50 Best MBA Programs in Data Analytics for 2025

MBA Programs in Data Analytics
Tuition, ROI, Graduate Salary, GMAT Requirements

10 Best Ranked | Interactive Table | Salaries | Tuition | ROI | GMAT | Career Outlook | How We Rank

Executive Summary for MBA Programs in Data Analytics MBA Programs

The ranking team at MBAGuide.org, evaluated 303 Data Analytics MBA programs. Here is a summary of our comprehensive findings. Explore the details about the Data Analytics MBA, compare schools, find states and cities where the degree is offered.

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Best 10 MBA Programs in Data Analytics

Interactive Table: 50 Best Ranked MBA Programs in Data Analytics

Easily sort the interactive table to find the best Data Analytics MBA programs by Rank, School Name, ROI, Tuition, Average Starting Salary, and Campus or Online to find and to compare MBA programs in Data Analytics. Click on any school for a comprehensive school profile.

Rank	University	ROI	In State Tuition	Avg. Starting Salary	State	Online
1	The University of Texas at Dallas	243.00%	$45,000	$123,163	TX	Yes
2	Indiana University Bloomington/Indianapolis	124.00%	$29,573	$136,352	IN	Yes
3	Harvard University	17.00%	$149,820	$175,000	MA	No
4	University of Washington	97.00%	$76,890	$151,322	WA	No
5	University of Wisconsin-Madison	114.00%	$55,575	$118,983	WI	Yes
6	Northwestern University	8.00%	$162,030	$175,000	IL	No
7	Michigan State University	246.00%	$34,564	$119,539	MI	Yes
8	The University of Georgia	294.00%	$30,606	$120,510	GA	Yes
9	University of South Carolina	269.00%	$26,485	$97,819	SC	No
10	University of Massachusetts Boston	537.00%	$19,499	$124,277	MA	Yes
11	University of Virginia-McIntire	4.00%	$151,200	$157,090	VA	No
12	Emory University	-1.00%	$151,689	$149,759	GA	No
13	The University of Texas at Austin	20.00%	$120,432	$144,564	TX	No
14	Southern Methodist University	27.00%	$96,788	$122,609	TX	Yes
15	University of Southern California	-3.00%	$154,339	$150,314	CA	Yes
16	Georgetown University	11.00%	$124,814	$138,552	DC	Yes
17	The University of Iowa	381.00%	$23,453	$112,820	IA	No
18	University of California, Berkeley	9.00%	$139,628	$152,831	CA	No
19	University of St. Thomas-Minnesota	67.00%	$61,596	$102,900	MN	Yes
20	New York University	1.00%	$160,130	$161,475	NY	No
21	University of Pennsylvania	-7.00%	$179,852	$166,391	PA	No
22	University of Maryland	22.00%	$98,865	$121,103	MD	Yes
23	University of California, Los Angeles	3.00%	$142,142	$146,727	CA	No
24	University of Florida	343.00%	$26,473	$117,197	FL	Yes
25	Carnegie Mellon University	-0	$147,456	$148,067	PA	Yes
26	The Pennsylvania State University	87.00%	$61,236	$114,483	PA	Yes
27	University of Illinois at Chicago	179.00%	$60,264	$167,977	IL	Yes
28	American University	8.00%	$98,282	$105,666	DC	Yes
29	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	-3.00%	$164,000	$159,391	MA	No
30	The George Washington University	3.00%	$113,090	$115,951	DC	No
31	Boston University	-3.00%	$124,248	$120,884	MA	Yes
32	Fordham University	28.00%	$99,497	$127,511	NY	Yes
33	University of Hartford	213.00%	$30,168	$94,500	CT	Yes
34	Texas A&M University	86.00%	$62,000	$115,585	TX	No
35	The University of Michigan	12.00%	$137,056	$153,465	MI	Yes
36	Cornell University	-3.00%	$159,820	$155,048	NY	No
37	University of Notre Dame	8.00%	$123,500	$133,018	IN	No
38	New Jersey Institute of Technology	49.00%	$66,576	$99,501	NJ	Yes
39	University of Tennessee at Knoxville	161.00%	$38,875	$101,400	TN	Yes
40	Northeastern University	-2.00%	$102,582	$100,063	MA	Yes
41	Washington University in St. Louis	-12.00%	$134,020	$117,687	MO	Yes
42	Duke University	-3.00%	$157,546	$152,297	NC	Yes
43	Arizona State University	106.00%	$60,393	$124,664	AZ	Yes
44	University of Utah	77.00%	$65,700	$116,348	UT	Yes
45	University of California, Irvine	26.00%	$97,342	$122,899	CA	No
46	Baruch College-The City University of New York	218.00%	$37,338	$118,633	NY	Yes
47	University of Massachusetts Amherst	231.00%	$33,622	$111,227	MA	Yes
48	Santa Clara University	45.00%	$83,860	$122,000	CA	Yes
49	Temple University	60.00%	$60,000	$95,989	PA	Yes
50	University of Cincinnati	263.00%	$23,996	$87,013	OH	Yes

