Abhyank Srinet McCombs MFin, officially called the Texas McCombs Master of Science in Finance or MSF, is a 10-month, full-time STEM programme at the University of Texas at Austin. The current international tuition is approximately ₹56.70 lakh ($59,700), while UT Austin’s official 2026–27 international cost estimate is approximately ₹79.93 lakh ($84,161), including tuition, university fees and living expenses. The Class of 2025 reported a median base salary of approximately ₹76.93 lakh ($81,000), but international-specific outcomes are unavailable because only one graduate had non-permanent U.S. work authorisation.
📊 McCombs MFin 2027 – Quick Facts
| Key Detail | McCombs MFin |
|---|---|
| Official Programme Name | Master of Science in Finance (MSF) |
| Business School | Texas McCombs School of Business |
| University | The University of Texas at Austin |
| Location | Austin, Texas, United States |
| Programme Format | Full-time and in-person |
| Programme Duration | 10 months, from July to May |
| Total Credits | 36 credit hours |
| STEM-Designated | Yes; eligible graduates may receive up to 36 months of OPT |
| Class Size | 73 students in the Class of 2026 |
| Women in the Class | 33% |
| Average GMAT | 725, as published by McCombs; GMAT or GRE submission is optional |
| Average GRE | 324 combined Verbal and Quantitative score |
| Estimated Indian GMAT Target | Approximately 685–705 on the current GMAT scale; not an official McCombs cut-off |
| Work Experience Requirement | No full-time work experience is required |
| International Tuition Fees | Approximately ₹56.70 lakh ($59,700) |
| Estimated Total Cost | Approximately ₹79.93 lakh ($84,161), including estimated tuition, fees and living expenses |
| Median Base Salary | Approximately ₹76.93 lakh ($81,000), Class of 2025 |
| Average Base Salary | Approximately ₹78.79 lakh ($82,968), Class of 2025 |
| Employment Outcome | 94.2% of job-seeking graduates accepted an offer within six months |
| Estimated India Return Salary | Approximately ₹18–30 LPA; planning estimate because McCombs does not publish India-specific salary data |
| Application Opening | August 2026 for the July 2027 intake |
| International Applicant Deadline | Expected in January 2027; exact deadline is yet to be published |
| Application Fee | Approximately ₹8,550 ($90) for international applicants |
| Scholarship Consideration | Applicants are automatically considered for a limited number of McCombs scholarships |
| Useful Links | Admission Requirements Class Profile Tuition and Financial Aid Application Process and Deadlines Curriculum Career Outcomes |
Introduction
The McCombs MFin, officially known as the Master of Science in Finance, is offered by the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. It is a full-time, in-person and STEM-designated programme built for students who want to develop strong finance skills before entering roles in corporate finance, investment analysis, banking, valuation or consulting. The intensive 10-month format combines accounting, financial modelling, investments, statistics, corporate finance and an employer-sponsored practicum, giving students both technical knowledge and practical exposure.
The Class of 2026 has 73 students, with a published average GMAT score of 725 and an average GRE score of 324. International tuition is approximately ₹56.70 lakh ($59,700), while the Class of 2025 reported a median base salary of approximately ₹76.93 lakh ($81,000) and a 94.2% offer-acceptance rate within six months among job-seeking graduates. In this blog, we cover the McCombs MFin class profile, Indian applicant insights, admission requirements, fees, curriculum, career outcomes and return on investment.
Class Profile of McCombs MSF
Every year, the Nanyang MBA brings together experienced professionals from different industries, functions and countries. The programme focuses on building a multicultural class in which participants can learn from different professional experiences and international perspectives.
