Owen Graduate School of Management is the graduate business school of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. The full-time MBA ranks #16 in the 2026 US News Best Business Schools list.
Owen offers the Full-Time MBA, Executive MBA, MS Finance, Master of Accountancy, Master of Marketing, Master of Management, MS Business and Technology, and Master of Management in Health Care. All programmes run in English on the Vanderbilt campus. The Class of 2027 draws 29% international students from 20 countries. Indian applicants enter through the MBA and the nine-month specialised masters. For a wider look at the state’s masters options, browse MS universities in USA.
- US News Best Business Schools rank: #16 (2026)
- MBA acceptance rate: 40% (estimated)
- Primary intake: Fall 2027 (MBA, MSF, MAcc, Marketing, MSM)
- MBA annual tuition: USD 76,700 (INR 73.4 lakh)
- International student share: 29% (MBA Class of 2027)
- Average MBA starting base salary: USD 148,000 (INR 141.6 lakh)
Also Check: MBA Universities in USA for Indian Students
Owen considers every admitted student for merit aid up to full tuition. Indian applicants can layer institutional awards on top of US private loans or Indian education loans. Post-completion OPT gives 12 months of work authorisation for MBA graduates and up to 36 months for STEM-designated masters. Students plan for the total two-year MBA cost with the USA colleges guide.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 95.68 as of August 2026
Admission Status: Open (Fall 2027 intake). The MBA Round 1 deadline is 1 October 2026 and Round 2 is 6 January 2027. International applicants must submit by 5 April 2027 for visa processing. The MS Finance Round 1 deadline is 7 November 2026 and Round 2 is 9 January 2027.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Owen Graduate School of Management 2027
- Owen Graduate School of Management Admission 2027
- Owen Graduate School of Management Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Owen Graduate School of Management Acceptance Rate 2027
- Owen Graduate School of Management Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Owen Graduate School of Management Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Owen Graduate School of Management Scholarships 2027
- Owen Graduate School of Management Rankings 2026
- Owen Graduate School of Management Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Owen Graduate School of Management vs Peer Business Schools
- Owen Graduate School of Management FAQs
Popular Vanderbilt Owen Fees and Courses 2027
Owen Graduate School of Management runs graduate business programmes only. Tuition is quoted per academic year for the two-year MBA and as a full-programme figure for the nine-month masters. The 2026-27 MBA tuition is USD 76,700, and specialised masters cluster in the USD 74,500 range.
Top PG Programmes at Owen Graduate School of Management
The MBA runs across four semesters and each specialised master finishes in nine to twelve months. Fees below reflect the 2026-27 rate for the Fall 2027 intake.
| Programme | Total tuition (USD) | Total tuition (INR lakh) | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time MBA | USD 153,400 (2 years) | 146.8 lakh | Bachelor’s with 65% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended); GMAT 660 average |
| MS Finance | USD 74,500 (9 months) | 71.3 lakh | Bachelor’s with 65% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended); quant coursework |
| Master of Accountancy | Confirm on official fee schedule | Confirm on official fee schedule | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended); accounting background |
| Master of Marketing | USD 74,500 (9 months, estimated) | 71.3 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| Master of Management | USD 74,500 (9 months, estimated) | 71.3 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended); under 2 years work |
| MS Business and Technology | Confirm on official fee schedule | Confirm on official fee schedule | Bachelor’s with 65% (recommended); STEM preferred |
| Master of Management in Health Care | Confirm on official fee schedule | Confirm on official fee schedule | Bachelor’s with 60% (recommended); healthcare experience |
| Executive MBA | Confirm on official fee schedule | Confirm on official fee schedule | Bachelor’s with 60% (recommended); 8 years work experience |
Insider note: Indian applicants cluster in the Full-Time MBA and the MS Finance. The MSF gives STEM OPT and pairs well with a return to Mumbai or Bengaluru banking roles.
