Columbia MSBA vs NYU Stern MSBA , which one is better for data roles and long-term ROI?

Question

I’ve shortlisted both Columbia and NYU Stern for MSBA. Both are great schools, but the fees are really high (₹65–75L total). I want to work in data strategy or product analytics roles in New York after graduation. NYU is in the heart of the city, but Columbia has the Ivy League tag. Which one offers better job support and long-term career value?

Harshal G · Accepted Answer

The Ivy League name looks great on paper,  but when it comes to landing a data or product analytics role in NYC, location and structure start to matter more.
&bull; NYU Stern is right in Manhattan&rsquo;s business district. Students often collaborate with NYC-based companies, and some capstones turn into job offers. &bull; Stern grads typically earn around $110K&ndash;$120K, with roles in data analytics, business intelligence, and product strategy. Companies hiring include Deloitte, Mastercard, and Wayfair. &bull; Columbia&rsquo;s MSBA is more research-focused. It suits students aiming for strategy analyst, data scientist, or even PhD-oriented paths. Average salaries are around $100K&ndash;$115K. &bull; Columbia&rsquo;s brand helps long-term, especially internationally or in consulting-heavy paths. But for NYC-based tech or product analytics roles, Stern&rsquo;s setup gives more exposure. &bull; NYU&rsquo;s class also includes working professionals from top firms, that network helps a lot when job hunting in the city.
If the goal is a fast ROI and a foot in the NYC tech scene, NYU feels more aligned.
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Aarushi S · Answer

For data roles and long-term ROI, NYU Stern MSBA may offer more direct advantages than Columbia , especially if staying in New York is the goal.
Stern&rsquo;s MSBA has stronger industry integration, with many students working on live projects with NYC firms during the program. Graduates report average salaries of $110K&ndash;$120K, with common roles like Product Analyst, Analytics Consultant, or Data Strategy Associate. Top recruiters include Amazon, Meta, EY, American Express, and PayPal.
Because Stern is in downtown Manhattan, career fairs, networking events, and interviews happen more frequently and conveniently. The curriculum is also designed with an applied focus &mdash; you&rsquo;ll build real data experience that translates directly to the job market.
Columbia&rsquo;s Ivy League status is great for global recognition, but its MSBA leans more academic and less connected to NYC&rsquo;s tech hiring scene. If ROI and local job access matter most, Stern has the edge despite similar fees.

S Raghav · Answer

For data strategy and product analytics roles in New York, both Columbia MSBA and NYU Stern MSBA have strong placement records, but they differ in positioning. Columbia&rsquo;s Ivy League brand carries global weight and is often recognised even outside the US, which can help for long-term mobility. Their career services have close links with finance-heavy firms like Goldman Sachs, Citi, and also tech players like Amazon and Meta for analytics roles. Recent grads report base salaries in the $95K&ndash;$115K range for data analytics and strategy positions, with some tech roles crossing $120K.
NYU Stern&rsquo;s location advantage is hard to ignore &mdash; many students land part-time internships during the program with startups, fintechs, and consulting firms just a subway ride away. Graduates here report salaries of about $100K&ndash;$110K, with certain product analytics roles reaching $120K+. For ROI, Columbia may edge out in global brand power, while Stern offers more in-program industry exposure.

Mohit C · Answer

If constant industry interaction during the degree matters more than the Ivy tag, Stern often feels more connected to New York&rsquo;s tech and analytics scene.
&bull; Proximity to dozens of HQs lets students do semester-long internships while studying, often leading to quick full-time offers. &bull; Career events frequently feature recruiters from Spotify, IBM, Mastercard, and Deloitte&rsquo;s analytics teams. &bull; Average starting salary at Stern is about $100K&ndash;$110K, with top tech roles hitting $120K+. Columbia grads in similar roles report $95K&ndash;$115K, and some have moved into VP-level analytics strategy roles at major banks within 6&ndash;8 years. &bull; Stern&rsquo;s program structure has more project-based courses with real companies, giving client-facing experience before graduation &mdash; something Columbia leans less on. &bull; Long-term ROI depends on path &mdash; Stern can offer faster earnings through in-program work, while Columbia&rsquo;s Ivy name stays valuable for global career shifts or leadership moves later.
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