MBA Program FAQ

Considering the Ivy MBA – Pre-Application

What are the benefits of obtaining an MBA at Iowa State University?

An MBA leads to better job security and a higher salary, no matter which industry you choose. However, not all MBA degrees are created equal. Listed by U.S. News & World Report as a Top 50 U.S. MBA program, Iowa State’s nationally ranked MBA will greatly differentiate you from other job candidates. The Ivy MBA program will help you gain an advanced tool kit and expansive alumni network so that you will be prepared to succeed in any industry after graduation.

How are MBA courses different than business undergraduate courses?

Ivy MBA courses are faster-paced, more interactive, group-focused, and have a heavier emphasis on applying critical thinking and leadership skills to real-world business scenarios. The discussion-based classes are a collaborative and interactive environment that utilizes projects and presentations rather than standard homework assignments to boost students’ interpersonal, communication, leadership, and analytical skills.

How will Iowa State’s MBA program challenge me?

The Ivy MBA program challenges students to build critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and analytical skills in a group setting. The collaborative environment exposes students to various perspectives and opinions, challenging them to think differently about topics and take a multifaceted approach to solving problems. The fast-paced environment challenges students to have better time management and organizational skills, while group projects foster better communication and leadership skills. The program challenges students to obtain a balance of soft skills and technical skills that will help them effectively participate in a team and have a real- world impact in their future.

How/where can I connect with other MBA students?

Connect with current MBA students through our MBA Ambassador program. Complete a form to contact an ambassador by phone, text, email, or WebEx, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Are there any clubs on campus specifically designed for MBA students?

Clubs specifically designed for MBA students include, but are not limited to, the MBA Ambassadors program, the Master of Business Administration & Specialized Masters Association (MBASMA), and the Internal Case Competition Planning Committee. Graduate students are also encouraged to join any other on-campus clubs they find interesting that may be open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

How do students with non-business backgrounds perform in this program?

Students come from many educational backgrounds and experiences. Some students obtained undergraduate degrees in engineering or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, allowing them to add business applications to their prior technical knowledge. Others have undergraduate degrees in non-STEM programs, such as liberal arts and sciences, social sciences, human sciences, design, and everything in between. Others have prior work experience and are excited to learn new aspects of business that will add to their career. Additionally, the Ivy MBA provides various prep courses prior to the start of the semester to help students understand basic business concepts before they even enter the classroom.

What does success look like within this program?

Students in the MBA program are expected to meet specific learning goals. Ivy MBA students will:

demonstrate effective communication skills.
effectively lead and work in diverse teams.
critically solve business problems.
be able to integrate ethical and global perspectives in decision.

Where can I get additional information about the MBA program?

Visit this web page. You may also contact our graduate office, busgrad@iastatae.edu at 515-294-8118 or connect with an MBA Ambassador to learn more.

What’s the difference in the Master of Business Analytics pathways?

There are two pathways available for completing this program.

100 percent online: Designed for working professionals, this online program will give you the skills to advance your career and the flexibility to take courses from anywhere.
Residential, in-person: The full-time, on-campus option is designed to meet the needs of recent undergraduates and experienced professionals, both domestic and international students.

Program	Total Credits	International Students?	Fulltime or Part-time	Delivery Mode	Curriculum	Research Component?	Tuition	STEM Designation	CPT/OPT Eligible?	Admit Term?
Business Analytics Online	30	Not Approved for on-campus study	Part-time	Online	12 credits core; 18 credits electives	No	Distance Program: $722 credits + fees	Yes	No	Fall, Spring or Summer
Business Analytics Residential; In-person	30	Yes	Fulltime	Hybrid (in-person and online)	12 credits core; 18 credits electives	No	Resident: $722 credit + fees Non-resident: $1610 credit + fees International: $1705 credit + fees	Yes	Yes	Fall, Spring or Summer

What social opportunities are offered to MBA students?

