This is the second article on MS vs MBA in the USA. If you have not read it, please read the first article: Should I apply for MS or MBA in the US ? difference ? It talks about the differences between MS vs MBA and what each of the degrees focuses on. In this article, we will look at aspects of funding, fee and other aspects.
Fees MBA vs MS? Which is cheap? State University Vs Private Schools
MS tuition fee is typically much cheaper than MBA. Business schools have their own course fee structure. Also, in terms of fees, US State schools fee is always cheaper than Private Schools. For instance, MBA at private school like University of Chicago will cost you ONLY the tuition for NINE MONTHS is $74,919 as of year 2022.
As a non-resident, MBA at a state school like University of Wisconsin will cost you $47,013 for a 9 months for the year 2022. Also, fees at University of Houston Masters program for MBA is around $1397 per credit in 2022, which comes to $12,573 per semester if you take 9 credits. Not going into specifics, but if you look at MS fees as well, it is cheaper to study in state schools.
The summary is that state schools always have a lesser fee as they are state-funded. For more details, read Cost of MS / MBA in US – Apply for Cheaper Schools
Funding – TA, RA, GA for MBA and MS ?
Funding is a big thing for students and most common types of funding as we have explained are in the form of Teaching Assistantships(TA), Research Assistantship(RA) and Graduate Assistantship(GA). Check the post about what are TA, GA and RA for more info if you do not know with funding info.
Let’s think logically first, MS is more technical and research oriented, logically speaking if the University has more research funding then, there is more funding for MS. On the other hand, MBA, it is not tied very much to research, where do funds come from? The only source for MBA funding is Fellowships, scholarships, or TAs for Undergrad Business students.
If you notice, for MBA, the research part is almost not there unless you are in Ph.D. Guess what, if you are MBA and applying for funding in Business school, MS people of Marketing or Finance are competition to you for that too. So, your option is to work in other departments or have no funding at all.
But for MS, you have many options like working as RA, TA or GA in your department or other department based on your background. Not only logically, but in reality too, there is less funding for MBA than for MS due to the research focus and other related aspects. You may get in-state tuition in state universities if you stay long enough like year or so and pay taxes in that states by working on a work visa, but in private schools forget about funding…
Should you study MS or MBA? How to decide ?
I know most of you want to be managers and entrepreneurs in future by jumping into MBA right after B.Tech, B.A or B.Com… Let me tell you the truth folks, You will learn very little if you go to MBA without two to three years of work experience. You have to work in an organization setting to fully comprehend and appreciate the full potential of MBA. For this reason, most of the business schools have a requirement of 3 to 5 years of work experience as a major factor.
Think about this, “if you were never a team member, how will you understand the team member’s problems and their perspective if you were never a team member and directly have become a manager”. So, start at the base and then climb up ! My recommendation is if you are starting your career, then do not go for MBA, work and then go. Read MBA after B.tech or With Work Experience ?. As of MS is concerned, as I said in previous posts there are many types of students who would like to come to the US for education and some for jobs only. Depending on your situation, you may pick one of the below.
- Typically, MS is done for anyone with career path of PhD or research.
- If you want to do Ph.D. someday and be professor, then MS and PhD integrated program.
- If you worked for two years, and have money to support your MBA financially, then MBA
- If you are not sure what you want to do, then take time to think about what you really like and where you see yourself in next 10 years and take a decision on what makes sense for your career path.
Overall, it is up to your passion on where you want to be in the next 10 years, try to do something that will help you get there…it is your decision, plan well and go for your passion… I am not trying to discourage anyone to do MBA right after B.Tech, but just telling you the facts I have learnt. Good Luck ! Make an informed decision….It is your future !
What are your thoughts ? Anything to add that I have missed ?
hi kumar…. im doing my b.com final year.. im planning to do my mba in usa and preparing for gre.. but after reading ur article im confused.. now my doubt is that after B.com will i get a job in good company because only BPO companies come and select B.com students…….. now i have to continue with my GRE or have to go for a job….
Hi ,
I am Vaibhav Sanap currently working as Software Engineer with 4.5 years of IT experience.
