Data Science Courses in USA: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

Data Science courses in USA combine data analysis, machine learning, and AI to solve complex business and research problems. Leading institutions like MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon charge $35,000–$60,000 (₹31–54 L) per year. Graduates often move into roles in tech, finance, and consulting within months, with starting salaries around $85,000–$120,000 (₹75–105 L).

The USA remains a global leader for data science education, with tech hubs fueling record demand for analytics experts, especially in artificial intelligence, big data, and machine learning. In 2024, over 61,800 new roles for data professionals were projected to emerge, while the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts 20% growth in data-related jobs by 2028, far above the national average. 

Leading universities, Harvard, Stanford, MIT, UC Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon, offer competitive Data Science courses in the USA, with tuition ranging from $28K to $75K per annum for international students. Programs typically span 1–2 years, delivering hands-on learning in statistical modeling, cloud computing, and AI systems. Graduates command starting salaries averaging $90,000–$120,000, particularly in metropolitan centers like San Francisco and New York Premium job markets. 

Scroll down to uncover everything you need to know about data science courses in the USA, including eligibility, scholarships, program specializations, application details, and student pathways to top tech careers. 

Highlights of Data Science Courses in the USA

The USA offers top data science courses, ranging from Bachelor’s (BS/BA) to Master’s (MS) programs, equipping students with in-demand skills in big data, predictive modeling, and statistical computing.

Here’s a look at top US universities offering data science courses, their programs, tuition fees, and duration:

Why Study Data Science Courses in the USA:

The USA is home to top-ranked universities known for academic excellence and high graduate employability. With the rise of big data analytics, businesses are increasingly seeking skilled professionals, making the data scientist course in USA highly desirable.

Listed below are some of the reasons for choosing Canada for the study of computer science.

• With a job satisfaction rate of 4.4, a data scientist is  one of the most desired and sought after jobs in the USA.
• San Francisco is the highest paying city for Masters in Data Science in the USA with employees getting 26.4% more salary than the national average. 
• Over 61,799 new jobs in the USA are expected to be created for data scientists and other advanced analytics roles according to IBM’s Analytics Department.
• The demand for data science courses in USA for international students continues to grow, with 61,799 new jobs expected in advanced analytics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data science employment will grow by 20% by 2028, highlighting its strong career prospects.

Best Universities offering Data Science Courses in the USA:

The US  is one of the leaders in the world of education and the USA offers some of the best facilities as well.With the increasing demand for skilled data professionals, choosing the right university is crucial for career success.

Enrolling in top data science courses in USA equips students with expertise in machine learning, AI, and big data analytics, opening doors to high-paying roles in leading industries.

Below is the list of top universities offering data science programs in USA.

Harvard University:  a two years co-op degree programme. The gap between faculty and student is bridged by the low teacher student ratio of 16:1. It is offered by School of Engineering and Applied sciences,

Some of the main courses that students will study in this program are:

• Hyper Personalisation
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Machine Intelligence (MI)
• Augmented Reality
• Behavioral Analytics
• Graph Analytics

The thesis option is also available for those interested in gaining relevant research experience. The course makes the graduates proficient in,

• building statistical models
• data collection & management 
• analyzing massive data sets 
• visualizing data, etc.

University of Stanford: The Data Science programme gives  strong mathematical, statistical, computational, and programming skills, along with providing fundamental data science education through focused and diligent modules  The total number of units in the degree is 45, 36.

Massachusetts University: The Data Science Major degree program combines reasoning to draw conclusions based on big data .The Data Science Major equip students to draw solid and in depth  conclusions from data in context, using knowledge of statistical inference, computational processes, data management strategies, domain knowledge, and theory.

University of California: The importance of data has penetrated through all forms of organizational businesses, like skills and computational works. The university provides sound knowledge and wide in depth study of all aspects of data science. The graduates find themselves in a position of advantage with the globally accepted certificate.

Yale University: The Yale University offers a Master of Arts in Statistics and Data Science duration of 2 years.

•  full-time course and on campus or off campus.
• Areas of study are : statistical theory, probability theory, stochastic processes, asymptotics, information theory, machine learning, data analysis, statistical computing, and graphical methods.
• The student-faculty ratio at Yale University is 6:1, and the school has 72.6% of its classes with fewer than 20 students.

Note: Tuition fees are approximate and may vary based on the specific program and academic year.​

Level of Study in Data Science Programs in the USA :

The data science courses in the USA are offered to the students in various levels and the curriculum for each level is more advanced than the previous one. Students who wish to gain a  masters or bachelors in data science in the USA can choose from a myriad range of specializations. The majority of the data science courses universities offer masters in data science and analytics.

Masters in data science in the USA:  A 2 year program offered by the majority of the universities as a master of science degree. Data science and analytics of big data has become one of  the most necessary disciplines in modern times. 69 of the top most universities in the USA offer MS in Data Science. Some universities like Universities  also offer MS in Analytics which is an interdisciplinary programme of MS in Data Science.

