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Executive MBA in USA: Fees , Top Colleges, Placements & Salary

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Abhishek Sharma • 14 Mins read • 28 Jul 25
Executive MBA in USAExecutive MBA in USA

Executive MBA in USA is a specialized graduate program in the United States that aims to enhance leadership abilities without disrupting careers. For working professionals with substantial managerial experience, typically 6–10 years.

It is necessary to have a four-year bachelor's degree from an approved university with a minimum GPA of about 3.0 to 3.5/4.0, or approximately 87% for international students. Indian and other international applicants with a three-year degree (e.g., B.Com. or B.Sc.) may be eligible if they are accompanied by additional qualifications (e.g., a master's degree or professional certifications like CA, CFA).  

The fees range from $100,000 to $250,000 (approximately ₹83,70,000 to ₹2,09,00,000) for the Executive MBA in the USA, which typically lasts 20 to 24 months. An Executive MBA in USA requires an IELTS and TOEFL score in most of the top universities, which lie between 6.5 - 7.0 and 80 –100, respectively.

The institutions also offer a 1-year Executive MBA in the USA and offer scholarships amounting to ₹47,00,000 yearly. The top recruiters that visit the institution for recruitment purposes include Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Apple, Cedars-Sinai, Meta, Accenture, EY / EY-Parthenon, AT Kearney, etc.

Based on the most recent data, the following provides a thorough summary of the best universities, prerequisites, costs, and career opportunities for EMBAs in the USA.

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Executive MBA in USA: Highlights

Here are the quick highlights of the Executive MBA in USA for Indian students.

Feature

Details

Duration

1 to 2 years (depending on the University)

Eligibility

  • 4-year bachelor's degree from an approved university with a minimum GPA of about 3.0 to 3.5/4.0, or approximately 87% for international students.

Popular Entrance Exams

IELTS / TOEFL / PTE

Minimum IELTS Score

6.5 overall 

Top Specialisations

  • General Management/Leadership
  • Finance
  • International Business
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Business Analytics
  • Healthcare Management
  • Global Business/ International Management

Average Tuition Fees (1st year)

$100,000 - $250,000 (approximately ₹83,70,000 - ₹2,09,00,000)

Top Universities

  • University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School)
  • Northwestern University (Kellogg School of Management)
  • University of Chicago (Booth School of Business)
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT Sloan School of Management)
  • Columbia University (Columbia Business School)

Popular Scholarships

  • Columbia Business School Board Fellowship
  • Joseph Wharton Fellowships
  • Dean’s Scholarship at NYU Stern
  • Consortium for Graduate Study in Management Fellowships

Average Salary After Graduation

$125,000 - $180,000 (approximately ₹1,00,00,000 - ₹1,50,00,000)

Job Roles

  • General Manager.
  • Senior Director of Operations or Marketing
  • Management Consultant
  • Marketing Executive 
  • Senior Product Manager
  • Investment Banking Director

Top recruiters

  • Microsoft
  • Google
  • Amazon
  • Apple
  • Cedars-Sinai
  • Meta
  • Accenture
  • EY / EY-Parthenon
  • AT Kearney


Executive MBA in USA: Important Dates and Events

Go through the tables given below to find the important dates related to application, admission, visa application, and scholarships for the Executive MBA in USA.


Executive MBA in USA: Application Start & End Dates for Top Universities

Here are the Round 1 and Round 2 for the Wharton School, which wants to pursue the Executive MBA programs in the USA.

No. of Rounds

Application Deadline

Interview Invitations

Decision Release

Round 1

15th October, 2025

17th November, 2025

19th December 2025

Round 2

14th January, 2026

19th February, 2026

26th March, 2026


Note: Although some programs provide additional start dates or rolling admissions, Executive MBA in USA universities normally have one or two primary intakes every year, most frequently in August or January.


