Duke MQM vs Boston University MSBA — which is better for placements in the U.S.?

Question

I’ve got admits from both programs and now I’m stuck deciding. My background is in engineering from India with a 7.9 CGPA and a couple of internships in data analytics. The goal is to work in the U.S. after graduation, ideally in analytics consulting or financial services. Duke seems stronger in brand value, but Boston feels better for location and networking. For placements and starting salaries, which one actually gives international students a better shot?

V Ritik · Accepted Answer

For placements and ROI in the U.S., Duke MQM generally has the edge over Boston MSBA. Fuqua&rsquo;s brand name opens more doors in consulting and financial services, and the program is STEM-designated, which gives three years of OPT. Average starting salaries for MQM grads are usually in the $80K&ndash;$90K range, with many breaking into roles like business analyst, risk analyst, or associate consultant at firms like Deloitte, PwC, and Amazon.
Boston University MSBA benefits from location since you&rsquo;ll be right in the middle of a big job market, but recruiters in consulting and finance tend to recognize Duke more quickly on a resume. For international students, that recognition matters because companies are selective about sponsorship. If the long-term goal is to work in the U.S., Duke offers slightly better odds of landing interviews at top firms.

B.K Sharma · Answer

What makes this a tricky decision is that Boston&rsquo;s location gives real advantages for networking, but Duke&rsquo;s reputation carries more weight nationally.
&bull; Duke MQM grads report higher average starting salaries, often $80K+ versus $70K&ndash;$75K at BU. &bull; In consulting and finance, Fuqua&rsquo;s alumni network is much deeper, which means better chances at firms like EY, Deloitte, and big banks. &bull; Boston MSBA, on the other hand, places a good number of students in local companies, especially in healthcare analytics and tech. If staying in the Boston area after graduation, that can be valuable. &bull; For international students, the three-year STEM OPT is crucial. Both programs have it, but Duke&rsquo;s stronger employer recognition usually helps in converting internships into full-time roles. &bull; One unique plus with BU is that smaller class sizes often mean more personalized career support, which some international grads found helpful when applying locally.