Read More: Owen Graduate School of Management Fees and Programmes Guide
Owen Graduate School of Management Admission 2027
Owen Graduate School of Management runs one Fall intake per year for all full-time programmes. The MBA admits in four rounds while masters programmes use two or three rounds.
Owen Graduate School of Management MBA Admission Dates 2027
The MBA cycle for Fall 2027 entry opened on 19 August 2026 with four decision rounds. International candidates must complete their file by the April deadline for on-time visa processing.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| MBA Round 1 deadline | 1 October 2026 | Strongest scholarship consideration |
| MBA Round 2 deadline | 6 January 2027 | Recommended target for most Indian candidates |
| International application cut-off | 5 April 2027 | Final date for Indian applicants ahead of I-20 issue |
| Credential verification (WES) | Start 8 weeks before deadline | Three-year Indian degrees accepted with WES report |
| Programme start | August 2027 | Orientation week precedes Fall term |
Owen Graduate School of Management Specialised Masters Admission Dates 2027
The nine-month masters use their own deadline set. MS Finance and Master of Marketing open Early Action rounds in October 2026.
| Programme | Round 1 deadline | Round 2 deadline |
|---|---|---|
| MS Finance | 7 November 2026 | 9 January 2027 |
| Master of Accountancy | 1 January 2027 | Varies by programme; verify at official page |
| Master of Marketing | 12 November 2026 | 28 January 2027 |
Planning note: Indian applicants should target Round 1 or Round 2 for the MBA. Later rounds carry a smaller scholarship pool and a tighter timeline for the F-1 visa slot.
Read More: Owen Graduate School of Management Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Owen Graduate School of Management Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
The core file is a four-year undergraduate degree, a GMAT or GRE score, and English proof for applicants outside English-medium instruction.
PG Requirements at Owen Graduate School of Management
- Academic: Four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Indian three-year degrees accepted with a WES course-by-course evaluation. Median class GPA is 3.4 on 4.0, which maps to about 65% to 70% on Indian scales.
- GMAT or GRE: Class average GMAT Focus is 660 with a middle 80% band of 625 to 705. Median GRE is Verbal 160 and Quant 159. A waiver is possible for applicants with strong quant coursework or CPA and CFA credentials.
- English proof: TOEFL iBT 100 or IELTS Academic 7.0. Duolingo English Test and TOEFL Essentials are also accepted. The requirement is waived if the bachelor’s was taught fully in English or the verbal score sits above the 90th percentile.
- Additional: One professional recommendation, a resume, two written statements, a short unscripted video and a mandatory evaluative interview.
UG Requirements at Owen Graduate School of Management
Owen Graduate School of Management does not offer undergraduate programmes. Indian students seeking a bachelor’s at Vanderbilt apply to the main Vanderbilt University College of Arts and Science.
Key insight: The English test waiver clears automatically if you scored above the 90th percentile on GMAT or GRE Verbal. That single lever saves the DET or IELTS re-attempt for many Indian engineers.
Owen Graduate School of Management Acceptance Rate 2027
Owen Graduate School of Management posts an MBA acceptance rate of 40% (estimated) based on the most recent third-party disclosures. The school does not publish an official number, so the figure is derived from application volume and enrolled-class data.
The MBA class of 160 draws from about 3,000 applications each cycle, with 29% international enrolment and a 3.4 median GPA. Specialised masters programmes admit at similar to slightly higher rates.
Reality check: A 40% headline rate feels generous, but Indian engineers still need a 660+ GMAT, real quant evidence and a clean story on post-MBA fit. Round 4 acceptance rates fall well below the headline figure.
Read More: Top Universities in USA for Indian Students
Vanderbilt Owen Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
The full two-year MBA cost of attendance sits at about USD 220,000 (INR 210.5 lakh), covering tuition, mandatory fees, health insurance and Nashville living costs. The nine-month masters cost about USD 100,000 (INR 95.7 lakh) all in.
