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 ?
Kumar,
Your article has given me some strength.
See, I am working in digital marketing domain for the past 3.5 yrs now. I want to study in US for a holistic development in my approach and personality. I want to do digital marketing even after that. My worry is whether i should go for MBA or MS. If I go to US, I have to stay there until I break even with all my investment. Suggest me colleges I should aim for.. I haven’t had a very bright academic background but at work I have good accomplishments to share.
Kindly suggest when should I take GMAT/GRE if I want to see myself in a good university (preferably state as it’s cheaper: money is a concern) in 2016. Again I want to study and work in US just for a experience without at the risk of losing hefty investment.
Regards,
Nishant
Hello Kumar,
Thank you very much for putting forward this post.
I am a B.Tech graduate and have 2 years experience in SAP FICO. I am very much keen in purusing higher studies and that too in Finance, because I want to continue my career again in Finance related domains only. I thought of doing MBA but I cannot afford for that. On few advises, I am now thinking for MS in Finance or MIS. But I feel MIS will not give me jobs in Fnance domains (Pl corrct me if wrong). I want to know the career path, jobs, fundings, advantages and mainly disadvantages, if any, of MS in finance. Pl help me out.
Cheers..
Hello
I am Sagar I have done my B.E. in chemical,I just want ur opinion that what should I do mba or ms
I really confused plz guid me its really important me for ur advice
I have done my engineering in IT and have 5.3 yrs of job experience in IT industry as SAP BASIS.Now I am planning to study further.I am planning to appear for TOFEL,however I am not keen in giving GRE or GMAT.GRE I can still think of appearing.However I feel GMAT will be difficult for me.I tried giving CAT in 2012 but could not score.I wanted to know what should I pursue MBA or MS in IT and I even wanted to know good universities which accept only TOFEL score and work experien
Hi
I have been confused about choosing an MS or MIS or an MBA programme in US.
I have 2 years of experience in IT which would round up to 3 if I take the fall 2016 admission.
I’m not really an IT person and I detest coding, so I’d been thinking if MIS would be appropriate for me.
Also I’m interested in MBA/MS in Human Resources but I’m not sure of job opportunities in US, especially with no relevant experience in that.
I have heard that the admission process would be way easier for an MS or MIS programme as compared to MBA.
My ultimate goal is to work in the US.
Could you please suggest as to what would be most suitable for me ?
Thanks!
Hello Sir,
I am Vinayak from India .I have completed my B.E from pune university in 2014.I am working from past 6 months and planning for an MBA in 2017.But when i will be applying for MBA Universities my experience will be around 1.5 years and by the time I get admission for Business school i will be having 2 years of experience.Will i be able to get admissions into good business schools in US with this experience.
hello sir, i have completed my engineering from computer science in june 2015 and now very confused what to do next ? Because of less techinical knowledge i am gettin jobs in bpo’s. I was planning to go with mba and learn something from it and try for a good job ? Will that help me in anyway ? I hope you reply asap.
Ateeq, It is definitely worth changing your career, if you feel you are not tech savvy. Maybe you can work for couple years, gain some experience and in the mean time give MBA related entrance exams and make yourself prepared. MBA can give you few options like getting into sales, marketing related roles, administration, etc. You need to plan carefully though. Speak to some of your seniors, friends you know and plan it.
hello sir, i have completed my engineering from Electronics and communication engineering in june 2015 and now very confused what to do next ? Because of less techinical knowledge. I was planning to go with ms and learn something from it and try for a good job ? Will that help me in anyway ? I hope you reply .
Well, honestly, I do not think you need to do MS to improve knowledge. You can take some courses and improve your knowledge. if it is your passion to study and learn, maybe pursue a career in teaching or research, then that is a different story. If your goal is to get a job, then I think you should start looking without your current degree and then maybe think about higher education after working sometime to see how it will help you take next step for growth.
Hi Sir,
I am from India and aged about 27years. I have done my BBA( Bachelor Of Business Administration) and have 6 years of work experience in Investment and Finance market in India. I am confused between MS Finance and IT or any other professional courses which will help me in my career and increases my chance to get H1B sponsorship visa . Kindly advise me on this.
Hope you anwer this! I want to ask about MBA finance and people who change their career path completely by going into investment banking and such. Then its not about managerial positions right. I just wonder if I do MS now and do MBA later and try to get into the banking sector, won’t it be like starting from the bottom again as my previous experience will be in a tech company. Would be grateful if you reply to this!