The MBA and Specialty Masters Association (MBASMA) hosts several events throughout the year to create a sense of community for the Ivy College of Business graduate students. Events include a welcome event and picnic at the beginning of the year, trivia nights, potluck meals, tailgates, and an award ceremony at the end of the year. Additionally, Ivy MBA students often participate informally in cohort-wide events and socials.

Is there a difference between the full-time MBA and the concurrent MBA?

There is no difference in the course content, classes offered, and the faculty who teach the full-time MBA and the concurrent MBA because both groups of students are in the same class. The main differences are in the areas of credits required to graduate and admission criteria:

Concurrent MBA students get a double counting of 10-12 credits between their undergraduate degree requirements and their MBA requirements. Full-time MBA students do not.
When evaluating full-time MBA students for admission, we look for three or more years of work experience. For concurrent MBA students, we look for co-op and internship experience.

Considering the Ivy MBA – Financial Implications

What are the tuition and mandatory fees for graduate students?

Please refer to our Office of the Registrar website for updated tuition rates. Students may also calculate their own costs by using the expense estimator offered through the Office of Student Financial Aid.

What are the estimated tuition and fees of the MBA program?

Tuition costs vary by residential status. Expected tuition and fees per semester are estimated to be $7,143 for Iowa residents, $15,142 for non-Iowa U.S. residents, and $15,990 for international students. However, costs can be reduced through scholarships and assistantship opportunities. Click here to learn more.

Are there opportunities for financial assistance or scholarships?

Graduate assistantships can be awarded to select students making them eligible for reduced tuition fees and scholarships. Most assistantships are awarded based on a student’s academic merits and are highly competitive. Additionally, graduate-level scholarships are awarded at the department level, not at the university-level. There are a limited number of scholarships available through the Ivy College of Business. All students are considered for scholarships at the time of application and do not need to submit a separate application. Most scholarships are awarded for two semesters and range in amount from $1,000-$5,000 total. Scholarships are highly competitive and limited. Please visit the Iowa State Student Financial Aid website for more information.

How do students apply for scholarships?

At Iowa State University, graduate-level scholarships are awarded at the department level, not at the university-level. A limited number of scholarships are available through the Ivy College of Business. All students are considered for scholarships at the time of application and do not need to submit a separate application. Most scholarships are awarded for two semesters and range in amounts from $1,000-$5,000 total.

I am currently attending Iowa State as an undergraduate. Can I keep my on-campus job as a graduate student?

Please check with your on-campus employer. Typically, your admission to graduate school is separate from, and should not affect, your existing employment on campus unless that employment is part of your financial aid. In that case, the best place to get the most accurate information regarding whether your current financial aid will be affected when you become a graduate student is the Office of Student Financial Aid.

What is an assistantship and how does a student receive one? What are the financial considerations of obtaining an assistantship?

There are a limited number of quarter-time research assistantships available through the Ivy College of Business. Most are offered upon acceptance into the program, but some assistantship opportunities may arise during the semester. To be considered for a graduate assistantship, check “yes” on the application form where it asks “Do you want to be considered for an assistantship?” Assistantships help lower the cost of tuition and are awarded based on GPA, GMAT scores (where required or optionally submitted), work experience, and other notable achievement and characteristics.

Obtaining a graduate assistantship makes a student eligible for in-state tuition, a quarter-tuition assistantship scholarship, health benefits, and a monthly stipend. Funding allotted to each assistantship varies depending on different semester-long hourly commitment plans. Ivy graduate students must remain enrolled in a minimum of six credits each semester while on assistantship. To be considered for a graduate assistantship, check “yes” on the application form where it asks, “Do you want to be considered for an assistantship?”

Does Iowa State provide services to help me manage the costs of attendance/loans/monthly payments?

Yes, Iowa State offers an array of services from varying U-Bill payment options, online entrance counseling, money management tips, and financial advising. An online entrance counseling course is provided to educate first-time Federal Direct loans or Graduate PLUS loan borrowers on all necessary details of their loans. The Office of Student Financial Success offers advising on budgeting, spending, student loans, loan repayment, managing debt, and much more.

