#66 Overall

University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business

Columbia, SC · 22 months · Official Site

Acceptance Rate55%
Avg. GMAT656
Avg. GPA3.3
Class Size48
Avg. Salary$102,000
Employment85%
Annual Tuition
$35,000
Program Length
22 months

Data reflects 2026 admissions cycle

“#1 International MBA in the US for 12 straight years. No other program in this ranking range owns a specialty like Moore owns international business.”

Program Overview

South Carolina Moore has dominated a single specialty like no other MBA program in the country. US News has ranked Moore's International MBA #1 for twelve consecutive years. That's not a one-time fluke. It's sustained excellence in international business education that includes language development, international immersion, and a curriculum designed around cross-border commerce.

The 22-month International MBA includes mandatory international experience and optional second-language development. The 48-person class is small, and the program attracts a globally minded cohort. Supply chain management (#21 US News) and risk management are secondary strengths. Columbia, SC, isn't a global city, but the program's international orientation transcends geography.

Culture & Community

Moore's culture is globally oriented. The International MBA attracts students from diverse national backgrounds who share an interest in cross-border business. Columbia is a state capital with a college-town feel: affordable, friendly, and low-pressure. The 48-person class creates close cohort bonds, and the international immersion experiences build lifelong connections.

Academics & Curriculum

International business is the academic identity. The IMBA curriculum covers international trade, cross-cultural management, global supply chains, and international finance. Language training in Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, or Arabic is available. Supply chain management courses are nationally ranked. The mandatory international component takes students abroad for applied projects.

Career Outcomes

International business, supply chain, and consulting account for the bulk of placements. Companies with global operations (logistics firms, multinationals, consulting firms with international practices) recruit from Moore's IMBA. Average salary is approximately $102,000. The #1 International MBA ranking opens doors at globally focused employers in ways that the overall program ranking doesn't capture.

Who Should Apply

Candidates targeting international careers, global supply chain roles, or multinational companies. Language learners who want to develop business fluency alongside MBA fundamentals. Anyone who values owning a #1-ranked specialty over attending a higher-ranked generalist program.

What to Watch Out For

Columbia, SC, is a small market. Most career opportunities require relocation after graduation. The overall program ranking (not the IMBA specialty ranking) is what employers see first. If you're not targeting international business specifically, the Moore MBA doesn't differentiate as clearly. Tuition at $35K is reasonable, but you're paying for a specialty, so make sure that specialty aligns with your goals.

Known For

International BusinessSupply ChainRisk Management

Best For

International BusinessSupply ChainGlobal Careers

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at South Carolina Moore?

South Carolina Moore admits approximately 55% of MBA applicants for the class of 2026. The program enrolls about 48 students.

Why is South Carolina Moore #1 for International MBA?

Moore has been ranked #1 for International MBA by US News for 12 consecutive years. The International MBA includes mandatory international experience, optional language training, and a curriculum built around cross-border commerce. No other program has sustained this level of specialty dominance.

What is the average salary after South Carolina Moore MBA?

Moore graduates earn an average starting salary of approximately $102,000. International business and supply chain roles drive the strongest placement.

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