Top Universities in USA for MS in Data Science 2024: Rankings, Tuition Fees, Eligibility & More

As the demand for data scientists continues to climb, many students are looking towards top universities in the USA for an MS in Data Science. This qualification gives graduates analytical skills and gives them entry to lucrative career options in various industries. 

In this article, we will cover the best institutions and dive deep into details such as rankings, eligibility criteria, scholarships, and fees. Let us start by listing the top 20 universities in the USA for an MS in Data Science.

Also Read: Study Abroad Guide for Indian Students 2024

Top universities in the USA for an MS in Data Science 

Here are the top universities in the USA for an MS in Data Science, according to the 2024 QS University Rankings. We went with QS Rankings because they are the gold standard for measuring one university against another, and have decades of experience.

The QS Rankings currently recognize only 72 universities in this field. Out of these 72, 19 are located in the USA. This means that one in every four of the best universities for an MS in Data Science is in the United States.

Let’s take a closer look at some of these universities.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Website: https://mitsloan.mit.edu/master-of-business-analytics/introduce-yourself and https://micromasters.mit.edu/ds/ 

Ranking: #1 according to the 2024 QS University Rankings by subject, Data Science

Program Name: MS in Business Analytics, Micromasters in Data Science 

The MSBA at MIT is often considered equivalent to an MS in Data Science because of the specializations it offers. Additionally, MIT also offers a three-month-long micro masters program in Statistics and Data Science for working professionals.

Tuition fees: For 2024, the tuition fee for the program is $91,250. This does not include living costs.

Application Deadline: The 2024 deadline has passed for MIT’s MSBA. However, you can expect the 2025 deadline to be around May at the latest.

Application Fees: All applicants must pay a fee of $150 that is non-refundable.

2. Carnegie Mellon University

Website: https://www.cmu.edu/ 

Ranking: #2 according to the 2024 QS University Rankings by subject: Data Science

Program Name: Carnegie Mellon University offers several Data Science programs at the graduate level. Here is a list of them.

• Master of Science in Applied Data Science (MADS)
• Master of Data Analytics
• Master of Data Analytics for Science
• Master of Computational Data Science
• Master of Computational Data Science for Finance
• Master of Statistics and Data Science

Tuition fees: The tuition fee will vary by course structure, but all MCS (Mellon College of Science) programs currently start at $48,775 per year. Depending on the number of credit hours you take, this number will increase. 

Application Deadline: For MCS programs, applications will open on September 4, 2024, and will close on December 11, 2024.

Application Fees: An application fee of $50 must be paid to CMU for graduate applications.

3. The University of California at Berkeley (UCB)

Website: https://www.ischool.berkeley.edu/programs/mids-new 

Ranking: #3 according to the 2024 QS University Rankings by subject: Data Science

Program Name: UCB Master of Information and Data Science

Tuition fees: For a three-semester program, your tuition fees at UCB would be approximately $79,810. This is calculated based on the tuition price of $2,850 per enrolled unit.

Application Deadline: For the January 2025 intake, the deadline at UCB is September 25, 2024.

Application Fees: For internationals, the application fee at UCB is $95, and is non-refundable.

Hopefully, this would have given you an idea of how these programs rank and what they cost. 

Now, with so many great choices, it will be tough to narrow your choices. Let’s look at how you can find the best Data Science program for your needs.

Also Read: Masters(MS) in Accounting in USA: Top Universities, Rankings, Fees & More

How to choose the best MS in Data Science Program in the USA?

Here is how you can pick between the top universities in the USA for an MS in Data Science. 

1. First, think about what you want to achieve in your career. Decide which area of data science interests you most, like machine learning, data engineering, or business analytics.
2. Then, look for universities with strong reputations in data science. Check the curriculum to make sure it includes key subjects like machine learning, data mining, and statistical analysis.
3. Find out if the program has strong industry connections for networking and internships.
4. Choose between in-person or online classes, and see if they offer flexible schedules to fit your schedule.
5. Look at the total cost of the program, including tuition, housing, and other expenses.
6. Research financial aid options like scholarships and assistantships to help cover costs.
7. If you’re unsure, talk to educational consultants or advisors who can give you personalized advice based on your goals.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to find the MS in Data Science program that best fits your needs and helps you achieve your career goals.

If you’re struggling to make a decision, use our free tool, SelectRight. In just a few clicks, you’ll get a range of options that would be a perfect match for your specific profile. It’s like having your own counselor who only wants your best, not your money. Try SelectRight today—let AI match you with the perfect MS in Data Science program. 

Application process for an MS in Data Science at top universities in the USA

Now that we’ve discussed how to choose the best program, let’s look at the application process for the top universities in the USA. 

Whether you’re applying to the top 20 or top 50 universities in the USA for an MS in Data Science, the application process is very similar. This is because the graduate application process in the USA is standardized. 

Below is a brief overview of the same.

1. Start by finalizing your choice of university. Reminder: SelectRight can make this process smooth.
2. Collect all the necessary documents for your application, like transcripts, letters of recommendation, and your resume. We will tell you more about detailed eligibility requirements in the next section.
3. Fill out the online application form, specific to each university and program. These include demographic, financial, and past educational details.
4. Submit all the required documents through the online application portal. Ensure your documents are correctly formatted and meet the university’s guidelines.
5. Most programs require a non-refundable application fee. Pay this fee as part of your application.
6. After submitting your application, keep track of its status through the university’s application portal. Be prepared to provide additional information or attend an interview if requested.
7. When you receive an offer of admission, you will need to accept or reject it within a specified timeframe. This is usually done electronically, but sometimes you may be required to print, sign, and re-upload an acceptance letter.

That was the admissions process for the top universities in the USA for an MS in Data Science. Next, we’ll talk about the basic entry requirements set by top universities for an MS in Data Science in the USA.

