MS in Business Analytics in USA: Universities, Fees & Scope for 2024

The USA is one of the popular destinations for students to study abroad for a postgraduate degree. An MS in Business Analytics in the USA is one of the best STEM programs, offering the benefits of extended post-study work visas, excellent research opportunities, and lucrative job prospects. With more than 210 prestigious universities offering courses in business analytics, the US is one of the best study-abroad destinations. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, business analysts are expected to witness job growth of 10% between 2022 and 2032, which is higher than the national average. 95,700 jobs are also forecasted in this period. This clearly testifies to the growing demand and career prospects for business analysts in the US and worldwide.  

Read on to learn more about the top universities, cost, eligibility, documents, and career opportunities after a master’s in business analytics in the USA.

Why Study MS Business Analytics in the USA

• The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has reported a 16% growth in business analytics jobs by 2024. 
• Over 210 top-class US universities are offering business analytics courses in USA.
• Business analytics is a STEM program.
• Studying in the US offers international exposure to students as they get to work with global brands. 
• The median annual salary is $99,410 as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A master’s in business analytics from the US opens lucrative career opportunities. 

Top 10 Universities for MS in Business Analytics in USA 

With a wide range of courses, excellent academic curriculum, extensive scope for research, and qualified faculty, universities in the USA are renowned for business analytics degrees. Around 210 globally ranked universities make the US one of the best abroad destinations for business analytics. Below mentioned are some of the top universities in the US for business analytics. 

1. University of Rochester:

With a rank of #=236 in QS World University Rankings 2025, the University of Rochester is a top US university. International students choose business analytics due to the excellent faculty and research opportunities at this University.

2. University of Chicago:

The University of Chicago’s business analytics program falls under the US’s top 20 affordable MS in business analytics programs. It is one of the top-ranked and recognized universities in the US for an integrated business analytics program. 

3. University of Cincinnati:

Business analytics at the University of Cincinnati is one of the prestigious degrees for STEM background students. Students must have a high GRE and GMAT score to secure admission to the University of Cincinnati’s MS business analytics course. The University has the best research opportunities for international students. 

4. University of Connecticut:

The University of Connecticut is one of the renowned universities for comprehensive business analytics courses. Both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business analytics are offered at the university. 

5. University of Michigan:

The University of Michigan is a well-known public university in the USA that offers integrated business analytics programs. 

6. Arizona State University:

Arizona State University is one of the most preferred universities for business analytics. It is a public research university in the US with high scope for innovation and research opportunities. To get admission into ASU’s MS in Business Analytics program, one needs to get good scores on GRE or SAT. 

7. Drexel University:

It is a private university that offers an innovative approach to business analytics modules. Around 21% of the students in Drexel University’s business analytics courses are from foreign countries, and the scope and opportunities for research and development are ample. 

8. University of Minnesota:

An MS in business analytics is one of the most popular specializations which helps bag the highest packages in the US. International students opt for the University of Minnesota’s MS in Business Analytics course due to the affordable fee structure and industry exposure.

9. University of Texas:

An MS in business analytics course is popular and recommended for offering high salary packages. The cost of business analytics at Texas University is affordable. It is one of the prestigious universities in the US, with the best facilities, world-class research opportunities, and excellent academic records. 

10. University of Maryland:

International students opt for business analytics at the University of Maryland due to its excellent education quality and reputation. University of Maryland’s MS business analytics course is one of the most recommended courses designed as per the changing trends of big data. 

Refer to the below-given table for course span and tuition fees at top US universities: 

Institute	Course Span	Fees
University of Rochester	One year	USD 71,000/year ( ₹54 lakh)
The University of Chicago	4-5 quarters	USD 4,965 ( ₹4 lakh)
University of Cincinnati	One year	USD 15,696 ( ₹12 lakh)
University of Connecticut	3 semesters	USD 1,050 per credit ( ₹80,000)
University of Michigan	One year	USD 62,500 ( ₹48 lakh)
Arizona State University	3 semesters	USD 82,032 ( ₹63 lakh)
Drexel University	15 months	USD 1,139 per credit hour ( ₹88,000)
University of Minnesota	One year	$1,605 per credit ( ₹1.22 lakh)
University of Texas	10 months	$53,000 (₹ 40 lakh)
University of Maryland	12 months	USD 59,850 ( ₹47 lakh)

Source: University website

Admission Process for MS Business Analytics

Here is a closer look at the admission process for an MS in business analytics in USA, inclusive of eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. You should do your homework in advance, listing out all these requirements at your preferred universities and then preparing your applications likewise. 