What is the average hourly pay for on-campus jobs?

Average hourly pay for student jobs varies by type of employment. Iowa State offers a wide range of employment opportunities in fields such as childcare, administration, construction, food service, education, IT, security, sports, and much more. The average pay ranges from $8.69 to $13.00 per hour, depending on the department. Click here for more information.

Can international students work on-campus? If yes, what kind of jobs are available?

Yes, international students can work on campus. There is a student job board available on AccessPlus, there may be graduate assistantships available for your program, and students are encouraged to utilize Graduate Career Services to find internship and full-time job opportunities.

Can international students work off-campus?

Typically, international students cannot work off-campus. However, if they desire to work off-campus, they can apply for specialized authorization to work off-campus. Please contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) for more information.

Where can I find on-campus job openings?

Once you are accepted into your master’s program, you can access a full list of student job openings on your AccessPlus. Click here for more information and steps on how to access this student job board.

How can students gain Iowa residency for tuition purposes?

The Iowa State Office of the Registrar mandates the residency process. Their residency application details the specific qualifications you must meet before gaining residency.

I am currently attending Iowa State as an undergraduate. Will becoming a graduate student impact my scholarships and tuition rate?

Students who are admitted to the MBA program become graduate students and are no longer considered undergraduate students. This change will impact the tuition rate and possibly your scholarship eligibility. Please work with your scholarship donors and/or financial aid to learn more about the status of your financial aid and scholarships as a graduate student.

Applying to the Ivy MBA – Pre-Admittance

Am I required to take an English language proficiency test?

Graduate students whose native language is not English and who do not have a bachelor’s or advanced degree from Iowa State University or a U.S. institution, or do not meet the TOEFL or IELTS exemption score range, must take the English Placement Test at the beginning of their first semester of enrollment. This test is administered by the Department of English. It must be taken in addition to TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), which is taken as part of the admissions process. A student who does not pass this examination is assigned to one or more courses in the English 99 and 101 series. This coursework must be completed during the first year of study. Registration holds are placed on the student’s account if the student does not register for these classes during the first year of study. (There is a developmental course fee for the English 99 course.)

A graduate student whose native language is not English may be automatically exempted if one of the following is met:

Student has received a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree from a U.S. college or university.
Student has received a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree from an English-speaking university outside of the U.S. As of 2016, countries outside of the U.S. that Iowa State considers “English-speaking” are Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand, or Australia.
Student has a TOEFL score of 600 or above (paper-based TOEFL) or 100 or above (internet-based TOEFL).
Student has a score of 7.5 or above on the IELTS.
Student has a score of 72 or above on the PTE (Pearson Test of English).

We accept the following English Proficiency exam scores. The minimum score requirements for each test is provided below:

Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) 100.
Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT) 600. TOEFL scores older than 2 years are not accepted by the graduate college. Must be retaken.
IELTS 7.5 (university minimum is 6.5).
Pearson Test of English (PTE) 72.
DuoLingo English test of 120. Regardless of the score, students submitting a Duolingo score must take the English Placement Test at the beginning of their first semester of enrollment. Here is the link for the Duolingo English exam that is acceptable: https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants.

What is the timeline for applying?

Freshman year: Focus on your GPA, joining clubs on campus, and participating in volunteer opportunities to begin building a base for your future resume.

Sophomore year: Try to secure an internship or valuable work experience for the following summer. You should also get to know your professors and begin to network with professionals who may be able to write a quality letter of recommendation for your future application.

Junior year: Continue to focus on your GPA, extracurricular activities, and professional network. Attempt to secure an internship for the summer following this year of school. Take the GMAT or GRE in time to submit the results for your application. Complete the online application process.

When should I apply?

