Introduction to top universities in the USA for an MS in Business Analytics (MSBA) in 2024
QS Rankings 2024 for Master’s in Business Analytics suggests that among the top 50 universities, 21 are from the USA.
Some of the top MSBA universities in the USA include UCLA Anderson School of Management, MIT Sloan School of Management, The Fuqua School of Business, The University of Texas at Austin–McCombs School of Business, USC (Marshall School of Business), and University of Washington Foster School of Business.
The duration of the best MS in Business Analytics programs in the USA may vary from 10 to 22 months. Most universities require applicants to submit their GMAT/GRE scores. Some universities waive the GMAT/GRE based on merit.
Read below to learn more about the requirements and application process for studying for an MS in Business Analytics at top universities in the USA.
Top 10 universities in the USA for MS in Business Analytics
Let’s have a look at the top 10 universities for an MS in Business Analytics in the USA:
| University Name | QS Business Master’s Rankings 2024: Business Analytics (in the world) | QS Business Master’s Rankings 2024: Business Analytics (in the USA) | Business Analytics Courses Offered | Duration (full-time) | Program/ Tuition Fee* (total) | GMAT/ GRE Requirement |
| UCLA Anderson School of Management | 1 | 1 | Master of Business Analytics | 18 months | $75,445 | Required |
| MIT Sloan School of Management | 2 | 2 | Master of Business Analytics | 12 months | $91,250 | Required |
| The Fuqua School of Business | 5 | 3 | Master of Quantitative Management: Business Analytics | 10 months | $83,500 | Required |
| The University of Texas at Austin – McCombs School of Business | 9 | 4 | Master of Science in Business Analytics | 10 months | $53,000 | Optional |
| USC, Marshall School of Business | 11 | 5 | Master of Science in Business Analytics | 16 months | $72,501 | Not required |
| University of Washington Foster School of Business | 16 | 6 | Master of Science in Business Analytics | 12 months | $57,249 | Required |
| The Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business | 21 | 7 | Master of Science in Business Analytics and Information Management | 12 months | $56,700 | Required |
| Minnesota (Carlson School of Management) | 23 | 8 | Master of Science in Business Analytics | 12 months | $73,350 | Optional |
| Boston University (Questrom School of Business) | 25 | 9 | Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) | 12 – 16 months | $89,166 (for 12 months) and $89,271 (for 16 months) | Required |
| Michigan State University Broad College of Business | =27 | 10 | Master’s in Business Data Science and Analytics | 12 months | $70,759 | Required |
*The fees are relevant to the academic year of 2023-24. Please check the official website to get precise information for your intake year.
Other than the above-mentioned top 10 US universities for MS in Business Analytics, here are some more high-ranking B-schools that you can explore:
| Universities | QS Business Master’s Rankings 2024: Business Analytics (in the world) | QS Business Master’s Rankings 2024: Business Analytics (in the USA) | MSBA Courses Offered |
| Texas A&M University (Mays Business School) | 29 | 11 | Master of Science in Analytics |
| Wisconsin School of Business | 31 | 12 | Master of Business Analytics |
| Rady School of Management, UC San Diego | 34 | 13 | Master of Science in Business Analytics |
| UC Davis, Graduate School of Management | 36 | 14 | Master of Business Analytics |
| University of Maryland, Robert H. Smith School of Business | 38 | 15 | Maryland Smith Master of Science in Business Analytics |
| Arizona State (W. P. Carey School of Business) | 39 | 16 | MS Business Analytics |
| George Washington University School of Business | 40 | 17 | MS Business Analytics |
| Goizueta Business School | 42 | 18 | Master of Science in Business Analytics |
| Notre Dame (Mendoza College of Business) | 43 | 19 | MS in Business Analytics |
| UCI Paul Merage School of Business | 47 | 20 | Master of Business Analytics |
How to choose the best university in the USA offering an MS in Business Analytics?
To choose the best MS in Business Analytics program in the USA, you need to consider factors like:
- The academic quality of a university
- Total fees of the program
- Career Prospects and ROI
- The university’s location and its advantages
However, it can be daunting to explore the websites of more than the top 50 universities in the USA offering an MS in Business Analytics.
For that, a tool like SelectRight can simplify the process significantly. Here’s how:
- World’s #1 may not be your #1. The AI-powered algorithm of SelectRight identifies what’s important for you based on your academic and financial profile. It considers the university’s location, reputation, cost, faculty, curriculum, career services, and more.
- With over 8 million data points and 40,000+ programs, SelectRight helps you make informed decisions that are unaffected by bias.
- There are many programs that banks don’t fund through education loans. SelectRight evaluates the financial viability of programs and avoids them for you. This comes in handy while managing your education cost and securing the necessary funding.
- Unlike commission-driven education counselors, you can receive genuine guidance for your application.