Vanderbilt Owen Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
The 2026-27 tuition and fees are pulled directly from the Vanderbilt Student Accounts schedule and reflect what Fall 2027 entrants pay.
| Fee head (annualised) | Amount (USD) | Amount (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (MBA) | USD 76,700 | 73.4 lakh |
| Health insurance | USD 4,244 | 4.1 lakh |
| Student services and health fee | USD 1,576 | 1.5 lakh |
| Maintenance and transcript | USD 1,350 | 1.3 lakh |
| Books and supplies | USD 500 | 0.5 lakh |
| Total tuition and fees | USD 84,370 | 80.7 lakh |
Monthly Cost of Living in Nashville for Indian Students at Vanderbilt Owen
The COL figures below use Vanderbilt Owen’s official cost-of-attendance estimate spread over the nine-month academic year.
| Head | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | USD 1,781 | 1.7 lakh |
| Food | USD 832 | 0.8 lakh |
| Transportation | USD 170 | 0.16 lakh |
| Personal and books | USD 280 | 0.27 lakh |
| Total monthly | USD 3,063 | 2.93 lakh |
| Annual (9 months) | USD 27,570 | 26.4 lakh |
[Source: Vanderbilt Owen official cost of attendance]
Insider note: Off-campus one-bedroom units near West End Avenue and Hillsboro Village run USD 1,400 to USD 1,900. Sharing a two-bedroom with an Indian cohort mate can pull housing under USD 1,100 per person.
Read More: Study in USA Cost Guide for Indian Students
Owen Graduate School of Management Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Owen Graduate School of Management sits on the Vanderbilt University campus, about two miles from downtown Nashville. Management Hall houses classrooms, career services and student clubs in a single connected building.
- Location and transport: Nashville International Airport is 15 minutes by road. The WeGo bus system links the campus to downtown Nashville within 20 minutes.
- Housing: Owen does not run graduate on-campus housing. Most MBA and masters students rent one-bedroom or shared apartments within one to three miles of campus.
- Facilities: The Walker Management Library, a 24 by 7 study commons, Bloomberg terminals and dedicated career interview suites sit inside Management Hall.
- Indian community: The Vanderbilt Owen South Asian Business Association hosts Diwali dinners, cricket meets and alumni panels through the year.
What Indian students say: The small MBA cohort of 160 makes it easy to know every classmate. Nashville itself is calmer than Boston or New York, which suits students who want to focus on coursework and recruiting.
Owen Graduate School of Management Scholarships 2027
Owen Graduate School of Management funds every admitted student review with merit aid consideration. Award values range from USD 10,000 per year up to full tuition.
| Scholarship | Type | Award value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dean’s Scholars Programme | Merit | Full tuition | Top of incoming MBA cohort by holistic review | Automatic with MBA application |
| Merit Scholarships | Merit | USD 10,000 per year to full tuition (INR 9.6 lakh to 73.4 lakh) | All admitted students reviewed automatically | Automatic with application |
| Bass Military Scholars Programme | Merit and category | USD 30,000 per year (INR 28.7 lakh) | US military veterans; open to Vanderbilt-wide applicants | Aligned to programme deadline |
| Forte Fellowship | Fellowship | Varies; verify at official page | Women MBA candidates through Forte Foundation | Aligned to MBA rounds |
| J. Dewey Daane Scholarship | Endowed | Verify at official page | MBA candidates with international management focus | Automatic with application |
Planning note: Round 1 and Round 2 applicants get first look at scholarship pools. Indian applicants who need above USD 40,000 in aid should submit by 1 October 2026.