Master in Data Science in the USA revolves around understanding, observing and then analyzing data and its multi faceted usages. Various organizations and institutions have now started to understand the importance of data and its uses. Thus the study of data science has become one of the most sought after disciplines in recent times. Let us now go through the course curriculum,

• Statistics
• Data Mining
• Software Development
• Data Optimization
• Machine Learning 
• Data Mining
• Business Intelligence from Big Data

Eligibility Criteria & Admission Requirements for Data Science Courses in USA

Meeting the data scientist course requirements is essential for securing admission into top data science programs in the USA. Universities assess applicants based on academic qualifications, test scores, and relevant experience to ensure they are prepared for the rigorous curriculum.

Aspiring students applying for the best data science courses in USA must typically meet the following criteria:

Eligibility Criteria for Computer Engineering Courses in the USA

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, economics, and statistics to apply for Masters in Data Science in the USA.
• Minimum Percentage of marks - 70%
• English Test scores according to the needs of the universities
• Various universities require different levels of educational qualification for the study of masters in data science in the USA.
• Applicants must share their GRE scores with the university that they wish to apply
• A Statement of Purpose or SOP for MS in Data Science
• A letter of recommendation issued in favor of the applicant.

Admission process to Study Data Science in USA

A Master’s in Data Science is offered by many of the top-ranked universities in the USA, each with its own admission process and requirements. While application systems vary across institutions, the process is generally outlined on university websites, and the final admission decision is made by the university authorities.

Admission Requirements for Top Universities

Different universities have specific prerequisites for their data science courses in US universities. Below are two examples:

• Stanford University
  • Academic Background: Bachelor’s degree with coursework in linear algebra, statistics, and programming
  • Additional Requirements: Letters of Recommendation (LORs) and a Personal Statement
• Harvard University
  • Academic Background: Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, or Scientific Computing
  • Additional Requirements: LORs and a Statement of Purpose (SOP)

General Documentation Required for Admission

Regardless of the university, most applicants for a data science course in the USA will need to submit the following documents:

• A valid passport
• Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application)
• Application fee payment receipt
• Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status)
• Proof of financial support to cover tuition and living expenses

Meeting these requirements enhances the chances of securing admission to the best data science courses in the USA. Applicants should check individual university websites for specific criteria and deadlines.

Cost of Studying Data Science Courses in USA

Studying data science courses in USA for international students requires careful financial planning, as the cost varies based on the university, program level, and location. Students must consider tuition fees, living expenses, and additional costs such as visa applications, health insurance, and pre-arrival expenses.

Breakdown of Costs for Data Science Courses in the USA

The three main expenses when pursuing data science courses in the USA include:

1. Pre-arrival Costs
Before arriving in the USA, students must account for expenses such as:

• Application Fees: $50 – $150 per university
• Visa Fees: Around $510 (F-1 student visa)
• English Proficiency Tests (TOEFL/IELTS): $180 – $250
• GRE Fees (if required): $205
• Flight Tickets: $700 – $1,500

2. Tuition Fees for Data Science Courses in the USA
The tuition fees vary based on the degree level and university ranking:

• Master’s in Data Science: $21,000 – $75,000 per year
• PhD in Data Science: $30,000 – $60,000 per year
• Bachelor’s in Data Science: $20,000 – $55,000 per year

3. Some universities offer affordable options, while Ivy League institutions and top-ranked schools have higher tuition costs.

4. Living Expenses in the USA
The cost of living depends on the city, lifestyle, and accommodation type. On average, students spend:

• Accommodation: $8,000 – $15,000 per year
• Food and Utilities: $3,000 – $6,000 per year
• Health Insurance: $1,500 – $3,500 annually
• Transportation: $800 – $2,000 per year.

Cities like San Francisco, New York, and Boston tend to be more expensive, while universities in Texas, Michigan, and Ohio offer a lower cost of living.

Scholarships & Financial Aid Available for Data Science Courses in USA

Pursuing a data science course in the USA can be expensive, making it difficult for many students to afford tuition and living expenses. However, several universities, third-party organizations, and government programs offer scholarships to help international students finance their education. These scholarships make data science programs in the USA more accessible and reduce the financial burden.

Below are some of the popular scholarships  to study in the USA for Indian Students pursuing data science courses in the USA:

Career Opportunities After Completing Data Science Courses in USA

After completing a data science course in USA, graduates can expect lucrative career opportunities with high earning potential. The demand for data scientists is rapidly growing, making it one of the most sought-after professions.

For international students pursuing data science courses in USA for international students, the average salary is approximately $155,000 per year.

Top-paying industries for data science professionals include:

• Technology & AI (Google, Microsoft, Amazon)
• Finance & Banking (Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan)
• Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals (Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson)
• Retail & E-commerce (Walmart, eBay, Shopify)

Below is a table highlighting common job roles along with their average annual incomes: