Top Data Science Universities in USA (2026)
Best universities for Data Science, Analytics and Business Intelligence masters programs in USA. We rank 537 universities by QS standing, fees, scholarships and post-study work outcomes for international students.
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Data Science shortlist
For USA applicants
42 FR
Adelphi University
📍 New York, United States
Alliant International University
Alvernia University
📍 Reading, United States
Amherst College
📍 Amherst, United States
Arkansas State University
📍 Arkansas, United States
Atlantis University
📍 Miami, United States
Auburn University at Alabama
Augustana University
📍 Sioux Falls, United States
Avila University
📍 Kansas City, United States
Babson College
📍 Massachusetts, United States
Barcelona Graduate School of Economics
📍 Barcelona, United States
Bellarmine University
📍 Louisville, United States
Belmont University
📍 Nashville, United States
Benedictine University
📍 Chicago, United States
Berk Trade and Business School
📍 New York, United States
berke
Berkel
📍 Bergen, United States
Berkeley College
Berkeley College (Woodland Park)
Berle
Bethel College
Binghamton University
📍 New York, United States
Booth School of Business
Boston University Questrom School of Business
📍 Boston, United States
More top courses in USA
An MS in data science, analytics or business analytics in the USA is billed per credit, per semester or per year: published 2026-27 costs run from $15,684 a semester at UT Dallas (about ₹15 lakh) and $38,087 a year in fees at UC San Diego (about ₹36 lakh) to $52,212 at Illinois Gies (about ₹50 lakh) and $1,922 a credit at Northeastern (about ₹1.84 lakh). Programmes want a four-year degree with calculus, statistics, linear algebra and programming; the GRE is optional or not required at UCSD, Illinois, Northeastern and UT Dallas but mandatory at Georgia Tech. Data-science and analytics CIP codes are on the DHS STEM list, giving 12 months of OPT plus 24 on STEM OPT.
What is an MS in data science in the USA, and how is it different from analytics and business analytics?
Three labels cover most of what Indian students search for as "ms in data science in usa". A data science master's, such as UC San Diego's in-person MS from the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute or Northeastern's MS in Data Science, sits in a computing or statistics unit and leans on machine learning, programming and mathematics. A business analytics master's, such as the Illinois Gies MSBA or UT Dallas's MS in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, sits in a business school and applies the same tools to marketing, finance and operations. An analytics master's such as Georgia Tech's MS in Analytics offers tracks in computational data analytics, business analytics and analytical tools.
The label matters for two reasons. First, who teaches the course decides your prerequisites: a Khoury or HDSI application expects linear algebra, statistics and coding, while a business-school programme reads your work experience and essays more heavily. Second, it decides the CIP code on your I-20. The DHS STEM list updated on 22 July 2024 includes 30.7001 Data Science, 30.7101 Data Analytics, 30.7102 Business Analytics, 27.0501 Statistics and 52.1399 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other. Georgia Tech states that its MS in Analytics is classified under 52.1399, UC San Diego says its in-person data science degrees are STEM designated, and UT Dallas describes its business analytics degree as STEM-designated.
India is the largest source of international students in the United States, with 363,019 in 2024/25, and math and computer science, the field that includes data science, is the leading field at 26% of all international students (Open Doors 2025). Georgia Tech describes its analytics intake as more than 1,000 applications for a class of about 100.
How much does an MS in data science cost in the USA in 2026-27?
