QS Ranks MSBA No. 1 Globally for Return on Investment

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Quacquarelli Symonds, which specializes in the analysis of higher education institutions worldwide, scores the UC Davis M.S. in Business Analytics (MSBA) program No. 1 in the world for return on investment of the degree—the second consecutive year in the top spot for ROI.

In the 2024 QS rankings of 149 master’s in business analytics programs across 29 locations, the UC Davis MSBA posted the highest 10-year return on investment (ROI) score for graduates. The program received 100% of the points available on this important metric calculated by QS.

According to QS, the 10-year return on investment metric maps “average post-graduation, taking into account forgone salary as well as tuition and cost of living (using Mercer Quality of City Living Ranking). We also take into account the percentage of graduates accepting employment within six months of finishing their studies."

Value for the Money

In addition, the return on investment metric is one of two indicators that placed the UC Davis MSBA at No. 2 worldwide for “Value for the Money”—the fifth consecutive year the program is among the top 10 globally and among the top 5 in the U.S. 

QS’s “Value for the Money” ranking calculation includes the return on investment metric plus the time it would take the Class of 2022 to pay back their investment in the degree.

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the top global programs by QS for the fifth time in as many years,” said UC Davis Senior Director of Student Affairs Amy Russell.

“We’re thrilled to help our MSBA students maximize their investment in their futures in such a significant way," Russell said. "This is a rigorous program that stretches students academically and professionally to set them up for career success.”

QS released its 2024 year rankings on October 25, 2023. Of the 149 master's in business analytics programs ranked by QS, the UC Davis MSBA program ranked:

• 36th globally
• 14th in the U.S.
• 10th among programs at public institutions

High Demand: Proven Job Placement Track Record

The UC Davis MSBA Class of 2022 showed record-breaking career placement success as strong demand continues for business-savvy data analysts:

• Six months after graduation, our 2022 alumni reported an average starting salary of more than $131,000—the highest ever and $22,000 more than the previous year's class.
   
• The UC Davis Class of 2022’s average reported bonus is more than $19,000, double that of the previous class.
   
• 95% of the Class of 2022 received job offers within six months of graduation.

The program’s location in San Francisco and deep connections in Silicon Valley open many opportunities in the Bay Area and beyond.

Amazon continues to be the top employer, reflecting the success of a strong alumni network within the company and a newly launched mentorship program.

Other key employers include Apple, Google, Microsoft, Meta, Pinterest, TikTok, Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey & Company, AMEX, and the Federal Reserve Bank, in addition to other tech, biotech, finance and retail corporations as well as startups.

Learn More

• QS Business Master's Rankings 2024: Business Analytics
• QS 2024 Business Masters Rankings methodology