Do I have a chance at scholarships for an MS in Data Science in the US with average grades?
Yes, but expect partial awards. NYU offers full tuition to 2 students for Fall 2027, Boston University merit awards are typically around 10,000 USD (approx INR 9.53 L), and Wisconsin-Madison offers up to 25% of tuition. Indian loan scholarships like JN Tata need a 60% average.
Yes, average grades still leave room for funding in a US MS in Data Science, but it will mostly be partial tuition support rather than a full ride. Programmes that consider projects, work experience and your statement of purpose give you the best odds. Treat every award below as competitive and never as a guaranteed discount.
US programmes with published scholarship mechanisms
| University programme | Funding mechanism | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| NYU MS in Data Science | CDS Pathbreaker Scholarship offers full tuition to two students entering Fall 2027, plus limited partial tuition awards | Applying to the MS is enough for consideration; selection is competitive |
| Boston University | Merit scholarships considered automatically | Typical awards are around USD 10,000 (approx INR 9.53 L); full funding is not offered |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Selective scholarships of up to 25% of tuition | All applicants are considered; assistantships pay a stipend but give no tuition remission |
| University of San Francisco | Partial merit-based scholarships | No separate application; apply by the December priority date for best consideration |
Indian funding to stack alongside university awards
- JN Tata Endowment: a repayable loan scholarship of up to INR 20 lakh (not every candidate gets the maximum) with a minimum 60% average; check the official site for the current cycle.
- K C Mahindra Education Trust: interest-free loan scholarships for postgraduate study abroad that require a first-class degree or equivalent.
- Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation: repayable, interest-free education loans for Indian students under 30, with competitive selection.
These are loans, not grants, so count them as financing rather than free money. Check whether each scheme allows combining with a university award.
My Advice
Choose schools where scholarships are decided automatically at admission, since you cannot argue your way into an award later. Strengthen the parts of your file that grades do not capture: two or three solid data projects, an internship, and a clear career goal. Apply early where priority consideration exists, and plan your budget assuming no scholarship at all.
This information is available on: cds.nyu.edu, bu.edu, stat.wisc.edu, usfca.edu, jntataendowment.org, kcmet.org and pg.nsfoundation.co.in
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