- Through SelectRight, universities can discover your application/ profile and offer fee waivers, invites, or even scholarships. This increases your chances of admission and financial support.
Application process for top MS in Business Analytics programs at universities in the USA
The application process for the top universities in the USA offering an MS in Business Analytics varies. We have listed the common application steps below.
Please note that some universities may include all these steps, whereas some may not. You must visit the official website of the intended universities to get precise information.
- Prerequisites
Common for every university, this step requires candidates to check their eligibility for the program. One must check if their previous academic coursework and professional experience match the program requirements.
- Online application
After ensuring their eligibility, candidates can start filling out their online application form. The application has many requirements that candidates must fulfill to complete their application process.
- Transcripts
Applications need to submit their official or unofficial academic transcripts. This proves whether or not they meet the minimum GPA requirement.
- Personal essays or SOP
Some universities require only one essay, whereas others (like the University of Minnesota) ask applicants to submit two or more. This helps the university understand your background, your future prospects, and your intent for admission.
- Resume
Most B-schools require prior professional experience. It could either be an internship or part-time or full-time work experience. The university can assess whether the candidate meets the professional experience criterion through an updated resume.
- Test scores
Academic tests like GMAT and GRE can be an absolute requirement at some universities and optional at others. On the other hand, language tests are always required for international students.
- LOR
Some universities require applicants to attach a letter of recommendation. Some may also require more than one letter. These letters can come from academic or professional recommenders.
- Application fee
Most universities charge a higher application fee to international students. This can range from $75 to $120 or more.
- Video essay
Some B-schools, like Carlson School of Management, also require applicants to submit a video essay. Applicants usually get impromptu questions for this step in the application process. They only get one chance to record themselves answering the questions.
- Interview
Most universities invite the candidates for a Zoom/online or an in-campus interview. It usually lasts for about 30 minutes.
Eligibility for studying an MS in Business Analytics in the top universities in the USA
The eligibility criteria for the MS in Business Analytics program at top universities in the USA may vary significantly.
Below, you can explore the eligibility requirements for five universities in the USA to understand the general criteria better.
| University | Eligibility Criteria* |
| MIT Sloan | Bachelor’s Degree: Preferably in engineering, mathematics, computer science, or related fields. |
| Work Experience: Recommended but not mandatory. | |
| GMAT/GRE: Required. | |
| English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS for non-native speakers. | |
| Prerequisite Courses: Strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and programming. | |
| NYU Stern | Bachelor’s Degree: From an accredited institution. |
| Work Experience: Minimum of two years preferred. | |
| GMAT/GRE: Required. | |
| English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS for non-native speakers. | |
| Recommendations: Two letters of recommendation. | |
| Georgetown University | Bachelor’s Degree: From an accredited institution. |
| Work Experience: Preferred but not required. | |
| GMAT/GRE: Required. | |
| English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS for non-native speakers. | |
| Essays: Personal statement and possibly a video essay. | |
| Arizona State University | Bachelor’s Degree: In business, engineering, mathematics, or related fields. |
| Work Experience: Not mandatory but preferred. | |
| GMAT/GRE: Required. | |
| English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS for non-native speakers. | |
| Prerequisite Courses: Fundamental courses in statistics and programming. | |
| University of California, Davis | Bachelor’s Degree: Preferably in business, economics, or a related field. |
| Work Experience: Preferred but not required. | |
| GMAT/GRE: Required. | |
| English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS for non-native speakers. | |
| Essays: Personal statement detailing career goals and reasons for pursuing the program. |
*These requirements provide a broad overview; specific details may vary based on your academic year.
GMAT/GRE requirements for studying an MS in Business Analytics at the top universities in the USA
Most universities in the USA require you to submit your GMAT or GRE scores as a part of your application process. Some universities waive off the test scores if you prove your academic excellence by scoring a high GPA in your bachelor’s degree. Although most universities don’t mention the minimum score requirement, the range for GMAT scores may vary from 600 – 740 or higher.