Executive MBA in USA: Visa Application Timeline

Applicants for an Executive MBA in USA, first apply for a F-1 visa for a full-time or F-1-eligible EMBA program (e.g., Wharton, Columbia, or NYU Stern) with an August 2026 or January 2026 intake. Early application is essential, especially for international students who must coincide with Executive MBA entry dates (either August/September or January), as visa processing can take weeks to months.

Events 

Important/Tentative Dates

Application deadline for a student visa for the F-1 visa

Based on admission starts(August/September or January)

Departure for Executive MBA in USA

Based on the institution's academic session starting date


Why choose an Executive MBA in USA?

Here are some of the key points for why to choose an Executive MBA in USA:

  • Global recognition: The global recognition of an Executive MBA in USA means you can build your career anywhere in the world after your studies.
  • Top-Ranking Universities: World-class Executive MBA programs with innovative curricula and solid business connections are available at universities.
  • Providing high-quality education: Candidates who are pursuing an Executive MBA in USA can get high-quality.
  • Providing practical classes regularly: Institutions providing practical learning regularly to the candidates, which include case studies, projects, and internships.
  • Global Business Hub: USA is a major financial and commercial hub with prestigious companies like Cedars-Sinai, Meta, Accenture, EY / EY-Parthenon, AT Kearney, etc.
  • Availability of advanced healthcare facilities: Candidates can expect high exposure to advanced technologies and practices.
  • Having a high standard of living: Candidates can expect high living standards in USA while pursuing an Executive MBA in USA. Their is also have great healthcare and recreational facilities available for the candidates.

Also Check: Executive MBA in Canada

Executive MBA in USA Fees

In the overall cost of pursuing an Executive MBA in the  USA, the cost of living and tuition fees will be included. Here is a look at the tuition fees in the table given below of the highly ranked Universities available for Executive MBA in the USA:


Executive MBA in USA: Tuition Fees

The average yearly tuition fees that applicants must pay while applying for admission are listed in the table given below:

University Name

Average Yearly Tuition Fee (USD)

Average Yearly Tuition Fee (INR)

The University of Chicago - Chicago Booth School of Business

USD 54,433

₹46,27,000

Northwestern University -  Kellogg School of Management (Evanston)

USD 84,678

₹71,98,000

University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School

USD 136,086

₹1,15,67,000

Columbia University - Columbia Business School

USD 90,321

₹76,77,000

New York University - NYU Stern School of Business

USD 111,792

₹95,02,000

Duke University - Duke University's Fuqua School

USD 134,785

₹1,14,57,000


Executive MBA in USA: Cost of Living

The table below shows the cost of living for Indian students for studying an Executive MBA in USA:

University Name

Yearly Cost of Living (in USD)

Yearly Cost of Living  (in INR)

The University of Chicago - Chicago Booth School of Business

USD 13,553

₹11,52,000

Northwestern University -  Kellogg School of Management (Evanston)

USD 18,529

₹15,75,000

University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School

USD 19,118

₹16,25,000

Columbia University - Columbia Business School

USD 19,118

₹16,25,000

New York University - NYU Stern School of Business

USD 18,882

₹16,05,000

Duke University - Duke University's Fuqua School

USD 18,529

₹15,75,000


Executive MBA in USA: Admission Process

The application process for the Executive MBA in USA is as follows:

  • Visit the official website: Firstly, candidates must visit the official website to fill out the application form.
  • Completion of the application process: While filling out the application process, candidates must enter their academic and personal details. And require to submit the document within the given timeline of the particular University.
  • Pay the application fee: In the USA, universities have an application fee that ranges between $50 - $275 for Executive MBA courses. 
  • Allotment of admission letter: Wait for the admission letter from the institution before making preparations to leave for the USA to join an Executive MBA course. 
  • Gather the important documents: The important documents for admission to the Executive MBA in USA include your official academic transcripts, SOP, LORs, resume, proof of finances, and a valid passport. 
  • Apply for a student Visa: After receiving an admission letter from the institution's authority side, candidates must apply for a student visa to travel to pursue an Executive MBA in USA.
  • Must plan an arrival in USA: You must plan accommodation after the document verification of the visa process is completed.


