Should I pursue NYU Stern MSBA, or stay in my current analytics role in India?Is the ROI worth it?

Question

I graduated from Delhi University in 2020 with a BCom (Hons) and currently work as a data analyst at a fintech company in Bangalore. My current CTC is around 15 LPA, and I’ve built good experience with SQL, Tableau, and financial modeling. Recently, I received an admit from NYU Stern MSBA. The dilemma is leaving a stable role where I’m already on a good growth track versus investing a huge amount in the U.S. with no guarantee of a job after graduation. I’ve seen seniors from India struggle with visa sponsorships despite studying at top schools. Is Stern’s MSBA really worth it in terms of ROI and placements, or would it make more sense to stay in India and aim for a global MBA later?

Hema A · Accepted Answer

Yes, pursuing the NYU Stern MSBA can be worth it, but the ROI depends heavily on your goals and risk appetite. Right now at 15 LPA (~$18K), even with solid growth in India, the jump you&rsquo;d get post-Stern is significant. Graduates of Stern MSBA typically start at $95K&ndash;$110K in the U.S., sometimes higher in finance or tech strategy roles. Over 3 years with STEM OPT, total earnings can cross $300K before taxes, which is a strong return compared to staying in India.
The risk is real, though. Visa sponsorship is competitive, and while the STEM extension buys you time, there&rsquo;s no guarantee of H-1B. Many Stern internationals secure consulting or product analytics roles in New York by leveraging alumni, but it often takes 4&ndash;6 months of active networking post-graduation.
If you&rsquo;re planning a long-term U.S. career, Stern is a solid bet. If the ultimate goal is leadership or management, staying in your fintech role and applying later for an MBA abroad could be more cost-effective.

S Raghav · Answer

The harder question isn&rsquo;t whether Stern MSBA is &ldquo;good&rdquo; &mdash; it&rsquo;s whether it makes sense for someone already on a good track in India.
&bull; Your current fintech role at 15 LPA will likely double in 3&ndash;4 years if you stay, putting you in line for mid-management without taking on debt. &bull; Stern MSBA grads, on the other hand, often start around $95K&ndash;$110K in consulting, risk analytics, or product strategy roles. With New York&rsquo;s cost of living, savings take time to build, though long-term earning potential is much higher. &bull; The visa issue is the biggest uncertainty. Some grads convert internships to full-time roles easily, while others spend months applying without sponsorship. &bull; A few students in similar positions choose to gain 3&ndash;4 more years of Indian experience, then target a global MBA (Stern, INSEAD, LBS) to make the jump into leadership roles abroad instead of just analytics-focused positions.
For someone choosing between Stern MSBA now or an MBA later, the call depends on priorities &mdash; if the aim is to enter the U.S. market quickly, Stern is the faster route, but if the long-term goal is broader leadership, waiting for an MBA may align better.
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