Top 10 Universities for Data Science in USA: Rankings, Requirements & Fees

List of 10 Best Universities to Study MS in Data Science in the USA

There are so many great data science programs in the USA, but which one is right for you? Most of these universities are globally recognized for their top-notch education and infrastructure, so the choice can feel overwhelming. But don't worry - we've got your back!

Here's a list of the top universities for data science in the USA:

• Harvard University
• Columbia University
• Yale University
• University of California Berkeley
• Northwestern University
• University of Washington
• Carnegie Mellon University
• John Hopkins University
• New York University (NYU)
• University of Southern California (USC)

Now, let's break down each university and what they offer!

1. Harvard University

The data science course at Harvard is offered on two levels: graduate certificate and master's. Its master's program provides an in-depth understanding of data science methods in predictive modeling, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data visualisation, and big data. And the graduate certificate implements foundational concepts of data computation, such as algorithms, parallel computing, data structures, simulation & analysis.

Harvard World University Rankings 2025	4
Type of University	Private
Cost of Attendance	USD 90,004 (INR 75,00,670) per year
Programs Offered	Data Science master of science (SM) MSc Health Data Science Graduate Certificate in Data Science

2. Columbia University

Columbia University's data science courses are common core fundamental topics, supplemented by a track identifying specific areas for deeper study. It prepares the students for advanced work in fundamental, theoretical, and mathematical computing, including analysis of algorithms, scientific computing, and security. This program offers four specializations: computer science, information science, data science, and computer science-mathematics.

Columbia World University Rankings 2025	23
Type of University	Private
Cost of Attendance	USD 92,724 (INR 77,27,350) per year
Programs Offered	Bachelor in Data Science M.Sc Data Science

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3. Yale University

Yale provides a statistics and data science program involving practical statistical analysis using various computational techniques, visualizing and exploring data, seeking and establishing structure and trends in data, and a mode of questioning and reasoning that quantifies uncertainty. It encompasses the entire life cycle of data, from its specification, gathering, and cleaning through its management and analysis.

Yale World University Rankings 2025	16
Type of University	Private
Cost of Attendance	USD 94,600 (INR 78,83,690) per year
Programs Offered	BA or BS in Statistics and Data Science MS Statistics and Data Science PhD in Statistics and Data Science

4. University of California Berkeley

UC Berkeley's data science programs combine computational and inferential reasoning to draw conclusions based on data about various aspects of the real world. The course equips you to draw a sound conclusion from data in context, using knowledge of statistical inference, computational processes, data management strategies, domain knowledge, and theory.

UC Berkley World University Rankings 2025	10
Type of University	Public
Cost of Attendance	USD 60,217 (INR 50,18,310) per year
Programs Offered	BA in Data Science  Masters in Information and Data Sciences

5. Northwestern University

The data science at Northwestern is about computational and applied statistical techniques, offering comprehensive foundations in different aspects of data science. The data science program integrates data science and business strategy to create a demand for professionals for data-driven decisions in organizations. It assists you in trustworthy predictions using traditional statistics and machine learning methods.

Northwestern World University Rankings 2025	47
Type of University	Private
Cost of Attendance	USD 99,886 (INR 83,24,210) per year
Programs Offered	Masters in Machine Learning and Data Science  Postgraduate Certificate in Data Science and Analytics

6. University of Washington

The MSDS, or Master of Science in Data Science, is a professional master’s program designed for individuals aspiring to enter the field of data science. At the University of Washington, students have the option to enroll in this program either on a full-time or part-time basis. Typically, 80% of MSDS students are enrolled full-time, while the remaining 20% opt for part-time study. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics, including machine learning, data management, statistical modeling, data ethics, data visualization, software engineering, and research design. Students hailing from various countries such as Taiwan, Chile, China, India, Pakistan, etc., are actively pursuing this program.

Washington University World Rankings 2025	63
Type of University	Public
Cost of Attendance	USD 32,495 (INR 27,11,090) per year
Programs Offered	MS in Data Science

7. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University, a private research institution, defines its unique academic path. With a diverse student body comprising over 14,500 individuals from over 100 nations, the university offers a distinct M.S. program in Data Analytics for Science (MS-DAS). This program equips students with comprehensive expertise in programming, statistical methods, applied linear algebra, machine learning, and other relevant areas.

