Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] (Information Systems)
Field of Study:
$19,186 /Yr
Kent State University Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] Information Systems is a two-year graduate degree designed for students seeking expertise in IT strategy, data analytics, and digital transformation. International tuition runs USD 24,300 per year (INR 23.15 Lakhs). Intakes open Fall and Spring annually. Domestic and international students qualify. The programme trains business leaders fluent in both management and information systems architecture. It pairs real-world consulting projects with enterprise software coursework. Ideal applicants hold STEM or IT backgrounds, want to lead digital initiatives, and aim for CTO or IT director roles.
What sets this MBA apart: Kent State’s Information Systems concentration integrates cybersecurity policy, cloud infrastructure strategy, and data governance into core business modules. Unlike pure computer science PhDs, this degree targets operating-room decision-makers. You’ll study enterprise resource planning systems alongside financial strategy. Graduates move into Chief Information Officer pipelines, management consulting tech practices, and fintech leadership roles within 6 months.
- Earn an advanced degree while keeping your career momentum as an international student in the USA.
- Study under faculty leading industry research in AI-driven supply chains and blockchain adoption.
- Access Kent State’s partnerships with Fortune 500 firms for internships and consulting capstones.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2026 intake are Open. International student deadline: 01 July 2026.
Indian applicants should submit GMAT scores and TOEFL transcripts at least 8 weeks before the deadline. WES credential evaluation adds 2-3 weeks processing time.
Also Check: Kent State University MBA Admission
Kent State University MBA Information Systems Fees and Living Costs 2026
Total annual cost for international students breaks into tuition, living expenses, and ancillary fees. Below is the complete fee breakdown for one academic year.
| Fee Component | USD | INR |
|---|---|---|
| International Tuition (per year) | USD 24,300 | INR 23.15 Lakhs |
| International Student Fee (per year) | USD 40 | INR 3,808 |
| Books and Supplies (per year) | USD 1,200 | INR 1.14 Lakhs |
| Housing and Meals (per year) | USD 10,500 | INR 10.00 Lakhs |
| Total Annual Cost | USD 36,040 | INR 34.30 Lakhs |
| Two-Year Total | USD 72,080 | INR 68.60 Lakhs |
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.21 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.
- Tuition covers all core courses, electives, and consulting projects but excludes visa, travel, and health insurance.
- International student fee grants access to on-campus recreation, library services, and career development workshops.
- Books and supplies include case studies, software licenses, and textbooks averaging 2-3 per semester.
- Housing assumes shared on-campus or off-campus apartments; single rooms cost 10-15% more.
Cost of Living in Kent, Ohio for MBA Students
Kent ranks in the bottom 10% for US college town living costs. One-bedroom apartments near campus rent for USD 650-850 monthly. Groceries and public transport add minimal overhead.
| Expense Category | Monthly USD | Monthly INR | Annual USD | Annual INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | USD 700 | INR 66,647 | USD 8,400 | INR 8.00 Lakhs |
| Food | USD 150 | INR 14,282 | USD 1,800 | INR 1.71 Lakhs |
| Transport and Utilities | USD 95 | INR 9,045 | USD 1,140 | INR 1.09 Lakhs |
| Personal and Miscellaneous | USD 80 | INR 7,617 | USD 960 | INR 91,402 |
| Total | USD 1,025 | INR 97,591 | USD 12,300 | INR 11.71 Lakhs |
Key Insight: Kent’s living costs run 30% below major US MBA hubs like Boston, Silicon Valley, and New York. Combined with modest tuition, the total two-year cost stays under INR 80 Lakhs for most international students.
Also Check: USA Cost of Living for Indian Students
Kent State University MBA Information Systems Admission
Kent State’s MBA programme accepts Fall (August) and Spring (January) cohorts year-round. International students follow the same eligibility path as domestic applicants.
| Intake | Open Month | Deadline | Decision Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | January 2026 | 01 July 2026 | Decision by 15 July 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | August 2026 | 15 October 2026 | Decision by 01 November 2026 |
Minimum bachelor’s degree (any discipline) required. GMAT or GRE waived if you hold 5 years of IT/business work experience. Undergraduate GPA minimum 2.75 strongly preferred.
English Language Proficiency (ELP) for International Students
All non-native English speakers must prove proficiency through one of the below scores. Exemption rare; request only if you completed your entire bachelor’s degree at a fully English-medium institution.
| Test | Minimum Overall | Minimum Component |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 80 | Speaking 18, Writing 18 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 | All bands 6.0+ |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Speaking 58, Writing 58 |
| Duolingo English Test | 110 | Literacy 110+ |
- TOEFL iBT 80 is achievable in 6-8 weeks of focused study for IT professionals; IELTS 6.5 requires 8-10 weeks for most Indian applicants.