I just want to know da actual meaning of what MS is and what MBA is…..in depth……???? So dat i can decd…..crtly…..what is crt for me……and i can choose which one to do first and which one to do scnd…..orelse nly ms…..or nly mba….plz suggest me…..
Dear Shravani,
I happened to see your question. I assume that it is a genuine question and that you are a young person hoping for a good career. I just had to give you this unsolicited advice: Please try to write proper English, even if it is from a cellphone. By doing so, you not only make it easier for the person — in this case, Kumar — to understand the question, you also show your respect and regard for his knowledge and the trouble he has taken to share his views and experience. If you do not have a good grasp of the English language, please do something about it. It is most important to learn to communicate well. All the best.
Shravani, I really cannot understand your question. Please post your question in proper English in our QA section : http://redbus2us.com/qa/
I have done my engineering in IT and have 5.3 yrs of job experience in IT industry as SAP BASIS.Now I am planning to study further.I am planning to appear for TOFEL,however I am not keen in giving GRE or GMAT.GRE I can still think of appearing.However I feel GMAT will be difficult for me.I tried giving CAT in 2012 but could not score.I wanted to know what should I pursue MBA or MS in IT and I even wanted to know good universities which accept only TOFEL score and work experience.
Dear Sir,Completed BE in EC. Planning for to do MS . I tried to apply but i got all fake links. So please suggest a link for to complete a procedure of applying, for exams, and so on.
Hello I am a four year diploma holder from NTTF and I have been working as a design engineer for past 9 years in heavy machinery domain(purely technical). I have done BBA through distance as well.
Right now I am planing to do a MBA in U.S. Since I won’t be eligible for MS. My intention to get a good job in U.S. Either in technical or management….please provide your suggestions…thanks
Sir I have completed my b.tech aeronautical engineering in 2014 …I do not have any work experience now I want to do 8 months MBA course in northeastern university Boston(ma)..give me some suggestions ..
Before you talk about schools, I suggest you Read When should I do MBA after B.tech or with work experience ?
Hi Sir,
I’ve completed my B.E in C.S and have two years of work experience in Computer Sciences Corporation. I’ve worked here on a tool which is used by CSC only , my work here was purely non technical as I never got technical requirements in the project, so there was no learning. I want go for higher education(but have financial constraint too). I lost confidence in technical field, please suggest a good course I can go for. Thanks!
give me some clarity suggestions about future study after btech as I am at the early stage of btech I want a clear path for my further studies
Hi
I am a B.Com (Hons.) graduate + Chartered Account (CA) from ICAI, with 7 years of work experience with Deloitte, Ernst and Young and Sahni Natarajan and Bahl chartered accountants. In your earlier comment you has suggested MBA over MS Finance in my case.
Could be please reason your option for MBA over Master’s in Finance? What skills / knowledge learnt in MBA make it better option than MS?
Also, do i correctly state in saying MBA is better than in corporate world and MS for professions like teaching, research?
TIA
Akansha
Received well from u,Bro.
Wanna follow as like u .
I m cse student in UG,but wanna become business entrepreneur,but with my CS knowledge I can’t get Mba ,right.
So I ll do MS then MBA.
what electives I should take in MS then which will use for my next MBA?
Plz reply for this.
OMG did you just write “business Enterpreneur”??
and you are thinking of MS and then MBA to become a “business Enterpreneur” ??
Please gain some experience after your B.Tech then apply for mba.
sir i did my b.tech in the stream of information technology in 2012,and i didnt hv any work exp ,now i decided to go to further studies in usa and i confused to decide which one to select whether MBA OR MS ,pls suggest me thanq,
Sir,
I have completed my b.tech in eee, but i don’t have much knowledge in my core subjects. So i want to do MS in accounting or finance. I don’t have any job exp. Is it the better option for me?. i heard that it is so difficult for indians to get job who are in areas like management,finance & accounting as their(foreigners or locals) communication skills are better than our indians. Is it true sir? Please guide me sir.
You spent 4 years in B.Tech and still you don’t have much knowledge on the subject. Now you wan’t to learn finance and that to while doing MS?
Please talk something logical.
Hello, I’m pursing my BE in computer science (final semester). Now I’m very confused of what to do! MS or MBA ?? No work experience. But, I’m not really fond of coding. So I’m planning to do MBA with business analyst in Canada. I don’t know if that’s a good choice. Please help me.