Published 2026-27 rates from each university, read on 26 September 2026. Public universities charge international students the non-resident or out-of-country rate; private universities bill per credit. Health insurance, housing and other mandatory fees are extra unless the row says otherwise.
| University and programme | Published 2026-27 cost (USD) | Approx. INR | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern — MS in Data Science (Khoury / Engineering) | $1,922 per credit (≈ ₹1.84 lakh); $61,504 if the programme is 32 credits | ₹58.9 lakh over the degree, if 32 credits | The 32-credit total is an assumption for illustration; confirm your programme's credit count in the Northeastern catalogue |
| Illinois Gies — MS in Business Analytics (entered Fall 2026 or after) | $52,212 international rate | ₹50.0 lakh | Gies offers scholarships under 50% of tuition and no tuition-waiver assistantships |
| Georgia Tech — MS in Analytics (on campus) | $1,917 per credit hour (≈ ₹1.84 lakh); $22,999 a semester for 12+ credits | ₹22.0 lakh a semester | Out-of-country rate; fees are extra; the online OMSA is $360 per credit hour (≈ ₹34,500) and is not a visa route |
| UT Dallas — MS in Business Analytics and AI | $14,784 for 9 credits (non-resident) + $100 per credit Jindal fee (≈ ₹9,600) = $15,684 a semester | ₹15.0 lakh a semester | Other mandatory fees not included; Flex, Cohort and Online options exist |
| UC San Diego — MS in Data Science (in person) | $38,087 a year in registration fees for non-California residents, three quarters | ₹36.5 lakh | Includes $6,660 mandatory health insurance (≈ ₹6.4 lakh); one-time $200 visa administration fee (≈ ₹19,200) |
Sources: Northeastern Student Financial Services, Illinois Registrar, Georgia Tech Bursar, UT Dallas Bursar and UC San Diego registration fee page, all read 26 Sep 2026. $1 = ₹95.8 (Wise mid-market). UC San Diego notes that figures may not be final.
How do you pay for an MS in data science in the USA from India?
Most Indian students fund the first year from savings plus an education loan. A collateral-free loan usually covers only part of a ₹30–60 lakh bill, so ask lenders what a secured loan would add for the balance, and get the sanction letter before the I-20 stage: Illinois Gies says international students must show proof of funding for living expenses in addition to all tuition and fees once they are offered admission.
Scholarships are thin at professional master's level. Gies offers a limited number of merit and need-based scholarships that cover partial tuition, says none reaches 50% of tuition, and states that it provides no teaching, research or graduate assistant jobs that waive tuition. Treat funding as self-financed unless an offer letter states otherwise.
For living and indirect costs, Georgia Tech's 2026-27 cost of attendance for out-of-country students is $22,612 a year on campus (about ₹21.7 lakh) and $25,256 off campus (about ₹24.2 lakh), excluding tuition and fees; use your own university's estimate for other cities. Add the visa costs: the $185 visa fee (≈ ₹17,700) and the $350 SEVIS fee (≈ ₹33,500), about ₹51,000 together. Overseas payments fall under the RBI Liberalised Remittance Scheme and its tax collection rules, so check the current rules with your bank before you remit.
What are the entry requirements and deadlines for an MS in data science in the USA?
Requirements are set programme by programme; these figures are printed on each admission page. TOEFL iBT moved to a 1–6 scale for tests taken from 21 January 2026, so both scales appear. Application fees: Georgia Tech $105 (≈ ₹10,100), Illinois $90 (≈ ₹8,600), UT Dallas $75 (≈ ₹7,200), UC San Diego $155 (≈ ₹14,900).
