Understanding the Cost of the MAS in Data Science Global Pathway

The MAS in Data Science Global Pathway cost is an important consideration for Indian students planning a master’s in the USA. This guide covers tuition, total cost of attendance, housing, food, fees, estimated savings, and the 6+12 study model. It also compares the Global Pathway with the traditional MAS route to help students understand the overall financial commitment and plan their Data Science education budget. 
 
The MAS in Data Science Global Pathway cost is one of the most important things Indian students consider before applying through edept. A master’s in the USA is a major investment, so it helps to look at the full picture instead of focusing only on tuition. This is especially true for edept’s MAS in Data Science Global Pathway, offered in partnership with Mahindra University and Illinois Tech. The 6-month India + 12-month Chicago structure is designed to lower the overall financial burden while still leading to a U.S. master’s degree. The sections below explain tuition, total cost of attendance, what is included, how the pathway compares with the traditional route, and why the study model matters for Indian students planning the cost of studying Data Science in USA.

How Much Does the MAS in Data Science Global Pathway Cost?

The MAS in Data Science Global Pathway cost is estimated at approximately $49,350 in tuition and approximately $78,500 in total cost of attendance. The pathway includes six months in India and 12 months in Chicago. For comparison, the traditional MAS route is estimated at approximately $63,525 in tuition and approximately $109,000 in total cost of attendance. That difference is one reason the Global Pathway Program cost is often seen as a more affordable Data Science master’s USA option.

MAS in Data Science Tuition Cost

The stated tuition for the Global Pathway is approximately $49,350. This is the estimated tuition figure for the edept MAS Data Science Global Pathway and not a fixed universal fee for every student. Students should still treat tuition as only one part of the full cost of MAS in Data Science. Living expenses and other standard costs remain part of the total budget.

Total Cost of Attendance

The total cost of attendance is approximately $78,500. This is the number students should use when planning the overall Data Science master’s cost for Indian students. This figure is broader than tuition because it includes major education and living costs. That makes it a more practical number for budgeting than tuition alone.

What Is Included in the Estimated Cost of Attendance?

The estimated total cost covers more than academic fees. It includes tuition, housing, food, fees, and other standard living expenses. This is important because the cost of studying Data Science in USA depends not just on tuition, but also on how long students live in the USA during the program. The Global Pathway shortens that U.S. period.

Tuition and Academic Costs

Tuition is the main academic expense in the Global Pathway. In this case, it is approximately $49,350. This is the MAS Data Science tuition fees figure students should use when comparing the program against other options.

Housing and Food

Housing and food are part of the estimated total cost. These expenses matter most during the Chicago phase, when students are living in the USA. Since the U.S. phase lasts 12 months instead of 18 to 20 months, students spend fewer months covering those costs.

Fees and Other Standard Living Expenses

The total estimate also includes fees and other standard living expenses. The program does not break these down line by line, so students should think of the estimate as a combined figure. That makes the MAS Data Science total cost a better planning tool than tuition alone.

What Is Not Specifically Itemized

The estimate does not provide separate monthly numbers for housing, food, or personal spending. Students should therefore avoid treating it as a personal budget. It is best understood as a program-level estimate for the edept MAS Data Science Global Pathway cost.

 

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Why Is the Global Pathway Less Expensive Than the Traditional MAS Route?

The lower cost comes from the structure of the study journey. edept and its partners have designed the pathway so students begin in India and then move to the USA for the advanced phase. That means students spend fewer months facing U.S.-based tuition and living expenses. This is the main reason the MAS in Data Science Global Pathway cost is lower than the traditional route.

Six Months of Study in India

The first six months take place at Mahindra University. Students complete foundational and applied Data Science coursework before going to Illinois Tech. Because this phase is in India, students do not carry the full U.S. financial burden from the start.

Twelve Months of Study in Chicago

The next phase is 12 months at Illinois Tech in Chicago. This is where the advanced MAS coursework happens. Since the U.S. portion is shorter, tuition and living costs are concentrated into a smaller period.

Optimized U.S. Spending

The pathway is built to optimize U.S. spending by reducing the number of months spent in the USA. This is not a scholarship or discount unless specifically stated elsewhere. Instead, the savings come from the study structure itself.

Traditional MAS vs Global Pathway: What Is the Cost Difference?

The cost difference between the two routes is significant. The traditional MAS route is more expensive because students remain in Chicago longer.
Cost Factor Traditional MAS Global Pathway
Tuition ~$63,525 ~$49,350
Total cost of attendance ~$109,000 ~$78,500
U.S. study duration 18–20 months 12 months
India study duration — 6 months
Approx. total difference — ~$30,600
The table shows that the 6+12 Data Science pathway cost is lower in both tuition and total spending. That is why students comparing Data Science master’s cost in USA often look closely at this route.

Approximate Tuition Difference

The tuition difference between the two routes is approximately $14,175. This comes from comparing the estimated tuition for the traditional route and the Global Pathway. It is a meaningful difference, but students should still focus on the full cost of attendance when budgeting.

Approximate Total Cost Difference

The total cost difference is approximately $30,600. This larger number reflects tuition plus housing, food, fees, and other living expenses. That is why the MAS Data Science total cost is the most useful number for planning.

How Does the 6+12 Study Model Affect the Overall Cost?