“MBA with business analyst” ?? haha
Hi ,
This is prabh here from INDIA
I am pursing btech 2nd year in ece from Ptu , and i would like to know about the study in canada , is it possible to migrate …… And if possible what are the procedure…… And 2nd if it is not possible to migrate what
I have to do ……. I also have done my 3yr diploma in same ece branch …..on the basis of my diploma in which semester i got admission……… And what is the eligibility of bands in ilets ….
And another thing if i could wait till my graduation completed…. After btech which course is better for me mtech/mba/mc….
And which gave me benefits of earning while studying….
If you provide me the details about above questionnaries , i will be very thankfull to you……
hello sir, i am btech passed out now and looking for a gud opportunity for my career. but i am confused because i am not so gud in coding.
So should i go for ms or mba to go to abroad?
Can i know your email, i would like to talk to you about this matter on a more profound level. I would be highly grateful if can be of my help.
Thank you.
hello buddy
i am doing MBA now in india and am planning to go to USA for studying MS.. so is the right paln to do ms in usa after completing my mba. please suggest me buddy or else I should do mba again in USA sugesst me please
Hi sir,
I have completed my b.com and I’m currently doing my MBA in a bschool. This year I’m planning to apply for MS in business analytics. Is it a good idea? I’m confused weather I should go with the ms degree or not. can you help me out with your suggestion sir.
Thank you.
Hello Sir
I have done MS in CS from California state university and i am currently working in Deloitte consulting as a Database Administrator for more than 2 years now.
I want to pursue MBA, but i am confused if that would be a good option for me after doing MS. I want to grow more into the database field and need your suggestion regarding the same.
I am doing B.Tech ECE final year. What kind of courses can i choose for MS?
You can join in MBA..OR MIB
Hi
I am a Chartered Accountant and B.Com (Hons.) graduate. I have over 7 years of experience (including articleship) in Risk Consulting / internal auditing profile with Deloitte, Ernst and Young and chartered accountant firm in India.
Now I hav shifted to U.S after marriage. However, I am currently not working as could not manage my work visa so far.
I plan to start with my further studies so what do you suggest between MS and MBA in my scenario?
Awaiting your reply.
TIA
MBA would be the right choice…in my decision
Could be please reason your option for MBA over MS (Finance or Accounting)? What skills / knowledge learnt in MBA make it better option than MS?
Also, do i correctly state in saying MBA is better than in corporate world and MS for professions like teaching, research?
I am doing my bachelor degree in Commerce , And i want to do MBA From Foreign Universities .
Please Suggest From Which Country Can I Do My MBA & Internship Both ……..
Hi,
I am Amol .I have done B.Tech in electronics
and i have 2 years of experience in IT as DataBase devleoper and microsoft bussiness inteligence devloper.
so which are the courses are applicable for me to do MS and good universities .
Cloud will be the next platform
..IT. you better do courses related on cloud platform….It will going to boom for next 15 years
Hi,
I have B.Tech and almost 3.6 years in IT.I planned to be a Business Analyst.Will studying MBA in US will help me?
Thanks,
PoornaPrasad
Thank you very much sir…..
Information was very precise and was of great help…..it clearly pulls out anyone out of the confusion between MBA and MS….
Studying mba in USA in good university will be valid…if you try any university …that is totally waste.
Sir,
Currently am doing my third year btech in mechanical. Am not very much interested in the technical depths, though i do like the subject. So, am not much interested in doing MS. Now,itz MBA. What I plan is to work for 2-3 yrz in the middle east and then go on for an MBA in the USA. I’d prefer to do an MBA in project management.
Can you give me some advice on the same?
What all should i keep in mind in the leap?
What is your opinion about doing a proper job while am doing the course? (maybe the course as par time)
Please do respond
hello sir
i m dng my engineering in biotechnology i wish to go to US for my MS in biotechnology wld u help me out wht all procedures hav to b done for studying in a gud university in cheap fee requirements
You can try on-site first…if you are rich then you can try by taking immigration visa or tourist visa…once you visit USA…you come to know how expensive
Why is work experience required for MBA but not for MS?
And if I am from B.Tech Electronics background, what shouild I pursue further? Right now I am in first year and I have time to decide.
They always prefer 4 year degree and 2. To 3 years experience…..in jobs
Hi sir,
I have completed my MBA in 2012, currently i have 2 years of work experience with cognizant technology solutions,but here my salary is less.. hence i would like to come USA. Please advice if i apply for MBA or any other courses.? is i get VISA..?
Many Thanks in advance..