| Programme | Academic entry | GRE / GMAT | English test | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern MS Data Science | GPA 3.0 / 8.0 of 10 / 80%; maths including linear algebra, calculus and statistics; some programming | Test-optional | TOEFL 90 or IELTS 6.5 recommended; Duolingo not accepted | Fall 2027: 15 Jun 2027 (international, outside US); Spring 2027: 1 Nov 2026 |
| Georgia Tech MS in Analytics | Four-year degree; one college course each in calculus, probability/statistics, linear algebra and programming | GRE or GMAT required, no waivers | TOEFL 5.0 (sections 4) or IELTS 7.5 (6.5/6.5/6.5/5.5) | Priority 1 Jan 2027; late 1 Mar 2027 |
| Illinois Gies MSBA | US four-year equivalent; Traditional or Foundational track; two references; video essay | Optional | Full status: TOEFL 5.0 or 103 (old), IELTS 7.5; limited status: IELTS 6.5 with a placement test | Round 1: 28 Oct 2026; Round 2: 13 Jan 2027; Round 3: 31 Mar; Round 4: 5 May 2027 (final for international students needing a visa) |
| UT Dallas MS BA and AI | GPA 3.0; knowledge of calculus; one letter, essay and resume; all majors considered | Not required; used only if sent | IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 80 or 4 (new) | Check the Jindal programme page for the schedule |
| UC San Diego MS Data Science | Linear algebra, probability/statistics and programming; three letters; transcripts | Not required for Fall 2027 | TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or Duolingo; waiver for English-medium degrees | Opens 14 Oct 2026, closes 2 Dec 2026 (tentative); classes start 20 Sep 2027 |
Sources: Khoury College, Georgia Tech Analytics, Gies College of Business, UT Dallas and UCSD HDSI admission pages, read 26 Sep 2026.
How do Indian degrees, GRE rules and backlogs work for data science applications?
- A four-year BTech/BE in CS, IT, ECE or mechanical engineering is the cleanest route. Georgia Tech states that a three-year degree generally needs a further year of degree study; Northeastern reads a three-year degree if four semesters of marks are uploaded; UT Dallas uses holistic review.
- BCom, BBA, BSc statistics and economics graduates can apply, but the mathematics must be visible. Georgia Tech has admitted students from anthropology, music, law and medicine who showed one college course or equivalent knowledge in calculus, probability/statistics, linear algebra and programming. Illinois MSBA applicants choose a Foundational track if they need to build quantitative skills first, and that choice is final once an offer is made.
- Georgia Tech is the one programme here that insists on a GRE or GMAT score. Illinois says scores are optional; UCSD does not require a GRE for Fall 2027; UT Dallas uses a score only if you send one. If your CGPA is below 8.0, a strong quantitative GRE is still a way to show readiness.
- Upload semester mark sheets and degree certificates. If semester sheets are missing, Northeastern asks for a letter on letterhead listing any retakes or backlogs. Illinois and Northeastern state that a WES evaluation is not needed, while Georgia Tech recommends a credential evaluation to speed up processing.
- Show applied work: a Python or R portfolio with real datasets, a Kaggle record or a data internship, and a statement of purpose that names the track you want. Illinois states that AI-generated essay responses will not be accepted.
How to apply for an MS in data science in the USA: timeline for Fall 2027
The earliest published deadline in this guide is Illinois MSBA Round 1 on 28 October 2026. Pick your programme type first, then work back from the dates in the table. A NexStudy counsellor can sanity-check your shortlist and statement of purpose, but the application remains yours.
September–October 2026: choose data science, analytics or business analytics
Decide whether you want a computing-led or a business-led degree, shortlist 5–8 programmes across the cost range in the table (₹15 lakh a semester to ₹59 lakh over the degree) and confirm the CIP code and STEM designation with each department.
October 2026: tests and Round 1 documents
Book IELTS or TOEFL (Georgia Tech wants IELTS 7.5 or TOEFL 5.0) and, for Georgia Tech, the GRE or GMAT. Gather mark sheets, degree certificates and a backlog note. Illinois Round 1 closes 28 October, and reference letters sent more than 7 days late move you to the next round.
November–December 2026: statements of purpose and recommenders
Write a separate statement for each programme. UCSD closes on 2 December 2026 (tentative). Northeastern's Spring 2027 date for international applicants is 1 November 2026.
January–March 2027: priority rounds
Georgia Tech priority is 1 January and its late deadline 1 March; Illinois Round 2 is 13 January and Round 3 is 31 March. UCSD tells applicants to expect a decision by April.
April–June 2027: offers, deposit, I-20
Compare offers on net cost and CIP code. Illinois Round 4 (5 May 2027) is the final round for international students who need a visa, and Northeastern's Fall deadline for international applicants outside the US is 15 June 2027. Upload proof of funds, such as a loan sanction letter, to receive the I-20.
