Across top schools, hiring reports and labor statistics, organizations are pouring resources into data-driven decision-making. There are some key factors to bear in mind as we ask if a business analytics degree is worth it in the long term – with the most pertinent being that business analyst and related roles are projected to grow faster than average over the next decade. What’s more professionals with a master’s degree typically earn $244 more a week, all while enjoying lower unemployment rates than those with only a bachelor’s.
So, is a degree in business analytics worth it? Let’s find out with this guide on demand, salaries, ROI and roles.
Is an MSBA worth it in terms of money?
Financial ROI is one of the strongest reasons candidates choose an MSBA. Hiring demand for analytics and AI-related roles is projected to grow ~35% by 2032, putting sustained upward pressure on salaries.
At graduation, earnings are competitive. Top graduates report average starting salaries around US $132,000 plus bonuses, while many European MSBA graduates typically earn €45,000–€65,000 in their first role, with higher figures for consulting, tech or finance pathways.
How does an MSBA impact long-term earning potential?
Long-term ROI is also strong. Alumni studies show that MSBA graduates often recoup the total cost of the degree within 3–5 years, with significantly higher cumulative earnings over the following decade compared to bachelor’s-only paths.
The real financial driver is versatility. Because analytics roles exist in finance, consulting, healthcare, tech, retail and manufacturing, MSBA holders have more mobility and more opportunities to move into senior, higher-paid positions. In short: if you plan to work in data-driven environments, the MSBA usually pays for itself quickly and continues compounding in value.
What career benefits can you gain from a business analytics master’s degree?
Top-ranked guides point to three main benefits: accelerated career growth, wider role options and closer proximity to strategy. Graduates move into positions where they work across functions – marketing, finance, operations, product – helping teams use data to solve real problems rather than relying on intuition alone.
You also gain a stronger professional narrative. Instead of listing disconnected skills, you can position yourself clearly as someone who understands both analytics and business impact. That’s one of the main reasons a degree in business analytics is worth it for ambitious candidates: it gives you a coherent story about what you do and why it matters.
Is a business analytics degree still relevant in the age of AI and automation?
High-performing pages are aligned on this: AI has not made analytics degrees obsolete; it has made them more important. Business analytics focuses on descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics—understanding what happened, what’s likely to happen and what should be done about it. AI enhances these capabilities, but it still needs people who can define the right questions, interpret results and weigh real-world constraints.
That’s where the question why is business analytics important comes in. Tools can process data at scale, but they don’t understand ethics, customer nuance or organizational politics. You do. As companies integrate AI into everyday workflows, they need professionals who can decide when to trust a model, when to challenge it and how to communicate its implications clearly. That’s also why business analytics is becoming such a common answer to the quieter question you might be asking: why business analytics rather than another field?
What types of roles can you access with a master’s in business analytics?
Versatility is one of the clearest reasons a business analytics degree is worth it. Most graduates move into roles such as:
– Business Data Analyst or Senior Analyst
– Business Intelligence Analyst
– Financial or Risk Analyst
– Marketing Insights or Customer Analytics Specialist
– Operations or Supply Chain Analyst
– Digital Transformation or Strategy Analyst
– AI Product Analyst or Product Manager (analytics-focused)
These roles span every major sector—finance, healthcare, consumer goods, tech, mobility, logistics, retail and manufacturing—because analytics sits at the center of modern decision-making. That breadth gives you long-term career mobility. You can pivot industries or functions without restarting your trajectory, which is a key factor when you’re asking yourself if an MSBA is worth it for the flexibility I want in my career?
Who is a business analytics master’s degree best suited for?
Competitive programs describe ideal candidates as curious, analytical and motivated to connect data with real decisions. Many students come from business, economics, engineering or math, but there is also room for candidates from social sciences or humanities who are ready to engage seriously with quantitative work.
The degree is particularly powerful if you already have some business exposure and want to deepen your impact. Career changers use it to reposition themselves toward analytics-heavy roles, while recent graduates use it to enter the market already aligned with employer demand. In both cases, the question is a degree in business analytics worth it becomes less abstract – you’re investing in skills that match a very clear hiring trend.
What factors should you consider before committing to an MSBA?
Top guides also point out limitations you should weigh honestly. Tuition, intensity and the quantitative nature of the curriculum can be real challenges, particularly if you’re not comfortable with math or programming. Some schools also stress that work experience still matters; the combination of an MSBA plus relevant internships or roles is what creates the strongest profile.
So when you ask is MSBA worth it for you, it helps to consider your baseline skills, your time horizon and your willingness to practice. The degree amplifies your effort; it doesn’t replace it. You’ll get the best return if you actively seek projects, case competitions, internships and networking opportunities while you study.
You also want to make sure you’re aware of all red flags when considering a data analytics degree. These include inflexible timing, program content that isn’t industry relevant, and a rigid structure that doesn’t allow for specialization.
Why the Master in Business Analytics & Data Science at IE School of Science & Technology stands out
At IE School of Science & Technology, the Master in Business Analytics & Data Science is truly career focused. Think strong technical foundations, strategic thinking and real-world application. You’ll be working with AI, NLP, machine learning, data visualization and business transformation, applying them through internships, hackathons, capstone projects and Venture Labs so you can show employers you’ve already used the tools in meaningful ways.
You also tailor your learning with concentrations like Fintech & Banking, Retail & FMCG, Advanced AI, Industry 4.0 and Smart Health. That structure answers a key concern raised across competitor content: how to align your analytics training with specific industries. On top of the core curriculum, you can pursue certifications from AWS, Tableau, Microsoft and other industry leaders, which strengthens your credibility when you step into the market.
The program is available full-time over 11 months or part-time over 17 months, combining Madrid-based periods with international exposure. That flexibility makes the degree accessible whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional managing work and personal commitments. If you’re asking is a business analytics degree worth it as an international student or as a woman wanting to enter tech and data, IE’s global network and mentorship culture add another layer of value: you’re not moving through this transition alone.
So, is a business analytics degree worth it?
When you put the evidence side by side – employer demand, salary trends, role diversity and the way AI is reshaping organizations – it’s hard to deny a business analytics degree is worth it. It’s especially compelling if you want a career where your analytical thinking shapes real decisions rather than staying in the background.
Build a toolkit to take you across industries, geographies and job titles. You’ll be positioning yourself for real impact across the next decade of business.
Unsure of a location for your MSBA? Read our guide on the best places to study abroad in Spain.
Want to make the right career choice? Read our guide on data analyst salaries in Europe.
Want to pick the right program? Read our guide on red flags when choosing a data analytics degree.
Benjamin is the editor of Uncover IE. His writing is featured in the LAMDA Verse and Prose Anthology Vol. 19, The Primer and Moonflake Press. Benjamin provided translation for “FalseStuff: La Muerte de las Musas”, winner of Best Theatre Show at the Max Awards 2024.
Benjamin was shortlisted for the Bristol Old Vic Open Sessions 2016 and the Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize 2023.