Read More: MBA Universities in USA Scholarship Guide
Owen Graduate School of Management Rankings 2026
Owen Graduate School of Management sits in the top 30 US business schools across major rankings. The strongest headline result is #16 in the 2026 US News Best Business Schools list.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition |
|---|---|---|
| US News Best Business Schools (USA) | 2026: #16 (tie) | NA |
| Bloomberg Businessweek US MBA | 2025-26: #27 | NA |
| Financial Times Global MBA | 2026: #51 Global | 2025: #52 Global |
| QS Business Rankings | 2026: #101 Global (#38 USA) | NA |
[Source: US News, Bloomberg, Financial Times, QS]
Key insight: The US News #16 rank places Owen inside the M7-adjacent tier for Indian employers and Indian education loan providers. That rank drives eligibility for HDFC Credila and Avanse premium tier loans.
Read More: Owen Graduate School of Management Rankings Analysis
Owen Graduate School of Management Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Owen Graduate School of Management posts strong post-MBA outcomes with over 500 companies actively recruiting from Nashville. Career management support runs from arrival through graduation.
- MBA average base salary: USD 148,000 (INR 141.6 lakh) for the Class of 2025
- MBA median base salary: USD 150,000 (INR 143.5 lakh)
- Signing bonus average: USD 36,000 (INR 34.4 lakh)
- Job offers within 90 days: 87% of MBA graduates
- Internship placement: 99% of the Class of 2026 secured summer internships
- Top sectors: Consulting (32%), financial services, healthcare, consumer products
- MS Finance placement: 97% job placement within 6 months (Class of 2025)
- Master of Accountancy placement: 100% employment within 90 days
- Post-study work: 12 months OPT for the MBA; 24 additional months of STEM OPT for MSF, MS Business and Technology and Master of Marketing
Insider note: Indian graduates cluster in consulting and healthcare finance roles. Deloitte, McKinsey, Amazon and Bank of America return each year for Owen interviews.
Owen Graduate School of Management vs Peer Business Schools
Peers are US business schools in a similar tier for MBA outcomes and international share. Fees below reflect 2026-27 annual tuition.
| Business School | US News 2026 rank | Annual MBA tuition (USD) | Annual MBA tuition (INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owen Graduate School of Management | #16 | USD 76,700 | 73.4 lakh | Small cohort of 160; consulting-heavy outcomes |
| Emory Goizueta | #18 | USD 78,000 (estimated) | 74.6 lakh (estimated) | Atlanta base; strong healthcare recruiting |
| UNC Kenan-Flagler | #20 | USD 78,900 (estimated) | 75.5 lakh (estimated) | Public school pricing for in-state; solid finance |
| Indiana Kelley | #23 | USD 60,000 (estimated) | 57.4 lakh (estimated) | Lower fee; large cohort; brand consulting pipe |
| Washington Olin | #31 | USD 70,000 (estimated) | 67.0 lakh (estimated) | STEM MBA; smaller class than Kelley |
Owen stands out on its small cohort size, its 87% at-90-day offer rate and its median base near USD 150,000. It is the pick for Indian candidates who want strong consulting and healthcare recruiting without a coastal price tag.
Owen Graduate School of Management fits the Indian applicant who wants a top 20 US MBA at a manageable class size and a Nashville living cost well below Boston or New York. A total two-year investment of about INR 210 lakh returns a median first-year salary near INR 143 lakh, and 12 to 36 months of OPT work rights create the payback runway. The F-1 visa pathway is a well-worn route.
Owen is not the pick for candidates who need a US coastal network for tech product roles or seek the very largest MBA cohort. Those applicants may prefer Indiana Kelley or a larger East Coast programme.
Owen Graduate School of Management FAQs
Ques. Can Indian applicants get the GMAT or GRE waived at Vanderbilt Owen?
Ans. Yes. Owen Graduate School of Management offers a test waiver to applicants who show quantitative aptitude through undergraduate coursework, professional certifications such as CPA or CFA, or an analytical work track. Indian engineers with strong maths transcripts and three years of analytics experience often qualify. The waiver request is filed inside the application form with supporting documents.
Ques. What is the English test waiver policy at Owen Graduate School of Management?
