovation sparks inspired action.
Let’s dive into the benefits of an MBA in USA for Indian students:
Top Global B-Schools: 6 of the top 10 MBA programs globally are in the USA, such as Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Columbia, Northwestern and MIT Sloan.
High ROI:Working after MBA in USA for Indian students comes with a handsome package. The average starting salary is about $115,000–$150,000 per year.
Global Exposure: B-Schools in the USA are home to many nationalities and people from all walks of life. This gives you international views and helps you build cross-cultural leadership skills.
STEM-Designated MBA Programs: Top MBA colleges in USA for Indians offer STEM tracks. This gives international students up to 3 years of OPT (Optional Practical Training).
Top Recruiters: Big firms like Google, Amazon, and McKinsey are part of campus recruitment. These companies focus on hiring from the USA campuses.
There are about 650 B-Schools in the USA, each with unique programs. Below is the list of top MBA colleges in USA for Indians:
MBA Universities in USA | Location | QS Rankings 2025 | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
MIT University | Cambridge, Massachusetts | #1 | USD: 82,630 INR: 69,00,140 |
Harvard University | Cambridge, Massachusetts | #4 | USD: 73,050 INR: 61,00,140 |
Stanford University | Northwestern University | #6 | USD: 77,840 INR: 65,00,140 |
University of Pennsylvania | Stanford, California | #11 | USD: 83,828 INR: 70,00,180 |
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | #12 | USD: 26,346 - 80,235 INR: 22,00,060 - 67,00,140 |
Yale University | Berkeley, California | #23 | USD: 45,506 - 81,433 INR: 38,00,040 - 68,00,180 |
Columbia University | New Haven, Connecticut | #34 | USD: 83,828 INR: 70,00,180 |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | Los Angeles, California | #42 | USD: 49,100 - 76,642 INR: 41,00,170 - 64,00,110 |
| Stern School of Business, New York University | New York City, New York | #43 | USD 81,430 INR 67,99,930 |
Northwestern University | Evanston, Illinois | #50 | USD: 73,050 - 1,06,581 INR: 61,00,140 - 89,00,210 |
The MBA admission process USA for Indian students requires a minimum of 16 years of education. Below are the basic requirements for pursuing an MBA in the USA:
3 or 4 years Bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or above.
GMAT score of 600+.
Strong score in English language tests (typically IELTS 6.5 or above or TOEFL around 90–100).
A majority of universities also recommend a minimum of 2 years of work experience.
Moreover, students with a master’s degree are also eligible to apply for the course.
Studying abroad has its downsides, but how we handle them makes all the difference. To handle the expenses in the best way, it is advisable to learn the skill of managing finances.
Living costs may vary depending on the location and lifestyle; however, we have attempted to give you a brief idea of the same.
Parameter | Expenses |
|---|---|
Accommodation | USD – $200 to $1,000 INR – ₹16,690 to ₹83,450 |
Food and Groceries | USD – $150 to $300 INR – ₹12,520 to ₹25,040 |
Transportation | USD – $70 to $150 INR – ₹5,840 to ₹12,520 |
Health Insurance | USD – $200 to $500 INR – ₹16,690 to ₹41,720 |
| Miscellaneous | USD – $100 to $300 INR – ₹8,340 to ₹25,040 |
Besides the college fees and housing accommodation, there can be certain back-end costs that students should take note of. Below are some charges, whose costs may vary, but they will give you a hint on how to plan your budget, which you can also do through many budgeting apps for students:
Application Fees (per university) | INR: ₹8,560–₹21,400 |
|---|---|
Standardized Tests: GMAT TOEFL/IELTS | INR: ~₹23,540 INR: ~₹16,260 |
Visa Application (F1, including SEVIS fee) | INR: ~₹43,650 |
Travel (One-time ticket to the U.S. + domestic travel) | INR: ~₹85,600+ |
An MBA in the USA comes with a massive financial commitment. Lucky for you, we have curated a list of international scholarships for students:
The esteemed scholarship of Stanford is a fellowship covering the tuition fees of the student while providing a stipend to manage academic and living expenses. On top of that, they also offer a travel fee for an annual trip to and from Stanford.
The number of awardees for the scholarship includes 100 who reap the benefits for a duration of three years. The student must be enrolled in one of the seven graduate schools of the university to be eligible for the scholarship.
The tri-factor qualities that the aspirant of the fellowship must possess include independence of thought, leadership driven by purpose, and a civic mindset.
The Wharton School of Business offers multiple sets of scholarships, diversifying the scope of landing a reputed college for an MBA in USA for Indian students. Below, we have listed some of the scholarships that students can check out:
Fulbright Program for Non-US Students: This scholarship expands the opportunity to scholars, artists, and professionals who aren’t citizens. The scholarships allow these professionals and students to pursue and conduct research or study in the USA. The program spreads to more than 160 countries, offering benefits to over 4,000 scholars every year. Students can apply either through the Fulbright Commission biannually or via the US Embassy of their respective country.
The Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund: The fellowship is facilitated to support education for women from developing countries. This helps empower women scholars by offering an opportunity to study and research with industry experts and high-end resources.
As the name suggests, the coveted name of McKinsey and Company offers this scholarship to students enrolled in the MIT Sloan School of Management. The fellowship, presented to four brilliant minds, includes a generous sum of $10,000 (INR 8,34,250).
The esteemed scholarship requires the applicant to display stellar academic records. They must also hold the drive and leadership in various arenas of campus, professional life, or community, demonstrating a holistic set of abilities.
The Amber Scholarship is a merit-based and need-based initiative that offers financial aid up to USD 5,000 to deserving students. This amount is primarily aimed at covering student housing expenses but can also be used for other living costs associated with studying abroad.
Number of Scholarships: Varies annually based on applications and available funds, but typically awarded to 10-15 students globally.
Eligible Courses: Open to students pursuing full-time undergraduate, postgraduate, or MBA programs abroad, including top destinations like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Researching career prospects before enrolling in a college program is crucial. It should be a top priority on your checklist when deciding on the top MBA colleges in USA for Indians. Below, we have marked out some of the most revered and high-paying opportunities after an MBA in USA for Indian students:
| Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Project Manager | USD 78,000 – 80,000 |
Senior Financial Analyst | USD 80,000 – 83,000 |
| Marketing Director | USD 100,000 – 103,000 |
| Operations Manager | USD 82,000 – 85,000 |
Finance Manager | USD 103,000 – 106,000 |
Director of Operations | USD 98,000 – 101,000 |
An MBA in USA for Indian students comes wrapped with an enlightening experience and the best learning while compensating them with handsome packages. While you are swamped with finding the best MBA universities, let amber help you find a comfortable abode of your liking with zero hassle.
With global listings, personalized support, and a seamless booking process, your student housing in the USA is one less thing to worry about. Find your perfect stay with Amber today.
Bank of America Corp., J.P. Morgan Chase, Amazon, Northrop Grumman Corp., Stryker Corp., etc, are the top recruiters for MBA in USA for Indian students and others.
MBA USA Indian students can live and work for up to 6 years in the country with an H1-B visa. If someone has worked for the same employer for a straight 4 years, they are eligible for employment-based permanent residency in the fifth year of employment. But it must be filed by the employer.
12 months is the majority of the duration of an MBA course in the USA. But many universities also provide the course cycle with a duration of 13-24 months and 25-26 months.
The best MBA universities in USA for Indian students that offer STEM MBA programs include Harvard University, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton).
Some of the highest-paying specializations in MBA include financial services, consulting, healthcare, technology, and consumer packaged goods.