Full-time admission is granted for the fall term only. Deadlines for the full-time program are May 1 for priority for scholarships and assistantships and June 15 for the final deadline. We encourage applicants to apply prior to May 1 since scholarships and assistantships are given on a first-come, first-served basis. The sooner applicants apply, the more likely they are to receive financial aid.

Please note that work experience is a key component for acceptance into the full-time and concurrent MBA programs. It is important to plan to gain crucial work experience before applying to the program.

What are the application requirements?

The program requires applicants to take either the GMAT or GRE.

Applicants must submit GMAT or GRE scores, a personal essay, resume, two letters of recommendation, academic records, and GPA. Applicants who meet necessary requirements and board expectations will be invited to interview as a final step in the application process.

In addition to the above requirements, international students are also expected to submit an English proficiency score (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo) and a financial statement.
For more information, please visit the Iowa State Graduate College requirements web page.

Is an internship a requirement for my program?

Most Ivy College of Business programs do not require an internship to graduate. Students, however, are highly encouraged to complete an internship during their studies. Ivy Graduate Career Services can help students on their internship search. Changes to this requirement are possible and will be communicated to students as applicable.

The Master of Entrepreneurship does have experiential requirements that are built into the curriculum; outside internships are not required as a part of the program.

Masters of Healthcare Operations and Analytics does require a healthcare related internship. A healthcare related internship (up to 20 hours/week) can be completed at a student’s current employer (if applicable) or at new site based on approval from the DOGE. If the DOGE determines that an internship is not necessary for a student based on prior work experience, a student may select an additional approved elective course.

Is it possible to waive the GMAT/GRE exam?

The fulltime MBA programs requires a GMAT and it cannot be waived.

The Master of Accounting, Master of Business Analytics, Master of Entrepreneurship, Master of Finance, Master of Healthcare Analytics and Operations, Master of Information Systems, and Master of Real Estate do not require a GMAT/GRE. Please note that if your GPA is lower than 3.0, optionally submitting a GRE or GMAT score can increase your chances for admission

What are the application essay questions?

You may have to submit an essay or statement of purpose that is part of your application for certain programs.

Applicants are asked to submit original work in their admissions essays. Iowa State has specific policies regarding the issues of plagiarism and academic misconduct. To learn more about these expectations, please review the Academic Conduct policy in the university catalog. Please note that all admissions essays/statement of purpose submissions are reviewed through an academic integrity software. To submit a qualified essay, please follow these guidelines:

A personal essay should be in your own words, and in most cases, it is not necessary to provide references/citations to properly convey your thoughts.
If you must use a source, properly cite the reference within your essay.
Do not use internet searches or websites to copy/paste material to your essay.

Should students upload the statement of purpose or personal essay in a separate document or place their text entry within the application?

Students are advised to upload a separate document and may leave the statement of purpose or personal essay section blank within the application. Master of Science in Information Systems, Master of Real Estate Development, and Master of Business Analytics applicants may put their statement of purpose on the application.

How do I apply?

Online application

What should I do if my GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS scores will not be in by the application deadline?

You can send us your copy of the scores This can be your personal copy or a screenshot (for online exams). Your official score report can come later. If your situation is outside of the preceding, please feel free to contact busgrad@iastate.edu.

Where can I check my application status?

You should be able to check your application online. If for some reason you are unable to, please contact us at busgrad@iastate.edu, and we will be happy to provide you a status update.

Can application materials be submitted as they are completed, or does a student need to wait and submit them in full?

Students can do either option: all at once or as they are ready. Applications will be reviewed for admission once all required materials are received.

Can I add new information if I have already submitted my application?

Log back into your application account, then choose Manage Documents. You can upload additional documents there, but you cannot remove any previously loaded documents.

Is there an application fee? If so, can this fee be waived?

Yes. The application fee for domestic students is $60. It is $100 for international students. The only fee waivers offered are to McNair Scholars. U.S. military veterans will have their application fee deferred until they enroll.

Iowa State University’s graduate program requires three letters of recommendation. However, the Ivy College of Business graduate application only requires two letters of recommendations. What should students do?