I want to grow in my career. Please suggest which one is best MS or MBA in US.
Regards,
Vaibhav Sanap
Hi,
I am Vaibhav Sanap working as Software Engineer with 4.5years of IT Exp. To grow in Career which one is better MS or MBA in US. Please suggest.
Regards,
Vaibhav
Hi,
I have completed my B.Tech in mechanical engineering with 77% aggregate.
Iam working in a software company since one year 2months and will be completing two years by next fall.
Iam now confused whether to pursue ms in mechanical engineering or go with MIS for my masters as i have already entered into software field. Can anyone please suggest me Which one would be better for my future?
I REKHA studed btech eee .completed with 70%. can i known which is good for me and which country is good to me .either ms or mba . in case ms means which group will be better for me that after completing ms in usa .i want to settle in india only that to in telgangana only . plz help me with good sugestion .
BOLIVIA,
I have 6 years of experience, i am planning to do MBA in US.
I would like to know:
How much MBA costs(state & private collages)?
Duration for MBA?
I want to work there & pay for my course, is it possible?
How much money required for my monthly maintenance?
Which is the Best MBA university for indians? please keep in mind that – fee shouldn’t be very high 🙂
My profile is as below (i am of indian origin):
10th:92%
12th: 77.4%
b.tech:69%
this is followed by 3 years of work experience in Accenture Services Private Limited (IT Industry currently working as a senior programmer there,india ,gurgaon)
i have given my Ielts academic :7/10.o
yet to appear for gre/gmat
i have done my b.tech and have work experience in IT ,but i am not that keen on IT work ,i feel to utilise this IT experience and my good communication skills .
I have the monetary resources for education and work to support it,just that i am confused to do gre/gmat.
Also another relevant point is that i plan to marry after my MS/MBA in usa itself to a US Citizen to be in 1,5years so my visa status doesnt effect my job searching process.
i want to know :
1.want to go for since i have relevant experience for MS but less technical interest in Java which i have been working upon. i not that good a coder but then i definitely get my work done brilliantly since i work really hard.Also my communication skills are good but then i m not sure what they teach in mba would i like it or not but it seems more interesting
2.i want good money and a good family life in future as well
3.this is my final degree and no scope ever or studying again ,so i have to pick the right degree
4.I want good money,less hassles,long career life
5.which exam is easier to crack GRE/GMAT?
6.Particularly i would be based in seattle and is their job market better for mba or ms students?
Please suggest!
I am in a similar kind of dilemma. Did my BE in ECE and have been working since then with a company dealing with biomedical instruments in Dubai for 4 years now.
My friends staying in US suggested me to do MS as it has wider prospects but i have an inclination towards MBA. Although i have started my GRE prep and i’m targeting oct end to give it a shot. Certain things that are still troubling me are:
1. Is it worth a sacrifice to resign a job in hand and go for masters where i will not be financially independent for 2 years? As i get very well paid in my current job.
2. I’m 26 now and by the time i graduate i’ll be 28.. and i cant anticipate when i’ll get a H1N1 sponsered job.. I fear i’ll grow old by the time i get settled completely.
Btw i liked the Amrita’s idea about getting married in USA to a US citizen to be in 1.5 yrs.. Ur a smart thinker and you u’v really weighed ur options quite well..
I Want do M.S in U.S.A I had done my B.tech in electronics and communication engineering. In which domain I should do my M.S. if I want to get a seat in the college what should be the GRE and TOFEL score.
can you please briefly suggest me.
Hello Sir,
I completed my BE in Computer Science in 2009, and yes because of family pressure. I always wanted to be a management student. I landed a job with wipro but did not join due to personal reasons. After wasting a year and half, I joined a KPO in February 2011. I worked there for 18 months and then my father asked me to shift my base to my home town. In between this I did diploma in Financial Management through distance learning. I am very much interested in doing my PG in finance. I want to be at managerial position, so MBA seems apt but funding will be very big problem. If I apply for MS in finance, will my application be selected as I did graduation in technical. Also if I do MS in Finance, then what will be job prospects like? Will I eventually be able to climb up my way at managerial position?(consider that I am very dedicated and smart too)
I know I wasted my years after my graduation doing something which is not very worthwhile, but now I want to make amends for that.