Carnegie Mellon World University Rankings 2025	52
Type of University	Private
Cost of Attendance	USD 49,710 (INR 41,47,320) per year
Programs Offered	Masters in Computational and Data Science

8. Johns Hopkins University

Recognized as the inaugural research university in the United States, Johns Hopkins University boasts a distinguished history, with 29 Nobel laureates having served as educators. With a significant international presence, over 20% of the student body hails from abroad. In addition to its main campus in the U.S., the university extends its reach with campuses in China, Bologna (Italy), and Nanjing. The Master's program in Data Science, offered on a fully residential basis, spans approximately 1.5 years in duration.

John Hopkins World University Rankings 2025	28
Type of University	Private
Cost of Attendance	USD 60,420 (INR 50,41,010) per year
Programs Offered	MS in Data Science

9. New York University

New York University provides an exclusive program tailored for individuals with a robust foundation in mathematics, computer science, and applied statistics. The program allows both full-time and part-time enrollment, requiring students to fulfill all 36 credits within a maximum period of 5 years from enrollment. In the year 2022, the program recorded an average GPA of 3.76.

NYU World Rankings 2025	38
Type of University	Private
Cost of Attendance	USD 34,850 (INR 29,07,500) per year
Programs Offered	Masters of Science in Data Science

10. University of Southern California

Individuals with backgrounds in computer science, engineering, scientific disciplines, or social sciences have the opportunity to enroll in the Master's in Data Science program at the University of Southern California. This program is designed for those aspiring to establish a career in applied data science. Through this course, students will gain a foundational understanding of data science methods, learn how to apply these skills to real-world challenges and develop proficiency in writing data science programs in Python, among other essential skills.

USC World Rankings 2025	116
Type of University	Private
Cost of Attendance	USD 32,511 (INR 27,12,410) per year
Programs Offered	MS in Applied Data Science

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Course Curriculum For Data Science in USA

The data science course curriculum comprises eight core classes and a capstone project that lasts two quarters. Students can work on data science problems encountered by various outside organizations as part of their capstone projects. 

The best data science courses in the USA cover various topics, including whether pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in data science, The program is designed to provide the breadth and depth of knowledge necessary to start a successful career in big data.

• Statistical Modelling  
• Data management & data visualization  
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning  
• Human-centred Data Science
• Scalable Data Systems and algorithms
• Software engineering
• Research Design & Data Ethics

You can also check Find Out How to Select a University for MS in the USA

Admission Requirements to Pursue Data Science in USA

The requirements for data science courses in the USA vary across the universities. As every university has eligibility criteria for the programs, some common ones are.

• Educational Qualifications
• Language Proficiency
• GMAT or GRE Scores
• Work Experience
• Passport & Visa

Let's have in-depth insights on each one below:

1. Educational Qualifications

The educational qualifications for data science courses in US universities may vary with the level of courses. You must complete higher secondary education from a recognized institution for a bachelor's degree in data science. The minimum scores should be between 70% to 80%.

For a Master's degree in Data Science, you must have completed a bachelor's degree in data science, computer science, or any related subject. You must have a GPA of 3.5 or above in your bachelor's degree.

2. Language Proficiency:

All applicants from non-native English countries must demonstrate their language proficiency to get admitted to a data science degree program in the USA. The minimum test scores should be

• IELTS: 6.0 - 7.5
• TOEFL: 90 - 110

3. GMAT or GRE Scores:

Some universities in the USA require your graduate entrance scores for admission. These scores are in terms of the GMAT or GRE. The minimum acceptable scores should be

• GMAT: 650 - 725
• GRE: 280 - 340.

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4. Work Experience

Work experience is optional if you apply for a bachelor's degree in the USA. However, it is necessary for higher studies like a Master's in data science or a Ph.D. degree. Having two or three years of work is rewarding for you in higher education.

5. Passport & Visa

To apply for a data science degree in the USA, international students must have a copy of their passport and a US Student Visa. If you don't have any, apply for it once you get the acceptance letter as soon as possible.

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Documents Required For Data Science in USA

To successfully submit your application, you must have some essential documents below.