Most Ivy graduate programs only require two letters of application, but students can submit three if they choose. If they do not, students can leave the third line on the Iowa State University’s application blank.

Who should my letters of recommendation come from?

Letters of recommendation should come from professional connections, such as faculty members, supervisors, or others that know the student professionally. Letters of recommendation should not come from family members, neighbors, or friends.

What is the process/requirements for recommenders?

We typically require a minimum of two professional letters of recommendation. More than two are allowed. By professional, we mean people you have known professionally (e.g. teachers, professors, employment supervisors, etc.), not family or relatives. We suggest one faculty member and one supervisor, if possible. However, both letters coming from supervisors or faculty members is also fine.

Is an interview part of the application process?

It depends. The full-time MBA program requires an interview with the admissions committee. The Master of Accounting may require an interview for some candidates. Interviews are typically arranged within five to seven days after a candidate completes their application. All other Ivy graduate programs do not currently require an interview, though a program may elect to set up an interview with a student on a case-by-case basis.

When should I expect to receive an invitation to interview?

Once all application materials are received, they are evaluated by our admissions committee on a weekly basis. Students who are found to be a good fit for our MBA program will be invited to participate in an interview, typically within five to seven days after submitting all of the application requirements.

How many people apply to the MBA program each year? How many applicants are accepted?

We get approximately 100 high-quality students applying to our MBA programs each year. Depending on the applicant pool, we have accepted between 50 to 60 percent.

How do I submit my transcripts?

Transcripts can be submitted online. Once students are admitted, they can have their undergraduate institution send us an official copy of their transcripts.

Once a student has applied, how soon will the student hear back?

Every program in the Ivy College of Business varies on its timeline. However, most applicants will hear back regarding the status of the application within four to six weeks, sometimes sooner.

In the Ivy MBA Program – Post-Admittance

What is the typical class size for an MBA-level course?

Depending on the size of the cohort, the typical class size may be approximately 40 students.

Ivy MBA core classes are taught with the entire cohort, while elective class sizes may be a bit smaller depending on student interest in the course.

How is the MBA program structured?

Ivy MBA students must take a total of ten core classes combined with an additional six elective classes or eighteen elective credits (typically three credits given per class). During the first year, students take four core classes per semester. During this first year, students will take two Professional Skills Development courses (BusAd 592 in the first semester. and BusAd 594 in the second semester). Each class is taught over a six-week duration. Thus, students take two core classes during the first six weeks of the semester, followed by the next two taken in the second six weeks of the same semester to create a total of four core classes per semester. In the second-year, fall semester, students complete the last two core classes. Additionally, this is a team-based program in which students work with one designated group throughout the two- year program. The Ivy MBA Program also includes an internal case competition. Participation is mandatory and it takes place in late November of the third semester in the program. This case competition is part of the curriculum and a requirement of graduation. This unique experience helps set our program aside from others.

What does “STEM designation” mean and which programs are STEM designated?

A STEM designation is awarded to a program that has qualified curriculum meeting the STEM criteria. This designation allows students to increase their Optional Practical Training (OPT) from the standard 12 months to 36 months of work authorization in the United States in pre-approved programs.

Ivy College of Business STEM approved programs include the following:

Master of Accounting.
Master of Business Analytics.
Master of Information Systems.
Master of Finance.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Business Analytics, Finance, or Information Systems.

Is this a STEM-designated MBA program?

A STEM designation is awarded to a program that has a qualified curriculum meeting the STEM criteria. This designation allows students to increase their Optional Practical Training (OPT) from the standard 12 months to 36 months of work authorization in the United States in pre-approved programs. Although the program as a whole is not STEM-designated, the Ivy MBA offers three optional areas of specialization that meet the criteria of STEM-designated programs. Students can choose up to two of the following STEM-designated specializations: business analytics, finance, and information systems.

What are some of the classes I can expect to take as an MBA student?

