M.B.A from Depaul University

DePaul MBA Business Strategy and Decision Making is an 18-month full-time specialization at Chicago’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. International students pay approximately INR 68.02 Lakhs (USD 71,520) for the complete programme. The fall intake deadline is June 15, 2026, and you must score TOEFL 80+ or IELTS 6.5+ for admission. This course teaches game theory, competitive strategy, and evidence-based decision frameworks for complex business scenarios.

The programme blends theoretical rigor with applied case competitions, emphasizing how to think analytically about strategy rather than memorize frameworks. DePaul’s cohort-based model means you study alongside peers from 30+ countries, including 20-25% Indian students. The course is ideal if you want to move into strategy consulting, corporate strategy roles, or executive decision-making positions post-MBA.

• Focused curriculum covers game theory, business strategy, and behavioral economics in just three core courses.
• Strong post-MBA outcomes: 92% of DePaul MBA graduates report the degree directly helped them secure new opportunities.
• F-1 visa eligible with 24-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) plus 24-month STEM extension for total 36-month US work authorization.

Also Check: DePaul MBA Admission Requirements

DePaul MBA Business Strategy and Decision Making Fees and Living Costs 2026

DePaul charges tuition on a per-credit basis, with the full 60-credit MBA costing approximately USD 71,520 over 18 months. International students face the same tuition rate as domestic students, with no additional fees beyond standard health insurance and books.

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.26 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.

• Tuition is fixed at USD 1,228 per credit hour for all graduate business programmes at Kellstadt, regardless of specialization.
• Books typically cost USD 150-250 per course; budget USD 2,400 across the entire 18-month programme.
• Health insurance is mandatory for F-1 students and costs approximately USD 200-235 per month through DePaul’s plan.

Cost of Living in Chicago for Business Strategy MBA Students

Chicago’s cost of living is moderate compared to coastal US cities like Boston or San Francisco. Most MBA students live within 2-3 miles of the Loop campus in neighborhoods like West Loop, River North, or Pilsen. Average rent ranges from USD 1,000-1,600 for a shared apartment and USD 1,800-2,400 for a one-bedroom.

Honest Take: Your total out-of-pocket cost for 18 months will likely range from INR 1.07 to 1.16 Crore. This is an investment tier decision; ensure your expected post-MBA salary and career trajectory justify this expense.

DePaul MBA Business Strategy and Decision Making Admission 2026

DePaul offers intake points in Fall (September), Winter (January), Spring (April), and Summer (June). The full-time cohort model means you start with a cohort and progress together, though the Business Strategy concentration courses are available across all intake terms for students in the core MBA programme.

Academic Eligibility

DePaul’s MBA programme requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. GMAT and GRE are test-optional; there is no minimum GMAT score requirement. However, DePaul’s admitted cohort typically scores 550-650 on the GMAT, so aiming for this range strengthens your application if you choose to submit.

Why this matters for Indian applicants: DePaul accepts Indian degrees if officially evaluated by WES (World Education Services). Plan 4-6 weeks for WES evaluation before submitting your application. Your undergraduate CGPA will be converted to a US GPA scale; a 7.0 CGPA typically translates to 3.2 GPA, which meets DePaul’s preferences.

English Language Proficiency (ELP)

All international students must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the accepted tests. DePaul does not require the TOEFL or IELTS for transfer applicants from English-taught programmes or those with bachelor’s degrees from English-medium institutions; however, most Indian applicants will need to submit one of the following:

• TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80 overall, with each section scoring at least 17.
• IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0.
• Duolingo English Test: Minimum score 115.
• PTE (Pearson Test of English): Minimum score 53.

Tip for Indian Students: IELTS 6.5 is attainable for most candidates with 2-3 months of focused prep; TOEFL requires more technical familiarity with the computer-delivered format. Choose based on your stronger skill: if you prefer writing and speaking fluency, IELTS is typically easier.

DePaul’s overall MBA programme holds an acceptance rate of 74%, meaning nearly 3 in 4 qualified applicants are admitted. The university ranks #123-134 among US business schools according to US News and World Report’s 2025-2026 MBA rankings. This mid-tier ranking reflects DePaul’s strong regional reputation and affordable model, though it is not a target school for top-tier consulting or investment banking roles immediately post-MBA.

DePaul MBA Business Strategy and Decision Making Application 2026

The application process is straightforward and typically takes 2-3 weeks after submission for a decision. DePaul uses rolling admissions, meaning you are evaluated as soon as your application is complete, and decisions are released continuously until the cohort is full. Applying early significantly increases your chances of admission and merit scholarship eligibility.