Kindly help me with this. I am eagerly waiting for your response.
Regards,
Neha
Has ASAP solutions group filed anybodys H1B application and what is the status on your applications.
THANKS ………………
really informative ……
hi
after complition of my ms with 2-3yrs experince in it sector can i start my own company with out having any mba degree can i succed in that
I Want do M.S in U.S.A I had done my B.tech in electronics and communication engineering. In which domain I should do my M.S. if I want to get a seat in the college what should be the GRE and TOFEL score.
can you please briefly suggest me.
Thank u for the clear view sir 🙂
Profile:
B.tech(CS):-73%
XII-83%
X-78%
Working in India office of a canada based IT company as a Software Tester since last 1.5 years.
Am I eligible for Top Canadian/US Universities for the MS Program in CS/SE.
If yes, is there any way to complete my studies on a fully funded basis/scholarship?
Please also step by step process from applying to getting a Job after MS.
Thanks..
hi guys.. i m doin b.tech from cse n m in final year now.. i want to open my own software company in future.. bt m confused about what should i do after b.tech… mba from india or ms from abroad ?? i m confused about what will b better for me more knowledge about bussines or technical knowledge will be better for me to open my own firm…. plz suggest me
Hello,
I have gone through your article. It is surely a great peace of writing that would bring relief for quiet a many people. I am interested in doing MS- Industrial Engineering/Mechanical Engineering in USA and work and then do an MBA. But, my friends suggest this choice may take time to settle down ( 2years MS + 3 years Job + 1/2 years MBA = Job ultimately). It takes about 6 – 8 years to end studies and completely fall into a professional life. How long did it take for you to make a lucrative earning and settle down in your profession?
Did you find any advantage in doing both the courses as compared to doin either MS or MBA?
Could you help with clarification to my queries and do drop in your suggestions.
Thank you
Hi I have a pretty good experience of around 5 years in accounting and already enrolled myself for MBA in my previous organisation keeping in mind that i will get campus transfer one day. Since My MBA college is one the campus of American university in India.
Please suggest me since i want to move America for further education Cum job aspect.
Regards,
farender
sir i have scored 75% in 10th and only 53% in 12th and 70% in b.tech. so i m confused if i go for MBA or M.S so my 12th marks would create a problem for me or not.
please help me answer my querry.
Hey Shilpa,
I am not owner of this article. I was going through the article and I thought I could answer your question.
Don’t worry about the 12th standard scores. I would recommend you choose MS. When applying for MS or MBA you don’t have to worry about the 10th and 12th scores.
I hope this helps.
-Vivek
sir i am b.com 2nd year student and like your article. I want to do MBA after b.com in uk or us .,my plan is to work there 1 to 2 years so that i can earn capital and start my own business in my home country..is this will be right decision..
plese reply….
shagun
sir thanks for the article.
can you guide on the job prospects?.i have heard of lot of indian students going for ms or mba and ultimately coming back to india due to no job offers or the cancellation of visa.
sir please tell me abut the job scenario there for both the courses(ms/mba).
thank you
Im now doin my second year B.E in ECE
I nly understand 60-70% of my subjects…i want to do higher studies in US nd get myself placed up in a job dat gives a better salary package….ive made active participation in organizin some technical events ….which will suit me MS/MBA….and i want to kno one more thing ..is wrk experience mandatory for MBA in US???plzz help me…..
Anish,
It’s really nice that you have lots of time to plan and prepare for grad school. Most of the B schools in USA requires at least 2 years of work experience. I believe that having work experience would help you get a job as well as understand the core business principles.
Hi,
I have completed my btech in mechanical engineering and currently working in a software company since one year. As i have already entered into software field now im confused whether to opt for ms in mechanical engineering or ms in mis. Please suggest me through this.
Thank you
hello,
thank you so much,your article was very useful but still have queries to ask.
