logo
Data science jobs in the US to grow 36% by 2033: Top colleges, salaries, and scholarships every aspiring data scientist should track

Data science jobs in the US to grow 36% by 2033: Top colleges, salaries, and scholarships every aspiring data scientist should track

Time of India25-06-2025
As the digital economy expands, one field is emerging as a clear front-runner for students aiming for high-impact careers — Data Science. From government departments and hospitals to banking and tech giants, the demand for professionals who can turn data into decisions is rising rapidly.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), data science jobs are expected to grow 36% by 2033, much faster than the average for most occupations. With a median annual salary of $112,590 (approximately ₹94 lakh) and top roles earning over $194,000 (approximately ₹1.62 crore), this career path combines strong income potential with long-term relevance.
Here's why studying Data Science in the USA could be your smartest career move and how you can make the most of it.
Fastest-growing career option
The BLS forecasts that nearly 20,800 data science jobs will open each year through 2033. This explosive growth is being driven by both the public and private sectors. Every major industry including healthcare, banking, transportation, e-commerce, education, and government is generating large volumes of data that require skilled professionals to interpret.
Importantly, the rise of AI and machine learning has made data science even more critical.
Companies need experts who can clean, manage, and model large datasets to train algorithms and support business intelligence but the momentum is not just limited to companies. US federal agencies are also actively hiring data scientists to support research, national defense, public health, and climate action.
Government-backed efforts such as the National AI Initiative Act and the National Science Foundation's Big Data Hubs are pumping resources into data-driven innovation.
This means that students entering the field today are stepping into an environment backed by national-level strategy and funding.
Top universities in the USA offering Data Science degrees
When it comes to studying Data Science in the United States, a handful of universities consistently lead the pack. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, these institutions rank among the global best, making them top choices for students aiming for academic excellence, research exposure, and strong career outcomes.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Rank 1
Carnegie Mellon University – Rank 2
University of California, Berkeley – Rank 4
Harvard University – Rank 6
Yale University – Rank 9
Strong return on investment
Earning a Data Science degree from a top US university can be a significant investment, but the returns are equally impressive. According to U.S. Department of Education data, starting salaries for graduates in data science and analytics programs typically range from $90,000 to $120,000 (approximately ₹75 lakh to ₹1 crore), depending on the institution and specialisation.
For most students, the financial investment in tuition and living costs is recovered within five years of employment. High-paying roles in tech, finance, consulting, and healthcare ensure that these graduates remain competitive in both USA and global job markets.
Several universities also provide cost-saving opportunities through graduate assistantships, STEM scholarships, and fee waivers. Public institutions like Georgia Tech and the University of Washington often offer excellent value for money while still delivering strong outcomes.
Scholarships and financial aid opportunities
While students may find tuition costs steep, there is robust financial support available. Most top-ranked universities offer a range of merit-based scholarships, research and teaching assistantships, and need-based aid for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Scholarships like the Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford or the Fulbright Foreign Student Program are open to high-achieving students from across the world.
Graduate-level applicants can also look for fellowships tied to government-funded research labs or interdisciplinary data centers.
Additionally, because most data science programs are classified as STEM degrees, international students may qualify for additional funding opportunities aimed at promoting science and innovation in the USA.
Data science opens global doors
In a world where data drives everything from consumer behaviour to climate action, data science professionals are poised to lead.
With job growth far outpacing the national average and salaries well above the median, the field offers both stability and impact.
For students planning their academic and career journeys, Data Science in the USA presents a compelling option. The combination of globally ranked universities, financial aid, government support, and international work pathways makes it one of the most future-ready career choices today.
Whether your passion lies in machine learning, or entrepreneurship, Data Science opens doors across sectors and across borders.
Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Social security shake-up: Trump's new move has retirees fuming — here's what you need to know
Social security shake-up: Trump's new move has retirees fuming — here's what you need to know

Time of India

time5 hours ago

  • Time of India

Social security shake-up: Trump's new move has retirees fuming — here's what you need to know

