Cost of Studying Masters in Data Science in USA: Full Breakdown

Learning Saint
7 hours ago
7 min read

Pursuing a Masters in Data Science in USA is one of the most popular choices for international students who want to build a high-paying career in data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data engineering. The US is home to the world’s leading tech companies—Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta—and top-ranked universities that offer specialized data science programs. However, before applying, students must understand the complete financial investment they will make during the program.

Studying abroad involves more than just tuition fees. Students must also plan for living expenses, visa charges, travel costs, health insurance, and pre-arrival expenses such as application fees and English proficiency exams. A typical Master’s in Data Science in USA lasts 18 to 24 months, making financial planning extremely important for international students.

This blog provides a full breakdown of tuition fees, living costs, pre-arrival charges, scholarships, and ways to reduce the total cost. Students who also want guidance on How to Apply for Master’s in Data Science in USA will benefit from the additional insights included in each section.

Types of Costs Involved in Studying in the USA

Studying in the US involves several categories of expenses. Understanding these costs helps students plan their budgets more efficiently and avoid financial stress once they arrive in the country.

A. Tuition Fees

Tuition is the largest expense while studying for a Masters in Data Science in USA. Tuition fees vary depending on whether the university is public or private.

Public universities: USD 25,000 – 45,000 for the full program
Private universities: USD 40,000 – 80,000

Programs with stronger industry connections or located in major tech hubs (California, New York, Massachusetts) may charge higher tuition.

B. Living Expenses

Living costs depend heavily on the city where students stay.

New York, San Francisco, Boston → Very expensive
Texas, Arizona, Ohio → More affordable

Typical living expenses range from USD 1,000 – 2,500 per month, covering accommodation, food, travel, and personal expenses.

C. Additional Academic Charges

These include:

Lab fees
Student activity charges
Library fees
Technology fees
Books and supplies

Students usually spend USD 1,000 – 2,000 per year on academic extras.

Together, these costs determine the actual financial commitment for a Masters in Data Science in USA.

Tuition Fees for MS in Data Science: University-Wise Breakdown

Tuition varies significantly based on ranking, program structure, and university type.

Public Universities (Affordable Options)

Public universities are partially funded by state governments, making them cheaper. Examples:

University of California system
University of Michigan
University of Texas
Arizona State University

Average tuition: USD 25,000 – 45,000

Private Universities (Premium Options)

Private institutions offer advanced research facilities and global recognition. Examples:

Carnegie Mellon University
Columbia University
New York University
Northeastern University

Tuition: USD 45,000 – 80,000

Factors Influencing Tuition Costs

Ranking of the university
Location and demand
Research specialization
Duration of the program (12, 18, or 24 months)
Inclusion of internships or co-op programs

When planning How to Apply for Master’s in Data Science in the USA, students must evaluate their budget and select universities accordingly.

Living Expenses for International Students in the USA

Living expenses are the second-biggest cost for students studying abroad.

A. Accommodation Costs

Accommodation varies by location and type:

On-campus housing: USD 600 – 1,200 per month
Off-campus shared apartment: USD 700 – 1,500
Independent room: USD 1,200 – 2,000

Sharing accommodation reduces monthly costs significantly.

B. Food & Groceries

Students typically spend:

Groceries: USD 200 – 400 per month
Eating out: USD 10 – 15 per meal

Cooking at home is the most budget-friendly option.

C. Transportation

Costs depend on the city and whether students use public transport:

Monthly bus pass: USD 50 – 80
Train/subway pass: USD 70 – 120
Occasional taxi/Uber trips: USD 100 – 150

D. Health Insurance

Health insurance is compulsory for all students. Cost: USD 1,000 – 2,000 per year

E. Miscellaneous Expenses

Mobile recharge, clothing, entertainment, and utilities may add another: USD 150 – 300 per month

Most students spend USD 12,000 – 20,000 per year on living expenses while pursuing a Masters in Data Science in USA.

Pre-Arrival Expenses for Studying in the USA

These costs occur before students depart their home country.

A. Application Fees

Universities charge USD 50 – 100 per application. Applying to 5–8 universities is common.

B. Entrance Exams

Depending on the university requirements:

GRE: USD 220
TOEFL: USD 195
IELTS: USD 260

Many universities now waive GRE requirements, which helps reduce costs.

C. SEVIS Fee & Visa Costs

Students must pay:

SEVIS Fee: USD 350
Visa Application Fee (F-1 Visa): USD 185

D. Flight Tickets

One-way flight to the USA costs USD 600 – 1,200, depending on season and city.

E. Initial Settlement Costs

Students need extra money for:

First month’s rent
Security deposit
Basic household items (Approx. USD 500 – 800)

Understanding these pre-arrival expenses is especially important for students researching How to Apply for Master’s in Data Science in the USA, as budgeting starts months before actually joining the course.