Executive MBA in USA: Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria required for the Executive MBA in USA for freshers and experienced candidates are given below:

Category

Freshers 

Experienced

Academic Qualification

  • A four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (U.S. or international equivalent) is required
  • Minimum GPA of about 3.0 to 3.5 out of 4.0
  • A four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (U.S. or international equivalent) is required
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0–3.5 out of 4 preferred, but less emphasis if work experience is strong.

Exam Required to clear

  • GMAT
  • GRE
  • Executive Assessment (EA) is often required.

GMAT, GRE, or EA, but waivers more common for experienced candidates.

English Proficiency

  • IELTS score (6.5–7.0)
  • TOEFL (80–100 iBT)
  • IELTS score (6.5–7.0)
  • TOEFL (80–100 iBT)

Extra Documents required

Not necessary

Gap certificate (if applicable), Statement of Purpose (SOP), Resume

Benefits

Clear Proficiency test with a minimum score

Admissions are dependent on work experience in case of a bad academic record.

GPA Required

A GPA of 3.0–3.5 out of 4.0 (approximately 80–90%) is often preferred

Minimum GPA of 3.0–3.5 out of 4 preferred, but less emphasis if work experience is strong.


Executive MBA in USA: SOP, LOR, and Resume

The statement of purpose (SOP), letter of recommendation (LOR), and resume are important documents for admission to an Executive MBA in the USA in many cases. The table below shows how these documents work for freshers and experienced candidates:

Documents Name

For Freshers

For Experienced ones

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Rarely

Not compulsory

Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

Yes (2 to 3 LORs)

Required for scholarships

Resume

Optional

For some instances


Executive MBA in USA: Top  Course Entrance exams

The table below shows the various types of entrance exams and assessments for admissions to the Executive MBA in USA:

Exam/Test

Mandatory

Applicable Universities

IELTS/TOEFL

Yes

Almost all top Universities

GMAT, GRE, or EA

Sometimes required

Wharton, MIT Sloan, Kellogg, Columbia, Yale SOM, etc.


Executive MBA in USA: Entrance Preparation Strategy

Here are some important strategies to prepare for the entrance tests and assessments for an Executive MBA in USA:

  • Prepare for the interview: Since you will have to appear for interviews for Executive MBA admissions in the USA in some cases, you must prepare well for them. 
  • Understand the format of the GMAT/GRE Test: You must know the exam pattern to enhance your preparation, because many Universities require the GMAT/GRE clearance with the required aggregate.
  • Make notes of previous year question papers: You must regularly solve or note down those topics which repeated approximately over the last many years with previous year question papers based on the course specializations.
  • Enhance English skills: You must enhance your vocal as well as subjective skills in the English course while preparing for the exam.


Executive MBA in USA: IELTS/TOEFL Preparation Tips

Some of the tips to help you prepare for the IELTS/TOEFL tests for Executive MBA admissions in the USA are listed below in pointers:

  • Set a target score: You can prepare for IELTS/TOEFL more effectively by setting a target score. The minimum score required in IELTS is 6.5 and in TOEFL (80-100 iBT).
  • Utilise study materials properly: Practice hard while preparing for the exams by utilising the study materials more efficiently, as it will help you secure a good score in IELTS/TOEFL.
  • Join preparation classes: In case you need expert guidance, you must join coaching or preparation classes 3-4 months before the exam for clear doubts and revision.
  • Get feedback from others: Seeking feedback from others regarding your English speaking and writing skills will help you identify the weak areas and track your improvement.


