Is a $150,000+ MBA really worth it? Especially when it's just one year long?
Cornell Tech’s MBA isn’t your typical business degree, it’s built for product thinkers, digital leaders, and tech-savvy strategists.
But that price tag raises the real question: Are you investing in prestige, or real outcomes?
From startup studios to PM roles at Google, this program is designed to fast-track your career in tech.
Let’s break down what you’re actually paying for, and whether it pays you back.
Cornell Tech isn’t just another Ivy League campus, it’s a tech-first ecosystem in the heart of NYC.
It was built for people who want to build things: products, companies, and careers in tech.
The one-year MBA compresses leadership, product thinking, and startup execution into an intense, industry-integrated experience.
You don’t just study business, you co-create with engineers, designers, and venture teams.
This isn’t theory. It’s enterprise-grade skill-building with real-world stakes.
The 2024–25 tuition for the Cornell Tech MBA stands at $127,092.
Add estimated living expenses in NYC, and the total cost climbs to $160,000–$170,000.
This includes housing ($2,000/month), meals, insurance, textbooks, and tech fees.
International students face slightly higher incidental costs, including visa-related expenses.
Compared to Harvard or Wharton’s two-year MBAs, Cornell Tech’s one-year format means fewer tuition bills, but a faster return to the workforce.
For Indian students, total out-of-pocket costs (including flights and visa) can cross ₹1.4 Cr.
It’s a serious investment, but the value depends on what comes next.
If you're looking for a more cost-effective path to similar outcomes, the
**MBA Tech at IIT Jodhpur by Futurense** offers a powerful alternative, tech-focused, industry-integrated, and budget-friendly.
Cornell Tech’s curriculum is designed for product builders, not just boardroom strategists.
You’ll spend the year solving real-world problems in the Product Studio, with actual companies like Google or Citi.
In the Startup Studio, you team up with engineers and designers to launch a product from scratch.
Courses blend business fundamentals with agile development, data strategy, and digital leadership.
The MBA is STEM-designated, giving international grads up to 3 years of OPT in the U.S.
In short, you don’t just graduate with a degree, you graduate with a portfolio.
The average student has 5–6 years of work experience, often in tech, product, or consulting.
GMAT scores typically fall in the 680–740 range, but strong work impact matters more than just numbers.
The cohort is lean: 80–90 students, fostering tight-knit collaboration.
About 40% come from international backgrounds, and over 30% are women, a strong showing in tech-focused MBAs.
Many arrive with startup experience or ambitions, ready to build or lead in high-growth environments.
It’s not about how long you’ve worked, it’s about how ready you are to lead in digital-first industries.
The median base salary for Cornell Tech MBA grads is $140,000+, with signing bonuses averaging $30,000.
Top roles include Product Manager, Strategy Consultant, Business Operations Lead, and Startup Founder.
Graduates land at firms like Amazon, Google, McKinsey, Meta, and high-growth startups.
Nearly 95% of students receive job offers within 3 months of graduation.
Entrepreneurial paths are common, many students raise seed rounds or join accelerators post-Studio.
For most grads, the investment pays back within 2–3 years, especially in U.S.-based tech roles.
A Tech MBA like Cornell’s is built for speed, specificity, and sector-focus.
Traditional MBAs offer broader exposure over two years, but slower ROI and less tech immersion.
Compared to an MS in CS or Engineering Management, the Tech MBA leans into leadership, not coding.
If you're targeting PM, product strategy, or tech leadership, the Tech MBA gives you faster, sharper access.
Scholarships are limited, but financing options include private loans, employer sponsorships, and Prodigy Finance.
Choose this MBA if you’re not just pivoting into tech, you’re ready to lead in it.
Not ready to commit $160K+?
The MBA Tech at IIT Jodhpur by Futurense is a smart, future-ready alternative. It offers AI-driven, product-focused business education at a fraction of the cost, designed to meet the same job-market expectations.
If the Cornell Tech MBA feels financially out of reach, there’s a high-impact, lower-cost alternative closer to home.
The MBA Tech at IIT Jodhpur, powered by Futurense, offers a future-forward curriculum focused on AI, product, and digital business leadership.
Built for engineers, PMs, and early-career professionals, this program blends core MBA skills with deep technology application.
You’ll learn how to drive outcomes in real business scenarios, AI in supply chains, digital transformation, predictive analytics, and more.
At a fraction of the cost and backed by a top Indian tech institute, it’s built for those who want global-grade skills without global debt.
Explore more: MBA Tech by Futurense
If you want a fast-track into tech leadership, product roles, or startup building, this MBA delivers real ROI.
It’s not cheap, but it’s laser-focused, industry-connected, and designed to accelerate your next move.
If you’re unsure about your direction or just chasing a brand name, look elsewhere.
But if you’re clear on outcomes and ready to build?
Cornell Tech might be the smartest expensive decision you’ll ever make.
The total cost ranges from $160,000 to $170,000, including tuition, housing, and living expenses in NYC.
Yes, it is STEM-designated, offering up to 36 months of OPT for international students.
While exact figures aren't public, it's estimated to be highly selective, with an emphasis on tech and entrepreneurial backgrounds.
The program includes business fundamentals, Product Studio, Startup Studio, and electives focused on tech, data, and leadership.
Common roles include Product Manager, Strategy Consultant, Startup Founder, and Business Analyst at top tech and consulting firms.
Most students score between 680–740, but strong work experience can offset a lower score.
Scholarships are limited and highly competitive; most students rely on loans or employer sponsorship.
It’s more leadership- and business-focused, designed for those targeting tech leadership or product roles, not pure technical careers.
Yes, if your goal is global tech leadership, and you can manage the investment, especially given the U.S. job outcomes and OPT benefits.
Yes, like the MBA Tech by IIT Jodhpur & Futurense, which offers tech-business integration at significantly lower cost.