The latest class profile published on the Nanyang MBA website is for the Class of 2025. NTU does not currently publish the class size, average GPA, percentage of international students or a country-by-country student breakdown. Older figures for the Class of 2022 have therefore not been used as current-class data.
| Average GMAT | 675 |
| Average GRE | 324 (V+Q) |
| Average GPA | NA |
| Average work experience | 6 Years |
| Average age | 28 |
| Pre-MSF industry MSF 2025 |
NA |
| Texas/Non-Texas residents | Texas Resident: 80% Non-Texas Resident: 20% |
| Class size MSF 2025 |
73 |
| Women MSF 2025 |
33% |
| Country Represented MSF 2025 |
NA |
| Texas/Non-Texas residents | Business or economics - 44% Humanities or social sciences - 22% Physical sciences - 15% Engineering - 10% Mathematics or statistics - 6% Computer science or information technology - 1% Other fields - 1% |
Hear From Your Peers | The Texas McCombs MSBA Student Experience
McCombs MFin for Indian Applicants
McCombs does not publish India-specific enrolment data, and international students formed only 1% of the Class of 2025. Indian applicants should budget around ₹82–85 lakh, including the ₹56.70 lakh ($59,700) tuition, living costs, visa expenses and travel. Since GMAT and GRE scores are optional, applicants should still aim for a strong score, solid quantitative grades and relevant finance experience.
The programme is STEM-designated, allowing eligible graduates up to 36 months of US work authorisation. However, McCombs does not publish reliable international placement data, so Indian students should check recent F-1 hiring and sponsorship outcomes. Those returning to India may earn an estimated ₹18–30 LPA, making ROI stronger for students who gain US work experience first.
McCombs MFin Admission Requirements
The McCombs MFin admission process evaluates your academic background, quantitative ability, finance interest and career goals. Work experience is not compulsory, but relevant internships, projects and practical exposure can strengthen your application.
- GMAT/GRE: GMAT and GRE scores are optional. Submit a score when it strengthens your academic profile or demonstrates quantitative readiness.
- Academic Record: You need a recognised bachelor’s degree and transcripts from every higher-education institution attended. McCombs looks for evidence of analytical, technical and quantitative coursework.
- Work Experience: Full-time experience is not required. Relevant internships, finance projects and practical work experience can improve your profile.
- English Test: TOEFL or IELTS may be required for international applicants. Applicants with a qualifying bachelor’s degree from India are generally exempt under UT Austin’s current policy.
- Essays: One required essay of up to 500 words explains your background, career goals and reasons for choosing the McCombs MFin. An optional 500-word essay can address weaknesses or additional information.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two recommendations are required. At least one should normally come from a professor or academic connection, although experienced applicants may use professional recommenders.
- Video Assessment: Applicants must complete a Kira Talent video assessment within seven days of receiving access. It takes up to 30 minutes and includes short recorded responses.
McCombs MFin Acceptance Rate
The McCombs MFin acceptance rate is estimated at around 25%–40%, as the school does not publish its application or admission numbers. This range is only a planning estimate and should not be treated as an official figure. McCombs evaluates applicants holistically, focusing on academic performance, quantitative readiness, finance interest, career goals, essays, recommendations and the video assessment. The current class has 73 students, with a published average GMAT score of 725 and an average GRE score of 324.
Your Chances of Getting Into McCombs MFin
Here is a simplified view of how your profile may align with McCombs expectations:
High Chance: Strong quantitative academics, relevant finance internships or projects, a competitive optional GMAT or GRE score, clear career goals, strong recommendations and well-written essays.
Moderate Chance: Average academics, some quantitative coursework, limited but relevant internship experience, a clear reason for choosing finance and a well-presented application.
Low Chance: Weak quantitative grades, no evidence of finance interest, unclear career goals, generic essays, weak recommendations or an incomplete video assessment.
These categories are directional estimates, not guaranteed admission probabilities. GMAT and GRE scores are optional, and McCombs states that applicants are not disadvantaged for applying without them.
McCombs MSF Rankings
The McCombs MFin has a strong reputation in the United States, especially among public business schools. In the Financial Times Masters in Finance Pre-Experience Ranking 2026, the programme ranked #49 globally, #4 in the US and #1 among US public universities. It also ranked #7 in the US in the QS Business Master’s Rankings 2026 for Finance and #8 nationally in the TFE Times 2026 Best Master’s of Finance ranking.
| Rankings | Position |
| Financial Times Masters in Finance Pre-Experience 2026 | #49 globally, #4 in the US and #1 among US public schools |
| QS Business Master’s Rankings 2026: Finance | #7 in the US |
| TFE Times Best Master’s of Finance Programs 2026 | #8 in the US |
These rankings support McCombs’ reputation for finance education, practical career preparation and access to employers across Austin, Dallas, Houston and other major US financial centres. However, applicants should compare the curriculum, international employment outcomes and total cost alongside rankings before making a final decision.
