NYU Stern MSBA vs MIT MBAn — which is better for U.S. placements and ROI?

Question

I’ve got admits from both programs and can’t decide. My background is engineering from India with an 8.4 CGPA and 1.5 years of work experience in data analytics at a consulting firm. The goal is to move into analytics consulting or product strategy roles in the U.S. after graduation. MIT feels stronger brand-wise, but NYU’s location in New York is a huge advantage for networking and internships. In terms of starting salaries, job roles offered, and chances of getting hired as an international student, which program actually gives better outcomes?

Hema A · Accepted Answer

Yes, both the NYU Stern MSBA and MIT MBAn lead to strong U.S. placements, but the outcomes differ in focus and ROI. MIT MBAn has one of the strongest employment records in analytics worldwide &mdash; graduates often land roles in data science, analytics consulting, or quantitative strategy with salaries averaging $120K&ndash;$125K. The brand name carries extra weight, especially with employers in tech and finance, and international students from MIT usually convert internships into full-time roles quickly.
Stern MSBA, while slightly lower on global rankings, benefits heavily from being in New York. The average starting salary is closer to $95K&ndash;$110K, but the pipeline to firms like Deloitte, American Express, and PwC is very strong because of the program&rsquo;s applied business angle. For international students, the location makes a real difference since most manage to secure internships that ease the OPT-to-full-time transition.
If ROI is measured purely on salary vs cost, MIT wins, but Stern balances things with easier access to New York&rsquo;s consulting and finance networks.

S Raghav · Answer

Choosing between MIT MBAn and Stern MSBA isn&rsquo;t just about prestige vs location &mdash; it&rsquo;s about where you see yourself working after the first three years.
&bull; MIT MBAn is very technical, training students for roles like data scientist, machine learning associate, or quantitative analyst. Employers like Amazon, BCG Gamma, and Goldman Sachs recruit directly, with base salaries often in the $120K+ range. &bull; Stern MSBA is less technical but more business-focused. Graduates enter product analytics, risk analytics, or consulting positions in firms such as AmEx, Deloitte, and EY, usually starting at $95K&ndash;$110K. &bull; For international students, MIT&rsquo;s brand makes visa sponsorship slightly easier since top firms already have structured H-1B processes. Stern grads often rely on networking in New York to secure interviews, which works well but demands more hustle. &bull; ROI depends on fit: MIT has the higher salary ceiling, but Stern can pay off quickly if the goal is to stay close to consulting or strategy roles in NYC.
For someone specifically aiming at analytics consulting or product strategy, Stern&rsquo;s business-focused curriculum and New York access may feel more practical, while MIT suits those who want to build depth as data scientists.
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