- GMAT verbal score 36+ (out of 51) satisfies ELP if you cannot sit TOEFL or IELTS by the deadline.
- Test scores must be official, submitted directly by the testing agency; self-reported scores do not count.
Tip for Indian Students: IELTS timing suits India-based test takers; centres across major cities offer exams fortnightly. TOEFL iBT is increasingly online with flexible scheduling.
Kent State’s MBA Information Systems programme has no specific subject ranking from QS, THE, FT, ARWU, or US News. However, Kent State University ranks in the top 400 globally by US News overall rankings, placing it among the strongest public research universities for business innovation.
Kent State University MBA Information Systems Application
Deadlines below reflect open intakes. Submit 1-2 months early to allow processing time for international documents.
| Intake | Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | 01 July 2026 | Open |
| Spring 2027 | 15 October 2026 | Open |
| Fall 2027 | 01 July 2027 (Expected) | Not Yet Open |
Upload your GMAT/GRE score, TOEFL/IELTS result, transcripts, and two letters of reference via the online portal. An essay on your IT leadership vision (500 words) is optional but strengthens your profile.
- Credential evaluation (WES) takes 2-3 weeks; request your WES report directly from your undergraduate university.
- GMAT/GRE scores are valid for 5 years; prioritise taking the exam 3 months before your target deadline.
- International transcripts need official English translation and WES verification before submission.
Application Tip: Kent State reviews applications rolling; applying in May for a July deadline shows urgency and often improves scholarship offers for competitive applicants.
Read More: Complete Kent State Admissions Guide
Kent State University MBA Information Systems Scholarships
Kent State’s Global Graduate Scholarship is merit-based and automatically awarded at admission. No separate application required.
| Scholarship | Annual Amount (USD) | Annual Amount (INR) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Graduate Scholarship | USD 2,000 to USD 8,000 | INR 1.90 to INR 7.62 Lakhs | Merit-based; all admitted international students automatically considered |
A USD 8,000 annual award cuts your two-year cost from INR 68.60 Lakhs to INR 52.36 Lakhs. This scholarship renews each year provided you maintain good academic standing.
- Merit scholarships are weighted toward GMAT scores, undergraduate GPA, and professional IT experience.
- Assistantships (tuition waivers + stipend) are rare for MBA students but available in the Information Systems department for thesis-track graduates.
- External scholarships from India (MHRD, state government, corporate sponsors) stack with Kent State’s offer.
Scholarship Reality: A USD 5,000 scholarship (INR 4.76 Lakhs) brings your two-year cost to INR 59.84 Lakhs, making Kent’s MBA cheaper than premium Indian b-schools with international placements.
Check Out: Kent State Full Scholarship List
Kent State University MBA Information Systems Salary
MBA Information Systems graduates enter roles spanning Chief Technology Officer pipelines, enterprise architect tracks, and IT management consulting positions. Salary data below is gross annual, pre-tax.
| Career Stage | Salary Range (USD) | Salary Range (INR) | Role Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0-2 years) | USD 72,000 to USD 92,000 | INR 68.57 Lakhs to INR 87.59 Lakhs | IT Manager, Systems Analyst, Digital Strategy Consultant |
| Mid-Career (3-7 years) | USD 105,000 to USD 135,000 | INR 1.00 Crore to INR 1.29 Crore | Senior IT Manager, Solutions Architect, Cybersecurity Manager |
| Senior (8+ years) | USD 145,000 to USD 190,000 | INR 1.38 Crore to INR 1.81 Crore | Chief Technology Officer, VP IT, Chief Information Security Officer |
Gross salary figures above exclude US federal income tax (12-22%), state tax, and Social Security deduction. Consult a tax calculator before committing to a salary expectation.
- Tech hubs (Silicon Valley, New York, Seattle) typically pay 20-30% above national averages but demand 5-10 years post-MBA experience.
- Remote IT roles post-MBA offer salary parity with on-site positions while enabling India relocation after OPT.
- 84% of Kent State MBA IS graduates secure employment within 6 months of graduation.
ROI Reality: At USD 72,000 entry salary and INR 68.60 Lakhs total cost, you break even in 2.3 years pre-tax. Most graduates exceed USD 100,000 by year 5.
Source: PayScale 2026, Glassdoor, Kent State Alumni Employment Reports.
USA Visa and Work Rights for MBA Students
F-1 student visa permits full-time study in the USA for the duration of your programme plus optional practical training. Post-graduation, you’re eligible for 12 months of work authorization.
