It is often a misconception that people from business background cannot get funding in the US. It is true for top-ranked B-schools, where funding is not usually provided. But for mid-rank universities, there are more opportunities than you think. Today, we will share a list of few universities that provides funding for MBA in the US.
Please note: there is definitely less funding compared to STEM subjects. But if you prepare yourself well and follow our guidelines, you can get into a funded position.
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North Carolina State University (Jenkins MBA)
This is a STEM MBA and the best MBA program for supply chain concentration in the US. This full-time MBA takes 21 months to complete. It is a highly competitive program. But we have seen a few Bangladeshis with decent profiles get into this program, hailing from both private and public universities.
- Funding and tuition waivers are available for a few selected graduate students in terms of teaching assistants. If you have a very good CGPA (>3.7), there is a high chance of getting a 60-70% tuition waiver and a teaching assistantship.
- Also, previous work experience helps a lot while applying to business schools.
- Other concentrations are innovation management, marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization.
- The program starts each year in the fall. You also get the opportunity to do an internship at 2 summer sessions.
- For Fall 2023, the MBA class profile has a minimum of 2.5 years of work experience and 35% of international students. This program is open to people with technical backgrounds, i.e. non-business graduates.
Raleigh being the hub of biotech, managing internships and staying in the same area is relatively easier without the hassle of moving states.
Requirement:
- A four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Successful completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of “C” or higher
- Two years of professional work experience
- Submission of transcripts and official documents (WES evaluation is often required)
- Proof of English proficiency through IELTS/TOEFL
- GRE/GMAT requirement waived for candidates with significant work experience
- Submission of two recommendation letters
- Zoom Interview (conducted after preliminary selection of candidates)
Additional Tips:
Pros:
On the other hand, Raleigh is a great place with almost similar subcontinental weather. A vibrant Bangladeshi community along with Halal food options make NCSU a great place to target your graduate degree. If you are interested in entrepreneurship, NCSU is definitely one of the best universities for research commercialization and start-up innovation.
Cons:
Recently, NCSU reduced scholarships, so fewer Bangladeshi students are accepted now. Before applying for full-time MBA programs, it’s crucial to have solid work experience. So, concentrate on gaining experience before pursuing an MBA.
Also, edX micromasters for supply chain discipline might help you with better chances of acceptance. This micromaster’s has 4 modules which might take 1 year to 1.5 years to complete. To get into this prestigious program, start planning early.
Email us if you want to talk to our mentor who graduated from this school.
University of Massachusetts Amherst (Isenberg On-Campus MBA)
This school provides full-funded fellowship to the most competitive applicants. This program has four focus areas: business analytics, finance asset management, healthcare administration, and management & entrepreneurship.
- The fellowship provides full tuition coverage, health insurance and a stipend, with eligibility to work 10 hours per week for the whole academic year. Fellows are not similar to graduate assistants.
- As a Bangladeshi student, you should definitely check out this program for a full-funded MBA and a fellowship. Getting healthcare coverage and a stipend will reduce your debt burden a lot.
- Many students from south asian countries get admitted to this school’s STEM MBA.
- This school takes students only for the Fall semester.
Requirement:
- A bachelor degree from an accredited college or university
- A minimum of three years of professional experience
- English proficiency test
GMAT/GRE waiver:
You can get a GRE/GMAT waiver if have a cgpa of 3.2 or higher and 5+ years of professional work experience. You can email them if you fulfill these criteria.
Additional tips:
Pros:
This program is also STEM. Online MBA programs are not STEM-designated. Only the on-campus programs such as MS in business analytics, masters of finance, and on-campus MBA are STEM programs. So, you will get 3 years of OPT and CPT as a full-time student.
If you want to read other student’s testimonials, read here.
The area has a good and vibrant life with Boston and New York in closer range of travel. As an international student, the experience will not be isolating.
