The Utah Eccles MBA is the two-year full-time MBA at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business in Salt Lake City. U.S. News ranks it No. 39 in its 2026 list and No. 17 among public universities. Its price is low for a ranked U.S. MBA: Eccles estimates the whole programme at $77,500 in tuition and fees, and says more than 90% of students receive a tuition scholarship. The GMAT and GRE are optional, and 30% of the Class of 2026 came from outside the U.S.
Utah runs six rounds for the class starting in August 2027. Round 1 closed on 6 October 2026, and Round 2 (31 October 2026) is the Express Admit round with no essays or recommendations. If you miss that, your Deadline is Round 3 on 1 December 2026. The international deadline is Round 4 on 26 January 2027. This guide covers the Utah MBA requirements for international students, the essay, costs, scholarships, the ranking and what Eccles does and does not publish.
Utah Eccles MBA at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Programme | Full-Time MBA, two years (four semesters, 62 credits), starts in August |
| U.S. News rank | No. 39, 2026 Best Business Schools (released April 2026); No. 17 among publics |
| Acceptance rate (fall 2025 entry) | 77.7% (Poets&Quants, from U.S. News data) |
| Entering class (Class of 2026) | 37 students |
| International students | 30% |
| Average GMAT / GRE | 632 / 314 |
| Average GPA | 3.33 |
| Average work experience | 4.6 years (minimum one year) |
| Tuition and fees | $77,500 estimated for the whole programme |
| Scholarships | Over 90% of students receive one; middle 80% of awards $20,000 to $60,000 |
| Test policy | GMAT and GRE optional |
| International deadline | 26 January 2027 (Round 4) |
Utah Eccles MBA ranking
U.S. News placed Eccles at No. 39 among full-time MBA programmes in its 2026 Best Business Schools ranking, released on 7 April 2026. It shares that spot with BYU Marriott, Florida Warrington and Miami Herbert. Among public universities it sits at No. 17, according to a University of Utah release in April 2026. The same release says the school’s master’s in entrepreneurship ranked No. 10 nationally.
Utah Eccles MBA acceptance rate and class profile
Eccles does not publish an acceptance rate. Poets&Quants, using data schools report to U.S. News, gives these figures:
| Intake | Acceptance rate | Yield |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | 77.7% | 48.5% |
| Fall 2024 | 48.5% | 33.8% |
| Fall 2023 | 52.0% | 36.7% |
A 77.7% admit rate is high for a top-40 programme, though the earlier years were closer to half. With fewer than 40 seats, I would still treat fit and clear goals as the things that decide your file.
| Utah full-time MBA profile (Class of 2026) | Figure |
|---|---|
| Entering students | 37 |
| Average age | 30 |
| Average work experience after undergrad | 4.6 years |
| Average undergraduate GPA | 3.33 |
| Average GMAT | 632 |
| Average GRE | 314 |
| Undergraduate background | 43% STEM, 21% business, 36% other |
| Origin | 51% Utah, 19% other U.S. states, 30% international |
| Veterans | 5% |
This is the profile on Eccles’ class profile page, labelled Class of 2026, so it describes students who started in August 2024. Eccles does not show a newer class profile, a median GMAT or the share of women.
Utah Eccles MBA requirements for international students
Eccles treats anyone who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident as international, whatever their address or visa status. The requirements are:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution recognised by your country’s Ministry of Education, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent. The committee may also look at a 3.0 over your last 60 credit hours or in a graduate degree.
- A three-year bachelor’s is accepted if it has at least 120 credit hours, if you also hold a graduate degree or certificate with a 3.0 GPA, or if it comes from a Bologna Process institution in the European Higher Education Area.
- A course-by-course evaluation of your foreign degree from a NACES member. This takes one to two weeks, or three to four at peak times, so apply at least four weeks before the final deadline.
- Unofficial transcripts from every institution, a copy of your diploma, and official transcripts with certified translations after admission.
- At least one year of full-time work after your undergraduate degree; two or more years is recommended. Business experience is not required.
- A resume showing progression and measurable results.
- Letters of recommendation, ideally from direct supervisors.
- An essay on your career goals, why you want an MBA and your fit with Utah.
- An application fee (Eccles does not print the amount; waivers may be available).
GMAT and GRE policy
Tests are optional and there is no minimum score. Eccles says higher scores can lead to better scholarship offers, and the committee may ask you to take a test after it has seen your transcripts. It uses your highest overall score, does not penalise retakes, and does not accept the at-home GRE. Score codes are K0R-S3-78 for the GMAT and 4853 for the GRE and TOEFL.
Should you test? If your GPA is below 3.0 or your degree is from a university the committee may not know, I would. A score near 632 on the GMAT or 314 on the GRE puts you at the class average and gives the scholarship committee something concrete to reward. The average scholarship recipient, by Eccles’ own figures, had a 316 GRE.