Program and Curriculum of McCombs MSF
The McCombs MFin curriculum is a 10-month, 36-credit programme combining finance theory, quantitative analysis and practical business experience. Students complete 26 credits of required courses and choose 10 elective credits based on their career interests. The programme begins with an intensive bootcamp, followed by summer, fall and spring terms.
Summer Term — 6 Credits: Students complete Financial Accounting, Financial Management and Valuation I. These courses introduce financial statements, capital budgeting, Excel-based modelling, discounted cash flow analysis and comparable-company valuation.
Fall Term — 15 Credits: The fall curriculum includes Investment Theory and Practice, Statistics for Financial Applications, Managerial Economics, Advanced Valuation and Financial Modelling, Advanced Corporate Finance I, Intermediate Accounting I and the first part of the Finance Practicum.
Spring Term — 15 Credits: Students complete Financial Statement Analysis, Advanced Corporate Finance II and the second part of the Finance Practicum. They also select 10 credits of electives, allowing them to specialise in areas that support their preferred finance career.
McCombs MFin Electives
McCombs currently offers 14 spring elective options. Available subjects may include:
- Private Equity
- Fixed Income Analysis
- Commercial Real Estate
- Sustainable Finance
- Portfolio Management and Security Analysis
- Financial Risk Management
- Financial Technology
- Advanced Valuation II
- Wealth Management
- AI-Powered Fund Management
- Energy Technologies
- Valuation of Energy Investments
The electives help students tailor the McCombs MFin towards careers in investment management, corporate finance, private equity, valuation, fintech, real estate or energy finance. Course availability may change between academic years.
Experiential Learning at McCombs MFin
Finance Practicum: The practicum runs from the second half of the fall term through the first half of the spring term. Students work in small teams on finance problems provided by sponsoring companies and finish the project with a written report and presentation.
Industry Engagement: Students interact with finance professionals through company treks, industry talks, networking receptions and employer-sponsored activities. The curriculum is also shaped with input from the MSF Advisory Council, employers and finance experts.
Applied Financial Modelling: Several courses use real datasets, company financial statements, case studies and spreadsheet models. Students develop practical skills in valuation, portfolio analysis, financial forecasting, capital structure and risk management.
The McCombs MFin curriculum is best suited to students who want an intensive and technical finance education rather than the broad management coverage of a traditional MBA.
Official Source: McCombs MS Finance Curriculum
The McCombs Experience- MS Finance | McCombs School of Business | UT Austin
McCombs MFin Fees and Financing
Tuition for international and non-Texas students is approximately ₹56.70 lakh ($59,700). The published tuition covers the full 10-month McCombs MFin programme, but it does not include accommodation, living expenses, books, software, supplies, a laptop or optional university charges.
2026–27 Fee Breakdown for McCombs MFin
| Fee Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-enrolment tuition fee | ₹1.90 lakh ($2,000) |
| Summer semester | ₹11.30 lakh ($11,900) |
| Fall semester | ₹21.75 lakh ($22,900) |
| Spring semester | ₹21.75 lakh ($22,900) |
| Total programme tuition | ₹56.70 lakh ($59,700) |
| International application fee | ₹8,550 ($90) |
The ₹1.90 lakh ($2,000) pre-enrolment fee is non-refundable and must be paid after accepting an admission offer to secure a place in the programme.
Official source: McCombs MS Finance Tuition and Financial Aid
What Does the McCombs MFin Fee Include?
The tuition covers enrolment in the complete 36-credit McCombs Master of Science in Finance programme, including the summer, fall and spring academic terms.
The published tuition does not include:
- Accommodation and daily living expenses
- Books, software and course supplies
- Laptop costs
- International student health insurance and ISSS charges
- Parking, sporting events and other optional university fees
- Flights, visa expenses and personal travel
McCombs also provides students with career coaching, résumé support, mock interviews, recruiting workshops, employer networking events and access to a McCombs-specific job board.