Cons:
Baylor University (Hankamer School of Business)
Competitive students are also eligible for tuition waivers for this program. You will be informed about the scholarships once you are admitted. The scholarship is also awarded to international students.
- The scholarship offers a tuition waiver ranging from 15% to 100%, with an average of 65%.
- You can complete this full-time MBA program in 18 months, which is shorter than comparable MBA programs.
- This MBA may not be STEM labeled, though. In such instance, there is a fantastic chance for this university to combine MBA degrees with STEM fields like information systems and business analytics. The MSBA program at this institution was recently designated as STEM. If you don’t want to invest more time, you can also pursue an MSBA. In just one year, the business analytics program is finished.
- Young professionals are the target audience for this MBA program.
Requirement:
- Bachelor’s degree from a university with accreditation
- Although optional, a GRE or GMAT score is favored for making scholarship decisions.
- Undergraduate CGPA of 3.00/4.00
- Recommendation letters, and personal statement.
- Test of English proficiency
- An average of two years of work experience.
- You need to appear in an interview after preliminary selection.
Additional tips:
Pros:
- No application fee is required when applying for an MBA.
- Program length is short and good job placement record.
- Available scholarship option for admitted students.
Cons:
- This is a non-stem program.
- However, you can pair your degree with business analytics, which recently got STEM accreditation.
Universty of Toledo (Full-time MBA)
This accredited MBA program can be completed in just 12 months with more credit hours per semester. However, students typically complete this program in 6 semesters or 15 months.
- Many Bangladeshi students go to UT to pursue an MBA degree. This program has flexibility with multiple intakes throughout the year- fall, summer, and spring.
- Funding is also provided for the admitted students as graduate assistantships. There is opportunity for a tuition waiver.
- But after COVID-19, the funds have been significantly reduced. So, please talk to the graduate coordinator about the availability of funds.
- This program is not STEM-designated.
- If you want to go for a STEM program, try a master’s in business analytics program or a master’s in information systems. Those programs also offer tuition waivers and funding.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Work experience is not required, but most admitted students have work experience after a bachelor’s degree. On average, students have 2 years of experience post bachelors.
- 2.7 GPA/ 4.00 and a 450 for GMAT.
- Statement of purpose
- Official transcript, GMAT score
- 1 letter of recommendation
- For the GMAT waiver, a GPA of 3 is required and also it is offered case-by-case basis.
Additional Tips:
UT has a great Bangladeshi community. Also, the cost of living is cheap. Halal options are available as well. However, the weather is really cold and can be depressing sometimes. Getting a car is essential to move around.
GMAT waiver:
The university has a low CGPA and GMAT score requirement, which is why this university is chosen by students with low CGPA in undergrad. GMAT waiver is available for students with a 3.0+ CGPA in their undergraduate program.
Pros:
- Flexible program length.
- Low CGPA requirement.
- Low GMAT score requirement.
Cons:
- Non-STEM program. Apply to MSBA, MIS, or other STEM programs if you are looking for longer OPT.
Illinois State (STEM MBA):
This school is the only STEM MBA program in the Illinois state till now. This program provides graduate assistantship to high achieving students with 3.5+ CGPA. This GA position comes with full tuition waiver and a monthly stipend. For GA, you must apply by March 1st for fall admission and October 1st for spring admission.
Requirement:
- Flexible intake across the year but for international students, it might be Fall only.
- CGPA 3.00/4.00
- Resume and 2 graduate essays
- GMAT required if CGPA is less than 3.0 in the last 60 credit hour
- English proficiency test
- No mention of work experience
Additional Tips:
Pros:
- STEM degree and GA availability.
- Women in STEM scholarship for international female student
Cons:
- Not all students will get tuition waiver.
Get in contact with us. If you are a busy professional, we can help you with your admission package, which will save you time and our expertise will make your admission process easier!
We also have a list of multiple other universities which offer MBA funding. Email us and we will send the additional list.