Documents Required for Master’s in Business Analytics in USA

Students taking admission in business analytics need to provide relevant documents for admission. Find below the list of documents to take admission in the US: 

• Academic transcripts are important. It must include certificates and mark sheets of high school, graduation, and postgraduation. 
• Scores of entrance examinations like GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, and others. 
• Students need to provide their English language proficiency test scores. 
• A minimum of two letters of recommendation are needed by a US university. It should be from past employers or faculty members. 
• A well-drafted SOP. 
• A valid passport and other national identification proofs. 
•  Students need to provide evidence about their funding options.  
•  An updated resume is important. If you have prior work experience, it may help waive the need for GRE test scores. Many universities in the US require students with some prior experience. 
• Two passport size photographs
• For every university, there will be an application fee. The fee payment acknowledgement slip is an important document to confirm the application.

Read More: 50 Interesting Facts about the USA

Eligibility for Business Analytics in US

The US universities offer business analytics programs with some very common entry requisites. Students must meet the basic eligibility requirements to fulfill the admission criteria and get a chance to study at top-ranked universities. Find below the common eligibility criteria:

• An excellent academic record is a critical admission criterion. Students need to have a good GPA in their bachelor’s degree and high school. The GPA requirements will not be the same for every university. Most US universities that offer business analytics courses have a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0-4.0 on the 4.0 GPA scale. 
• English language proficiency test scores are important for admission. It is essential to prove English language skills for non-native English speakers to study in English-speaking countries. 
• Schooling of 12 years from a recognized board of study is essential without gaps. 
• Updated resume with some prior job experience is important. Various universities waive the GRE score requirement for students with prior work experience in the US. 
• Standardized entrance examinations like GRE and GMAT are important eligibility criteria for a master’s in business analytics. The minimum score requirement is 650, but it might increase for better-ranked universities. Students need to check the university’s website to know the score requirements for each university. 

To be eligible, you need to have all your documents. Some important documents are academic transcripts and SAT, GMAT, GRE, ACT, TOEFL, and IELTS test scores. Passport, identification proof, and financial proof are essential. Universities need at least two letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.

Read More: Exams Required to Study in the USA

Masters in Business Analytics in USA: GRE Requirement

Most universities in the US that offer Master’s degrees in business analytics require you to submit a GRE score. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized and popular entrance examination that evaluates the readiness among students for a master’s program. 

The GRE score is not common for every university. The minimum GRE score requirement is 280. However, it increases for the top-ranked US universities. International students need to check individual university GRE score requirements before applying. Here are some of the top US universities and their GRE score requirements: 

• MIT(Sloan): GRE 320+ 
• The University of Texas at Austin: GRE 310+
• Arizona State University: GRE 310+
• Michigan State University: GRE: 280+
• Stanford University: GRE 310+
• University of California: GRE 310+

MS in Business Analytics in USA Without GRE

GMAT/GRE scores are used to assess the caliber of students seeking admission to masters. However, there are possibilities that many international students do not have a good GMAT or GRE score. Various universities in the USA require prior work experience and a high GPA to waive the GRE/ GMAT score requirement. Below listed are some of the universities that do not need a GRE or GMAT score: 

• North Carolina University
• Suffolk University
• DePaul University
• Rochester University

Work Experience Requirements for MS in Business Analytics in USA

Work experience is not a requirement when it comes to pursuing MS in business analytics in the USA. The program is structured in a way that students from every background find the curriculum relevant. 

Important Resources to Read About USA:

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Read More: USA F1 Study Visa Interviews

Cost of Studying Masters in Business Analytics in USA

When it comes to studying in the US, it is always an expensive affair. However, partial and full funding opportunities have helped meritorious and needy students to enroll in business analytics programs in the US. The average MS in business analytics in USA fee ranges from 22 lakh to 51 lakh. The public universities offer full funding facilities, while the private ones are very expensive. Studying master’s in business analytics in USA will come with a hefty price tag, but is definitely worth the investment. 