An MBA program in Data Analytics will cost you between $9,212.00 to $179,852.00.

• Number of Programs Offering Data Analytics MBAs: 303
• Average GMAT Score for Data Analytics MBA Programs: 575
• Average In-State Tuition for Data Analytics MBA Programs: $47,384.19
• Average Graduate Salary for Data Analytics MBA Programs: $86,511
• Average ROI for Data Analytics MBA Programs: 159%

Compare Data Analytics MBA Program Averages vs Campus

Averages	MBA Programs	Online MBA Programs
Number of Programs	303	240
Average Starting Salary	$86,511	$83,150
Average MBA Tuition	$47,384	$41,962
Average ROI	159%	171%
Average GMAT Scores	575	568
Average MBA Student Faculty Ratio	16:1	17:1

Read about our ranking methodology.

What is the Average MBA Salary for Data Analytics Graduates?

Though it’s not the only factor, compensation is an important consideration for individuals considering obtaining an MBA degree. Salaries for graduates with master’s degrees in Data Analytics can be significantly higher than those of graduates with only a bachelor’s degree. In addition, advance salary projections from the US Department of Labor show that average MBA salaries are expected to increase by 13.5% each year through the year 2028 with an annual need of 99,000 new managers needed each year.

MBA salaries differs wildly depending on the program you chose, the industry you enter and the experience you have. After earning an MBA from Arkansas Tech University, the average MBA graduate annual salary is $44,250 . A degree from Northwestern University, will provide an annual salary of $175,000.

Average MBA starting salary for graduates from accredited programs is $86,511 with the lowest of starting of $44,250 and the highest reported starting salary of $175,000.

What is the Average In-Person MBA Tuition for Data Analytics Programs?

If you plan on attending an MBA program, it’s best to start thinking about fiscal responsibility. A prospective B-Student needs to weigh their tuition options. An AACSB-accredited MBA program can pave the way for a great starting salary or career advancement. An MBA program can provide the flexibility of completing a program while being employed in your respective career.

The average in-state tuition for an MBA in Data Analytics is $47,384.19 compared to an average campus program Data Analytics is $47,384.19. The lowest AACSB tuition rate at $9,212.00 from Southern Utah University. The highest AACSB tuition rate is $179,852.00 from University of Pennsylvania.

What is the Average ROI for MBA Programs in Data Analytics?

Choosing an MBA program requires more than a glance at the school’s reputation or curriculum. The return on investment (ROI) should take center stage in your evaluation. This measurement reveals the potential value derived from your tuition investment, putting key factors such as starting salary and career progression under the microscope.

By scrutinizing the ROI, you’re not just making a decision—you’re making an informed one. This approach will ensure the selection of an MBA program that provides the most bang for your buck. Checking the ROI might not be an afterthought; it could be the game-changer in your MBA journey.

For MBA programs in across the U.S., the ROI ranges from -40% to 655%.The lowest MBA ROI of -40% is from the program at Rochester Institute of Technology.The highest MBA ROI of 655% is offered by East Texas A&M University.On average, MBA programs across the U.S. have an ROI of 186%.

What is the Average GMAT Score Needed for an MBA Program in Data Analytics?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized examination used by MBA schools to assess their applicant pool. The test is strategically designed to measure an applicant’s analytical, verbal, writing and mathematical skills. The GMAT is used as a predictor of success in MBA programs and tests one’s ability to successfully handle the advanced quantitative and qualitative study of business and management.

Even though some B-Schools may not require a GMAT Scores, there’s a good chance that a highly-competitive MBA program does require the GMAT. With that being said, average GMAT Scores for in-person MBA programs in Data Analytics is 575 with a highest of 733 and the lowest of 265

The average GMAT score needed for a Data Analytics MBA program from an institution is between 265 from University of Wisconsin-River Falls to 733 from University of Pennsylvania. The average GMAT scores for Data Analytics MBA programs is 575.