Estimated Living Expenses for McCombs MFin Students
UT Austin’s official 2026–27 financial estimate assigns approximately ₹20.89 lakh ($22,000) for 12 months of living expenses. The exact amount depends on accommodation, food, transportation and personal spending.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing and food | ₹16.19–16.55 lakh ($17,052–$17,423) |
| Transportation | Approximately ₹1.75 lakh ($1,840) |
| Books and study materials | Approximately ₹73,700 ($776) |
| Personal and miscellaneous costs | Approximately ₹4.65 lakh ($4,900) |
| Official Texas Global living estimate | ₹20.89 lakh ($22,000) |
The detailed categories above come from UT Austin’s general graduate cost-of-attendance estimates and are not specific to the McCombs MFin. For immigration and overall budget planning, students should use the Texas Global figure of ₹20.89 lakh ($22,000).
Official sources:
UT Austin International Student Financial Information
UT Austin Cost of Attendance
Total Cost of McCombs MFin for International Students
Texas Global estimates the total 2026–27 financial requirement for a non-resident McCombs specialised master’s student at approximately:
- Tuition and university fees: ₹59.03 lakh ($62,161)
- Living expenses: ₹20.89 lakh ($22,000)
- Official total estimate: ₹79.93 lakh ($84,161)
The ₹59.03 lakh ($62,161) figure includes the programme’s tuition and additional international student charges, such as estimated health insurance and ISSS fees. Indian applicants should maintain a safer overall budget of approximately ₹82–85 lakh after adding flights, visa expenses, initial accommodation deposits and exchange-rate movement. The additional amount is a planning estimate rather than a figure published by UT Austin.
Financing Options for McCombs MFin
Students normally finance the McCombs MFin through a combination of:
- Education loans from Indian banks or international lenders
- McCombs scholarships
- Personal savings and family support
- Employer sponsorship
- External grants and scholarships
- Private education loans with or without a US co-signer
International students are not generally eligible for US federal student loans. McCombs states that private loans may be available, although applicants may receive better terms with a US citizen or permanent resident as a co-signer. UT Austin cannot act as a co-signer but will work with legitimate banks and lending institutions chosen by the student.
Part-Time Work During the McCombs MFin
The McCombs MFin is an intensive 10-month programme, so students should not rely on part-time work to fund their education. McCombs states that specialised master’s students are not typically eligible for teaching or research assistantships, and outside employment is generally not recommended because of the demanding course schedule.
Is the McCombs MFin Worth the Cost?
The McCombs MFin can justify its cost for candidates targeting corporate finance, banking, valuation, investment analysis or consulting careers in the United States. Its 10-month structure reduces time away from employment, while the STEM designation can provide eligible international graduates with up to 36 months of US work authorisation.
However, Indian applicants should evaluate the employment data carefully. The latest report included only one job-seeking graduate with non-permanent US work authorisation, so the overall salary and placement figures cannot be treated as reliable international-student outcomes.
Official source: McCombs MS Finance Employment Report
Scholarships for McCombs MFin Students
McCombs offers a limited number of scholarships for specialised master’s students. Every admitted applicant is automatically considered, and a separate scholarship application is generally not required. The school does not publish the average scholarship amount received by international or Indian students.
General McCombs MS Scholarships
Amount: Not officially published
Eligibility: Admitted McCombs specialised master’s applicants
Application: No separate application required
Selection: Considered separately within each degree programme
These awards are limited and should not be assumed when creating a funding plan.
MSF Flywheel Scholarship
Amount: Approximately ₹18.99 lakh ($20,000)
Eligibility: Admitted MSF students who are career pivoters or first-generation college students
Application: Invitation only after admission
Selection: Based on the scholarship’s stated profile and programme assessment
McCombs states that eligible admitted candidates receive an invitation to apply. The school does not publish the number of awards or confirm an India-specific allocation.
Other International Student Scholarships
International students can also review scholarships administered through Texas Global and external organisations. Eligibility, deadlines and award amounts vary, so applicants should verify whether an award is open to graduate, Option III and F-1 students before applying.
