MS in Data Analytics in USA 2025: Colleges and Fees

Last Updated on August 28, 2024

Master in Data Analytics in USA is a full-time program of 1.5 to 2 years. This course is offered as an MSc in Data Analytics, Master of Professional Studies or MEng. Students of this program gain skills in collecting, analysing and organising information using the latest techniques and technologies. Indian students pursue the MSc course as it is more comprehensive, providing students with enough time to take up projects to strengthen their resume. The United States is a beacon for this course with the increasing demand for data-driven decision-making. 

Best Universities for MS in Data Analytics in USA

MS in Data Analytics in USA ranking universities are spread across the nation based on several factors determining every minute factor related to the program. There are multiple universities in USA offering Masters in Data Analytics courses of varied types. To help you shortlist the best one, we have listed the top colleges for MS in Data Analytics in USA-

QS World University Rank 2024	Name of the University	Name of the program	Tuition Fees (INR)	Application deadline
12	University of California, Berkeley	Masters of Analytics	29,56,588	January 8, 2025
21	University of Chicago	MS in Analytics	56,18,340	January 17, 2025
32	Johns Hopkins University	MS in Data Analytics and Policy	58,69,160	December 15, 2024
61	Duke University	MS in Data Analytics	54,66,892	December 15, 2024
89	Pennsylvania State University	MA in Data Analytics	24,11,493	December 15, 2024
108	Boston University	MS in Applied Data Analytics	53,55,909	December 15, 2024
171	Washington University in St. Louis	MS in Engineering Data Analytics and Statistics	54,14,842	October 1, 2024
344	Tufts University	MS in Data Analytics	24,21,903	September 15, 2024
371	George Washington University	MS in Data Analytics	26,82,236	January 4, 2025
396	Northeastern university	Master of Science in Data Analytics Engineering	25,03,756	June 1, 2024

It is highly advised to apply to public universities because of their lower tuition fees. These include the University of Chicago, Georgia State University and Louisiana State University. Since all colleges hold similar academic value for technology courses, focus on universities that fit your budget and your career aspirations.

Admission Procedure for MS in Data Analytics in USA

To fill in your application for the best postgraduate program for data analytics universities in the USA, you need to follow some steps. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for an MS in Data Analytics at USA universities-

• The first step is to shortlist the best universities in the USA for data analytics courses for master’s degrees.
• Once you choose your preferred university, visit their official website to get the details of the entry requirements.
• Prepare for the exams demanded by the colleges in common, like GRE and TOEFL. 
• Fill out the online application form and pay the required application fees.
• Submit and upload the essential documents before the deadline.
• Attend the admission interview if you receive an invitation from the university.
• Once you receive the offer letter, accept it by paying the deposit fees and applying for the student visa at the nearest US embassy.

Indian students mostly apply in the September intake. Early applications during this month face high competition, with results coming in December and the second stage coming by February, while late applicants receive decisions in March or April.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements for MS in Data Analytics in USA

There are certain requirements you need to meet to apply to the universities for an MS in Data Analytics in USA. These documentations vary from one university to another. However, there is some standard process accepted by all –

• A bachelor’s degree in any STEM program from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA score of 3.5 or above will enhance your application.
• If you are from a non-English speaking country, you must write and pass English language proficiency tests with good scores to get into US universities, such as TOEFL with 80 to 100 or IELTS with 6 to 7.5 overall scores.
• GMAT and GRE tests are other requirements for a master’s in data analytics programs. The GMAT scores vary depending on the type of program and university you choose. An average GMAT score will be between 580 and 700. 
• A minimum of two years of experience is required at the time of application for a master’s degree. However, not all data analytics universities have a compulsory requirement, but it is preferred.
• A valid passport and US Student visa are a must to study MS in data analytics in USA for international students. You must apply for the F1 student visa at least three months before the expected date of your travel to the country.

Other essential documents required include-

• All previously attended institution’s academic transcripts 
• A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent 
• Statement of purpose 
• Letter of recommendation 
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• English language proficiency scorecards 
• GMAT/ GRE test results 
• Personal statement 
• Work experience (if applicable)

Many US universities, such as Johns Hopkins, Yale, and NYU, offer GRE waivers, but a strong application package could enhance your chances of admission. 

