MS in Data Analytics in USA 2025: Top Universities, Fees, Eligibility & Jobs

With more than 500 tech companies, and Data and Machine Learning becoming more popular by day, students are eagerly looking to pursue MS in Data Analytics in USA. The USA is the global technological powerhouse, with some of the best universities and companies, good career opportunities, and it gives you exposure that will help you personally grow.

Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider a Master's in Data Analytics in the USA:

• Top-ranked universities: The USA is home to some of the highest globally ranked universities like Carnegie Mellon University and the University of California, which are among the top 100 QS universities in 2025. 
• High Average Pay: The average salary of a Data Analyst in the USA is around INR 60 lakhs to INR 1.5 crore.
• Skill-based learning: The Universities in the USA are focused on providing a practical learning experience by including problem-solving skills, data visualization, and machine learning in their curriculum.
• Technology Hub: The USA is a technology and Science Hub with almost 500 tech companies, creating job opportunities for various skilled professionals. 

The master’s in Data Analytics course in the USA is a 1 to 2 year extensive program with a specific focus on subjects like data science, big data, data analysis, and more. More than 250 universities in the USA offer MS in Data Analytics.  But how do you decide which university is the best one for you? 

Here are the top 10 universities in the USA for pursuing a Master’s in Data Analytics:

Let’s go through these universities in detail:

1. University of California Berkley

At UC Berkley, a top university for Master's in Data Analytics in USA, you get a 11-month course focused on analytical methods and tools for optimization, statistical analysis, and risk management. UC Berkeley has 4 units in their curriculum with 25 units of coursework along with an exam. 

2. University of Chicago

The Master’s of Analytics Program at the University of Chicago, a renowned MS in Data Analytics university in the USA, trains you in advanced programming and data engineering architecture skills to successfully tackle automated machine learning, big data, and cloud computing platforms. This also helps you address the large engineering challenges associated with parallel processing and real-time artificial intelligence solutions.

3. Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the top universities for MS in Data Analytics in the USA. It offers a rigorous Data Science program where you will research, produce capstone projects, and interact with industry professionals. As an Ivy League institute, Columbia has a strong alumni network in data science at companies like Amazon, Alibaba, Bilibili, and more.

4. New York University

NYU offers one of the top master's programs in Business Analytics and AI, which is focused on helping you utilize innovative methodologies to support data-driven decisions and influence AI applications. 

5. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University offers a 1 year Master's program in Data Analytics. The program starts from the fall semester, and you will be taught subjects like linear algebra, programming, machine learning, and more. For graduation, you need to submit a semester-long capstone project in collaboration with an industry partner. 

6. Tufts University

If you are looking for an excellent Master's in Data Analytics program in USA, Tufts University offers an interdisciplinary master’s program that teaches you to gather, interpret, and apply data-driven techniques. This program gives you the knowledge to define and solve complex data-based problems using appropriate statistical methodologies. It also helps you learn how to select appropriate statistical and predictive methods with both sparse and large data sets.

7. George Washington University

This top Master's in Data Analytics program is led by the top faculty members of the School of Engineering & Applied Science and the Business School. The master of Data Analytics at GWU allows you to learn how to apply data science and analytics techniques in the decision-making process of a variety of organizations. 

8. Northeastern University

If you want to pursue an MS in Data Analytics in USA, Northeastern University offers a 24-month program consisting of 32 credits. The Master's in Data Analytics teaches you advanced mathematics, computing, and data engineering, preparing you for industrial jobs, research, and doctoral programs in health, security, and sustainability.

9. Georgia State University

The Data Analytics program at Georgia State University features a multidisciplinary curriculum, drawing insights from statistics, computer science, and business management. This will teach you about the statistical and computational methods for collecting, storing, and processing the data. It may include identifying patterns in large data sets, predicting and interpreting the findings, and making some data-driven decisions.

10. Louisiana State University

The top MS in Data Analytics program at LSU offered by the Stephenson Department of Entrepreneurship and Information Sciences, emphasizes the use of business analytics, business intelligence, and information technology in solving problems in the fields of computer science, statistics, and operations research. 

Note: While the deadline for the on-campus MS in Data Analytics program has passed, you can still apply for the online program. You can apply by May 5, 2025, and you will have an extensive 3-semester curriculum, with projects

The cost of pursuing a Master's in Data Analytics in USA is between INR 43 lakhs to INR 87 lakhs. This includes your tuition fees and your living expenses. Although studying in USA is significantly more expensive than in other countries, you get a 100% ROI in 2 years - a totally worthy investment. 

Let’s discuss the tuition fees and living expenses for your MS in Data Analytics in USA:

Tuition fee

The average fee in the USA for a Master’s degree in Data Analytics ranges from USD 35,500 to USD 90,000 (INR 30 lakh to INR 78.8 lakh).