Sir
You continue your job for another 2 to 3 years ….better you update your knowledge on job related…then you can try in USA or Canada..you will get job in high salary
hello sir plz suggest me that is it good is I go to usa for mba bcz now im pursuining mba here frm india I and can I get local universities in us plzzz suggest me or u can coctact me on
I completed b.tech n I wud lik to knw my future aspects im willing to do ms bt dnt knw abt it plz gve me suggestions
Hello sir… I m in b.tech (cse) finl year. I want to study M.S in usa … what should I do ?? It’s really important for me… please help me out …
Hi:- I did Btech and then MBA n systems and marketing from India and currently working in TCS as PM total exp is 6 years . I want to pursue mba or ms from USA . I am confused which course to join Pls suggest what course is best MBA or MS or any other
You already have MBA degree and still you want to go for another MBA in US? Could you please explain your reason. Thanks in advance
Hi Sir,
I need your small help about continuing study.
I am b.com graduate & i did diploma in IT. I have 3 Years experiences in IT. I need to keep my study in IT but I am confused what to do. shall i go for MCA or any other sujects.
Pls suggest me.
hello sir,
i am in third year in (B-tech) chemical engineering .actually i little confused i am thinking that after chemical m-tech is best but some one say MBA is also good in need suggetion please help me
Hi Sir,
Currently I am pursuing 3rd year of B.Tech. with CS branch and having 80% in academic till now. I want to do MS just after college but I am confused about the specialization in computer science I should adopt. Can you please help me with this? Need more info about the college vs fees with world wide ratings.
If possible, can you please help me with the Networking and computer science with the structure of the whole courses? If you could provide me some links through mail, that will be very much helpful for me.
Thanks in advance.
Hello Sir
To begin with, i am currently in my third year of engineering (B.Tech) in Electronics and Communication.
I have managed to maintain my CGPA above 8.5 till now.
I have also planned to give my GRE and TOEFL exams in the coming months.
I had planned to be an investment banker when i grow up,and for that i had planned to apply for MS in finance in US or UK.(I was driven towards btech because in india most students have no idea what to do after school and once they complete their btech they think of what they actually want to do in their lives).
Now the question i have is… i have no background in finance or related fields, never really read something that explains the basics of corporate finance or anything.
But i really want to go for MS in finance…. is it possible for a guy like me to be accepted by any good college with no work experience and past knowledge.
If NO is there some way in which i can sell myself to the college,making them believe that selecting me will not be a bad option.
do reply sir as this confusion is really bothering me 🙂
Thanks For sharing,
I’ve got it now.
Sir I hv done btech in ece.. nw m studyin engineerin buks for gate & ibps so. Studyin histry for intelignc bureau xm. Also intrstd in goin abroad. M doin evrythin bt dnt knw wt m actly doin m so confused sir . Cnt decide wt shud I do wt shud b focus plz sir help me to decide..
Dear Sir,
I have done my B.Tech in electronics & communication…and got campus placement in ZTE Telicom India in MTS project. Its being 1 year here…now I am thinking of MBA as I want to be in a position of Project manager..kindly guide me in which field I should do MBA and at what time,,,?,,is it correct time to do…and from which college…waiting for your support…
I am 22 year old B tech Graduate.i have done many jobs in many fields,
like marketing executive,business developer and now HR,I have got a job once which is in developer side ,unfortunately i cant join in that company due to some health problems,now i realize that opportunities will never wait for any body.and my question is that if i continue my HR job,will i get any kind of benefit in my career with out MBA.
Hi,
I have done B.C.A as a graduation with 60% and i have a working experience of 3 yrs (1 yr as a intern and 2 yrs as a emp) in MNC. Now, i am confused between what should i opt further for study MS or MBA . As i have only little interest in technology and i want to settle in abroad (usa or canada ) after studying from there itself.Can u please help and suggest me for choosing right course and do my brain wash,so that i can go for GRE or GMAT accordingly.
Actually I dont have any idea about what I hav to do after b.tech,
But I got very less % in my b.tech (cse), and I dont have much subjct knwldge in computer science.(no experience)
First I decided to do MBA..now I’m thnkng about MS… main thing is I really hate java subject..so which one suites for me?
is it possible to do ms in usa by a b.com student
hello,
i have done my MBA in Finance and im going for another MBA in finance. actually i wanted to go for MS in Finance but i couldn’t apply for it.
what should i do now? is it a good option to go for MBA again?
Thank you very much. It was very useful