Scholarships, Part-Time Jobs & Total Cost Breakdown

A. Scholarships to Reduce the Cost

Students pursuing a Masters in Data Science in USA can apply for:

Merit-based scholarships
Need-based grants
International student scholarships
Research assistantships (RA)
Teaching assistantships (TA)

Common scholarship amounts range from USD 5,000 to full tuition waivers.

B. Part-Time Jobs

International students can work 20 hours per week on campus. Typical jobs include:

Library assistant
Lab assistant
Administrative helper
Food court worker
IT support

Earnings: USD 12 – 18 per hour, helping reduce living costs.

C. Internship Opportunities

Data science internships pay extremely well. Average internship salary: USD 25 – 40 per hour

Many students recover a large part of their tuition through summer internships, especially in tech hubs like California, Texas, and New York.

D. Total Estimated Cost of Studying MS in Data Science in USA

For a 2-year program:

Tuition: USD 30,000 – 80,000 Living: USD 24,000 – 40,000 Pre-arrival: USD 1,500 – 3,000

Total Cost:

👉 USD 55,000 – 120,000 for the entire program

While the investment is high, graduates earn an average salary of USD 90,000 – 140,000 per year, making the return on investment strong.

Part-Time Jobs & Internships: How Students Manage Costs

Many international students rely on part-time jobs and internships to manage their expenses while pursuing a Masters in Data Science in USA. Understanding work opportunities is essential not just for financial support but also for gaining industry exposure.

A. On-Campus Jobs

Students on an F-1 visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. Common on-campus roles include:

Library assistant
IT support staff
Research assistant
Teaching assistant
Cafeteria worker
Front desk or administrative assistant

Average earnings: USD 12 – 18 per hour, which helps cover monthly living costs like groceries, travel, and utilities.

B. Off-Campus Work (CPT & OPT)

While off-campus jobs are restricted during the initial months, students can work through:

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) → available during the course
Optional Practical Training (OPT) → available after graduation for up to 3 years (STEM extension)

These work opportunities not only help students financially but also strengthen their profile in the US job market.

C. Paid Internships

Internships are extremely valuable for students pursuing a Masters in Data Science in USA. Major companies like Amazon, Apple, Google, and IBM hire data science interns with attractive compensation.

Average internship pay: 👉 USD 25 – 40 per hour

Internships often lead to full-time job offers, helping students recover a large portion of their tuition costs. For students learning How to Apply for Master’s in Data Science in the USA, choosing programs with strong internship placements is a major advantage.

Total Cost of Studying MS in Data Science in USA: Complete Estimate

After understanding tuition, living expenses, and additional costs, students should calculate a total budget before planning their studies.

A. Annual Expense Summary

Below is an average annual cost breakdown:

Expense Category	Yearly Cost (USD)
Tuition Fees	20,000 – 40,000
Living Expenses	12,000 – 20,000
Health Insurance	1,000 – 2,000
Books & Supplies	500 – 1,000
Miscellaneous	1,500 – 3,000

B. Two-Year Total Cost Estimate

For a typical two-year Masters in Data Science in USA program:

👉 Minimum Total Cost: ~USD 55,000 👉 Maximum Total Cost: ~USD 120,000 👉 Most students spend: USD 70,000 – 90,000

Students applying to universities in expensive cities like New York, Boston, or San Francisco may spend more, while studying in Texas or Arizona can significantly reduce the budget.

Understanding these costs helps students prepare for scholarships, loans, or assistantships while planning How to Apply for Master’s in Data Science in the USA.

Budget Tips for International Students in the USA

Managing finances effectively is important for every international student. With smart planning, students can save a considerable amount during their Masters in Data Science in USA.

A. Choose Affordable Locations

Living in cities like Houston, Phoenix, or Dallas is cheaper than living in Los Angeles or New York.

B. Share Accommodation

Sharing rooms or apartments can reduce rent by 30–50%.

C. Cook at Home

Home-cooked meals cost significantly less compared to eating out. Students can reduce their food expenses from USD 400 to USD 150–200 per month.

D. Look for Scholarships Early

Applying early increases your chances of getting:

Merit-based scholarships
Departmental funding
Graduate assistantships

E. Use Public Transportation

Monthly travel passes are cheaper than cabs or Uber rides.

F. Apply for On-Campus Jobs

On-campus roles help cover a large portion of living expenses.

These simple strategies help students reduce their overall cost while pursuing a Masters in Data Science in USA.

Conclusion:

The total cost of a Masters in Data Science in USA can be high, but the return on investment is one of the best among STEM courses. With the demand for data scientists rising in tech, healthcare, finance, and e-commerce, graduates earn impressive starting salaries ranging from USD 90,000 to 140,000 per year.

Students who understand the full cost breakdown—tuition, living, visa expenses, internships, and scholarships—can plan their finances better and avoid unexpected challenges. The US also offers strong career growth, advanced research opportunities, and a 3-year OPT work window for STEM graduates, making it a top choice worldwide.

For students who also want help with How to Apply for Master’s in Data Science in USA, the process involves selecting universities, preparing documents, applying early, and securing funding options.