It’s important to note that not all MBA programs require a GMAT Score for admissions, but most reputable programs do. With that being said, if you have your eye on a list of competitive programs, it’s best to boost your GMAT Score accordingly. Outside of a solid GMAT Score, B-School admissions departments look at a candidate’s undergraduate GPA, professional experience, letters of recommendation, CV, and personal statement. A strong undergraduate performance may offset a sub-part GMAT Score. The average GMAT Score for on-campus MBA programs in Data Analytics is a 574.76 compared to an average MBA program score of 574.76. It is recommended that each B-School applicant take a GMAT diagnostic test in order to determine whether or not further study and/or a prep course is needed to boost your score.

No GMAT or GRE: Best MBA Programs in Data Analytics

More than 233 AACSB accredited MBA programs do not require their applicants to take GMAT exam. Many well-known programs such as the University of Michigan and the University of California, Los Angeles no longer require the exam. If you are unsure where you would like to take your program, then you should take the GMAT sooner rather than later so you don’t lose time meeting the score requirement of a program.

For most students, their professors are the first exposure to the business world. They are normally practitioners in the field and have successful risen to the top of their respective careers. B-School Data Analytics Professors can guide you toward a specific concentration, provide the latest industry trends, and put you on the right track, career-wise. The Student/Faculty ratio is important to those interested in building a lasting relationship with their professor. To use them as a networking opportunity and an advisor.

MBA Program Options Available for Data Analytics MBA Programs

Options for earning your Data Analytics MBA have never been more flexible. Data Analytics MBA programs have become adept at offering effective alternatives for you to earn your MBA, no matter your life situation or schedule.

There are 303 Data Analytics accredited MBA programs. 13 private and 189 public schools offering Data Analytics MBA programs.

Number of Award Earned for MBA Programs Offering an Data Analytics Degree

The ranking of MBA programs is certainly not an exact science and plenty of subjective reasoning and biases come into play. We offer insights into ranking as another way to evaluate a potential MBA program.

Of the 303 accredited MBA programs offered in Data Analytics, 283 of them have been recognized by at least one distinguished publication MBAGuide, PQ, US News, Forbes, BW, FT and Economist garnering an award as one of the best MBA programs in the country.

• University of Virginia-McIntire: 7
• Indiana University Bloomington/Indianapolis: 7
• Michigan State University: 7
• University of Wisconsin-Madison: 7
• University of Southern California: 7
• University of Notre Dame: 7
• University of Washington: 7
• University of California, Irvine: 7
• The Ohio State University: 7
• University of California, Los Angeles: 7
• University of Pennsylvania: 7
• Boston University: 7
• Duke University: 7
• Cornell University: 7
• New York University: 7
• The University of Iowa: 7
• Georgetown University: 7
• Purdue University: 7
• Washington University in St. Louis: 7
• Northwestern University: 7

Publications and the number of awards granted for an MBA degree in Data Analytics :

• MBAGuide: 283
• US News: 70
• Forbes: 55
• BW: 61
• FT: 37
• Economist: 39

What Is a Typical Curriculum Offered by Data Analytics MBA Programs?

The prerequisites are a bachelor’s degree in a particular business course; GMAT is the most common test for entry in the MBA. Moreover, applicants will be asked about their work experience as well. MBA data analytics curriculum offers fundamental business courses like finance, economics, marketing, operations management, leadership. It is combined with data-focused topics like database management, social media analytics, data mining in business analytics, marketing analytics and related courses.

• Database Management: introduces the MBA students to understand organizing, storing, and retrieving data from the computer. This subject allows students to change the data into information to support making decisions in professional life.
• Social Media Analytics: helps the MBA student to understand and find meaning in data collected from social media accounts to make students measure and draw actions based on the data from social media.
• Marketing analytics: includes the study of data gathered via marketing campaigns to understand consumer behavior, conversions, regional performance, and much more.
• Operations Management: provides MBA the study of business practices to develop the highest efficiency level within an organization.
• Data Mining for Business Analytics: gives the MBA students an understanding of how to retrieve data and convert information to pull out customers’ behavior and learn more about them.
• Project Management: provides the MBA students with the market understanding of project management, how to work and distribute the work among the team to achieve organizational goals.
• Data Cleaning: develops the skill of MBA students to clean or remove any inaccurate data from the record, table, or dataset and replace it with the correct one.