English requirements
| Test | Eccles minimum |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT (taken before 21 January 2026) | 100 |
| TOEFL iBT (taken on or after 21 January 2026, new 1 to 6 scale) | 5.5 |
| IELTS Academic (in person) | 7.0 |
| Duolingo English Test | 135 |
These minimums are higher than the University of Utah’s general graduate requirements. Official scores can take four weeks to arrive; an unofficial score can hold your place, but the official one must arrive by the final deadline. Exemptions follow the University Admissions Office rules, so check whether your country or English-medium degree qualifies before booking.
Utah Eccles MBA deadlines 2026-2027
| Round | Deadline | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 (closed) | 6 October 2026 | Early priority for scholarships and internships |
| Round 2 | 31 October 2026 | Express Admit deadline (no essays or recommendations) |
| Round 3 | 1 December 2026 | Your Deadline if you miss Express Admit |
| Round 4 | 26 January 2027 | International deadline |
| Round 5 | 29 March 2027 | Domestic applicants in practice |
| Round 6 | 27 April 2027 | Final deadline |
Eccles says applying early gives priority for scholarships and internships, and asks international applicants to apply early because of visa processing.
For international applicants
Treat 26 January 2027 as your last safe date, and add the NACES evaluation time on top. If your evaluation takes four weeks at peak season, you need to order it before the end of December 2026.
What is Express Admit?
Express Admit is a faster route with no essays and no letters of recommendation. The deadline is 31 October 2026. It suits applicants with a clear profile, strong grades and steady work history. If your story needs explaining, such as a career change or a weak semester, the full application gives you space to do that.
How to apply, step by step
- Check your degree: Confirm you have a 3.0 GPA and, for a three-year degree, one of the three routes Eccles accepts.
- Order a NACES evaluation: Ask for a course-by-course report.
- Book English and optional tests: IELTS 7.0, Duolingo 135 or TOEFL at the new or old scale.
- Book a 1:1 call: Eccles offers individual conversations and an international Ask Us Anything session.
- Prepare the resume and essay.
- Line up recommenders, ideally your direct supervisor.
- Submit by 1 December 2026, or by 26 January 2027 at the latest.
- Interview if invited.
- After admission: Send official transcripts, which must arrive before your admission is valid, and prepare proof of funds for the I-20.
Utah Eccles MBA essay
Eccles asks for one essay on three subjects: your career goals, why you want an MBA now, and your fit with the Utah programme. The prompt wording and word limit appear in the application, not on the public admissions page.
How to answer it
Start with a short scene from work that explains the goal. Name the job you want after graduation: the function, the industry and the type of employer. Then say what you are missing today and which Utah courses, clubs or projects will fill that gap. Finish with what you will bring to a class of about 37 people, where everyone will notice whether you contribute.
For illustration: “Our clinic chain in Nairobi lost a third of its patients to a mobile app in one year, and I was the analyst asked to explain why.”
Keep it honest and specific. A small programme reads every line, and generic praise of Salt Lake City adds nothing.
The Utah Eccles interview
Eccles invites selected applicants to interview after reviewing the file. Its admissions page does not say whether interviews are online or on campus, so ask when you are invited. Prepare a two-minute story of your career, a clear answer on why Utah, and two examples of teamwork under pressure.
What the admissions committee looks for
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher, or another way to show academic ability, such as a test score or graduate study.
- At least one year of full-time work, preferably two or more, with growing responsibility.
- Clear goals that a career team can help with.
- Leadership potential that your supervisor can confirm.
- Fit with a small cohort, where teamwork matters every week.
Utah Eccles MBA tuition and cost
Eccles estimates tuition and fees at $77,500 for the full two-year programme: 62 credit hours at $1,250 per credit across four semesters. Another version of the same page shows $1,300 per credit and $80,600, so budget on the higher figure until admissions confirms the 2026-27 rate. Eccles notes that rates change every year and that international students may pay additional fees.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Credit hours | 62 |
| Rate per credit (financing page) | $1,250 (another version shows $1,300) |
| Estimated tuition and fees, whole programme | $77,500 (or $80,600 at $1,300) |
| Per year, spread evenly (my calculation) | About $38,750 to $40,300 |
| Living costs | Not published on the MBA financing page |
The page does not list resident and non-resident rates separately. Ask admissions whether international students pay the same $1,250 rate and what the additional fees are.
Costs not covered
- Housing, food and transport in Salt Lake City.
- University health insurance for international students.
- The NACES evaluation fee and test fees.
- The additional international fees Eccles mentions but does not price.
- Flights, the SEVIS fee and the visa fee.
Utah Eccles MBA scholarships for international students
Every full-time MBA applicant is automatically considered for merit scholarships. There is no separate form, and decisions arrive with the admission offer. Eccles says more than 90% of students usually receive a tuition scholarship, and the middle 80% of awards fall between $20,000 and $60,000. Another version of the page gives an average award of $45,000, for recipients averaging a 3.5 GPA, a 316 GRE and five years of work.
| Average scholarship recipient | Figure |
|---|---|
| GPA | 3.5 |
| GRE | 316 |
| Full-time work | 5 years |
| Average award | $45,000 |
Awards are based on academic record, test scores (if sent), work experience and your overall profile. The programme says it does not offer graduate assistantships or fellowships. On loans, it points to the FAFSA (for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens) and to the university’s FastChoice tool for private loans. It does not name Prodigy Finance, MPOWER or any loan without a U.S. co-signer. Contact University of Utah Financial Aid at FinancialAid@SA.Utah.edu. For outside funding, see our list of American scholarships for international students.