• Official Academic Transcripts
• Letter of Acceptance
• Self Attested Copies and Certificates
• Test Scorecards
• Letter of Recommendation 
• Statement of Purpose 
• Work Experience
• Resume or CV
• Proof of Funds and Financial Resources 
• Student Visa

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Admission Process For Data Science in USA

The next intake of universities for data science in the USA will open in mid-September and January. So, to complete your admission process, you need to follow some points. Here, we have given some steps you can follow for admission.

• Step 1: First, prepare a list of good universities for data science in the USA and shortlist them, or you can also refer to the universities mentioned above.
• Step 2: Once done, visit the official website to check every minute's requirements.
• Step 3: If you meet or qualify for the requirements.
• Step 4: Pay the required application fees and fill out the application form.
• Step 5: Submit all the gathered documents before the application deadline.
• Step 6: Attend the university interview if any invite has been sent to you.
• Step 7: Once attended, wait for the application letter and arrange the required depository funds for the university.

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Cost of Studying Data Science in USA

The cost to study data science in the USA depends on the university and the location. This cost is divided into two categories: tuition fees and living costs.

Tuition Fees

The data science course fees in the USA depend on the level of your program. Sometimes, the cost is determined by the credit hours you have studied. The US university's tuition fees for data science programs are

• For Bachelor's: USD 34,000 (INR 28,33,460) to USD 67,000 (INR 55,83,580)
• For Master: USD 24,000 (INR 20,00,090) to 56,000 USD (INR 46,66,880)
• For PhD: USD 33,600 (INR 28,00,120) to USD 66,702 (INR 55,58,750)

Cost of Living

The cost of living while pursuing the best data science universities in the USA depends on accommodation and lifestyle. Cities like New York, Boston, and California have a slightly higher cost of living than others. You must spend between USD 1,300 (INR 1,08,330) and USD 2,700 (INR 2,25,010) per month on living. Other expenses, such as transportation, groceries etc are included in it.

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Scholarships For Data Science in USA

Scholarships are a great way to study at the best universities for data science in the USA. It assists you in covering the cost of studying in the country. The US offers several scholarships for international students for a range of courses. These are either university-specific or external sources. Some scholarships are:

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Benefits
ACM SIGHPC Computational and Data Science Fellowship.	Students must have enrolled in a data science graduate program in the application year.	USD 15,000 (INR 12,50,050)
Daniel Larose Scholarship for Data-mining Excellence, Connecticut State University	Master's student pursuing a data science program with good academic records.	USD 4,000 (INR 3,33,340)
Great Minds in STEM Scholarship	Applicants enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program in STEM degree. Must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.	USD 500 (INR 41,660) to USD 5,000 (INR 4,16,680)
Merit-Based Partial Scholarship, University of San Francisco	Incoming students applying for the master's in data science program are eligible.	Varies
Merit & Opportunity Scholarships: University of Washington	Students of the MSDS program are considered for the scholarship.	Varies

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Career Opportunities After Completing Data Science in USA

Since data science professionals mainly analyze large amounts of data to establish a conclusion, various organizations and multinational ventures need this. Hence, the scope of data science in the USA is vast. With a bachelor's or a master's in data science from the US, different companies can quickly hire you.

Here are some of the job profiles of data science professionals, along with their average salaries in the USA:

Job Profile	Average Salary
Analytics Engineer	USD 91,217 (INR 76,01,760)
Data Scientist	USD 98,230 (INR 81,86,200)
Big Data Engineer	USD 94,463 (INR 78,72,270)
Data Analyst	USD 76,210 (INR 63,51,120)
Database Administrator	USD 80,460 (INR 67,05,300)
Machine Learning Engineer	USD 102,837 (INR 85,70,140)

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From the Desk of Yocket

With data science transforming industries worldwide, a degree from one of America's top analytics programs is your ticket to thriving career opportunities. Learn from pioneers of machine learning and AI research at prestigious universities actively steering the future of this high-growth field. Gain specialized skills tailored to your interests, collaborate on real-world projects, and access unrivaled roles across sectors hungry for qualified data talent. So tap into the heart of global tech innovation with a data science master's made in the USA.

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