Here are some of the top universities and their tuition fees for Master's in Data Analytics:

Cost of Living

Studying in the USA costs 70.5% more than studying in India. Additionally, living costs in the US exceed those in India by 83%. Depending on the city and your expenses, you will spend between USD 792 and USD 1,650 per month on living costs in the USA.

Here is a breakdown of what your expenses might look like once you start your MS in Data Analytics in USA:

More than 250 universities in the US offer MS in Data Analytics with over 10 specialisations, such as data engineering, IT, and analytics. Choose your specialisation based on your academic interests and career goals.

Let's look at the top Data Analytics courses in the USA

An MS in Big Data in the US is a competitive degree. Admissions to a top university will have a rigorous application process and strict eligibility criteria. 

Here is an overview of the overall eligibility and admission requirements for your application:

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for MS in Data Analytics in USA, you must have a good academic record and work experience (as required by the target universities). Keep these points in mind:

• A bachelor’s degree in Data Analytics or a related field with a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. 
• All of your academic transcripts and bachelor’s degree certificates. 
• Passport and Visa application. 
• Test score certificates of GRE or GMAT and English language proficiency test scores (check the score cut-off)
• Work experience of at least 2 years is not necessary for all universities but recommended to have better chances of admission. 

Entrance Exams Accepted by Universities for Master's in Data Analytics

Many STEM-related degrees in the US require a competitive GRE score. Although not mandatory, it gives a significant edge to your overall profile, demonstrating your academic calibre. The GRE and GMAT scores needed for admission to ms in Data Analytics is:

• GMAT: 580 to 700
• GRE: 310+

English Proficiency Requirements

Apart from standardized test scores, you also need to show proof of English proficiency if you are not a native of an English-speaking country. Some of the widely accepted English Proficiency Tests and scores are as follows:

Documents Required

Once you are set with all your test scores and eligibility criteria, the next step is to prepare all the documents required for your application process. Some of the necessary documents for your application form are as follows:

• Bachelor’s degree certificate and official academic transcripts.
• An SOP and at least 2 LORs.
• An industry-specific/ updated resume 
• GMAT or GRE test score certificates, along with English proficiency test score certificates.
• Essays are required by the universities. 
• A copy of your passport.

Visa Requirements for Indian Students to Study in the USA

After your application form has been approved by the university, the next step is to prepare your student visa. In order to study in the USA you will need an F-1 Student Visa, and for this visa (SEVIS), you need an acceptance form from a Student and Exchange Visitor Program-approved institution.

Here is an overview of all the requirements for your US visa application:

• A passport. 
• I-20 Form and DS-160 confirmation page. 
• SEVIS fee payment receipt. 
• Acceptance letter. 
• Academic transcripts. 
• Proof of funds. 
• English Language Proficiency.

Suggested: How Much Bank Balance is Needed for an F1 Visa?

GRE preparation takes a significant amount of time and energy. And it’s not always a guarantee that you’ll be able to secure the best score in one go. You’re probably thinking - I’d rather spend this time preparing for the applications and interviews, right? 

You’re thinking right! Currently, more than 60% of American universities offer an MS program without GRE scores.

If you’re looking for MS in Data Analytics without a GRE score, check this list out:

For your admission to the Data Analytics Master’s program, it is essential to complete the university application form with precision. Make sure you provide all the correct and up-to-date information on your application and read all the rules and regulations carefully. 

Here are some of the basic steps for your admission to MS in Data Analytics programs in the USA:

• Step 1: Find the right university and course for your master’s degree in Data Analytics.
• Step 2: Check the eligibility requirements of the program you are applying for.
• Step 3: Submit all the required documents along with the essays required by the respective institutes. 
• Step 4: Complete the application form and pay the required application fee.
• Step 4: Prepare for the interview if required.
• Step 5: Follow up with any other instructions provided by the university.

Now that you know about the top universities for MS in Data Analytics and their admission requirements, let’s talk about scholarships and financial aid for the same.

Studying in the USA is more expensive than in other countries, but is it worth it? Absolutely! With high-quality education, a great opportunity for career advancements, and more than 162 scholarships available in the US for Indian Students, this is the best bet you can take

So - unless you’re not planning on having a great career and standard of living, skip this part! 

After MS in Data Analytics, you can work as a data administrator, data scientist, or ML engineer. The average salary will range from USD 70,000 to USD 100,000 (INR 60 lakhs to INR 85 lakhs).

Research projects a 26% increase in Data Analytics job roles by 2030 in the US. With data becoming more and more important to our daily lives - be it simple, domestic chores or building machine language algorithms, this is the best time for you to pursue MS in Data Analytics in USA. And the job market keeps getting better. 

Here are some of the top job prospects as a Data Analytics graduate that you might like:

Did you know that there has been a 35% increase in Indian students applying to US universities? So, how do you plan on combating this competition for your top admit to MS in Data Analytics?

Well, don’t worry, Yocket is here to help you. Get on a free 1:1 call with our counselors.

With more than 10 years of industry experience, and helping students like you get top admits in the US, trust us on this. Connect with us today!