Is the Utah MBA STEM designated?
I could not find a STEM designation for the Utah full-time MBA on Eccles’ admissions, profile or financing pages. That matters for F-1 students, because only a STEM-designated degree lets you add the 24-month STEM OPT extension to your first 12 months of OPT. Email FTMBA@Utah.edu and ask for the programme’s CIP code before you decide.
Utah Eccles MBA salary and employment
Eccles links to career management and employer pages for the full-time MBA but did not show a current employment report on the pages I could read. Its April 2026 ranking release talks about strong salary growth without giving numbers. Ask the admissions team for the Class of 2025 employment report, and ask specifically how many international graduates found U.S. jobs with sponsorship.
Common mistakes international applicants make
- Ordering the NACES evaluation too late and missing the January international deadline.
- Applying with a three-year degree that does not meet one of the three conditions.
- Using the at-home GRE, which Eccles does not accept.
- Sending a TOEFL score on the new scale without checking the 5.5 minimum.
- Choosing Express Admit when your record needs an essay to explain it.
- Assuming the programme is STEM-designated without asking.
Who should apply to Utah Eccles, and who shouldn’t
Apply if cost is your main concern and you want a ranked U.S. MBA in a small class. With most students receiving $20,000 to $60,000 in scholarships off a $77,500 programme, the net price can be low. Applicants interested in entrepreneurship may also like that the school’s entrepreneurship master’s ranks No. 10 nationally.
Think twice if you need STEM OPT and Eccles cannot confirm the designation, or if you want a large class with a big international community. Applicants with a GPA under 3.0 should speak to an admissions adviser first.
Utah Eccles vs peer MBA programmes
| School | U.S. News 2026 | Avg GMAT | Tuition or cost | International | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah Eccles | No. 39 (tie) | 632 (Class of 2026) | $77,500 estimated for the two-year programme | 30% | 1 December 2026 (Round 3) |
| Miami Herbert | No. 39 (tie) | Not published (GRE 320) | $2,236 per credit; $125,216 for 56 credits | 32% non-U.S. citizens | 1 December 2026 (Round 2) |
| ASU W. P. Carey | No. 29 | 645 GMAT Focus (fall 2025 class) | $130,000 estimated minimum total programme cost, international | 33% | 1 December 2026 (Round 2) |
| Minnesota Carlson | No. 32 | 664.4 | $64,460 a year non-resident tuition, 2026-27 | About 20% | 1 December 2026 |
| Michigan State Broad | No. 43 (tie) | 604 GMAT Focus (Class of 2027) | $90,427 a year international total cost, 2026-27 | 30% (three-year average) | 11 January 2027 (Round 2) |
FAQ
What is the Utah Eccles MBA acceptance rate?
Poets&Quants, using U.S. News data, reports a 77.7% acceptance rate for the fall 2025 intake, up from 48.5% the year before. Eccles does not publish the figure.
Is the GMAT required for the Utah MBA?
No. GMAT and GRE scores are optional and there is no minimum, but higher scores can improve your scholarship. The Class of 2026 averaged 632 on the GMAT and 314 on the GRE.
How much does the Utah full-time MBA cost?
Eccles estimates $77,500 in tuition and fees for the whole two-year programme (62 credits at $1,250 each). Another version of its page shows $80,600, and living costs are extra.
What is the Utah Eccles MBA deadline for international students?
The Deadline is Round 3 on 1 December 2026, and the international deadline is Round 4 on 26 January 2027. Express Admit closes on 31 October 2026.
Sources and updates
Round dates, requirements, test policy, English minimums and the international degree rules are from Eccles’ Full-Time MBA admissions page. The Class of 2026 profile is from the Full-Time MBA class profile page. Tuition, scholarship percentages, award ranges and loan information are from the Financing Your MBA page; a second version of that page gave the $1,300 rate, the $45,000 average award and the note that there are no assistantships or fellowships. The public-school ranking is from the University of Utah’s April 2026 release on the U.S. News rankings. Acceptance rates and yield are from Poets&Quants’ August 2026 article on acceptance rates, yield and applications at the top 100 U.S. MBA programmes. The ranking is from U.S. News 2026 Best Business Schools (full-time MBA), released on 7 April 2026, as tabulated by Poets&Quants. Checked on 29 October 2026.
I am Jude Chinecherem, a final-year MBBS student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. I know what it feels like to want an education your family cannot afford. When my parents could not pay for my schooling, I had to learn how to find scholarships and work the system out on my own, with nobody to guide me. I came out the other side, and now I share everything I learned so the next student does not have to figure it out alone. This is the advice I wish someone had given me back then.