Official sources:
McCombs Tuition and Financial Aid
Texas Global Scholarships
McCombs MFin vs Other Top MFin Programmes
The McCombs MFin is one of the shorter and more affordable specialised finance programmes among leading US business schools. Its strongest advantages are the 10-month structure, applied finance practicum and access to employers in Texas and the broader Southwest.
| Business School | Programme Length | Official Tuition | Approximate INR Value | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas McCombs MS Finance | 10 months | $59,700 | ₹56.70 lakh | Applicants seeking applied finance training, a short programme and access to Texas employers |
| MIT Sloan Master of Finance | 12 or 18 months | $96,884 or $133,007 | ₹92.01 lakh or ₹1.26 crore | Applicants seeking advanced quantitative finance, analytics and flexible programme length |
| Vanderbilt MS Finance | 9 months | $76,700 | ₹72.84 lakh | Applicants seeking a short pre-experience finance programme with intensive career preparation |
McCombs costs substantially less than MIT Sloan and Vanderbilt before living expenses. MIT provides a more technical and quantitatively intensive curriculum, while Vanderbilt offers a similarly compressed format. McCombs is particularly relevant for students interested in corporate finance, banking, valuation, investment management and careers in Austin, Houston or Dallas.
McCombs MFin Career Outcomes and Salary
The McCombs MFin Class of 2025 reported an average base salary of approximately ₹78.79 lakh ($82,968) and a median base salary of approximately ₹76.93 lakh ($81,000). Among 69 job-seeking graduates, 94.2% received and accepted an offer within six months of graduation.
| Career Outcome | Class of 2025 Result |
|---|---|
| Graduating class | 72 students |
| Students seeking employment | 69 |
| Offer acceptance by graduation | 59.4% |
| Offer acceptance within six months | 94.2% |
| Average base salary | ₹78.79 lakh ($82,968) |
| Median base salary | ₹76.93 lakh ($81,000) |
| Salary range | ₹52.23 lakh–₹1.19 crore ($55,000–$125,000) |
| Average signing bonus | ₹7.42 lakh ($7,811) |
| Median signing bonus | ₹7.12 lakh ($7,500) |
Which Industries Hire McCombs MFin Graduates?
| Industry | Share of Accepted Offers | Median Base Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Financial services | 52% | ₹77.40 lakh ($81,500) |
| Real estate | 12% | ₹66.48 lakh ($70,000) |
| Consulting | 9% | ₹80.72 lakh ($85,000) |
| Manufacturing | 6% | ₹78.45 lakh ($82,600) |
| Accounting services | 6% | ₹77.40 lakh ($81,500) |
| Other industries | 14% | ₹78.82 lakh ($83,000) |
Financial services was the largest hiring industry, representing 52% of accepted offers. Most graduates accepted roles in Austin, Houston, Dallas and the wider Southwest region.
Popular McCombs MFin Job Roles
- Investment banking analyst
- Financial analyst and FP&A analyst
- Commercial or corporate banking analyst
- Investment analyst
- Credit analyst
- Business valuation analyst
- Consulting associate
- Transfer-pricing analyst
- Investment management or research analyst
Investment banking, sales and trading positions reported a median base salary of approximately ₹99.72 lakh ($105,000), but these roles represented only 11% of accepted offers. Corporate financial analysis and FP&A accounted for 20% of offers, with a median salary of approximately ₹78.45 lakh ($82,600).
Top McCombs MFin Employers
- Goldman Sachs
- JPMorgan
- Wells Fargo
- Visa
- Deloitte
- EY
- JLL
- Dimensional Fund Advisors
These are examples of previous hiring employers and should not be interpreted as guaranteed recruiters for every class.
Official source: McCombs MS Finance Career Outcomes
Important Note for International Applicants
Only one Class of 2025 job seeker had non-permanent US work authorisation. McCombs therefore did not publish a separate international salary because the sample did not meet the minimum reporting requirement.
Indian applicants should ask the school about recent F-1 placements, OPT hiring, employers willing to sponsor international graduates and outcomes after the STEM OPT period before using the overall salary figures in their ROI calculation.
McCombs MFin Essays and Interview Process
The McCombs MFin application includes one required essay, one optional essay and a Kira Talent video assessment. The admissions committee uses these components to understand an applicant’s career direction, finance motivation, communication ability and fit with the programme.
Required McCombs MFin Essay
Maximum length: 500 words
Applicants must explain how their personal, academic and professional experiences led them to pursue the McCombs MFin at this stage. The response should also cover short- and long-term career goals, expected employment after graduation and how the programme will support those goals.
