Top 20 MBA Universities in the USA

Source: Global MBA Rankings 2025 (United States)

* The stated cost covers tuition, accommodation, health insurance, and other expenses for the first year of full-time MBA programs. The fees are expected to rise by 2-3% in the next academic year. Some B-schools have listed only tuition fee. Figures are from official university websites and may change annually.

** Scores are based on official university data and may vary by admission cycle. Check the B-school’s website for the latest updates.

*** Scores are sourced from official university data and may change yearly. Visit the B-school’s website for the latest details.

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What is the Average Cost to Study MBA at Top Universities in the USA?

Pursuing an MBA from the top 20 MBA universities in the USA comes with a significant cost, but it is a step toward a future filled with better career opportunities, higher salaries, and a strong global network.

Here is the estimate:

• Average tuition per year: Around $75,000
• Total yearly cost (including living expenses, books, and fees): Anywhere between $100,000 – $130,000 Of course, these costs can vary depending on several factors:
• Whether you're studying at a public or private university (in-state students often pay less)
• The city you choose (living in New York City is far more expensive than Ann Arbor)
• Scholarships or financial aid you might receive Indeed, the price tag is high, but many students find that the global exposure and higher earning potential make it worthwhile. Plus, there are plenty of ways to manage the cost; scholarships, loans, and work-study programs can help make your MBA dream more affordable.

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What is the Required GMAT Score to get into Top Universities in the USA?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a crucial component of the MBA application process for most top universities in the USA. Based on data from the top 20 MBA universities in the USA:

• The average GMAT score is ≈ 717.
• Scores range from 660 (The Fuqua School of Business, Duke University) to 740 (Harvard Business School).It’s important to understand that:
• These scores represent the average and can vary slightly each year based on applicant pools and class profiles.
• A high GMAT score does not guarantee admission, as schools consider many factors in their decisions.
• Some programs accept GRE scores as an alternative to the GMAT.
• A few schools have begun offering GMAT/GRE waivers under certain conditions, especially in light of recent global events.
• These average scores may fluctuate by 2-3 points depending on the application year, changes in the university's class profile, and other factors.

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Which State in the USA has the maximum number of Top MBA universities?

Based on the list of the top 20 MBA universities in the USA, California emerges as the state with the highest number of top-ranked business schools.

California is home to four prestigious B-schools:

• Stanford Graduate School of Business (Stanford, CA)
• UC Berkeley Haas School of Business (Berkeley, CA)
• UCLA Anderson School of Management (Los Angeles, CA)
• USC Marshall School of Business (Los Angeles, CA) Other States with Multiple Top B-Schools in the USA:
• New York (3): Columbia, NYU Stern, Cornell Johnson
• Massachusetts (3): Harvard, MIT Sloan, Boston Questrom
• Illinois (2): Northwestern Kellogg, Chicago Booth Apart from these, some other states represented in the top 20 include Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Texas, with state universities like Michigan Ross and Texas McCombs ranking among the best.

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