Also Read: Why Study in USA? Top Reasons To Pursue Higher Studies in the US

Eligibility for studying an MS in Data Science in the USA

Here are the most basic requirements according to most of the top universities in the USA for an MS in Data Science. Individual programs may have specific requirements, so do your research thoroughly before applying.

1. The most basic requirement is to have an undergraduate university degree in any major. The degree should have been awarded by an accredited university.
2. Some programs (like MIT’s and UMCP’s) require you to have taken certain prerequisite courses. You can usually take these courses at the university before you start, if you are admitted.
3. A common requirement is that your undergraduate GPA must have been 3.0 or higher, across all years averaged. 
4. While the GMAT or GRE is usually not compulsory, it can lend weight to your application. We will talk more about GMAT and GRE scores in the next section.
5. International students looking to study at top universities in the USA for an MS in Data Science also need to take an English exam. A popular choice is the IELTS, but the TOEFL and PTE Academic are also widely accepted.
6. You would also need to submit an updated resume, with details of any work experience that you have.
7. Lastly, most programs require two letters of recommendation. You usually need two work references, academic (college) references also work when professional references are not available. 

Some (not all) programs also have interviews, but this is not the norm. With the application requirements out of the way, let’s discuss the GMAT and GRE requirements.

GMAT/GRE requirements for studying an MS in Data Science in the USA

Firstly, GMAT and GRE scores are usually optional, even at the best universities in the USA for an MS in Data Science. However, the big caveat here is assuming that you already have a quantitative background and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Let’s take an example. Say you majored in English in your undergraduation, but want to apply to a top 10 university in the USA for an MS in Data Science. This is a very quantitative degree, while English is not. Thus, you’d be required to submit either the GMAT or the GRE to supplement your application.

Another common situation is when your undergraduate degree is in a quantitative field (think math or computer science) but your GPA is under 3.0. In this case, again, most of the best universities for an MS in Data Science in the USA would ask for a GRE or GMAT score.

This is because both of those are standardized tests that will let universities gauge your analytical skills. It tells them if you are a good fit for the degree.

With the GMAT and GRE requirements done, let’s talk about scholarships.

Also Read: Understanding Your GRE Score: Result, How to Check, Validity & More

Scholarships to study an MS in Data Science in the USA

Studying at the top 10 universities (or even the top 100) in the USA for an MS in Data Science can be expensive. However, there is a wide variety of scholarships available for you, especially at the graduate level. 

Here are some examples.

These were just some options, and in addition to these, you could also get graduate assistantships or research fellowships. Both of those would result in a tuition fee waiver and usually come with a stipend as well.

The competition for these awards is ridiculously high. Lakhs of applicants apply each year, for a few hundred awards. Even if you don’t get a scholarship, you could look at loans to fund your degree. Let’s learn more about those in the following section.

Also Read: Best Scholarships for Indian Students in USA in 2024

Education loans for an MS in Data Science in the USA

To get a loan for an MS at the top universities in the USA for an MS in Data Science, follow this process.

1. Begin by researching various loan providers that cater to graduate students. Common providers are banks (ICICI, Axis, HDFC) or NBFCs (Non-banking Financial Corporations). 
2. Look into terms, interest rates, repayment options, funding coverage, and eligibility criteria. Pay careful attention to the interest rate, as over time, even half a percent up or down could save you lakhs and lakhs of rupees.
3. Next, once you have narrowed your search to a provider, fill out their application form. Submit all the necessary documents and then wait for a decision to be approved. 

While this sounds straightforward, it can quickly become overwhelming for students. Generally, students apply to two or three different lenders, making it very difficult to track the progress of their applications. The market offers so many products that comparing them becomes challenging, and most students miss out on the best possible education loan.

To solve this problem, we have created FundRight. All students need to do is make their free account on FundRight and complete their profile. Within two days, they receive competitive loan offers from the top 15 banks and NBFCs in India and abroad. Because there is competition, lenders try to offer the best possible loan terms. During every stage of your loan journey, you will have access to unbiased, insightful advice from a financial expert at FundRight. FundRight is completely free for students.

Benefits of studying an MS in Data Science in the USA

Here are some of the benefits of choosing one of the top universities in the USA for an MS in Data Science.

1. Many MS Data Science programs in the USA are STEM-designated. This designation allows students to work in the USA for up to 36 months (3 years) after their F-1 visa expires. The initial 12 months are granted through Optional Practical Training (OPT), with an additional 24-month extension for STEM fields. In a market where securing an H-1 visa is extremely difficult, this provides a reliable way to gain valuable experience in the USA.

2. While tuition fees might be high in the USA, the salaries for fresh graduates are also equally high. It is not uncommon to see people paying off their student loans within a couple of years of graduating. 

3. The USA is the most popular country for international students who want to pursue an MS in Data Science. As you saw above, one in every four of the top universities for an MS in Data Science is in the USA. 

4. Many Data Science Master’s programs in the USA focus heavily on hands-on, practical experience. For instance, most MS in Data Science programs in the USA have a mandatory 6-month internship or capstone project. This is not the case in the rest of the world and would make you a more competitive applicant to employers.

These were just a few of the benefits of studying in the USA. In the last section, we’ll learn about the job opportunities after your graduation.

Career and job opportunities after doing an MS in Data Science in the USA

After graduating from one of the top universities in the USA with an MS in Data Science, you have several job opportunities. Below is a table showing common job roles and the average salary for fresh graduates of MS in Data Science programs.

This data is from Glassdoor and ZipRecruiter.

As you can see, the compensation, even for early-career graduates, is quite handsome. And with that, we conclude this article on the top universities in the USA for an MS in Data Science. We hope you found it useful, and we’ll see you in the next one.

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