MBA: The Why, The Whats & The Hows

Top 5 Universities for 1 Year MBA Programs in USA

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Tumul Buch
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What is a “dilemma”? A situation where the options in front of you are difficult to choose from to get you what you desire. In years of guiding and counselling aspirants to their dream universities abroad, Yocket experts have come up with what we call - the MBA dilemma

Aspirants, more often than not, can’t commit 3 years for an MBA abroad. So what do they do? Opt for a 2-year MBA instead. But, recently, aspirants haven’t been able to opt for that too. It is natural to wish for a quicker ROI. But is there any other option out there for you except doing just a certification course? To that, we say YES!

Now, you can acquire a full-fledged MBA degree in the USA in just 12 months. The universities in the USA now offer a 1-year MBA program that is ideal for students coming from different academic backgrounds. It is a fully equipped course comprising all essential business topics and specialisations. Awesome, right?

With almost two decades' worth of experience, our experts have helped numerous aspirants get to the top universities abroad! Solving the MBA dilemma and many more has now become a daily routine. Surely, everyone’s needs are different and unique. What if you want to go for a 1-year MBA but don’t know what qualifications to have? Which universities to target? What time of the year to apply? And to all those questions, we have an answer - Yocket Premium!

With Yocket Premium, you get unbiased counselling curated uniquely to your needs. And a dedicated counsellor guiding you throughout your study abroad journey gives you the best shot at your dream university and courses! 

Become a Premium Yocketer and take the first step to pursue your one-year MBA from your dream university in the US! 🚀

Tap to know more about Yocket Premium.

And while you are here, you still get everything you need - top business schools offering one year MBA in the USA, their admission requirements, fees, popular programs and much more. 😀

Table of Contents

Why Study a 1 Year MBA in USA?

The business schools in the USA offer a plethora of MBA courses like full-time MBA, part-time MBA, executive MBA, dual MBA, one-year MBA, etc. Out of them, the one-year MBA in the USA is a preferred choice for many students today

But why is that so?

  • One year MBA in the USA is the fastest route to a successful career in business, management and entrepreneurship. With a rigorous curriculum and top-quality education, it is one of the most popular programs for an MBA in the USA.
  • International students with F-1 Visa pursuing 1 year MBA programs in the USA can opt for STEM OPT extension. It makes them eligible to take up different jobs in the USA for up to 3 years.
  • As compared to a regular MBA of 2 years, the 1-year MBA in the USA cost is quite affordable. The tuition fees for the latter range from USD $35,000 to USD $50,000. Whereas the average 2-year US MBA fee is around USD $50,000 to USD $100,000 per year.

Suggested: STEM MBA in the USA

Now that you know why a one-year MBA is one of the top choices to go for, you will be amazed by the universities that offer this course - some of the top global universities!

Top 5 Universities for 1 year MBA in USA

Here’s a quick list of the top universities offering a one-year MBA and where they stand in the global rankings! 🏆

University Name

QS Global MBA Ranking 2024

Cornell University

13

Northwestern University

47

University of Southern California

116

University of Florida

168

University of Pittsburgh

222

SC Johnson School of Business, Cornell University

Cornell University offers one of the most diverse 1-year MBA programs in the USA. The curriculum here equips students with foundational business principles as well as all business-specific knowledge through a variety of electives. It emphasises technology, data analytics, entrepreneurship, contemporary business leadership, etc. as part of the course.

University Type

Private

Location

Ithaca, New York

Program Offered

One-Year MBA

Average Annual Fees

$50,000 or INR 40,00,000

Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University

Kellogg School of Management offers one of the top 1-year MBA programs in the USA for international students. It is an opportunity to be a part of an advanced program suitable for your career growth. The experimental learning, world-class faculty, and infrastructure make Kellogg stand out amongst other business schools offering MBA courses in the USA for 1 year.

University Type

Private

Location

Evanston, Illinois

Program Offered

One-Year MBA 

Average Annual Fees

USD $105,380 or INR 85,00,000

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USC Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California

The USC IBEAR at the USC Marshall School of Business is amongst the best one-year MBA courses in the USA. The curriculum here provides an immersive experiential-learning-based framework with an opportunity to develop the knowledge, tools  and business networks. The program also focuses on extra co-curricular activities to ensure the overall development of the students.

University Type

Private

Location

Los Angeles, California

Program Offered

USC IBEAR MBA

Average Annual Fees

USD $42,000 or INR 33,52,000

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Warrington College of Business, University of Florida

Warrington College of Business is last on the list of one-year MBA programs in the USA. It is the perfect course for individuals from diverse backgrounds willing to pursue an immersive program. Like a traditional 2-year MBA, a one-year MBA in the USA here offers all facilities like extracurricular activities, national career fairs, and so on.

University Type

Public

Location

Gainesville, Florida

Program Offered

One-Year MBA

Average Annual Fees

USD $61,260 or INR 50,00,000

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Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh

The one-year MBA in the USA at the Katz Graduate School of Business is for individuals who do not want any internship or practical exposure before stepping into the professional world. The course generally begins in May and ends in April next year. It covers all the topics and subjects as that of a general two-year MBA.

University Type

Public

Location

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Program Offered

One-Year MBA 

Average Annual Fees

USD $42,000 or INR 33,52,000

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Few universities from the top 200 global universities offer a one-year MBA! Exciting, right? 🤩But what should your profile look like to be studying here? 