Expenses of Studying MS in Data Analytics in USA

The overall cost of an MS in data analytics in USA may depend on your desired university’s tuition fees and the living costs you incur. The breakdown of the cost of studying is given below-

Tuition Fees

The cost of studying may depend upon your course type as well. However, on average, the tuition fees for the program in top universities range from INR 14,14,580 to INR 51,59,060 per annum. Some universities like Georgia State University and Pennsylvania State University offer affordable fees of 17 lakhs to 25 lakhs.

Living Expenses in the US

The annual living cost in the USA ranges between INR 9.5 to 24.7 lakhs. Most of these expenses may vary in terms of accommodation and amenities such as housing, food, transportation, stationery, study materials, etc. 

Cost of living as per city-

Name of the State	Average Monthly expenses (INR)
New York	2.7 L
California	3 L
Boston	2.7 L
San Francisco	3 L
New Orleans	1.6 L
Seattle	2 L
Texas	1.6 L
Illinois	1.2 L

The cost of accommodation varies depending on the type of residence one chooses. On-campus accommodation annually costs 92k at private institutions and 82k at public colleges. Off-campus, shared housing is about 37k per month, while one-bedroom apartments range from INR 41K in rural areas to 2.9 L in urban areas. Most colleges offer free shuttle services, or bus passes for commuting. In big cities like Boston and New York, transportation options are better than in suburban areas. It is recommended to consider buying or renting a car after 1st year for your transportation needs.

Scholarship options for MS in Data Analytics in USA

Studying at the best MS in data analytics in USA could no longer be a burden for the candidates applying for them. Most of the institutions in the USA offer scholarships and financial aid for international students in the form of grants, fellowships, bursaries, etc., to make it possible to pursue a master’s degree in a foreign university. Some of the scholarships offered by universities offering data analytics are given below-

• Academic merit scholarships up to 10 lakhs
• Need-based financial aid
• Fulbright Nehru Scholarships 
• City year scholarship by Tufts University 
• Andrew C and Eula C Carlos Endowed Scholarship for students with good academic records 
• International Academic Award and Graduate Fellowships offered by Washington State University 

Career Opportunities after MS in Data Analytics in USA

The job prospects and scope of MS in data analytics in USA are vast. The demand for skilled data professionals is high in different fields. Employment for such professionals is available in a wide variety of sectors, such as information technology, finance services, management and businesses. On average, after completing a master’s degree in data analytics in the USA, you can expect a salary between INR 36 and 73 lakhs per year. Some of the common job profiles after MS in data analytics in the USA are listed below-

Job Title	Average Salary (INR)
Data Analyst	64 lakhs
Business Intelligence Analyst	75 lakhs
Data Engineer	1.06 crores
Business Analyst	70 lakhs
Data Administrator	63 lakhs
Machine Learning Engineer	1.3 crores
Data Scientist	81 lakhs

Data analysts in the USA have promising careers, with their job market set to expand by 28% by 2026. The flourishing tech sector of the USA is home to tech giants like Google, Apple and Microsoft. While securing positions at these may require scholarships, choose companies that are easiest to access as they all offer equal opportunities. 

Conclusion

An MS in data analysis in USA integrates the rich and complex computer science and disciplines of statistics with social science theory and education. With a plethora of opportunities abounding in the data science industry in the US, applicants with proper education and qualifications can access lucrative jobs post-graduation. The universities and graduate schools offer some of the best Master of science in data analytics and data science courses in the nation. Go through the program details of each university to find the one that suits your needs and career goals. And let’s not overlook the allure of handsome salary packages awaiting the graduates from this field.

FAQs

What are the visa requirements for international students pursuing an MS in Data analytics in USA?

International students typically require an F1 visa to study in the USA. They must apply for the visa through the US Department of State’s official website and attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate.

Do I need to have prior programming experience to pursue an MS in Data Analytics in USA?

While prior programming experience is beneficial, it is only sometimes required. A number of universities offer introductory programming courses or camps to help students develop their skills.

Can I pursue a PhD in Data Analytics in the US?

Yes, many universities in the USA offer PhD programs in Data Analytics or related fields such as Computer science or statistics.

Can I do an online master’s course in data Analytics in US?

Yes, numerous universities in the US offer part-time online MS in data analytics courses. Working professionals are generally the applicants for an online program. 

What is the difference between MS in Data Analytics and Data Science?

Data Analytics programs focus on data analysis, communication and interpretation whereas. data science programs delve deeper into complex modelling techniques and machine learning.