Social Security 2026 COLA: While US president Donald Trump had promised to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid during his campaign last year, but some recent decisions are making retirees nervous about what's next, as per a report. Federal Hiring Freeze Puts Pressure on Inflation Data Collection However, after taking office for the second term, Trump put a freeze on hiring across federal agencies , including the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the group responsible for tracking important numbers like inflation and jobs, as reported by The Motley Fool. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Why Accurate Inflation Data Matters for Retirees Because of this freeze, the BLS is having a harder time gathering accurate data, which is important because inflation numbers directly affect Social Security's cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) as these adjustments help make sure benefits keep up with rising prices, according to the report. ALSO READ: Baidu crashes 75% from peak — is China's AI titan in trouble or just on sale? If the inflation data is off because it underestimates how much prices are going up, retirees could end up with smaller Social Security raises next year, which means their money won't stretch as far, as per the report. On the flip side, if inflation is overestimated, in which case benefits would gain purchasing power because the COLA would be too large, as reported by The Motley Fool. Either way, it's a tough spot because older Americans rely on those COLA increases to cover everyday costs. Live Events The Senior Citizens League , a nonprofit advocacy group, has estimated that 20% of Social Security's buying power has been stripped by insufficient COLAs since 2010, while most retired workers think the last two COLAs were too small, as reported by The Motley Fool. Donald Trump Fires Top BLS Head After Disappointing Job Numbers To make things more tense, Trump fired the head of the BLS, Erika McEntarfer , right after the agency released disappointing job numbers in July, according to the report. The job growth was much lower than expected, and earlier months' numbers were sharply revised downward, as per The Motley Fool. ALSO READ: No buybacks, no bargains: Warren Buffett builds $344 billion war chest as Berkshire Hathaway sells stocks again Economists Warn of Politicizing Independent Agencies Trump suggested, without proof, that the lower numbers were politically motivated, and then he fired McEntarfer, according to the report. This move upset many experts who say the BLS has to stay independent and unbiased to keep Americans' trust, as per The Motley Fool. Many economists have highlighted that these weak job numbers probably have more to do with Trump's own trade policies and tariffs, which have made businesses hesitant to hire, so firing the person in charge because of bad news isn't sitting well with economists or the public, according to the report. The real concern is that if the government starts interfering with how the BLS reports data, will people trust future numbers? That includes inflation data that directly affects how much Social Security checks increase every year, as reported by The Motley Fool. FAQs Has Trump cut Social Security benefits? No, there haven't been direct cuts. But some of his recent actions are affecting the systems that calculate benefit increases. Why does inflation data matter to Social Security? Inflation data determines the annual COLA, which adjusts Social Security benefits to match the rising cost of living.

Asked about Trump firing, German minister says institutions must be independent
Asked about Trump firing, German minister says institutions must be independent

Indian Express

time6 hours ago

  • Indian Express

Asked about Trump firing, German minister says institutions must be independent

State institutions should be independent and free from politics, German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said on Monday when asked about US President Donald Trump's firing of the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 'I consider this political approach to be wrong and believe that it is right for independent institutions to remain independent and for politics not to interfere,' Klingbeil said. Trump fired BLS head Erika McEntarfer on the heels of a market-shocking weak scorecard of the US job market, accusing her without evidence of manipulating the figures. Ahead of a meeting with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Klingbeil said democracies are on the right path when they preserve the independence and strength of institutions. 'I can only tell you that my political style is not to launch such attacks on independent, neutral, and proven institutions, as is apparently happening here,' Klingbeil said. Klingbeil also said there was a lot to clarify about the European Union's trade deal with the United States, adding that the bloc had been too weak during the negotiations.

‘Rigged nos.': Trump fires top labor stats chief Erika McEntarfer in post-jobs data row? Who is she?
‘Rigged nos.': Trump fires top labor stats chief Erika McEntarfer in post-jobs data row? Who is she?

Economic Times

time13 hours ago

  • Economic Times

‘Rigged nos.': Trump fires top labor stats chief Erika McEntarfer in post-jobs data row? Who is she?

Donald Trump fired Erika McEntarfer, head of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, after disappointing July jobs report shows only 73,000 jobs added. Trump accused McEntarfer, a Biden-era appointee, of rigging data to harm Republicans and boost Kamala Harris's chances in 2028. Critics call the firing politically motivated and dangerous. Who is Erika McEntarfer, and what triggered Trump's fury? Watch the full breakdown now. Show more 03:45 03:02 03:16 02:07 12:10 01:20 02:39 10:00 08:21 02:00 04:34 03:39 06:37 03:25 01:28 24:05 01:44 03:18 01:43 02:39 10:20 01:37 02:27 09:31 02:10 08:49 04:47 05:57 03:54 06:21 02:02

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store