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Considering financial and earning aspects, which program would be more fruitful for me: a master's in data science or an MBA?

18 Aug 2026 · Answered by Sumit Singh Chauhan · 1 min read
Sumit Singh Chauhan
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A Master's in Data Science generally offers a faster return on investment due to lower tuition costs and high demand for technical roles.

- Master's in Data Science: Tuition ranges from $30,000 - $70,000/year depending on university. Median starting salary is about $134,870/year, with strong mid-career growth, especially in tech and analytics sectors.
- MBA: Tuition at top schools is higher, often totaling over $200,000 for two years. Median starting salary is around $125,000/year, with potential for higher earnings in management or executive roles over time.

Choose a Master's in Data Science if you want a technical career and quicker ROI. An MBA is better if you seek broader career flexibility and are prepared for a higher upfront investment.

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