Executive MBA in USA: IELTS/TOEFL Score Cutoffs

Given below are the IELTS/TOEFL cutoff scores for the Executive MBA in USA based on the type of university:

Accepted Test

Overall Score

IELTS

6.5-7.0

TOEFL iBT

80–100

GMAT, GRE, or EA

Vary every year


Executive MBA in USA: Cutoffs of Top Universities in Qualifying Exams

The table given below shows the cutoff marks required to pursue an Executive MBA in USA in the top universities:

University Name

Minimum marks required

The University of Chicago - Chicago Booth School of Business

700 - 800

Northwestern University -  Kellogg School of Management (Evanston)

700 - 800

University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School

700 - 800

Columbia University - Columbia Business School

700 - 800

New York University - NYU Stern School of Business

700 - 800

Duke University - Duke University's Fuqua School

700 - 800

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Executive MBA in USA: Courses Seats

The tables given below will show you the total number of seats and the seats available for international students in public and private universities offering Executive MBA in USA:

University Name

Total number of students

Total International Students

The University of Chicago - Chicago Booth School of Business

17,000

4,180

Northwestern University -  Kellogg School of Management (Evanston)

21,000

4,830

University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School

9,872

375

New York University - NYU Stern School of Business

51,840

14,308

Duke University - Duke University's Fuqua School

16,780

3,633

Berkeley College - Haas School of Business

7,000

1,200


Executive MBA in USA: Syllabus

Executive MBA in USA, usually lasts 20 to 24 months, with flexible scheduling options (evening, weekend, or hybrid classes) to accommodate working professionals. The table below shows the core courses and their specialization information:

Core-Courses

Courses Specialization

  • Financial Management/Accounting
  • Marketing Management
  • Strategic Leadership and Management
  • Managerial Economics
  • Human Resource Management
  • Business Analytics and Decision-Making
  • Corporate Responsibility and Ethics
  • Global Business and International Finance
  • International Business
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Healthcare Management
  • Technology Management
  • Finance
  • Marketing


Executive MBA in USA: Top Universities/Colleges

The table below shows the top universities or colleges for studying Executive MBA in USA:

University Name

Average Yearly Tuition Fee (USD)

The University of Chicago - Chicago Booth School of Business

USD 54,433

Northwestern University -  Kellogg School of Management (Evanston)

USD 84,678

University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School

USD 136,086

Columbia University - Columbia Business School

USD 90,321

New York University - NYU Stern School of Business

USD 111,792

Duke University - Duke University's Fuqua School

USD 134,785


Executive MBA in USA: Top Private Colleges/Universities

The table below shows the top private colleges/universities with their yearly tuition fees:

University Name

Average Yearly Tuition Fee (USD)

Average Yearly Tuition Fee (INR)

The University of Chicago - Chicago Booth School of Business

USD 54,433

₹46,27,000

Northwestern University -  Kellogg School of Management (Evanston)

USD 84,678

₹71,98,000

University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School

USD 136,086

₹1,15,67,000

Columbia University - Columbia Business School

USD 90,321

₹76,77,000

New York University - NYU Stern School of Business

USD 111,792

₹95,02,000

Duke University - Duke University's Fuqua School

USD 134,785

₹1,14,57,000


Executive MBA in USA: Top Public Universities/Colleges

The top private colleges/universities with their yearly tuition fees are shown in the table given below:

University Name

Total Tuition Fee (USD)

Total Tuition Fee (INR)

University of California, Berkeley (Haas School of Business)

USD 27,122

₹23,46,000

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Ross School of Business)

NA

NA

University of Texas at Austin (McCombs School of Business)

USD 162,000

₹1,40,13,465

University of Tennessee, Knoxville (Haslam College of Business)

NA

NA

University of South Florida (Muma College of Business)

NA

NA

UCLA Anderson

USD 192,720

1,66,65,336


Executive MBA in USA: Global Ranking of Universities

The table given below shows the QS World Ranking 2025:

University Name

QS World Ranking 2025

MIT (Sloan)

4th

Yale School of Management

6th

Penn (Wharton)

7th

Northwestern (Kellogg)

