Columbia MSBA vs MIT MBAn — which has better placements for data science and analytics roles?

Question

I have interview calls from both Columbia University’s MS in Business Analytics and MIT’s Master of Business Analytics. My profile: GRE 327, 1.5 years of work experience in a data science role. My goal is to land a high-paying job in the U.S. in either data science or analytics consulting. Which program offers stronger placements, higher average salaries, and better networking opportunities for these roles?

Divakshi Arora · Accepted Answer

The choice often depends on whether you value brand reach in niche analytics roles or location-driven networking.
&bull; MIT MBAn is deeply tied to quantitative consulting and advanced data science &mdash; firms like BCG Gamma, Amazon Science, and JP Morgan&rsquo;s AI research teams recruit heavily here. Median salary is about $128K, with signing bonuses often $20K&ndash;$25K. &bull; Columbia MSBA leverages NYC proximity for internships and networking with consulting firms like Deloitte, EY, and Accenture while you study, which can lead to faster job offers in analytics strategy roles. &bull; Most international Columbia MSBA grads secure offers within 2&ndash;4 months of graduation, with many starting work in New York on OPT before H-1B sponsorship. &bull; MIT&rsquo;s alumni network in analytics is unmatched for tech-heavy roles, while Columbia&rsquo;s is broader across consulting, finance, and corporate strategy. &bull; For international students, both are STEM-designated, offering the 3-year OPT extension. However, MIT&rsquo;s placement into H-1B-sponsoring employers is slightly stronger due to its recruiter base. &bull; If aiming for pure data science or quant-heavy consulting, MIT MBAn is the safer bet. For analytics consulting with cross-industry exposure, Columbia can be equally rewarding.
For more details you can read these blogs on "Columbia MSBA" and "MIT MSBA"

Hema A · Answer

Between Columbia MSBA and MIT MBAn, both have strong placement records, but MIT&rsquo;s MBAn edges ahead for high-paying data science and analytics consulting roles in the U.S. MIT consistently reports near-100% placement within three months, with median base salaries around $120K&ndash;$130K and some data science roles crossing $140K. The class size is intentionally small (about 60&ndash;65 students), which means recruiters can focus more closely on each candidate, often leading to multiple offers for top performers. Major recruiters include BCG Gamma, McKinsey Analytics, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs&rsquo; quantitative teams.
Columbia MSBA grads typically see average base salaries in the $95K&ndash;$110K range, with top consulting and tech roles hitting $120K+. Placement rates for international students are also high (above 90%), and the New York location offers direct access to finance and consulting firms. For pure ROI in high-comp roles, MIT has the advantage, but Columbia&rsquo;s lower tuition and strong NYC network can be better if targeting strategy consulting roles with an analytics focus.

Jayant M · Answer

For anyone comparing Columbia MSBA vs MIT MBAn placements, MIT has the edge when it comes to data science and high-paying analytics roles. The average salary for MIT MBAn grads is around $120K&ndash;$125K with signing bonuses often crossing $20K. Most students land data scientist, machine learning engineer, or quantitative analyst positions at firms like Amazon, BCG Gamma, Goldman Sachs, and Google. The curriculum is heavier on statistics, optimization, and coding, which prepares graduates for technical roles with strong compensation.
Columbia MSBA graduates typically report salaries in the $95K&ndash;$110K range, with roles leaning toward business analytics, data strategy, and consulting. Being in New York helps with networking in finance and consulting, but fewer alumni go directly into core data science roles compared to MIT. For someone with GRE 327 and prior data science experience, MIT MBAn placements align more closely with technical and higher-paying career goals.

V Ritik · Answer

Most people see Columbia and MIT as peers, but the outcomes are very different depending on the role being targeted.
&bull; MIT MBAn has a track record of sending grads into hardcore data science and quant-heavy jobs. Salaries are among the highest in the analytics space, averaging above $120K, plus hefty signing bonuses. The alumni network in tech and finance is also extremely strong. &bull; Columbia MSBA leans more toward business-facing roles&mdash;analytics consulting, marketing analytics, and strategy positions. Average starting pay is closer to $95K&ndash;$105K, though top performers in finance can push higher. &bull; One advantage of Columbia is its New York location, which gives direct access to Wall Street firms and consulting internships during the program. MIT, meanwhile, offers a brand that carries more global weight, especially in technical hiring. &bull; For international students, both are STEM-designated, but MIT&rsquo;s placements are more technical and higher-paying overall, while Columbia offers breadth in finance and consulting.
If the goal is a pure data science path, MIT is the stronger bet.