The United States has the most number of universities that provide world-class MBA programs. When it comes to top MBA lists and rankings, American universities are placed in a distinguished position. That is why an MBA from the United States is seen as a noteworthy addition to your CV. Because the competition for an MBA in the United States is so fierce, tuition fees automatically rise and become prohibitively costly for overseas students.
However, this is not true of all good business schools in the United States. There are several cheap MBA colleges in USA that provide a world-class education for a fraction of the expense. The teaching methods used at these institutions are identical to those used at the top-ranked universities in the country, so you need not be worried about the quality of education.
In this blog, we have discussed the list of universities that provide the cheap MBA in USA for international students along with their cost and programs.
Why Study MBA in USA?
The United States is well-known for being home to the world’s most prestigious business schools, which provide cutting-edge facilities, academic brilliance, and great employment chances to assist MBA students to get the most out of their education. Some of the primary reasons why pursuing an MBA in the United States is worthwhile are as follows:
Industry experience: US B-schools place a premium on experiential learning through internships/co-ops and different training programs that allow students to connect with industry experts in order to prepare them for future industry difficulties.
Excellent employment opportunities: The majority of Fortune 500 firms have their headquarters in the United States, which boosts the likelihood of being hired by a reputable organisation. Furthermore, the nature of the occupations is increasingly essential, with leadership-oriented tasks required for key decision-making roles.
First choice of MBA aspirants: As per the US Department of Education, the US is the largest MBA market in the world with more than 1,25,000 MBA candidates graduating annually.
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.
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.
How to Get Admission to an MBA in the USA?
American universities usually have two sessions for admission intakes- Fall and Spring. Indian students must thoroughly research 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.
Eligibility for MBA in the USA for Indian Students
Home to 50 globally ranked B-schools, admission to a university in the USA is competitive because the application numbers are almost 10 times more than the admission intakes. Here are some of the important MBA in the USA for Indian students’ requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.5 to 4 from a recognized board of study.
- You need to have a minimum of two years of work experience to get an MBA in the USA.
- GMAT score. The minimum score required is 600.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- TOEFL or IELTS test scores.
Documentation Needed for MBA in the USA
Students must produce all 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
Cost of Studying MBA in USA
The ultimate cost of an MBA in the USA is determined by the USA MBA fees charged by your university and the lifestyle you select. The costs can be further subdivided into tuition fees and living expenses.
In terms of tuition fees, MBA in USA expenses for Indian students averages approximately 50 lakh rupees or 65,000 USD per year. Living expenditures, which are estimated to be approximately 15 lakhs or 19,700 USD per year , are added to this cost.
MBA Scholarships In USA For International Students
Of course, putting together a huge amount of money for an MBA can be really big for many people. Indeed, cash is a prominent factor still hindering many from fulfilling their dreams of studying in the United States. It should also be noted that a lot of universities in the country don’t grant tuition fee waivers for a professional affair like MBA. Hence, if you are not too strong financially, you simply have to look out for scholarships to fund your education.
The good news is, there are several organizations, governments, and even certain universities that provide scholarships for international students. This has helped many to fulfill their dreams. There are many of these scholarships out there. Here are some popular ones:
- Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
- Columbia Business School – The Board of Overseers China & India Fellowships
- University of Pennsylvania, Wharton – Emerging Economy Fellowships
- Chicago Booth – The India Trust Fellowship
- Harvard University- Need-Based Fellowships
As stated before, there are many such scholarships, available for different residents of different countries. Try to recognize those available for people from your own country or region.
Best Universities Providing low-cost MBA in US.
Below are the most affordable MBA universities in the US where international students can apply for admission.
1. The City University of New York
A famous public the university is the city university of New York which has 25 individual institutes, out of the 11 senior colleges offer baccalaureate degrees,7 community colleges offer associate degree 7 Graduate, Honors, and Professional Schools, offering more than 30 doctoral programs. helping half a million students of all ages and backgrounds that provide elevated quality education since 1847. They also offer education for adult students. Tuition fees in this university also affordable for international students which is $17000 per year.