Am currently pursuing my 2nd year MCA and would like to do my MS in US..would it be apt to do so or go in for a job? and if MS,how do i go about it?
please enlighten me on this.Would be very thankful.
thank you,
krupa
Thanks alot, this site has helped me to choose my carrier path !!!
Hi
I am a B.E. Graduate in Computer science.
10 -> 86 %
12 -> 80 %
B.E. Honos. – 76 %
I ma working since last 3.5 years now in Top Indian MNC.
I want to pursue higher studies and earn more as my current salary will not be able to suffice the life style i want to follow and have always dreamt of .
Request you to please guide me what should i opt for.
Currently I am planning for MS in CS because as far as i know MBA is much tougher than MS.For GRE my MATHS is good but english is not top class.
For resolving this problem I will be joining GRE classes from this weekend.
I really want to give my best so that i will be able to join the sessions starting from Jan 2014 coz I am really looking forward to have a good salary package so that i can provide a much better life to my family.
But i need scholarships as the fees of the course is too high in terms of Indian currency.
I request you to please make me aware with all the informations and tips and tricks to get good GRE + TOEFL score and how can i get complete scholarship, even if not complete a good scholarship. I have also heard about some part time jobs that can be done while studying MS.
Please enlighten me with all these Information.
I shall be highly obliged.
Thanks & Regards
Rashmi
Hey Rashmi,
I also have the same aim and profile as you have . I want to connect with you, may be connecting with you will result in good for both of us , we can quantify the topics we need to focus on.
Scholarships and all …
Please send me a invite @ mail.arpitsinghal at gmail dot com/arpit.singhal.true at gmail dot com
Hello myself Ajay Patil
Doing b.com in Amravati university. I want to do MS in finance so what’s the procedure?
Hey Hi ,
I am a Mechanical Engineer ( Btech from India) my working experience is almost 4years.
Working as a Project Manager in one of technical core company.
My wedding is in month of Nov,2013 my fiancee is working in Los Angeles.
Hence, will be shifting to LA after few months.
All I want to know is what should I prefer a MBA or MS.As I am really confused with this stuff right now. I prefer something in Projects . Can you please suggest something on this.
Sir i just wanted to ask u m not that technically sound but m doing btech..
And I have joint a classes for gre but now m in a state that should i do ms r mba..
Plz help me out i want to make fast money….
i have complete my btech..but i want to do MBA.becoz we get good salary by doing mba after btech..i want to make money..i just felt like sice in india competetion is very huge so i felt lyk doing MBA in us than india.becoz in us we can get good university..and well learn something new and usefully er..ince it equals iim in india.but u r saying it costs very high doing doing mba in us..i am just a student .please suggest me.
thanks dude your article made my eyes open……..i’ll do my mba after ms right like you………
dear sir,
i want to know does a ms degree(from usa) in computer related course have good demand (i mean good salary)in usa? what types of jobs do u get there after a ms degree?
is it only research n teaching or job in good computer companies as well?
i would be really obliged if you can help me clear my air as i m stuck with my ms decision.
thanks
Hii,
I m perceiving my 2nd B.E. in mechanical engineering……and want to study further in us……
should i go for MS or MBA…..If MS what branch will be more useful for me……..tell me about different branches in MS studies….please reply soon…….looking forward to hear from you……………………
Hello,
I would like to take your suggestion. I am working for Robert Bosch Engineering & Business solutions, a renowned German based Indian Automotive company since 1.5 yrs after my graduation. I am not sure which path to take now, regarding MS & MBA. Above all, I would like to make money.
Suggest me whether doing MS now after 1.5 yrs of work experience is a good idea or not. I would like to know where can i get good options after MBA like India, US or European countries. Looking forward to hear from you.
Hai
I am Hima. I am perciving my 4 th b.tech in cse branch. I need a suggestion from you that which would be more prefferble for me that is either ms or mba. if ms to get admission in a good university what score of gre is needed. Plz help me to plan my carrer……..
Hello,
If you wanna do mba, work for 2 years atleast.Any score more than 310/340 will be a decent score in gre with an AWA score of more than 3.