Eligibility Criteria for 1 Year MBA in USA

The eligibility criteria for a 1-year MBA in the USA is similar to a traditional MBA that is of a 2-year duration. While the exact set of MBA requirements in the USA varies across universities, the basic ones remain the same. Some important eligibility for MBA in the USA for Indian students are ⬇️

  • A recognized bachelor’s degree with the desired GPA of a minimum of 2.5 (the scores vary across universities)
  • GMAT or GRE The average GMAT score is 600 to 730, and for GRE you must have a minimum score of 310 to 315.
  • Minimum work experience of 2 to 5 years.
  • IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.5 and, TOEFL(iBT) score of 85 and above.
  • A valid passport and student visa. Do keep in mind to apply for your visa at least 3 months prior to the expected date of travel.

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Documents Required for 1 year MBA in USA

There are a number of documents that you need to produce to show your eligibility for pursuing an MBA in the USA. Some of the common document requirements for one-year MBA programs in USA are ⬇️

  • Transcripts of all educational qualifications
  • CV or Resume
  • LOR or Letter of Recommendation
  • SOP or Statement of Purpose
  • Scorecards of IELTS/ TOEFL/ GMAT/ GRE
  • Work experience certificate
  • Proof of funds

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Do note that this is a general list of documents to be produced to show your eligibility. This can certainly have more documents, depending on the university you apply to - so make sure you check the university website for the same. 

Admission Process for 1 year MBA in USA

The process of applying to US universities remains the same for all MBA courses. Here’s a sequential checklist to cross while applying for MBA colleges in the USA:

✅ Finalise the university where you want to pursue a 1 year MBA in the USA.

✅ Visit the official university website and collect all data relating to eligibility and the admission process.

✅ Upload scanned copies of all the required documents (transcripts, CV, IELTS/TOEFL, GMAT/GRE scorecards)

✅ Fill out the desired application form and pay the fee.

✅ Once you are selected you will receive the conditional offer letter, you may then book your seat at the particular university.

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Scholarships After 1 Year MBA in USA

It is definitely not easy for everyone to pursue their dream of an MBA from the top university in the US. But you can definitely make that dream come true by getting a scholarship for your application! 

Here’s a quick list of scholarships you can apply for pursuing a one-year MBA:

Scholarship

Eligibility

Award (in USD)

Horace W Goldsmith Fellowship

Students demonstrating leadership in non-profit sectors

10,000

McKinsey Award at MIT

All students are eligible

10,000

John C. Phelan Forward Fellowship

Need-based

30,000

Columbia Business School Board China and India Fellowships at Columbia University

Outstanding student profiles from India and China

Variable

Tuck School of Business MBA Scholarship

Merit-based

10,000 (full tuition fee waiver)

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If you don’t find a scholarship that you qualify for, it is definitely not the end of the search! What you need is someone who can guide you to other scholarships, grants, or any form of financial aid! And with Yocket Premium, you get end-to-end dedicated counselling and guidance throughout your study abroad journey - with focussed assistance in getting you multiple scholarships you can apply to! 💰

Do not let go of your dream to pursue an MBA in the USA. Give your shot at studying abroad the best chance it deserves - with Yocket Premium. 🎯

Tap to know more about Yocket Premium!

Jobs After 1 Year MBA in USA

After completing your one year MBA in the USA, you will be eligible to take up responsible and high-paying jobs in different sectors. 

Hear the cha-ching already? 😉

Here’s what a one-year MBA in the US gets you ⬇️

Job Title

Average Annual Salary

IT Manager

USD $57,000 - USD $92,000 or INR 47,00,000 - INR ₹76,00,000 

Financial Analyst

USD $51,000 - USD $88,000 or INR 42,00,000 - INR ₹72,50,000

Business and Data Analyst

USD $40,000 - USD $90,000 or INR 33,00,000 - INR ₹74,00,000 

Human Resources Specialist

USD $40,000 - USD $75,000 or INR 33,00,000 - INR ₹61,50,000

Systems Administrator

USD $46,000 - USD $92,000 or INR 38,00,000 - INR ₹76,00,000

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From the Desk of Yocket

As you read earlier, it is only natural to seek quicker ROI on study abroad investment. And depending on what stage of your life you are personally at, you can go for whichever length of MBA in the US you wish to pursue. But if you wish to begin or upgrade your profession within a short period of time, or have early entrepreneurial aspirations, the 1-year MBA program in the USA is the best choice. 

In a span of one year, you not only become employable but also start earning and getting back the fees you paid for the course. And it only gets better if you got a scholarship for your application. 

And this ‘if’ becomes a ‘when’ as soon as you become a Premium Yocketer! With a dedicated counsellor providing you with end-to-end guidance, your application gets an edge over every other in the pile - making you stand out and get the dream university and career you always wished for. ✨

So give your dream to pursue an MBA from the US the best start - Explore Yocket Premium today!

Frequently Asked Questions about 1 Year MBA in USA

Can one pursue a 1-year executive MBA in the USA?

What are the requirements for MBA courses in the USA for 1 year?

What is the average salary after pursuing a 1 year MBA in the USA?

Why should I pursue a 1-year MBA in the USA?

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