The City University of New York offers a financial loan which is student loans and merit-based scholarships.
2. University at Buffalo
The State University of New York operates the University of buffalo. A large number of international students (approximately 16%) from one hundred and fifteen countries around the world are studying here. This university offers international students scholarship services as well as a student loan. Various cultural; programs, English language programs, and various types of student-related organizations running here for helping an international student.
Tuition fees for international students for MBA and MS are approx $ 20,151 and scholarships generally $5000 to $10000
3. University of the People
This is the first university in the world that is a non-profit based educational institute. It is the first tuition-free qualified online university. It offers quality American degree programs.
This university also offers master’s degree programs in business administration and education. Total number of international students is 56%. This university is tuition-free for international students but very few minimal charges for operating expenses which is approximate $2000 for an associate degree, $4000 for a bachelor’s degree, and $3500 for the master’s program.
4. University of South Alabama
The University of South Alabama presents more than forty graduate and professional degree programs which are divided into ten colleges that offer a wide range of options for international students. Its superior reach arch quality makes it a “high research” institution by the Carnegie Foundation.
Tuition fees $16200
5. Grambling State University
Grambling state university is a public university located in Grambling, Louisiana. It is a member school of the Louisiana System. Historically it is a Black public university.
Grambling State University is a place that is a focus for outstanding students from all over the world. More than forty degrees and certificate programs through the College of Arts and Science are offered by this university. It ensures a positive learning environment and enhanced by a large variety of activities and organizations.
It offers an Installment plan, deferred payment. Grambling State University provides a ten years student loan valued of $41,372.Monthly repayment of $429 could be required for a student loan.
Tuition fees : Instate $16,458
6. Brigham Young University:
Brigham Young University is a private university, located in Provo, Utah runs by Church Educational System. It is a research-based nonprofit making institution.
University offers scholarships as BYU-Idaho Grants. They evaluate the students based on financial need and academic achievement for the Thomas E. Ricks Grant.
Another is Federal financial aid includes Pell Grant, Direct Student Loans, plus loans. Brigham Young University ALSO OFFER private aid for qualified students to include Veteran Benefits.
Average annual cost: $11,356
7. California State University, Long Beach
California State University is a public university that was established in 1949 and located in Long Beach, California which is only three miles or five kilometers from the Pacific ocean. Great Hollywood also near the University, only a forty-minute drive. It is the 3rd largest university in the California State University system. Because the university campus area is 322-acre. This university also offers a full-time MBA and Evening MBA. In full-time MBA female students 68% and International students 52% and evening MBA female students 35% and International students 20%
Tuition Fees approximate $45000 and $35000 respectively for Full time and Evening MBA
8. University of Hawaii
The University of Hawaii is established in 1907. It is a public college and university system that includes 3 universities, 7 community colleges, and community-based learning centers, that offer, bachelor’s, master’s, MBA, and doctoral degrees. It is situated in
University offers various types of grants, scholarships, work-study, and loan programs available.
This financial program is awarded exclusively by the financial aid office at the individual UH campuses. The AACSB accredited full-time MBA and MS program for national and international students as well.
This university also offers Federal Scholarships and Grants
Which are divide
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
- Teaching assistantship for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
- Student loan
To be sure, Buffalo facial appearance more affordability in terms of cost of living for those looking for customization,
Tuition fees for the Master’s program: $24928
9. University of North Carolina:
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public university situated in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It easy establishes in 1789 it is measured a Public Ivy, or a public institution that provides an academic skill equal to an Ivy League university. This university has selected 17 outstanding faculty members to receive the 2020 Awards for Excellence in Teaching. The university offers various types of financial aid like scholarships, university grants, and student loans. International students for MBA and ms program also offer here.
