MBA in USA, study abroad!!

Dreaming of pursuing an MBA in USA, but worried about finances? And hence, confused about whether to choose a public or private university? You’re not alone.

Our core question – Public vs. Private Universities – What’s the Real Difference?

When it comes to pursuing an MBA in USA, tuition fees are often the first point of comparison — and understandably so. With rising tuition fees, affordability becomes a major factor in choosing the right business school to study abroad. That’s precisely why we are presenting this blog – to give you a chance to look at things from all perspectives, not just get wrapped up with tuition fee considerations.

On the surface, private universities are perceived to be more expensive, while public universities appear more budget-friendly.

Private Universities: They are funded primarily through tuition and private donations, which often makes them more expensive, with annual MBA tuition ranging anywhere between $60,000 to $90,000 or more.

Public Universities: These are state-funded and offer lower tuition fees, especially for in-state residents. For international students, fees are still higher than in-state rates, but often fall in the range of $30,000 to $60,000, which is significantly lesser than most private institutions.

However, this comparison doesn’t tell the full story. The decision in choosing a B-school (private versus public University) isn’t as simple as comparing the fee structures only. The net cost of studying or doing an MBA in the USA isn’t just about tuition. It is more about evaluating the overall value offered by the program. This is where scholarships, cost of living across the various parts of the country, location advantages for experiential learning exposure, industry connections, career opportunities, and long-term return on investment come into play. Here are some best universities to study in USA.

Cost of Attendance (COA) is the bigger picture. COA is the total annual cost the student incurs from tuition fees, living expenses, activities related to professional development (internships and industrial trainings) transportation charges, healthcare, books and supplies etc. So, when choosing a university, considering only one parameter (comparatively lesser tuition fees), and overlooking other aspects is not a good idea at all. This means that a Private university, with higher tuition fees, but with benefits like transportation, proximity to industrial areas and the right scholarship will be a better bet than a lower cost public university in a remote location or a city where the cost of living is high. To explain further, remote locations may offer fewer industry connections as they may not be close to major business hubs, reducing your chances for internships, part-time work and networking events, all of which are crucial in an MBA in US program. Moreover, daily life can be tougher (and more expensive) if the campus is not well connected with the city. Another (latent) challenge can be that of social and cultural isolation if you are far from urban environments that could have given you a better cultural exposure – a must for your overall student experience and well-being.

But wait, you can also have the opportunity to study abroad in a Public University boasting of a strong industrial network, top notch research facilities and resources with lesser tuition fee (typical for public Universities) – that’s like the icing on the cake. One such option is The University of Mississippi, a public university situated in a budget-friendly state, which means lower cost of living, affordable housing, groceries, transportation charges and much more. Another such option is the University of Texas Arlington, a public university located in the Dallas Fort Worth area, one of the fastest-growing job markets in the US, with strong industry ties in Technology, Finance, Consulting and Energy. UT Austin, another Public university boasts of its proximity to tech startups. So, while Private universities often boast of extensive alumni networks and global recognition, public universities in economic or technology hubs also offer valuable industry connections.

So, try to consciously look beyond the question, “Public vs. Private University – Which is More Affordable? Put your research cap on before you search for the best affordable university. The question you must ask yourself is, “Which university offers the best return on investment for my profile?” Look at the right combination, in a holistic way.

More Smart Ways to Make Your MBA in USA More Affordable

  1. Scholarships

    Scholarships in the USA at both Private and Public University make the academic journey a smooth experience. A number of scholarships options, including both external and internal scholarships, are available for international students. Furthermore, there are scholarships such as the ones mentioned below, which are specifically for Indian students pursuing an MBA in USA.

    1. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship

      Indian citizens committed to returning and working in India post-MBA, are eligible for this fellowship. It is typically awarded to 5 Indian students each year. Offered by Reliance Industries & Stanford GSB, specifically for the Stanford MBA program, it covers up to 80% of tuition and associated fees. A possible connection between the B-school and Reliance Industries is that the elder son and daughter of Mukesh Ambani (Chairman and MD of Reliance Industries) attended Stanford University.

    2. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships

      This scholarship is offered by United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) to Indian citizens with a strong academic and leadership background. It covers full tuition fee, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance. It is for applicants to MBA programs in multiple US B-schools.