Here’s a list of the top 10 universities in the USA for MS in Business Analytics and their GMAT/GRE requirements:
| University Name | GMAT/ GRE Requirement |
| UCLA Anderson School of Management | Required |
| MIT Sloan School of Management | Required |
| The Fuqua School of Business | Required |
| The University of Texas at Austin – McCombs School of Business | Optional |
| USC, Marshall School of Business | Not required |
| University of Washington Foster School of Business | Required |
| The Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business | Required |
| Minnesota (Carlson School of Management) | Optional |
| Boston University (Questrom School of Business) | Required |
| Michigan State University Broad College of Business | Required |
Scholarships to study an MS in Business Analytics in the USA
Here are some scholarships you can explore to study an MS in Business Analytics in the USA:
| Scholarships/Grants | Scholarship Amount* | Eligibility Requirements | Application Deadlines |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships | Full funding | Indian citizen, Bachelor’s degree, three years of work experience, leadership qualities | June |
| Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships | Full tuition | Indian citizen, admission to Stanford MS program, financial need | March |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships | Up to $100,000 | Indian citizen, exceptional talent, admission to top US institutions | April |
| Rotary Foundation Global Study Grants | Minimum $30,000 | Commitment to international understanding, leadership skills | Varies |
| AAUW International Fellowships | $18,000 – $30,000 | Female, non-US citizen pursuing full-time graduate studies | December |
| Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship | Full funding | From developing countries, admission to a development-related program | April |
| Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program | Full funding | Mid-career professionals, leadership potential, public service commitment | October |
| Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford | Full funding + stipend | Leadership qualities, innovative mindset, admission to Stanford | October |
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship | Needs-based | Indian citizen, demonstrated financial need, academic excellence | March |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | Full funding | Bachelor’s degree, minimum three years of work experience, academic excellence | May |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarships | Interest-free loans up to $100,000 | Indian citizen, academic excellence, financial need | March |
| Generation Google Scholarship | $10,000 | Enrolled in computer science or related field, leadership qualities, strong academic record | April |
*The scholarship amount may vary based on your candidature.
Education loans for an MS in Business Analytics in the USA
You can secure an education loan for an MS in Business Analytics in the USA through banks, NBFCs, or online lenders.
For that, you typically need to provide:
- Your academic records
- Admission letter from a university
- Your/ the co-signer’s financial documents
- Co-signer details
Your education loan can cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and personal expenses. However, to make that happen, you need to compare offers from different lenders and then negotiate.
FundRight simplifies that process for you. This tool allows you to get tailored loan options with interest rates as low as 9.25%*.
You can connect with a global network of over 15 lenders to get the best offer, whether you need a collateral-free loan or a flexible repayment plan.
Benefits of studying an MS in Business Analytics in the USA
Here are 3 ways in which an MS in Business Analytics from top USA universities can benefit you:
- According to the QS World Ranking 2024, many USA universities rank highly for their Business Analytics programs. This is a testament to the cutting-edge curricula and resources you can get by studying in the USA.
- As a graduate of MSBA from a top USA university, you can get access to a lucrative job market. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon recruit MSBA graduates and offer high-paying jobs.
- Many top-ranking universities, like Purdue University, claim a 100% employment rate with 122% ROI for international students. At the University of Minnesota, 92% of graduates received employment offers six months after graduating in 2023.
Career and job opportunities after completing an MS in Business Analytics from the USA
According to Foster Business School at the University of Washington, the average starting salary of an MS in Business Analytics is $114,000. You may be offered various job roles and salary packages based on your skills, educational background, employer, etc.
Here are some top roles you can explore after completing an MS in Business Analytics from top universities in the USA:
| Job Title | Range* | Average* |
| Data Analyst | $56k – $96k | $73,885 |
| Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst | $54k – $93k | $69,954 |
| Data Scientist | $74k – $133k | $101,046 |
| Business Analyst (Unspecified Type) | $51k – $89k | $67,204 |
| Senior Business Analyst | $74k – $128k | $97,174 |
| Data Engineer | $67k – $121k | $89,883 |
| Senior Data Analyst | $66k – $111k | $85,841 |
| Marketing Analyst | $49k – $79k | $62,061 |
| Financial Analyst | $53k – $84k | $67,113 |
| Senior Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst | $74k – $118k | $95,638 |
| Research Analyst | $39k – $67k | $51,293 |
| Analytics Manager | $84k – $133k | $109,730 |
| Marketing Data Analyst | $52k – $85k | $66,599 |
| Senior Data Scientist | $96k – $166k | $131,067 |
*The numbers are estimates and are subject to vary.
FAQs on top universities in the USA for MS in Business Analytics (MSBA)
- What are the top universities in the USA that offer an MS in Business Analytics?
Ans. According to the QS Rankings 2024 for Master’s in Business Analytics, some top-ranking MSBA universities in the USA are UCLA Anderson School of Management, MIT Sloan School of Management, The Fuqua School of Business, The University of Texas at Austin – McCombs School of Business, USC (Marshall School of Business), and University of Washington Foster School of Business.
- What are the typical career paths for graduates of MS in Business Analytics programs in the USA?
Ans. Graduates of MS Business Analytics programs in the USA can find themselves in the roles of a data scientist, business intelligence analyst, marketing data analyst, financial analyst, data engineer, business analyst, data scientist, etc.
- How much can an MSBA graduate earn in the USA?
Ans. An MSBA graduate can earn a starting salary of $114,000 per annum in the USA. The salary package of graduates may vary based on various factors like their skill set, educational background, employer, etc.