What is the Average ROI for Data Analytics MBA Programs?

The average ROI full-time for MBA programs in Data Analytics is 159% with a highest of 655% and the lowest of -40%.

Return on investment (ROI) is an essential factor when considering which MBA program(s) to apply to. To calculate ROI, consider both the tuition for the MBA program and the average salary a graduate earns. The average tuition cost for an MBA degree in Data Analytics is approximately $47,384.19, while the average starting salary for MBA graduates is around $86,511.15. To calculate ROI, you need to subtract the tuition from the salary and divide by the tuition cost. This will give you a rough estimate of how much value you will get out of the MBA Data Analytics.

The average ROI for all MBA programs in the United States is 186%. The average ROI for Data Analytics programs is 159%.

What is the Average GMAT Needed for Data Analytics MBA Programs?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized examination used by MBA schools to assess their applicant pool. The test is strategically designed to measure an applicant’s analytical, verbal, writing and mathematical skills. The GMAT is used as a predictor of success in MBA programs and tests one’s ability to successfully handle the advanced quantitative and qualitative study of business and management.

The average GMAT scores full-time MBA programs in Data Analytics is 567 with a highest of 737 and the lowest of 265

More than 233 AACSB accredited MBA programs do not require their applicants to take GMAT exam. Many well-known programs such as the University of Michigan and the University of California, Los Angeles no longer require the exam. If you are unsure where you would like to take your program, then you should take the GMAT sooner rather than later so you don’t lose time meeting the score requirement of a program.

The average GMAT score needed for a Data Analytics MBA program from an institution is between 265 from University of Wisconsin-River Falls to 737 from Stanford University. The average GMAT scores for Data Analytics MBA programs is 567.

Career Outlook, Industry Demand, and Professional Opportunities in 2025 for Data Analytic MBA Graduates

What is an MBA in Data Analytics?

An MBA in Data Analytics combines the field of data analytics and business skills. This degree offers specialized courses like entrepreneurship, financing, international business and organization development along with data analysts, data mining and visualization, etc. Students will be able to learn about business intelligence, data analytics, and information technology. This degree will equip the students with cutting-edge knowledge and specialized skills like business process analysis and predictive modeling, data management, and business processes. This degree can secure you jobs with the following titles like business analyst, systems analyst, data architect, and business intelligence developer.

MBA in Data Analytics vs Master’s of Data Analytics

MBA in data analytics covers the business, information science, and technology to provide knowledge of the business field and analytics, modeling, and data mining. Though it mainly focuses on business planning, management also provides a deep understanding of the technicalities of the analytics field to solve complex problems.

On the other hand, a Master’s in Business Analytics is a more technical-oriented field. Its curriculum involves programming languages, data quality management, data mining, and modeling with an overview of the business field.

MBA in data analytics skills are more towards the business field with an understanding of analytics tools. In contrast, a master’s in business analytics provides technical expertise with an overview of business-related fields.

MBA gives a wider horizon since it covers both the business and data analytics fields. In the case of MS, it’s more limited as it develops core technical skills with less emphasis on the business field. However, both fields have bright chances in the future, and it depends upon students’ interest and scope which one they want to opt for.

What is the Outlook for Data Analytics Careers?

Data analytics remains one of the fastest-growing fields in information technology. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of data scientists and mathematical science occupations is projected to grow 36% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by organizations recognizing the value embedded within their data repositories and the need for skilled professionals to extract actionable insights.

The importance of data retention, strategic data mining, and deriving value from stored information has become a board-level concern for many companies. Experienced data analytics teams are crucial in transforming terabytes of data into valuable intelligence on customer behavior, product performance, and overall business efficiency. Data analytics plays a vital role in measuring return on investment (ROI) and return on assets (ROA), making it an indispensable function in modern business strategy.

The career prospects for data analytics professionals continue to be robust in 2024. The multifaceted nature of the field allows for diverse career paths, including roles such as operations manager, business analyst, and project manager. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for operations research analysts, which include business analysts, will grow by 23% from 2021 to 2031.

Beyond traditional data analysis roles, professionals with data analytics skills can explore opportunities in journalism, financial analysis, digital marketing management, and more. The application of data analytics in business is ubiquitous, as companies increasingly rely on data-driven insights for growth and decision-making.

While historical data suggested that Colorado and Texas were leading states for data analyst hiring, the landscape has evolved. As of 2024, data from the CompTIA Tech Jobs Report indicates that California, Texas, and Virginia are among the top states for tech job postings, including data analytics positions. The trend of companies relocating and embracing digital transformation continues to drive demand for data analytics professionals across various regions.