Required Application Materials

Complete applications require the following six components. Incomplete applications are held until all materials arrive; ensure you submit everything by the deadline date to receive a decision.

• Online application form and USD 75 non-refundable international application fee.
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended; WES evaluation required for Indian degrees.
• Statement of Purpose essay (max 500 words) on your career goals and why this MBA specialization aligns with them.
• One professional letter of recommendation, preferably from a current or recent supervisor.
• TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE score report sent directly to DePaul.
• Resume listing your professional experience, skills, and educational background.

Application Tip: DePaul reviews rolling; applying 2-4 weeks before the deadline increases merit scholarship odds. Applicants who submit mid-cycle often secure USD 10,000+ in annual merit aid.

DePaul MBA Business Strategy and Decision Making Scholarships 2026

DePaul offers merit-based scholarships ranging from USD 5,000 to USD 20,000 per year for international MBA students. These scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis with admissions decisions; earlier applicants receive higher scholarship consideration. Additionally, teaching and research assistantships worth USD 7,500 are available for students with strong academic backgrounds.

For the Business Strategy MBA specifically, the total tuition cost is USD 71,520 (INR 68.02 Lakhs). A USD 15,000 annual merit scholarship would offset approximately 21% of your total costs, reducing your out-of-pocket expense from INR 68.02 Lakhs to roughly INR 53.78 Lakhs for tuition alone. Many Indian students also qualify for the DePaul Double Demon Alumni Discount program (25% reduction for family members of DePaul alumni), which combines with merit scholarships to further reduce costs.

• Merit scholarships are awarded based on academic record, essay quality, and demonstrated career ambition.
• Teaching assistantships require 10-15 hours per week on campus; these positions are highly competitive.
• Scholarships do not cover living expenses; budget separately for rent, food, and healthcare in Chicago.

Scholarship Reality: Without a scholarship, this programme costs INR 1.07-1.16 Crore. With a USD 15,000/year scholarship, your tuition drops to INR 55.73 Lakhs, though living costs remain fixed. Many Indian students finance through education loans after securing merit aid.

Also Check: DePaul University Scholarships for International Students

DePaul MBA Business Strategy and Decision Making Salary 2026

DePaul MBA graduates report median salaries of USD 86,000 in their first post-MBA role. Graduates in strategy and consulting roles typically earn USD 75,000 to USD 110,000 base salary in the first year, depending on function and industry. These figures are gross salary before taxes.

Source: DePaul Career Outcomes Report 2025-2026; PayScale.com; US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Take-home salary varies significantly based on federal tax bracket, state (Illinois has state income tax), and health insurance deductions. Most graduates see 20-30% reduction from gross to net. Estimate USD 60,000-70,000 net annual income in your first year; verify using a US tax calculator after receiving a job offer.

Honest Take: Your post-MBA salary will likely repay your INR 1.07-1.16 Crore investment in 4-5 years, assuming you secure a USD 90,000+ role and maintain a 3-4% annual raise trajectory. This timeline is reasonable for MBA graduates in the US.

Read More: DePaul University Ranking and Career Outcomes

United States Visa and Work Authorization for MBA Students

International MBA students at DePaul study on an F-1 Student Visa, which permits 18-24 months of studies in the US. After graduation, you are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a US work permit that allows you to remain in the country and work full-time for a total of 24 months base entitlement, plus an additional 24-month STEM extension if your programme qualifies. DePaul’s MBA programme is STEM-eligible, meaning you receive the full 36-month total work authorization.

• F-1 visa is issued for the duration of your studies plus a 60-day grace period after graduation.
• OPT work authorization is valid for 12 months initial, renewable for an additional 12 months if on STEM extension.
• During OPT, you can work for any US employer without sponsorship; your employer does not need to apply for additional visas.
• H-1B skilled worker visa becomes available after you accumulate 1+ year of post-MBA OPT experience; many MBA graduates transition to H-1B within 2 years to continue long-term US work.

Visa Reality: You will have 36 months of work authorization post-MBA (12-month OPT + 24-month STEM extension). This window is enough to secure permanent residency (Green Card) sponsorship if you perform well and your employer chooses to sponsor. Most Indian MBA graduates secure H-1B conversion by month 24 of their OPT, locking in long-term US employment.

Check Out: USA F-1 Student Visa Requirements and Process