May–July 2027: visa and remittance
Pay the $350 SEVIS fee (≈ ₹33,500) and the $185 visa fee (≈ ₹17,700), complete the DS-160 and book the interview. Check the current RBI Liberalised Remittance Scheme and tax collection rules with your bank before you send the first tuition instalment.
August–September 2027: arrive
UCSD's Fall quarter starts 20 September 2027; other programmes start in late August. Attend orientation, check in with the international office and confirm the health-insurance requirement for your university.
What does official US labour data say about data science jobs?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (Occupational Outlook Handbook, read 26 September 2026) reports 275,600 data scientist jobs in 2025 and a median annual wage of $120,230 in May 2025, about ₹1.15 crore. It projects employment to grow 35% from 2025 to 2035, adding 95,400 jobs, with about 24,800 openings a year when replacement hires are included. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry qualification and says some employers require or prefer a master's or doctoral degree.
Treat these as occupation-wide averages, not a fresh-graduate offer, and not a statement about how many employers sponsor international graduates. Many data roles are posted under other titles, such as data analyst or machine learning engineer, and BLS counts them in different occupation groups.
How long can you work after an MS in data science: OPT, STEM OPT and the H-1B
After graduation, Optional Practical Training gives 12 months of work related to your degree. If the CIP code on your I-20 is on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, you can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, 36 months in total. You file Form I-765 up to 90 days before OPT expires, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and unemployment is limited to 90 days on OPT plus 60 more on the extension. Check the exact code: a general "management" analytics degree may fall under a different series. Separately, DHS published a final rule on 17 July 2026 to replace "duration of status" with a fixed admission period for F students; a federal court paused it on 14 September 2026 (Ohio State's international office reports a nationwide preliminary injunction), so read our USA student visa guide and ask your DSO before you travel.
The H-1B is the route to longer-term work. The regular cap is 65,000 a year plus 20,000 petitions for beneficiaries with a US master's degree or higher, employers register you for $215 (≈ ₹20,600), and from fiscal year 2027 USCIS applies weighted selection that favours higher OEWS wage levels. A Presidential Proclamation of 19 September 2025 also requires a $100,000 payment (≈ ₹95.8 lakh) to accompany certain new H-1B petitions; reread the USCIS H-1B FAQ close to graduation. Plan for the possibility that you are not selected, and think about Canada, the UK or a return to India as parallel options.
Read the course page for the CIP code and the credit count before you pay a deposit
Frequently asked questions
How much does an MS in data science cost in the USA in rupees?
Published 2026-27 costs range from $15,684 a semester for 9 credits at UT Dallas (about ₹15 lakh) and $38,087 a year in fees at UC San Diego (about ₹36.5 lakh) to $52,212 at Illinois Gies (about ₹50 lakh) and, at Northeastern, $1,922 a credit (about ₹1.84 lakh), roughly ₹58.9 lakh if you take 32 credits. Add living costs and health insurance.
Is the GRE required for an MS in data science in the USA?
Not at most programmes in this guide. UCSD does not require it for Fall 2027, Illinois MSBA and Northeastern treat scores as optional, and UT Dallas uses one only if sent. Georgia Tech's MS in Analytics is the exception: it asks for a GRE or GMAT from every applicant and grants no waivers.
Can a BCom, BBA or BSc graduate do an MS in data science in the USA?
Yes, if the maths and coding are on your record. Georgia Tech expects one course each in calculus, probability/statistics, linear algebra and programming, Northeastern wants several years of maths, and Illinois MSBA has a Foundational track for applicants who need to build those skills first. A three-year degree is accepted by some and not others.
What is the difference between an MS in data science, analytics and business analytics?
Data science programmes sit in computing or statistics units and stress machine learning and mathematics; business analytics degrees sit in business schools and stress decision-making; analytics degrees such as Georgia Tech's combine tracks. The label changes your prerequisites and your CIP code, so compare both before applying.
