Duke MQM vs NYU MSBA — which is better for international students aiming at U.S. jobs?

Question

I’m trying to decide between these two admits and it’s been tough. Background is engineering from India with an 8.0 CGPA and internships in data analytics and finance. The plan is to work in the U.S. after graduation, ideally in analytics consulting or tech strategy roles. Duke has strong brand value, while NYU’s location in New York feels like a huge advantage for networking and internships. For things like starting salaries, job roles offered, and the chances of getting hired as an international student, which one actually gives better outcomes?

Aarushi S · Accepted Answer

For international students targeting U.S. jobs, Duke MQM generally has stronger overall outcomes than NYU MSBA. Average starting salaries for MQM grads are around $80K&ndash;$90K, with common roles like business analyst, risk analyst, data consultant, and associate consultant. Recruiters such as Deloitte, EY, Amazon, and Bank of America are regular employers, and the Fuqua brand is widely recognized across consulting and finance.
NYU MSBA benefits from its location in New York, which makes networking and internships easier. However, reported salaries there average closer to $75K&ndash;$85K, and placements lean more toward data analytics roles in finance and marketing rather than consulting. For internationals, Duke&rsquo;s alumni reach and reputation often help more when converting OPT jobs into long-term roles, especially in consulting. If your goal is analytics consulting with strong ROI, Duke MQM tends to give a better edge.

V Gupta · Answer

The main difference between Duke MQM and NYU MSBA usually comes down to brand vs. location. NYU&rsquo;s New York setting means more internship chances, but Duke grads often land higher starting packages.
&bull; Duke MQM: average salary $80K&ndash;$90K, roles include associate consultant, risk analyst, product analyst, and financial analytics positions. Consulting firms like Deloitte and PwC hire regularly.&bull; NYU MSBA: salaries more in the $75K&ndash;$85K range, with roles like data analyst, marketing analyst, and business intelligence associate. Strong pipeline into banks and fintech in NYC.&bull; For international students, both programs are STEM, so OPT is three years. But Fuqua&rsquo;s national brand often makes employers more comfortable hiring MQM grads, while NYU relies heavily on local connections.&bull; One edge at NYU is exposure to internships during the program, which can sometimes convert faster into full-time offers.
If consulting or strategy is the goal, Duke MQM usually has better outcomes. For finance or fintech analytics, NYU&rsquo;s location is a plus.
For more details you can read this blog on "NYU MSBA "

Jayant M · Answer

For  the famous comparison of  Duke MQM vs NYU Stern MSBA, the outcomes depend on whether brand or location matters more for the career plan. Duke MQM graduates typically report average starting salaries around $90K&ndash;$95K, with many hired into consulting and tech analytics roles at firms like Deloitte, Accenture, and Amazon. The program is STEM-designated, giving three years of OPT, which is a big safety net for non-U.S. citizens.
NYU Stern MSBA grads see slightly higher starting salaries on average&mdash;often in the $95K&ndash;$110K range&mdash;thanks to its location in New York. Many land jobs in consulting, fintech, and product analytics with employers like EY, Capital One, and PayPal. However, competition is tougher in NYC since many top schools feed into the same market. For someone with an engineering + analytics background, Duke offers stronger classroom-to-career support, while NYU offers unmatched networking access.

V Ritik · Answer

The decision often comes down to what matters more: the &ldquo;Duke&rdquo; name or the New York job market.
&bull; Duke MQM is known for its structured career support, which is crucial for international students. The STEM-OPT extension (up to three years of work authorization) is a major plus. Graduates often enter analytics consulting or operations analytics with starting salaries around $90K. &bull; NYU Stern MSBA leans more business-facing. Being in New York gives constant exposure to internships, company projects, and networking. Starting packages usually range from $95K to $110K, especially in marketing analytics, fintech, or product roles. &bull; Recruiting style is different: Duke&rsquo;s campus recruiting is strong, while Stern relies more on student-driven networking. &bull; For someone aiming at consulting, Duke&rsquo;s career center might make the process smoother. For tech strategy or finance roles, Stern&rsquo;s location can open more doors.
Both paths work, but the better fit depends on whether structured support or market access matters more.