Tuition fees $ 19878
10. Lamar University (TX)
Lamar University is the first higher educational institute in Texas. It is recognized for outstanding quality education for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs as well. This University is divided into five undergraduate colleges, one graduate college, and an honors college. It is also known as the cheapest average tuition fee among the other universities in Texas. Total enrollment in 2019 is more than 14500 students. Out of this 99425 students from Undergraduate. Student-faculty ratio 20:1
This university also offers various types of MBA programs as well as Ms program.
Lamar University offers various types of financial aids for students like texas public Education grant, Work-study, Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan, federal graduate plus loan, Federal Perkins Loan, and alternative loan. Tuition fees for the Master’s program $ 16800
11. Iowa State University
It is a public, land-grant university. Land-grant University means, an institute for higher education selected by a state to be given the reimbursement of the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890. It is located in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State University founded in 1858. The university offers MBA and MS program for international and state students. This university offers a great opportunity for financial benefited for the students. More than 85% of students receive some form of financial benefits.
Campus housing no 21500. The total number of students is 29800 out of this 24500 students are in undergraduate. The student-faculty ratio is 18:1
Tuition fees for INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IN MBA and MS program are approximate $17800
12. University of Alabama
The University of Alabama is a public research university situated in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, founded in 1820. It is the oldest and principal of the public universities in Alabama. The University of Alabama is a flagship university. According to U.S. News & World Report for 2020, The University of Alabama is attached for 72nd best public universities in the United States. Total number of students enrolled in 2019 approximate 32000 (26000undergraduate)
Tuition fees for MBA and MS student approximate $26700
13. University of Wisconsin-Madison
It is a public research university founded in 1848, located in Madison, Wisconsin. It is a flagship campus of Wisconsin University System. More than 4000 international students from 130 countries are studying in this university. This university is ranked the top fifteen universities in the united states for a larger number of international students. Wisconsin’s highly reasonable MBA is accessible with 10 specializations, ranging from Real Estate and Marketing Research, plus Risk Management, Arts Administration to Applied Security Analysis.
Student Financial Aid (OSFA) helps students to cover up the expenditure involved in attending the university. The authority of the university also provides student counseling about the financial solution.
Tuition fees approximate $21500
14. Hood College
It is situated in Rosemont Ave, Frederick, Maryland United States. This college starts the MBA program Since 1948. The Hood college provides integrate liberal arts and professional training programs. Business faculty offers an MBA program based on 32 to 38 credits. Students can complete this program from 12 months to 24 months if students require a study on a part-time basis.MBA program mainly focuses on proficiencies in finance, accounting operations, and marketing management. More than 2,000 alumni that completed their MBA from hood College. The college also provides a financial package for their student.
Average tuition fees $8,780
15. Saint Joseph’s University
This is a private university situated in Philadelphia and Lower Merion, Pennsylvania was established in 1851.
To complete the MBA program it requires 35 to 55 credits depends on students’ academic background. This university offers Regular and executive MBA which includes Marketing, finance Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing, Accounting. Saint Joseph’s University offers reasonable tuition fees for international students. It is one of the cheapest MBA programs in the state. Advance Collegiate Schools of Business give accreditation For MBA in this university.
Approximate tuition fees $14500
16. Bethel University
Founded in 1871, Bethel University is a private Christian higher educational institute. It is located in Arden Hills, Minnesota. This is one of the most all-inclusive Christian Universities in the world. Bethel University offers international students for MBA and MS program as well. 35 to 45 credits is recourse to complete an MBA course as well as an MS course. Finance, Management Business and management Accounting and Business strategy are offered for the MBA program and also offer MS in Athletic Training, Nurse-Midwifery, and Physician Assistant. The university holds up the MBA students for coaching class as they can easily solve their educational problems as well as success in career and professional growth. Bethel also helps students to increase their writing capability. Students Grants and scholarship facilities also available in this university. This type of grant and scholarship don’t need to be repaid.