    3. The ADB (Asian Development Bank)-Japan Scholarship Program (JSP)

      The ADB-JSP scholarship can be availed by candidates who are a national of an ADB borrowing member country; India is one of them. They should also be eligible to receive scholarships funded by Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA); ODA is foreign aid for developing countries. This scholarship offers the benefit of full tuition fees, monthly subsistence allowance (including housing), books and instructional materials, medical insurance and travel expenses. It is applicable to select US universities and MBA programs in management, economics, and related fields.

    4. JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians

      This is a loan-based scholarship (₹1–10 lakhs), sometimes with partial grant. Indian students admitted to postgraduate programs, including numerous MBA programs in the US, are eligible.

    5. Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship

      This is an interest-free loan scholarship for Indian nationals under the age of 30, with exceptional academic records.

      These scholarships can significantly reduce the financial load of pursuing an MBA in USA. Whether you’re aiming for a private university like Stanford or a reputed public university, securing a scholarship can bring your dream within reach.

  2. Academic Profile

    A strong GPA and academic achievements is a no brainer as they improve your chances of receiving numerous merit-based scholarships, which is a great way to reduce costs.

  3. Excellent standardized test scores

    Exceptional GMAT / GRE, IELTS, TOEFL scores mean a good chance of admission at the best university providing endless options.

  4. Applying Early

    Most scholarships are awarded on a first-come-first-served basis. Applying early increases your chances for both admission and financial aid. Many universities have ‘early bird’ application fee waivers too.

  5. Exceptional SOPs & LORs Matter

    Your Statement of Purpose and Letters of Recommendation highlight your academic strengths & professional achievements, both of which make you an attractive potential B-school student. These documents can also explain any financial hardship or gap in studies, which universities consider for need-based scholarships.

  6. Test Scores

    High GMAT, GRE, IELTS, or TOEFL scores can qualify you for scholarships and increase admission chances to top schools with financial assistance.

  7. Employer Sponsorship

    If you are a working professional, and a high performing candidate, there are chances you will be able to earn your employer’s sponsorship on the condition of re-joining your organization after competing your MBA. Some organizations offer partial or full sponsorship in exchange for this post-degree commitment.

    Public vs. Private MBA Programs: A Quick Comparison

    Feature

    Public University

    Private University

    Tuition

    Generally lower (especially in-state)

    Higher, but more internal scholarships

    Funding Source

    Government-funded

    Privately funded

    Scholarship Options

    Limited but growing

    More diverse (need, merit, leadership)

    Networking Opportunities

    Strong in regional hubs

    National and global reach

    Class Size & Faculty

    Larger, broader access

    Smaller cohorts, more personalized

    Get a Personalised University Shortlist

FAQs

Both kinds of universities can offer comparative quality of education. To illustrate, some of the top ranked Public universities that are world famous are UC Berkeley, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, UNC Chapel Hill to name a few, are known for their diversity, top notch infrastructure, strong network and industrial ties, and high quality education. So, it's not merely about whether it is a private or a public university. A lot depends on the facilities, curriculum provided, pool of faculty members, the research being conducted, that earns a university its status. So while researching, consider a university based on its location, ranking, infrastructure, academic resources, scholarship offered and, most importantly, one that aligns with your profile and career aspirations, not just the Private or Public name tag.

The student to teacher ratio in a private university is generally smaller. Hence, needless to say, the resources and mentorship offered generally focus on providing more individual focus. There is easier access to professors, and academic support can be tailored to individual needs. However, this does not mean public universities fall short. In fact, their larger, more diverse student bodies foster a dynamic, real-world-like environment, which simulates the complexity of the real world of business more closely, where students collaborate across cultures and perspectives; this is an essential skill in the global business world. Public universities, especially those that are research-intensive, often have strong regional industry partnerships, giving students hands-on exposure to real-world challenges through consulting projects, internships, and applied research.

Thousands of students graduate every year from the public universities, and succeed in pursuing their dreams. Private or Public, US or other foreign country, you should be generally vigilant and aware of your personal security and belongings. It is always useful to be alert and take safety measures. Universities during orientation programs inform students about the safety measures offered at the university like campus police, late night shuttle etc. If you are staying on campus or off campus, you must always be careful, and make use of the security services or helplines provided by the University.