Pre Arrival Cost 

The tuition fee for pursuing MS in business analytics in the US can range anywhere from ₹ 11 lakh to ₹ 63 lakh. 

However, there are other costs involved as well. Often ignored, the pre-arrival expense for masters in the US can cost you around USD 1,885 (₹ 1.44 lakh). 

Here’s the expected breakup:

Expenses	Average Cost (in USD)
Application Fee	80-100
SEVIS Fee F or M visa applicants	350
Visa Processing Fee	185
Standardized Exams	185-275
University Application Fee	50-100

Read More: Cost of studying engineering in USA for Indian students

Affordable Masters in Business Analytics in US

US universities are indeed expensive, especially for STEM programs. However, there are some affordable options available for international students to take up business analytics without paying hefty tuition fees along with living costs. Some of the affordable universities in the US for business analytics are: 

• Oklahoma University:₹11.61 lakh
• Grand Canyon University:₹14.90 lakh
• Bellevue University:₹15.76 lakh

Scholarships for MS in Business Analytics in USA

In addition to exploring college-specific scholarships, applicants can explore the following scholarship options: 

Foreign Fulbright Student Program

The award covers living costs, tuition fees, airfare, books, and health insurance. It can be granted to non-degree postgraduate students as well.

AAUW International Fellowships

It is granted to women applicants who are not US citizens and are in the country for full-time research. An amount worth USD 18,000 is awarded for those in master’s programs.

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

The grant is offered to outstanding applicants from developing countries. The application process is competitive, and scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis.

Read More: Part-Time Job Options in the USA for International Students

MS in Business Analytics in USA Salary

A Master’s in business analytics opens doors to lucrative career opportunities, especially when it is done from a prestigious US university. Being one of the largest economies, the American job market is replete with lucrative job opportunities for business analytics graduates. The salary range is between $51-133,000 per year, according to PayScale.  

MBA vs. MS in Business Analytics

MS in business analytics is completely dedicated to studying business analytics. However, in MBA, business analytics is just a specialization that one may or may not choose.  

MS in business analytics is focused on both practical and theoretical aspects. The program focuses on hands-on experience using machine learning, software engineering, and various business problems. However, in the MBA program, the course is more theoretical with a focus on the application of data analytics in business. 

MS in business analytics is good for students from a technical background; however, for MBA in business analytics, the right students will be those that come from a business background and aim for entrepreneurship in the future. 

Read More: A Guide to Settle in USA from India!

Career Opportunities After Master’s in Business Analytics in USA

• Machine Learning Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Data Architect
• Data Analyst
• Chief Technology Officer 
• Chief Data Officer
• Application Architect
• Project Manager
• Market Research Analyst
• Big Data Analyst

Study Data Analytics in USA with upGrad Abroad: 

Pursue an MS in Data Analytics from Clark University in the US to benefit from a unique curriculum and learnings from institutes such as IIIT-Bangalore and Clark University. 

The 20-month-course will require eight-month of online learning and for the rest of the 12 months, students can travel to the US for on-campus education. 

You can avail the following benefits if you choose to study the course with upGrad Abroad: 

• Dual certification – IIITB as well as Clark University
• GRE Waiver for IIITB learners
• In-built IELTS prep to be provided by upGrad
• STEM programs leading up to three years of OPT
• upGrad end-to-end support for applications and visa
• World-Class Faculty Members & Industry Experts
• Dedicated Student Success Mentor
• One-on-one with Industry Mentors
• Career Essential Soft Skills Program

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Conclusion

Pursuing an MS in Business Analytics in the USA in 2024 represents a strategic decision for students looking to delve into the rapidly evolving field of data-driven decision-making. American universities, renowned for their innovative curricula and industry connections, offer students not only advanced education but also practical experience and networking opportunities. This degree opens doors to a variety of high-demand career paths in sectors like finance, healthcare, technology, and consulting. 

Pursuing a degree in business analytics from an American University opens up various career opportunities for international students. For more information regarding study abroad opportunities, get in touch with the counselors of upGrad Abroad. 

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