Ans. The TOEFL or IELTS requirement is waived if the applicant earned their bachelor’s degree in English, worked two years in an English-speaking country, or scored above the 90th percentile on GMAT or GRE Verbal. Most Indian applicants from English-medium institutions like IIT, BITS or NIT qualify for the academic waiver. A short note in the application confirms eligibility.
Ques. How much is the Vanderbilt Owen MBA application fee and is a waiver available?
Ans. The MBA application fee is USD 200, which is about INR 19,000. Specialised masters programmes charge USD 100. Fee waivers are available for US military veterans, active service members, Peace Corps volunteers, Consortium candidates and Forte Fellowship applicants. Indian applicants who do not fit these categories should budget the full fee. There is no need-based waiver for standard Indian candidates.
Ques. Are Vanderbilt Owen masters programmes STEM designated for OPT?
Ans. Yes. The MS Finance, MS Business and Technology and Master of Marketing carry STEM classification. Graduates get 12 months of standard OPT plus 24 months of STEM OPT extension, for 36 months of total work authorisation. The two-year MBA is not STEM designated by default, so MBA graduates get the standard 12 months of OPT after completion.
Ques. How many recommendation letters does Owen Graduate School of Management require?
Ans. Owen asks for one professional letter of recommendation. The strongest recommenders are direct supervisors, senior clients or project managers who have observed the applicant closely for at least a year. Academic letters are accepted only for recent graduates with limited work exposure. The letter is submitted online via the recommender portal by the application deadline.
Ques. What is the interview format at Vanderbilt Owen and is it required?
Ans. The interview is mandatory for admission to the MBA and to every specialised masters programme. Owen invites shortlisted candidates for a 30 to 45 minute evaluative interview. The interview runs virtually on Zoom or on the Nashville campus. Interviewers are current admissions staff or trained second-year students. Preparation covers career story, post-Owen goals and behavioural questions on teamwork.
Ques. Which Indian education loan providers recognise Vanderbilt Owen?
Ans. All major Indian lenders including HDFC Credila, Avanse, Prodigy Finance, InCred, Auxilo and Union Bank of India fund Vanderbilt Owen degrees. HDFC Credila and Prodigy offer collateral-free loans up to INR 80 lakh for the MBA and MSF. Public sector lenders like SBI cover loans with collateral up to the full cost of attendance. Interest rates range from 9.5% to 13% for private lenders.
Ques. What financial documents are needed for the I-20 at Owen Graduate School of Management?
Ans. Owen requires financial documentation covering the first year of study before issuing the I-20 form. Indian applicants submit bank statements, education loan sanction letters or a sponsor affidavit showing at least USD 111,000 in available funds. The documents must be dated within six months of submission. The I-20 is then used to book the F-1 visa slot at the US consulate in India.
Owen Graduate School of Management Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
MS Finance 10 months | INR 71.3 L/Yr USD 74,500 /Yr | 100 | TOEFL iBT: 89 | IELTS: 7 | Duolingo: 130 | |
MS Data Science 2 years | INR 69.4 L/Yr USD 72,570 /Yr | - | TOEFL iBT: 100 | IELTS: 7 | Duolingo: 130 | |
MS Computer Science 2 years | Application Deadline For Spring Intake (15th Oct 2026) | INR 41.6 L/Yr USD 43,543 /Yr | 95 | TOEFL iBT: 89 | IELTS: 7 | Duolingo: 130 |
B.Eng Chemical Engineering 4 years | INR 65 L/Yr USD 67,934 /Yr | 50 | TOEFL iBT: 5 | IELTS: 7 | Duolingo: 130 |
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Owen Graduate School of Management Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS Connect Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 4.8 L/Yr$5,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student₹ 9.6 L/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 3.3 L/Yr$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Novus Biological Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student₹ 1.4 L/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyAssociate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Washington DC Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees


















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