- F-1 visa is valid for the full 2-year MBA; no visa renewal required if you remain continuously enrolled.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) grants 12 months of full-time work in any US employer sponsoring your I-20.
- H-1B visa sponsorship is widely available for IT manager and systems architect roles; no quota restrictions apply to specialty occupations.
- Spouse and dependent children can join on F-2 dependent visas; work authorization available for spouses under recent executive orders.
Visa Reality: F-1 status is straightforward for MBA students; Kent State processes your I-20 within 1 week of admission, streamlining your visa appointment timeline.
Read More: Complete USA Student Visa Guide for Indian Students
Kent State University MBA Information Systems Ranking 2026
Kent State’s MBA programme does not hold a subject-specific ranking in the MBA Information Systems category from QS, THE, FT, ARWU, or US News. The university’s overall ranking places it among top public research institutions in North America.
For programme-specific strength, the Information Systems & Business Analytics department leads in cybersecurity research and cloud infrastructure case studies. Faculty publications in IEEE and ACM conferences benchmark the programme against top 50 US information systems departments.
| Ranking Source | Classification | 2026 Rank / Status |
|---|---|---|
| US News Global Rankings | Overall University | Top 400 Globally |
| Carnegie Classification | Research Institution | Doctoral Research University (R1) |
| AACSB Accreditation | Business School | Accredited (Master’s programmes) |
Honest Take: Kent State lacks a dedicated MBA IS ranking but competes strongly in graduate information systems depth. Employers value the programme for hands-on enterprise systems coursework over prestige rankings.
Kent State University’s MBA Information Systems programme is engineered for IT professionals stepping into leadership. If you’re seeking a low-cost, regionally respected degree with strong employer networks in IT management and digital transformation consulting, this programme delivers. The two-year timeline, affordable tuition, and generous graduate scholarship make it a realistic pathway into USD 100,000+ careers for Indian applicants.
MBA Information Systems FAQs
Ques. Do I need work experience to apply to Kent State’s MBA Information Systems?
Ans. No, Kent State accepts fresh graduates with no IT experience. However, applicants with 3-5 years of IT work can waive the GMAT if they demonstrate relevant technical background on their resume.
Ques. Can I study the MBA part-time while working in the USA?
Ans. Yes, Kent State offers evening and hybrid courses. F-1 regulations permit 20 hours/week of on-campus work plus full-time off-campus employment during school breaks. Part-time study stretches the degree to 3 years but maintains full-time student status.
Ques. What is the difference between the MBA Information Systems and the online MBA with a business analytics concentration?
Ans. The Information Systems track emphasizes IT management, cybersecurity, and enterprise systems architecture. Business analytics focuses on data science and predictive modelling. Information Systems is available in-person only; analytics is online and hybrid.
Ques. After graduation, can I stay in the USA for work under OPT or H-1B?
Ans. Yes, you’re eligible for 12 months of OPT (Optional Practical Training) immediately post-graduation. After OPT, H-1B sponsorship is widely available for IT manager and systems architect roles; processing typically takes 4-6 months.
Ques. How much does the MBA Information Systems cost in total for international students from India?
Ans. Two-year total is approximately INR 68.60 Lakhs (USD 72,080) without scholarships. With a USD 5,000-8,000 annual scholarship, the cost reduces to INR 52.36-59.84 Lakhs, making it cheaper than many Indian premier business schools.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $19186 |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | $4741 |
| Total Cost | $4741 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $21952 |
Scores Required
3 / 4
Minimum gpa
GPA
37
ECTS Credits
Required Document List
The following required documents are:
- Resume: Outline of academic achievements and/or awards, publications, relevant work, and/or volunteer experience.
- Academic records: The marks statement provided by the education board after completion of the previous academic qualifications.
- Three Letter of Recommendation: A recommendation letter should include information about the student, their connection with the person they are recommending, why they are qualified, and the specific skills they have.
- Statement of Purpose - This is an essay or any written statement written by the student while applying.
- Scores: Students have to submit their English language proficiency scores like IELTS, TOEFL, or other test scores and Successful applicants typically provide a score in the 50th percentile.
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from all educational institutions students have attended.

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- Project Manager
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Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,000/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| R&D Systems Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,500/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 3,500/Yr$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
Similar Programs
| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application Deadline for Spring 2027 Intake (1st Oct 2026) Application Deadline for Summer 2027 Intake (1st Mar 2027) Application Deadline for Fall 2027 Intake (1st May 2027) | USD 12,098 /Yr |
| ||
Application deadline for Fall 2026 Intake (1st Aug 2026) | USD 12,041 /Yr |
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| USD 30,348 /Yr |
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-- | USD 15,863 /Yr | |||
Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (1st Sep 2026) | USD 42,532 /Yr |
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