As organizations undergo digital transformations, whether through relocation or internal initiatives, data analytics has become a critical component of strategic planning. Companies are leveraging data to innovate their business models, optimize processes, and gain competitive advantages in their respective markets.

The outlook for data analytics careers remains highly positive, with increasing demand and competitive compensation packages. As businesses continue to recognize the value of data-driven decision-making, the importance of skilled data analytics professionals is expected to grow across industries and geographical locations.

Where Do Data Analytics MBAs Work?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, operations research analysts held about 123,300 jobs in 2023. The industry you work in significantly influences your salary and job prospects. The CompTIA Tech Jobs Report indicates that certain industries offer higher salaries, with finance and insurance, information technology, and scientific and technical services accounting for a large portion of data job openings.

Here’s a breakdown of the largest employers of operations research analysts:

Industry	Percentage
Finance and insurance	27%
Professional, scientific, and technical services	22%
Management of companies and enterprises	9%
Manufacturing	6%
Federal government	6%

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023) shows that the mean annual wage for operations research analysts was $95,600. However, salaries can vary significantly based on industry, location, and experience.

Top-paying industries for operations research analysts include:

1. Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation)
2. Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities
3. Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing
4. Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing
5. Scientific Research and Development Services

Additionally, Zippia reports that some of the best companies for operations research analysts include Ernst & Young, McKinsey & Company, and Bain & Company, with average salaries ranging from $123,711 to $141,584.

For those with an MBA in Data Analytics, career opportunities extend beyond traditional analyst roles. According to Kent State University, potential career paths include:

1. Business Development Manager
2. Business Systems Analyst
3. Data Architect
4. Statistician
5. Data Scientist
6. Application Architect
7. Market Research Analyst

This diverse range of opportunities spans various industries, showcasing the versatility and high demand for professionals with advanced data analytics skills.

What Skills Does an MBA in Data Analytics Need

• Data Visualization – How to present data is equality critical to the data itself. Without strong data presentation and skillful visualization capability; explaining the value of data mining, analytics, and the true connection back to the business becomes near impossible for the target audience to understand the value. The audience needs to understand the investment in analytics and data mining. Without a strong visualization, many will get lost in the mounts of excel spreadsheets and pivot tables.
• Strong Analytical and Statistical: Data analytics and mining is about math and computations. The relevance of the data set in many cases can be time sensitive. Real-time analytics for industry 4.0, autonomous cars, and Internet of Things is directly connected to computation time and data visualization feeding into a machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithm. Computation skills help insure property mining consistency along the correct time of delivery into the ML and AL engines.  Having a strong analytical mind will help greatly. The creation of the relevant data set modeling is critical to feeding into the computation and content delivery layers. Determining out of the terabytes of data available within the organization’s data lakes is very important. What data to keep and what to use in analytic modeling could make the difference in the overall mining strategy.
• Communication Skills: Along with strong visualization, having excellent communications is a must. While the data scientist may understand all the data computation terminology, most of the target audience will not. Having the ability to deliver the value of the data analytics to a non-data science audience is most important. Many positions within the corporation; supply chain directors, retail director, and finance person are consumers of data analytics. These co-workers may not understand how the data sets are formed or analyzed, they only care about the actual end-state. That output needs to be relevant to the individual departments’ needs in order for them to see a value. Without a good communications approach, data analytics may not have any consumers or sponsors within the organization.
• Business Acumen: Without business understanding, you will not be able to understand how your data analytics skill can benefit the business. In the end, it is all about adding value to the organization.
• Project Management: You will work with different teams, managing work and meeting deadlines as a data analyst. You need to build networks, give commands and distribute the work.
• Programming: Having a good understanding of programming languages, especially Python and R, is necessary to succeed in this field. You will build different algorithms or models to automate your business information management system.

This diverse range of career options demonstrates the versatility and value of an MBA in Data Analytics in today’s job market.

How We Rank the Best MBA Programs in Data Analytics

MBAGuide.org employs a comprehensive ranking methodology that combines quantitative data (80% of the score) with qualitative assessments (20%) to evaluate MBA programs. The quantitative component considers factors such as student-faculty ratio, tuition, enrollment, and post-graduation salaries, while the qualitative aspect incorporates editorial ratings and school reputation, providing a well-rounded view of each program’s quality and value.