HI Mr.kumar..
I hav completed my b.tech in 2012 april(EEE) with 77.3%..I was selected for TCS when i was in my 4th year.I want to get a job with good payment..I’m confused whether to go for MS(afterB.tech) or MBA(after working in TCS for 2 years).
please guide me…your reply is valuable…
Priyanka,
I prefer you to make a genuine attempt for GRE…neways you will get the call letter 3 or 4 months from the day of graduation taken the current scenario…bcoz i did the mistake in ma final yr thinking to go fa MBA (with 2 yr exp) after an offer from TCS…
I am also in same plight.. same completed my B Tech in ECE in 2012. Now working in TCS. Wrote GRE and now in utter confusion.. What 2 do? MBA or MS ?
hello, I am currently in my Btech last year!
My confusion between MS and MBa has been cleared to a great extent after reading this article!
But i wanted to know that after doing your MS , are you able to do your MBA funding on your own after like a year or a two?
and also, hows is this course MS in MIS? As after looking at mBA requirements in abroad and India , this is the only feasible option for me? As it incorporates management in tech.
Interesting read !!
was always unclear about MBA and MS before reading this.
Hi….
I have completed my B.Tech in Electrical & Electronics Engineering this year with an aggregate of 77.6%. I am not financially rich, but am passionate to do MBA from a good B-School. Could you please suggest me whether it is good to pursue MBA in India or from US University. Also could you tell me the career after doing MBA in India and USA. Can I take study loan and will I be able to clear the loan within 2 years after my MBA. Also could you tell me, overall what might be the cost for the entire MBA programme in both India and USA.
Awaiting your reply.
Renuka ,everyone is interested in doing MBA after B.E,but most of universities both in US and India need at least 2-3 years of job experience ,thats upto you.the cost of top ranked universities in US is about an average of 43000-45000$ for semester
hi!
Im doing my 4th yr B.Tech now. I wanted to do MBA after engineering.But I have funding problem and i believe experience is a key factor to succeed in MBA.
So i have decided to do MS and do MBA later like you.
My doubt is if i want to do MBA later, MS in CS is a good option or should i go with MIS?
Please answer this question. Ur advice is very valuable.
Thanku
Great blog right here! Additionally your website lots up very fast! What web host are you using? Can I am getting your affiliate hyperlink on your host? I wish my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Hi Kumar,
I am done with my Bcom and have 3 years of experience into HR and Administration with reputed firms.I am planning to give GRE and do my MS or may be MBA.While searching for the same I came accross a site where it says there are some universities in US that accept only TOEFL score and there is no need of GRE.Could you please tell me if only TOEFL is enough? and would it create any kind of obstales to get the VISA.?Moreover please suggest me should i go with MS or MBA??
Hello, Mr. Kumar
Sir, I have read the above article. It’s really very helpful to choose the right carrer specially after b-tech.
I appreciate your effort. But, now I would like to discuss my case with you, may be something new for you as well.
Sir, I recently moved in USA & got my green card so I m a lawful permanent resident of US, but soon i’ll go back to INDIA just to complete my b-tech (ECE) as I am only left with my final year.
After attaining my dergee,as suggested by you & to save some money for MBA in US. I would like to work for a minimum of 2-3 years here in America.
Now the question in my mind is that, ” What would be the procedure for me to get admission for MBA program here in US ? ”
Do I need to go through GMAT or there would be some other exam for my evaluation. ?
N do I also get some benefits of country residency ?
Please do answer my queries.I am waiting for your reply.
Thanks.. 🙂
Hi,
i wrote gmat and scored 620.i have 3.5 years of IT job expereince.i am applying to US universities.how are job offers for MBA graduates especially for indians.?What is the OPT time for MBA’s?if i didn’t get a decent job can i shift to IT job in USA with MBA.
please reply me..
regards,
Venkat
hello,
i am so glad to have read Ur blog, i am in great confusion as to which field i should take up,i have completed my BE in electronics engineering (2012) i also have a IT job in hand but i am not sure of joining it…i want to move forward into a management field…should i take up a MS degree in marketing or work for two years and then do an MBA.i have a single parent and i don’t want to stress my mum financially…so is it a better choice to apply for university’s next august or even if i can make it till spring intake 2013 if i am not rushing towards it…i am really confused don’t really understand if the MS degree would land me up in a decent job(money wise) .does the MS in marketing is worth investing that much amount of money and will i suffer any visa issues as I’d be changing my field completely as i am a electronics engineer. please suggest me some good universities for the mentioned course and guide of what i should exactly do please guide me asap so that i can take up my decision faster.
Mahima,
If you plan to get into management side and do MBA, I would suggest that you work for few years. Read this article When should you do MBA, work experience
Also, read this Goal for MS in US
hi sir,
i was a student of final year B.Sc(cmscs)[computer maintanance,statistics,& computer science], i wish to do my further study in US, and my dream to do Ph.D, please guide me whether to do M.B.A or MS(cs), or anything else.,.,
my aim to earn a lot of money,
please give me some guideliness.,
thanking you sir,
Chaitanya,
Read this article, it should help you with your thought process Why MS in USA
I am doing B E in mechanical engg I want to pursue ms in renewable energy but my family condition is bad please suggest me what should I do?
try to do m tech in iit or do mba in iim
hiiiii i m bcom student my final year is running after bcom i want to join m.b.a in finance in u.s.a should i m.b.a after bcom??? plz tell me.
Divya,
First you need to have clarity on what you want to do with your career and where you want to see yourself in next few years…based on that you need to take a decision. Also, it is advisable to have few years of experience before MBA
I read international studies in Nigeria. I started working as Admin manager in a Turkish company for a year and half. I enrolled in MBA in one of the Nigerian university, because i always want to own my own business. And out of 6 semesters i finished 2 semesters. But due to instability in the country i want to go to US to study MBA while working. Do you think this is a good idea?
Hi,
Heres my story. I finished my engineering in June’10. Picked up a job(Typical IT Job. Outsourced stuff). Switched jobs a few months back.With a market consulting firm.Its a fairly young firm. But the client is Coke. So the work is brilliant.I actually get to decide n formulate market strategies for Coke for the entire India for the coming years.
I applied for MS. I got thru Boston Univ. I had applied for MEngg Systems Engineering.(its a 1.5 year course) what is says on the website is that its meant for ppl who wish to work after the course n teaches what is inline with the industry.
Now here is the list of confusion im dealing with.
1. BU is awesome. but slightly more expensive than the rest( infact, slightly is an understatement). Dads financing it. its fine. But my concern is, is the Course really worth it? Because i end up putting all that money in there. and i dont find a decent job(Moneywise) , im screwed then!
2. I have 2 years of work ex now. the work im doing right now is brilliant. but its a startup. if i slog here for 2-3 years, then i go fr a b school. would that be a better deal?
The plan was to do an MS, then work, then b school( something i understand, what you have also done).
If im going to so an MBA( part time/ full time/Executive..i dont know), would be MS be of any value to me. will it be adding any value to me? because investing money in MS, then MBA, (also 2 years of MS. so 2 years of time!). would i end up landing up in the same place that i would after just a MBA?
I think you have gone thru the same confusion. You hv done MS then MBA. im sure u knw by now, how much did each of the degrees matter.
Pls help!
i need to decide on this very very soon!
Thanks.
Mehul
hi, i hv a job experience of 1 and half years… want to pursue Masters degree but am not sure should i go for MS or MBA… did my B.Tech in ECE and now working with IT sector company.. any suggestion…
Hi,
I completed my B.E in computer science in 2009 and there was recession then so got job in HP in 2010 july… Worked for 1 year and then got married. My husband is in USA but due to visa problems am yet to fly. But again 1 year there is gap since ll be flying by sep 2012. So what i wanna know is that should i go for an MBA or MS in USA…Since i would be getting an H4 visa i dont have work authority. And with 1 year work experience is it good to go for MBA? And after that wil any company sponsor for ma work visa??
Please do answer my queries.