A strong response should clearly connect:
- Previous academic and professional experiences
- The reason for choosing finance
- Immediate post-graduation career goals
- Long-term career direction
- Specific McCombs courses, resources or experiences
Optional McCombs MFin Essay
Maximum length: 500 words
The optional essay allows applicants to provide information that may help the admissions committee understand their profile or address a potential concern. It can be used to explain:
- Low grades or unusual academic performance
- Employment gaps
- Limited quantitative coursework
- A career change
- An unusual recommender choice
- Personal circumstances affecting the application
Applicants should not use the optional essay merely to repeat information already included elsewhere.
McCombs MFin Video Assessment
Applicants must complete a video assessment through Kira Talent. The invitation is normally issued within 24 hours of paying the application fee.
Key details include:
- Seven days to complete the assessment
- Maximum duration of approximately 30 minutes
- Practice questions provided before submission
- Around one to two minutes to answer each prompt
- A separate assessment required for every McCombs MS programme applied to
The school does not publish a fixed list of video questions. Applicants should prepare examples covering career goals, teamwork, leadership, communication, ethical judgement, finance motivation and their reasons for choosing McCombs.
Does McCombs MFin Conduct Interviews?
McCombs states that selected applicants may be interviewed after their applications are reviewed. An interview is not guaranteed for every applicant, and the school does not publish a standard interview-question list. Admission decisions are generally released six to eight weeks after the relevant application deadline.
Official source: McCombs MS Finance Application Process
INR conversions use the FBIL June 2026 monthly average reference rate of approximately ₹94.9695 per US dollar. Actual costs will change with exchange-rate movements.
Is McCombs MFin Worth It?
Worth it if: You are an early-career candidate targeting corporate finance, valuation, commercial banking, investment analysis or consulting roles in the US. You have strong quantitative skills, limited previous finance education and want an intensive 10-month STEM programme. The degree is particularly attractive if you can manage the approximately ₹80–85 lakh total investment and plan to use up to 36 months of eligible OPT work authorisation to gain US experience.
Think twice if: You already hold an undergraduate finance degree, need a two-year programme with a summer internship or expect a highly international cohort. Indian applicants should also be cautious if they depend on a large education loan or plan to return to India immediately, as the estimated ₹18–30 LPA India salary may lead to a longer payback period. The latest employment report also provides too little international-student data to confirm reliable placement outcomes for F-1 graduates.
Why McCombs is Unique?
Welcome to one of the largest public research universities in the world at a business school ranked Top 12 for doctoral graduates produced. You are on your way to changing the world and transforming your life and career.
- Flexibility to Be Yourself: We know your research interests will shift as you progress through the program. If you’re ready to dedicate yourself to excellence in research and embrace the values of learning, innovation, and creativity – we are there to mentor and guide you.
- Supportive Community of Scholars: You will be connected to other highly talented individuals with varying backgrounds, perspectives, and cultures. They will inspire you to develop big ideas, broaden your thinking, and continually learn from your colleagues and research.
- Diversity in People and Thought: Collaboration drives everything we do. In a complex and continually changing world, we strive to develop students with mindsets that transcend geographic and cultural boundaries.
- City of Enterprise and Innovation: Austin is a hotbed of business creation, growth, and opportunity with an international reputation for top talent, cutting-edge technologies, and new business approaches.
- Global Alumni Network: Texas McCombs is a globally recognized brand with influential alumni, supporters, and organizational partners in every business sector and level of policymaking and societal impact.
Useful Links
| How to Apply | Application Process |
| Info Session | Attend an Info Session |
| Academics | MSF Academics |
| Alumni | Do Business for Life |
| Contact | (512) 471-5921 molly.dannenmaier@mccombs.utexas.edu |
Conclusion
The McCombs MFin is a strong option for students seeking an intensive, STEM-designated finance degree with practical learning and access to US career opportunities. Its focused curriculum, finance practicum and McCombs network make it particularly suitable for roles in corporate finance, banking, valuation and investment analysis. Indian applicants should carefully assess the total cost, international hiring prospects and sponsorship risks before deciding whether the programme matches their career goals and financial plan.