Ivy MBA students can expect to take a wide array of business classes including management, finance, business statistics, marketing, accounting, economics, supply chain management, statistics, organizational behavior, and information systems. Electives and specializations can be chosen by each student to gain a deeper understanding of the areas they find most interesting.

Can I choose a specialization within the MBA program? If so, what specializations are offered?

MBA specializations include: accounting, accounting analytics, business analytics, entrepreneurship, finance, healthcare analytics and operations, information systems, leadership, marketing, real estate development, and supply chain management.

Does Iowa State offer part-time and/or virtual learning options to complete the MBA program?

Iowa State offers the hybrid Professional MBA (PMBA) program, which is a part-time program located in Des Moines, Iowa. Core courses are in-person one night a week and include additional online components. The PMBA is also offered completely online.

Are there any MBA courses that can be waived if I received my bachelor’s in a business-related area?

This is a case-by-case decision made by your MBA academic advisor.

When do students participate in case competitions?

Internal case competition – participation is mandatory and takes place in late November of the third semester in the program.
External case competition – participation is voluntary. This takes place throughout the year.
Mind to Market – participation is Ivy College hosted case competition around April each year.

What is a case competition?

A case competition is a timed academic competition in which teams of students compete to provide the best solution to a real-life business scenario. Competitions are held both internally and externally from Iowa State. There is a separate team selected for each competition. These competitions require real-world application of the concepts and technical skills gained through the Ivy MBA program. There is typically no singular “right” answer; thus, case competitions encourage students to use creativity, critical thinking, and analytical skills to provide a solution.

When do students participate in case competitions?

There are three kinds of case competitions that occur at different times:

Internal case competition – participation is mandatory and takes place in late November of the third semester in the program.
External case competition – participation is voluntary. This takes place throughout the year.
Mind to Market – participation is Ivy College hosted case competition around April each year.

Are there any MBA-only/graduate student study areas on campus?

There is a graduate student lounge located within the Ivy College of Business building on campus to which only MBA and master’s students have access. This is a great space to study, meet with teams, and eat.

Does Iowa State offer additional study tools or resources for MBA students outside of the classroom?

Ivy Graduate Student Services offers a plethora of resources to aid academic and professional success. Resources offered include academic advising, the Ivy Writing and Speaking Center, and Graduate Career Services. Additionally, the Iowa State Library offers exclusive access to various publications such as The Wall Street Journal.

What are some of the on-campus perks of being an MBA student?

On-campus perks of being an Ivy MBA student include access to the graduate student lounge, graduate career services, free printing, state-of-the-art facilities within the newest expansion of the Gerdin Business Building, childcare, and more. Graduate Student Resources.

What are the graduation requirements for this program?

Students must obtain 48 credits of coursework required for graduation. Of these, 30 credits are core and 18 credits are electives. Students must earn a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a “C” or higher in each course.

What transportation options are offered to students?

Iowa State offers a commuter parking lot where students can park near campus during the day, the CyRide bus system that has routes through every part of campus, and on-campus graduate living for those who do not wish to commute.

What on-campus housing options are available to graduate students?

Full-time graduate students may choose to live on campus in dedicated housing options located in Wallace Hall, Frederiksen Court and SUV. A comprehensive list of all rates and fees can be found through the Department of Residence. Graduate students may also choose to live off-campus. Use this rental guide to compare off campus housing recommendations.

When and how do I register for classes once I am admitted into the program?

Once you are admitted, you will receive clear instructions on how you can register for classes.

How do I balance undergraduate and graduate courses during the concurrent MBA program?

The combination of undergraduate and MBA classes fits very easily into your schedule. You will find undergraduate colleges and specific majors listed here. Find your undergraduate major and click its link to see a sample schedule of what a concurrent MBA would like for you.

MBA Career Development and Opportunities – Post Graduation

How do job offers to MBA graduates differ from bachelor’s graduates?