Is an MS in data science in the USA eligible for STEM OPT?
It is if the CIP code is on the DHS STEM list. The July 2024 list includes 30.7001 Data Science, 30.7101 Data Analytics, 30.7102 Business Analytics and 27.0501 Statistics, which gives 12 months of OPT plus 24 months of extension, 36 months in total, with an E-Verify employer.
Which data science programmes in the USA ask for IELTS 7.5?
Georgia Tech's MS in Analytics requires IELTS 7.5 (or TOEFL 5.0 on the new scale) and Illinois MSBA sets 7.5 for full-status admission. Illinois accepts IELTS 6.5 for limited status with a placement test on arrival, while UT Dallas lists 6.5 and Northeastern recommends 6.5.
How much of an MS in data science in the USA can a scholarship or loan cover?
Scholarships cover little: Illinois Gies offers partial-tuition awards below 50% and no tuition-waiver assistantships. A collateral-free education loan usually covers only part of a ₹30–60 lakh total, and Gies wants proof of funds for living costs as well as tuition once you are admitted.
Official sources used on this page
- Northeastern University — Tuition and fees 2026-27 (graduate per-credit rates) — Northeastern University · checked 26 September 2026
- Khoury College — Master's apply: timelines and admissions requirements — Northeastern University · checked 26 September 2026
- University of Illinois Registrar — 2026-27 graduate and professional tuition rates — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · checked 26 September 2026
- Gies College of Business — MSBA admissions requirements and Fall 2027 deadlines — University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · checked 26 September 2026
- Georgia Tech — Master of Science in Analytics: admissions — Georgia Institute of Technology · checked 26 September 2026
- Georgia Tech Financial Aid — Graduate costs 2026-27 (out-of-country cost of attendance) — Georgia Institute of Technology · checked 26 September 2026
- Georgia Tech Bursar — Fall 2026 tuition and fee rates per semester — Georgia Institute of Technology · checked 26 September 2026
- UT Dallas Bursar — Tuition rates 2026-27 (non-resident graduate) — The University of Texas at Dallas · checked 26 September 2026
- UT Dallas — MS in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence fact sheet — The University of Texas at Dallas · checked 26 September 2026
- UT Dallas Graduate Admissions — International students — The University of Texas at Dallas · checked 26 September 2026
- UC San Diego — Graduate registration fees 2026-27 — University of California San Diego · checked 26 September 2026
- Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute — MS and PhD admissions (Fall 2027) — University of California San Diego · checked 26 September 2026
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook: Data scientists — US Bureau of Labor Statistics · checked 26 September 2026
- Open Doors 2025 — International students in the United States (2024/25) — Institute of International Education / US Department of State · checked 26 September 2026
- DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List (updated 22 July 2024) — US Immigration and Customs Enforcement · checked 26 September 2026
- USCIS — STEM OPT extension — US Citizenship and Immigration Services · checked 26 September 2026
- USCIS — H-1B cap season (FY 2027 weighted selection) — US Citizenship and Immigration Services · checked 26 September 2026
- USCIS — H-1B FAQ (Proclamation of 19 September 2025) — US Citizenship and Immigration Services · checked 26 September 2026
- Ohio State University OIA — Duration of Status final rule and 14 Sep 2026 preliminary injunction — The Ohio State University · checked 26 September 2026
- Study in the States — Final rule on a fixed period of admission for F students (FAQ) — US Department of Homeland Security · checked 26 September 2026
- US Department of State — Fees for visa services — US Department of State · checked 26 September 2026
- ICE SEVP — I-901 SEVIS fee — US Immigration and Customs Enforcement · checked 26 September 2026
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation — Scholarships (published list of ineligible subjects) — Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation · checked 26 September 2026
- Wise — USD to INR mid-market rate — Wise · checked 26 September 2026
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