Study Abroad Expert | Updated On - Aug 20, 2026
From Fall 2026, Rowan University will offer a new 30-credit MBA in Glassboro. Its Rohrer College of Business confirmed the change on August 17, 2026. The pathway joins the existing 36-credit MBA and the 36-credit STEM MBA. Indian F-1 applicants on the shorter route forfeit 24-month STEM OPT rights.
- The 30-credit MBA covers an 18-credit core plus one 9-credit concentration. It adds one 3-credit graduate business elective, per Rohrer College.
- Only the 36-credit STEM MBA carries a STEM designation. Eligible F-1 graduates add a 24-month OPT extension to 12 months of standard OPT.
- Federal rules for F-1 programme changes shift from September 15, 2026, per the Rowan International Center.
Rohrer runs its MBA from Glassboro, New Jersey. It admits Indian students across summer, fall and spring intakes. The 30-credit route responds to demand for shorter graduate business degrees. It does not replace the 36-credit MBA or the STEM MBA.
Also Read: MBA at Rowan University
What Changes at Rowan’s Rohrer College of Business
The new 30-credit MBA sits alongside the existing 36-credit degree. Dean Matthew Sarkees said the programme should "shape the careers of tomorrow". Assistant Dean Jennifer Maden said all MBA options complete the same core curriculum.
The 30-credit route drops six credits of concentration or elective work. It suits students centring their MBA on a single specialisation. The 36-credit MBA still allows two concentrations or added electives.
The STEM MBA is a distinct programme, also launching from Fall 2026. It requires at least 18 STEM-designated credits across the degree. Five concentrations qualify: Accounting, Business Analytics, Data Analytics, Finance and MIS.
30-Credit vs 36-Credit MBA: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | 30-Credit MBA | 36-Credit MBA | 36-Credit STEM MBA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total credits | 30 | 36 | 36 |
| MBA core | 18 credits | 18 credits | 18 credits |
| Concentration | 9 credits (one) | up to 18 credits (one or two) | 18 credits, STEM-designated |
| Elective | 3 credits | counted in the 18 | up to 6 STEM or business credits |
| STEM tag | No | No | Yes (min 18 STEM credits) |
| F-1 OPT window | 12 months | 12 months | 12 + 24-month STEM extension |
Key Insight: The 30-credit degree saves one semester of tuition. It also strips out the 24-month STEM OPT that the STEM MBA carries. The trade is speed for post-degree US work runway.
Why STEM MBA Still Matters for Indian F-1 Students
For Indian students, OPT can make a STEM MBA more attractive. Every F-1 graduate gets 12 months of OPT, while STEM graduates can add a 24-month extension. This creates a 36-month post-study work window and up to three H-1B lottery attempts.
At Rowan, the STEM MBA requires at least 18 STEM-designated credits. Students can choose two STEM concentrations or one concentration plus a STEM elective.
By comparison, the 30-credit regular MBA has no STEM designation. Graduates on this route get only 12 months of OPT, making the STEM MBA the stronger option for students targeting longer US work opportunities.
What it means for Indian Students: The 30-credit route suits those planning to return to India for work. The 36-credit STEM MBA is the safer bet for a US career. The extra 24 months buy two more H-1B lottery cycles.
What Indian Students Will Pay at Rowan
Rowan’s MBA total cost of attendance is USD 44,760 a year. That converts to roughly ₹39.18 lakh at ₹87.5 per USD (August 2026). First-year tuition alone is USD 16,632, or ₹14.55 lakh. Those figures apply to the 36-credit MBA.
The 30-credit route trims six credits from the total. That means one fewer semester of tuition for most full-time students. Rowan has not published a separate fee schedule for the 30-credit option. Applicants should confirm the per-credit rate with the Bursar’s Office before enrolling.
How Do Indian Students Apply for the New Route?
Rowan’s application system has not been updated for the 30-credit option yet. Prospective students file the current MBA application and flag the 30-credit pathway to admissions, per the Rohrer College page.
Fall MBA applications close on July 1, and Spring applications close on November 1. English requirements are IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 79 or Duolingo 110. The programme also asks for a minimum GPA of 2.5 on 4.0.
Important Distinction: Federal rules on programme changes for F-1 graduate students shift from September 15, 2026. Any current Rowan F-1 student thinking of switching from the 36-credit MBA to the 30-credit option should speak to the Rowan International Center before filing paperwork.
Indian applicants targeting Rowan’s Rohrer College now have three MBA routes instead of two. The 30-credit degree is faster and lighter on tuition. The 36-credit STEM MBA is the one that keeps the 24-month OPT extension alive. Anyone still weighing the two should decide before the Spring 2027 window closes on November 1, 2026.
Action Plan for Indian F-1 Applicants
- Decide whether US work rights matter more than a faster finish.
- Pick the 30-credit MBA only if you plan to return to India for work.
- Confirm the per-credit tuition for the 30-credit MBA with Rowan’s Bursar.
- If already on an F-1 at Rowan, meet the International Center before September 15, 2026.
- File the standard MBA application and flag the pathway to Rohrer admissions.
- Clear IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 79 or Duolingo 110 before the Spring 2027 deadline.
Next Key Date for Rowan MBA Applicants: Federal F-1 programme-change rules shift on September 15, 2026, and the Spring 2027 intake application deadline is November 1, 2026.
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