On average, there is a higher salary associated with MBA job offers. Employers are also more receptive to MBA candidates due to their higher level of education and experience compared to undergraduate candidates. The salary and position outcomes may start immediately after graduation or within a few years of graduation. This degree has the potential to open many more opportunities and advancements.

What is Iowa State’s employment rate for MBA graduates?

Ninety-seven percent of 2019-2020 full-time MBA graduates received at least one job offer by three months after graduation.

Can/should I have higher salary expectations compared to bachelor’s graduates? On average, how much more do MBA graduates make in their first job after graduation compared to bachelor’s graduates?

The average salary for an Iowa State undergraduate varies across majors and colleges. We estimate this average to be around $55,000 per year. Similarly, the average salary for an Iowa State MBA also varies significantly on the undergraduate major and work experience. We estimate this average to be around $70,000, but many variants determine the salary outcome. This amount could be less or significantly higher.

Does Iowa State offer any resources for securing an internship or post-graduation career?

Iowa State offers a variety of platforms that help students find internships and post-graduation careers including CyHire, large career fairs and career nights, GoinGlobal, Big Interview, CareerShift, MBA Exchange, and Careernomics. Students can create an account on each platform to search for job openings across various industries, locations, and job types. Iowa State also provides additional services such as career management advice, LinkedIn profile guidance, resume and cover letter advice, mock interviews, skills development workshops, and more to help students prepare for their future careers. For international students, Iowa State offers the international student CPT internship course – Graduate Business Experiential.

What are Iowa State MBA alumni doing today?

Ivy MBA alumni work in a variety of industries including consulting, consumer products, financial services, manufacturing, technology, and more. Employers of our alumni include, but are not limited to, Amazon, Deloitte, Exxon Mobile, John Deere, PwC, REG, RSM, Reckitt Benckiser, Proctor and Gamble, Walt Disney World, Cargill, Boeing, Collins Aerospace, and Workiva.

How will an MBA expand or enhance my opportunities for finding the right career after graduation?

An Ivy MBA will provide increased exposure to more career opportunities through increased interest and awareness. Students can build on their professional network by meeting others in the programs, faculty, staff, professional industry leaders, and employers. Strategic career management is provided to all full-time MBA students via one-on-one workshops and through their required R credit course (BUSAD 592 Professional Skills Development). This helps students identify what the MBA can do for them throughout their careers. A few of the discussion topics include career goals and strategy, resume and cover letter writing, creation of LinkedIn Profile, and negotiation strategies. A CareerLeader assessment is taken by all full-time MBA students to determine areas of interests, motivators, skills, and cultural matches which help outline career matches that would be strong contenders for career happiness. This is a great tool that helps students identify their career wants and needs and how the MBA can help them get there.

Ivy MBA International Students

Who is considered an international applicant?

An international student is typically defined as someone who will be on a nonimmigrant visa, and who is neither a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

Am I required to take an English language proficiency test?

A graduate student whose native language is not English may be automatically exempted if one of the following is met:

Student has received a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree from a U.S. college or university.
Student has received a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree from an English-speaking university outside of the U.S. As of 2016, countries outside of the U.S. that Iowa State considers “English-speaking” are Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand, or Australia.
Student has a TOEFL score of 600 or above (paper-based TOEFL) or 100 or above (internet-based TOEFL).
Student has a score of 7.5 or above on the IELTS.
Student has a score of 72 or above on the PTE (Pearson Test of English).

We accept the following English Proficiency exam scores. The minimum score requirements for each test is provided below:

Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) 100.
Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT) 600. TOEFL scores older than 2 years are not accepted by the graduate college. Must be retaken.
IELTS 7.5 (university minimum is 6.5).
Pearson Test of English (PTE) 72.
DuoLingo English test of 120. Regardless of the score, students submitting a Duolingo score must take the English Placement Test at the beginning of their first semester of enrollment. Here is the link for the Duolingo English exam that is acceptable: https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants.

Who has to take the English Placement Test (EPT) for the admission application?

