Jasmine Grover Content Strategy Manager
Content Strategy Manager | Updated On - May 12, 2025
Masters in Data Analytics in USA is a full-time program of 1.5 to 2 years. The course is offered as MSc in Data Analytics, MEng, or Master of Professional Studies. Indian students prefer the MSc course as it is more comprehensive, giving you enough time to pursue projects to strengthen your resume.
The US has a flourishing tech sector with increasing data analytics jobs as it is home to tech giants like Google and Microsoft. Top universities include Harvard, Johns Hopkins University, and University of Chicago. Students should strategically target 7-8 universities based on the course curriculum.
To get admission, you need a bachelor's in data or statistics-related field with an 85% average. A 95+ TOEFL score or an IELTS score of 6.5 is also required. GRE is optional, however, it’s recommended to take the exam and get a strong score of 310+ even if you have to take it twice.
The tuition fees range from USD 21,000 to 66,000 (₹17.5 to ₹55.2 lakhs). The monthly cost of living in USA ranges between USD 1,000 to USD 4,000. Big cities like New York and San Francisco are expensive compared to affordable suburban areas like Seattle and Texas.
Develop strong communication and networking skills during the course as it’ll help you secure jobs. Long-term work requires navigating the H1B visa process. Graduates can land jobs with salaries starting from USD 49,622 (₹41.5 lakhs).
Top Universities for MS in Data Analytics in USA
USA is home to 250+ universities offering Data Analytics Masters, of which the top ranking ones are:
| QS World University Rank 2024 | University | Program | Tuition Fees (USD) | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | Masters of Analytics | 35,218 | January 6, 2026 |
| 21 | University of Chicago | MS in Analytics | 66,924 | January 17, 2026 |
| 32 | Johns Hopkins University | MS in Data Analytics and Policy | 58,000 | May 18, 2025 |
| 61 | Duke University | MS in Data Analytics | 65,120 | February 15, 2026 |
| 89 | Pennsylvania State University | MA Data Analytics | 28,725 | December 15, 2025 |
| 108 | Boston University | MS in Applied Data Analytics | 63,798 | December 15, 2025 |
| 171 | Washington University in St. Louis | MS in Engineering Data Analytics and Statistics | 64,500 | October 1, 2025 |
| 344 | Tufts University | MS in Data Analytics | 28,849 | September 15, 2025 |
| 371 | George Washington University | MS in Data Analytics | 31,950 | January 4, 2026 |
| 396 | Northeastern University | Master of Science in Data Analytics Engineering | 29,824 | June 1, 2025 |
It is advisable to apply to public universities due to their lower tuition fees. Since all colleges hold similar academic value for tech courses, focus on universities that fit your budget and career aspirations.
Check Out: Why Study in USA?
Admission to Data Analytics Masters in US
Indian students mostly apply in the September intake following a preparation timeline:
| Timeline | Activities |
|---|---|
| Feb/March | Research universities and requirements, |
| April/May/June | Prepare for GRE and TOEFL (1 month prep for each exam). |
| Aug/Sept/Oct | Take exams (second attempt in Nov if needed). |
| Nov/Dec/Jan | Apply to universities (keep applications under 10). |
| Feb/March/April | Await results. |
Early applications in September face high competition, with results in December; second-stage results come by February, while late applicants receive decisions in March or April.
Eligibility Criteria
- Academic Degree: Bachelor’s in analytics-related field with 83-86%
- GRE: 310 or above (Optional but recommended)
- ELP Score: IELTS: 6.5-7.5, TOEFL: 95+
You also need to submit an essay, SOP and up to 3 LORs.
USA Student VisaTo study in the USA, you'll need an F1 student visa. Apply through the US embassy/consulate after receiving your acceptance letter (I-20). You should receive your I-20 by April/May and apply for the visa in June/July. Be aware of visa conditions as securing a visa is becoming more challenging with increasing rejection rates and fewer interview slots. Check Out: US Visa Requirements |
GRE Waivers: Many US universities, such as NYU, Yale, and Johns Hopkins, now offer GRE waivers for Masters in Data Analytics, but a strong application package can enhance your admission chances.
Cost of Studying
The breakdown of cost of studying Data Analytics in USA is as follows-
Tuition Fees
The average tuition fee for the program in top universities ranges from $45,000-$60,000.Some universities like Pennsylvania State University and Georgia State University offer affordable for $21,000 to $30,000.
Cost of living in USA
Annual living expenses in the USA range from $11,500 to $29,700 (INR 9.5-24.7 lakhs).
Cost of Living as per City-
| State | Average Monthly Expenses (USD) |
|---|---|
| New York | 3,300 |
| California | 4,000 |
| Boston | 3,316 |
| San Francisco | 4,000 |
| New Orleans | 2,000 |
| Seattle | 2,500 |
| Texas | 2,000 |
| Illinois | 1,470 |
Cost of Accommodation:
- On-campus accommodation annually costs $1,100 at private and 9,800 at public colleges.
- Off-campus, shared housing is about USD 450 per month, while one-bedroom apartments range from USD 500 in rural areas to USD 3,500 in urban areas.
Transportation:
Most colleges offer free shuttles or bus passes for commuting. I
- n big cities like New York and Boston, transportation options are better than in suburban areas.
- It's recommended to consider buying/renting a car after 1st year for your transportation needs.
Scholarship Options
Studying Masters in Data Analytics courses in USA can be heavy on the pocket, but some scholarships can help you offset the expenses-
- Academic-Merit Scholarships Up to $12,000
- Need-Based Financial Aid
- Fulbright Nehru Scholarship
RA Positions: Working rules for Indian students vary by state, with Penn State allowing up to 10 hours/week. Research Assistant roles are easier to obtain with a strong resume and offer around $600-$1000 per month.
Jobs Opportunities after MS in Data Analytics in USA
Data analysts in USA have promising careers with the job market set to expand by 28% by 2026. Top recruiters include Microsoft, Apple, and Google. While securing positions at these tech giants may require sponsorships, choose companies that are easiest to access, as they all offer equal growth opportunities.
| Job Title | Average Salary (USD) | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Analyst | 77,423 | 64 lakhs |
| Business Intelligence Analyst | 90,454 | 75 lakhs |
| Data Engineer | 127,451 | 1.06 crores |
| Business Analyst | 84,133 | 70 lakhs |
| Data Administrator | 76,107 | 63 lakhs |
| Machine Learning Engineer | 165,890 | 1.3 crores |
MS in Data Analytics is a highly sought-after STEM program in USA for Indian students. State colleges offer more campus options with higher acceptance rates. Starting salaries average around $78,163, with top-paying cities including Shelton, San Jose, Washington, and Boston.
FAQs
Ques: Is MS in Data Analytics in USA worth it?
Ans: The program is popular due to the 28% job market growth by 2026 and competitive salaries ranging from $90,000-$140,000+. It offers access to top-tier programs and valuable skills applicable across various sectors.
Ques: What’s the difference between MS in Data Analytics and Data Science?
Ans. Data Analytics programs focus on data analysis, interpretation, and communication, while Data Science programs delve deeper into machine learning and complex modelling techniques.
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