Studying in the U.S.: 7 top-ranked MBA programs for international students
International students studying in the U.S. have many options when it comes to choosing a graduate program. According to the Institute of International Education’s 2024 Open Doors Report, business and management ranked the third most sought after field of study for international students during the 2023-24 school year.
If you’re interested in completing an MBA degree in the U.S, here’s a list of top MBA programs to start your search and tips for finding a program that best fits your needs.
The list of popular MBA programs in the U.S. includes a mix of Ivy League universities – the most prestigious universities in the country – as well as other competitive and noteworthy institutions.
1. Harvard Business School*
As an Ivy League school, it’s no surprise that admission to an MBA program at Harvard Business School is highly competitive. During the 2023-24 academic year, it received 9,856 MBA applicants. Only 930 were successfully accepted and enrolled in its MBA class of 2026, 35% of which are international students.
Its curriculum blends multiple approaches, including case-method classes and FIELD programs which cultivate leadership and problem-solving skills. Courses include data science for manager, marketing, corporate accountability and more. A summer work experience requirement after year one is required, as well as elective coursework.
The school also offers six joint degree programs that incorporate the MBA study with other fields, like law, dentistry and engineering.
2. Stanford Graduate School of Business*
Located in Northern California, Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business received 7,295 applications during the 2023-24 academic year and currently has 424 MBA students in its 2026 class. Among this cohort, 39% are international students. Its program offers a curriculum that incorporates theory and practical application through debate, lecture and collaboration.
Graduate students must complete required core coursework, like microeconomics, and optimization and simulation modeling, as well as interest-based electives and a global experience to immerse students in new cultures, perspectives and business challenges.
3. The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania*
The University of Pennsylvania is another Ivy League that made the list of leading MBA degrees in the U.S. It received 7,322 applications for enrollment into the class of 2026 and currently reports having 866 students enrolled in The Wharton School MBA program. Thirty-one percent of the entering class are international students from around the world.
The program offers 21 MBA concentrations that students can explore. Fixed core courses like statistics, economics and leadership, in addition to electives, must be completed during the program. During the summer, students are encouraged to take on an internship or develop a startup business.
4. Columbia Business School*
Columbia University is arguably one of the most competitive Ivy League schools in the nation, just after Harvard University. It had 7,487 applicants interested in the Columbia Business School MBA program, and 972 were enrolled for its class of 2026. As many as 46% of entering MBA students are international citizens.
Those who need enrollment flexibility will appreciate the two entry timelines that Columbia Business School offers. Students can choose to start the program in August, which spans a 20-month program, or a 16-month accelerated option that starts in January.
The program takes a case-focused approach to learning, which encourages students to develop collaboration, leadership and problem-solving skills. Examples of core courses include financial accounting, strategy formulation, and business analytics. Students can also choose among 10 dual-degree options, including journalism (MBA and MS), architecture (MBA and MS in urban planning).
5. MIT Sloan School of Management*
Forty-percent of Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Sloan School of Management MBA class of 2026 are international students. Its program is noteworthy in that it’s considered a STEM program, which allows for a 24-month visa extension after graduation for eligible international students.
The first semester is spent completing core courses. These include Leadership Challenges for an Inclusive World, Data Models and Decisions, Marketing Innovation, and more. Thereafter, MBA students can customize their program with approved electives of interest, specialized certifications, or a thesis.
6. University of Chicago Booth School of Business*
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is another MBA program to consider when studying in the U.S. Of the 5,125 applications to join the class of 2026, 632 are enrolled as full-time students. Thirty-five percent of its 2026 class are international students.
The full-time MBA program spans 21 months, but students can choose from full time, evening, weekend or executive MBA enrollment paths. Students are required to take a hands-on leadership course, and full-time MBA students must complete a professional internship as a program requirement.
7. New York University (NYU) Stern School of Business*
NYU’s Stern School of Business is a top ranked MBA program with a 25% admission rate. For its class of 2026, it received 4,550 applications, admitted 1,141 students with 352 enrolled in the MBA program. Forty percent of this class are students with international citizenship.
Students can opt for a full- or part-time MBA. It also offers a one-year focused MBA program that deepens learning in tech or luxury and retail industries. First-year, full-time students take required core courses in subjects like team communications and financial accounting and reporting, then fulfill a summer internship. In year two, the program requires elective courses, a capstone requirement, and specialization courses.
Key factors for choosing an MBA degree in the U.S.
There are plenty of MBA programs to consider if studying in the U.S. is your goal. However, choosing a school and program can be challenging. Here are a few considerations to weigh when deciding on a top school:
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- Cost: Studying in the U.S. is a big step that can be costly. When choosing an MBA program, consider the full cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, housing and related costs, transportation and meals. If you don’t have enough funding to pay out of pocket, an international student loan from MPOWER Financing can help.
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- International student support: Research the university’s on-campus resources for international students. These support services can help you navigate complex immigration questions or registration requirements for a smooth transition.
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- Alumni network: An active MBA alumni network helps students make meaningful connections with established alumni. See whether the program’s alumni network hosts mixers or other special events so you can get career advice before graduating.
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- Internship/job placement opportunities: Having access to career and professional development opportunities is invaluable as an MBA student. For example, some MBA programs have a built-in summer internship requirement to help facilitate real-world connections and experience that might turn into a job placement opportunity later.
Preparing for MBA programs in the U.S.
These are just a snapshot of the many different MBA programs to explore. But choosing an international MBA study program is just one of many steps to studying toward an MBA degree in the U.S.
Having enough money to pay for your education and stay while in the U.S. is crucial to a smooth postgraduate experience. If you have a gap in funding, an MPOWER Financing loan can support your financial aid needs. See the list of schools you can fund with an MPOWER Financing international loan.
FAQs: MBA programs for international students
What’s the best MBA program I can get into?
The most competitive U.S. MBA programs to get into include Stanford Graduate School of Business, Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management.
Is an MBA a good degree in the U.S.?
International students interested in getting an MBA degree in the U.S. can experience a rewarding academic experience. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council, more than a third of global recruiters plan on hiring MBA graduates in 2024 and estimate that the median starting salary for MBA graduates in 2024 is US$120,000.
What’s the most beneficial MBA degree?
The most beneficial MBA degree in the U.S is general management, according to The Princeton Review. It covers a breadth of learning that professionals can apply across various industries and organizations.
*Schools mentioned in this post do not endorse MPOWER’s loans, and MPOWER is not affiliated with the schools noted in this message.