Any student whose native language is not English are required to take an English Proficiency Exam. For the purpose of applying to Iowa State University, English may be considered the primary language if a student has been raised in an environment where English is the only official language of the locality and nation, and English is the language used in the student’s home. If the primary language is not English, the student must meet the university’s English proficiency requirement in one of the following ways

Earn a bachelor’s or higher degree from a country where English is the only official language, such as the following. (Complete list available from Admissions.)

Australia.
Bahamas.
Barbados.
Belize.
Bermuda.
Canada (exc. Québec).
Dominica.
Ghana.
Grenada.
Guyana.
Ireland.
Jamaica.
Liberia.
New Zealand.
Nigeria.
Uganda.
United Kingdom.
United States (exc. PR).
Zambia.
Zimbabwe.

Submit official results from one of the following exams. The minimum requirements of both the Graduate College and the graduate program to which the student is applying must be met. The minimum scores accepted by the Ivy College of Business are:

TOEFL 100.
IELTS 7.5.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) 72.
DuoLIngo English Test 120 (only approved through spring 2025 admission cycle).

For more information, see our admissions criteria.

Who has to take the English Placement Test (EPT) at Iowa State?

All incoming students whose first language is not English and who do not meet the exemption criteria are required to take the EPT. See the list of exemption criteria.

Tests are administered prior to the start of the semester. It is very important that students take this exam so that it doesn’t impact their graduation. Course placement will be determined based on EPT results.

Courses that a student places into after the EPT are required and must be completed in the first year of study.

Please note that admission requirements for English proficiency are different than the English graduation requirements. Therefore, it is possible for a student to be admitted with their English Proficiency exam scores and still be required to take the EPT and associated coursework. Students would work with their DOGE/advisor regarding this process.

What are the application requirements for international students?

The program requires applicants to take either the GMAT or GRE; one or the other is required. Applicants must submit GMAT or GRE scores, a required essay, resume, two letters of recommendation, academic records, GPA, and a statement of purpose. Applicants who meet necessary requirements and board expectations will be invited to interview as a final step in the application process. In addition to the above requirements, international students are also expected to submit an English proficiency score (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo) and a financial statement.

What are the estimated living expenses for international students?

Refer to this guide to get an estimated cost of attendance for an average resident, non-resident, or international student. If you want to get an estimate of your tuition costs after financial aid applies, use the expense estimator to calculate your cost of attendance.

Once a student has been admitted by the program, what steps do they need to follow as an international student to obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa?

International applicants who will need an F-1 student visa or J-1 exchange visitor visa (Forms I- 20 or DS-2019) are required to complete the Financial Statement for International Applicants and upload it to their online application with the necessary bank documents.

All information regarding the I-20 will come from the University Office of Admissions. Questions can be directed to grad_admissions@iastate.edu.

Are there any clubs on campus that are specifically designed for international students?

Iowa State has many opportunities for international students to get involved on campus. Iowa State student organizations.

What support services does Iowa State provide for international graduate students?

Iowa State has an International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) that has dedicated support resources for international students. MBA academic services, student services, and career services are not segregated by international and domestic students. They are common and equally available to both demographics.

Are international students eligible for graduate assistantship positions?

Yes, there is no difference in the compensation and benefits between international students and domestic students. All MBA students are eligible for graduate assistantships. There is a limited number of assistantship positions available, and not all MBA students are guaranteed a position.

Are on-campus employment opportunities available for international students?

While several on-campus employment opportunities are available to international students, there are several key differences based on the visa status of the international student. We recommend checking with the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) about the most current rules, policies, and guidelines covering on-campus employment for international students.

What is life at Iowa State like for an international student?

International students fit in well with Iowa State’s diverse and inclusive university. Many of our international students enjoy the beautiful campus and describe the campus community as welcoming, kind, and helpful. Additionally, Iowa State offers an orientation for international students to help students easily adjust to life in Ames, Iowa, and become aware of all the opportunities and services the university offers.