10th


Executive MBA in USA: Scholarship

The table below shows the scholarship names, providers, and the amount or benefits available for the candidates:

Scholarships name

Provider

Benefits

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation

Upto USD 100,000 (₹86,00,000) covering  tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and health insurance

Dean’s Scholarship

Stern School of Business, NYU

Full tuition fees

McKinsey Award at MIT Sloan

McKinsey & Company

Up to INR 86L (USD 100,000)

Tuck School of Business Scholarships

Dartmouth College

Upto USD 35,000 (₹30,00,000)


Executive MBA in USA vs India

Check the table below for the comparison between the Executive MBA in USA and India:

Criteria

USA

India

Duration

Typically 20-24, depending on the university and program structure.

12-24 months

Total Tuition Fees

Ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 (approximately) 

Ranging ₹83,70,000 to ₹2,09,00,000 (approximately)

Admission Criteria

  • Bachelor’s degree (GPA 3.5+ preferred)
  • English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS for non-English medium students)
  • GMAT/EA entrance exams(optional)
  • Requires a minimum of 50% or above marks in a bachelor’s degree. 
  • GMAT/EA entrance exams are required for some programs
  • No IELTS/TOEFL required

Top Universities

  • The University of Chicago - Chicago Booth School of Business
  • Northwestern University -  Kellogg School of Management (Evanston)
  • University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School
  • Columbia University - Columbia Business School
  • New York University - NYU Stern School of Business
  • Duke University - Duke University's Fuqua School
  • University of California, Berkeley (Haas School of Business)
  • University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Ross School of Business)
  • University of Texas at Austin (McCombs School of Business)
  • University of Tennessee, Knoxville (Haslam College of Business)
  • University of South Florida (Muma College of Business)

Language Proficiency

IELTS (6.5-7.0), TOEFL (80-100) required

Not applicable

Global Exposure

High

Limited (mostly local or regional exposure)


Career Scope After an Executive MBA in USA

Check the table below for career paths you can follow after studying an Executive MBA in USA:

Career Path

Common Job Roles

Accounting & Finance

  • Accountant
  • Financial Analyst
  • Auditor

Marketing & Advertising

  • Digital Marketer
  • Brand Manager
  • SEO Specialist

Human Resource Management

  • Senior HR Executive
  • Recruiter
  • Talent Acquisition Analyst

Entrepreneurship

  • Startup Founder
  • Business Development Manager

Management Consulting

  • Business Analyst
  • Strategy Associate


Frequently Asked Questions


Ques: What are the funding opportunities for Executive MBA in USA 2025?

Ans: For international students, including Indians, university scholarships and scholarship programs run by the government and private organisations are the main funding options.


Ques: Which are the best institutions for an Executive MBA in USA 2025?

Ans:  The best institutions for Executive MBA in USA 2025 are:

  • The University of Chicago - Chicago Booth School of Business
  • Northwestern University -  Kellogg School of Management (Evanston)
  • University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School
  • Columbia University - Columbia Business School
  • New York University - NY, Stern School of Business


Ques: What are the career options for me after completing an Executive MBA in USA in 2025?

Ans: Career opportunities in investment banking, financial analysis, and financial management will be open to you after completing an Executive MBA in USA.


Ques: How do EMBA programs differ from full-time MBA programs?

Ans: EMBA programs are designed for working professionals with 8–15 years of experience, allowing them to study while employed. Classes are held on weekends, evenings, or in intensive residencies (e.g., Wharton’s Friday/Saturday classes, UT Austin’s alternating weekends). Full-time MBAs target younger professionals (3–5 years of experience) and require full-time study.


Ques: Is an Executive MBA in USA globally recognized?

Ans: Yes, Executive MBA in USA from colleges like The University of Chicago - Chicago Booth School of Business, Northwestern University -  Kellogg School of Management (Evanston), University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School, Columbia University - Columbia Business School, New York University - NY, Stern School of Business, etc offers Executive MBA in USA courses that are recognized across the world.