17. University of North Texas College of Business
The College of Business at the University of North Texas offers a highly-acclaimed MBA that has held accreditation with the AACSB for more than 50 years. This established Master’s of Business Administration program is frequently seen among the leading ranking systems and is offered at a very affordable tuition rate below $13,999. The UNT MBA is 36 credit-hours in length and provides an impressive 14 tracks of study. Options vary by focus, and some are offered entirely online while others are in an on-campus cohort format. A few of the tracks available include Business Analytics, Finance, Health Service Management, Supply Chain Analytics, Strategic Management, and Business Studies. While each program is unique, all of the options offer a well-rounded view of business and include courses in topics such as marketing, leadership, business decision process, and finance.
18. Emporia State University School of Business
The School of Business at Emporia State University offers an affordable MBA that is highly accredited by the AACSB, a distinction awarded to less than five percent of business schools worldwide. This 36 credit-hour program consists of 21 hours of core business courses, an accounting course, and 12 hours of elective courses. This MBA is one of the most affordable in the state of Kansas. There are two scholarships available for graduate-level students; the New Graduate Student Scholarship for the first semester of graduate school and the Robert J. Grover Scholarship for students in their second semester and beyond. These scholarships are based on merit factors, such as GPA obtained as an undergraduate, as well as performance in graduate level courses. Students in this dynamic program will graduate with a well-rounded business understanding in accounting, finance, management, and marketing at a remarkable price.
19. University of Central Oklahoma College of Business
The College of Business at the University of Central Oklahoma offers a Master’s of Business Administration that the Association highly accredits to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This established MBA program is 35 credit hours and can be completed in 16 months by taking classes two nights per week, or in 26 months by attending classes one night per week. Students in this MBA can choose to pursue a General MBA or a concentration in Healthcare. The curriculum consists of 25 hours of core courses, six hours of functional core courses, and four hours of electives. Classes involve hands-on learning, such as creative problem-solving projects with local organizations, and international business immersion experiences. In 2019, students had the opportunity to travel to Cuba and Russia to study the social and business culture of the region. This MBA offers unmatched affordability, with tuition waivers available based on both academic performance and financial need.
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
Conclusion
This was the list of cheap MBA colleges in USA. Apart from the list of cheap universities in USA for MBA mentioned above, there are a lot of other affordable universities for MBA with the lowest MBA fees in USA. If you’re looking for cheap MBA in USA , remember to do your research thoroughly before applying.
FAQs
Can I do an MBA for free in the USA?
Yes, the top business schools like Harvard University and Stanford University offer fully-funded MBA programs that make the tuition fee negligible. In the USA, there are full as well as partial funding options for international students. However, the eligibility criteria and the required merit are high, and there is a lot of competition among meritorious students for them. Some of the scholarships for MBA in the USA for Indian students are Fulbright- Nehru Fellowships, IEFA, AAUW International Fellowships, and Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship.
Is GMAT compulsory for MBA in the USA?
Yes, the GMAT is a compulsory entrance examination for the top MBA programs in the USA. The minimum score required is 600. However, it varies from one university to another. The top three universities have high GMAT score requirements. Some universities do not require a GMAT score. Some of them are the University of Hull, Ross School of Business, Florida International University, Pace University, and Boston University. To waive off the GMAT score requirement, one needs to have a high GPA or work experience.
Is studying for an MBA in the USA worth it?
Doing an MBA from the most developed economy has its benefits. An MBA degree offers strong business development, administration, and leadership knowledge and helps build a strong network and explore lucrative opportunities. On the better side, an MBA done from the USA is completely worth every penny invested. The students get international exposure with top-notch brands, a flexible education system, the best faculties, and a ranked MBA degree.
What are some top MBA colleges in USA with low fees?
Apart from the ones mentioned above, these are some other top MBA colleges in USA with low fees :
- California Miramar University
- Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
- Northeastern State University
- The University of North Carolina (Wilmington)
Are there affordable MBA programs in USA for international students?
Yes, there are some top MBA colleges in USA with low fees for Indian students. An estimated lowest cost of MBA for Indian students would be around 10,000 USD-25,000 USD.