The 6+12 structure directly changes the cost of studying in the USA. Instead of spending the full program duration in Chicago, students spend six months in India and 12 months in the USA. This shortens the U.S.-based living period and changes the financial profile of the degree.

The India Phase

The India phase includes foundational and applied coursework such as Python, Statistics & Probability, SQL, visualization, Introduction to Machine Learning, and cloud/data infrastructure. Because these months take place at Mahindra University, students do not incur the full U.S. living cost throughout the journey.

The U.S. Phase

The U.S. phase takes place at Illinois Tech and includes Advanced Machine Learning, AI Foundations, Big Data Analytics, Data Engineering & High-Performance Computing, Data Strategy & Governance, and Capstone or Thesis work. These advanced courses are completed during the 12-month Chicago phase.

Cost and Academic Progression Work Together

The cost difference is closely tied to the academic structure. India-earned credits align fully with the U.S. curriculum, which makes the pathway a connected journey rather than two separate programs. That academic continuity supports both learning and budgeting.

How Much Can Students Save Through the Global Pathway?

The estimated total saving compared with the traditional MAS route is approximately $30,600. The program also highlights this as approximately ₹29 lakh and up to 30% all-in with living costs. These are estimates, not guaranteed personal savings. Actual expenditure can vary based on lifestyle and individual circumstances.

What Does Up to 30% Savings Mean?

The “up to 30%” figure refers to the broader all-in comparison, not just tuition. It reflects the overall cost structure, including living expenses. It should not be interpreted as a tuition-only discount.

Why Individual Costs Can Still Vary

Personal housing choices, lifestyle, daily spending, and travel needs can all change the final amount a student pays. Two students in the same pathway may still have different total expenses. That is why the Global Pathway Program cost should always be treated as an estimate.
What Scholarships and Funding Options Can Students Explore?
What Scholarships and Funding Options Can Students Explore?

Is the MAS Global Pathway Cost Limited to Tuition and Living Expenses?

No. The estimated total cost already includes the major study and living components. Still, students may want to plan for additional personal or travel-related costs. This distinction helps students separate the program estimate from their own budgeting needs.

Costs Explicitly Included

The estimate includes tuition, housing, food, fees, and other standard living expenses. Those are the main cost categories students need to think about when planning the MAS in Data Science Global Pathway cost. This broad view makes the estimate more useful for financial planning.

Personal Budgeting Considerations

Students should also think about personal spending, travel, relocation, and contingency planning. These are not always fully captured in the estimated total. A small buffer can help students prepare for unexpected expenses.

What Financial Assistance Is Available?

edept states that loan assistance and financial guidance are available through lending partners. That can help students build a funding plan around the MAS Data Science Global Pathway cost. Financial assistance should be viewed as part of overall planning, not as guaranteed funding.

Loan Assistance Through Lending Partners

Loan assistance may help students manage tuition and living costs more comfortably. It is intended as support for financing the pathway. Students should still review the terms carefully before making financial decisions.

Financial Planning Before the U.S. Phase

Before moving to Chicago, students should estimate their full funding requirement and prepare the necessary financial documentation. This includes understanding how much support they need for tuition and living costs. Early planning can make the transition smoother.

Does the Lower Cost Change the Academic Outcome?

No. A lower cost does not mean a lower academic outcome. Students still progress to the Illinois Tech MAS in Data Science, which is a STEM master’s degree. The pathway also includes a PGP certificate from Mahindra University as part of the India phase.

The Illinois Tech MAS in Data Science

The Illinois Tech degree is the final master’s credential. It is a STEM MAS in Data Science, which adds academic value to the pathway. That means the financial structure changes, but the degree outcome remains strong.

The Mahindra University PGP Certificate

Students receive a PGP certificate from Mahindra University during the India phase. This is separate from the master’s degree and supports the Global Pathway structure. It is part of the larger academic journey, not the final credential.

Advanced Academic and Project-Based Learning

The program includes Advanced Machine Learning, AI, Big Data, Data Engineering, Capstone or Thesis work, and industry-oriented project work. These components keep the academic side rigorous. So the lower cost comes from the structure, not from a reduced curriculum.

 

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Is the MAS Global Pathway Cost-Effective for Indian Students?

Yes, it can be cost-effective for Indian students who want a U.S. master’s with a clearer financial structure. The lower estimated total cost, shorter U.S. phase, and strong academic outcome all contribute to that value. It is especially useful for students searching for an affordable Data Science master’s USA option that still leads to an Illinois Tech degree.

Lower Estimated Total Cost

The Global Pathway is estimated at about $78,500 total cost of attendance, compared with about $109,000 for the traditional route. That gives the pathway a clear financial advantage. For many students, this is the strongest reason to consider the edept route.

Shorter U.S. Study Period

The 12-month Chicago phase is shorter than the 18 to 20 month traditional route. That means fewer months of U.S.-based living costs. A shorter stay makes budgeting simpler and more predictable.

International Academic Credential

Students still earn an Illinois Tech STEM MAS in Data Science, along with the Mahindra University PGP certificate. That combination gives the program strong academic value. It helps the pathway stand out for students who want both cost efficiency and a recognized U.S. credential.

Support Across the Student Journey

The pathway includes support for admissions, visa guidance, financial documentation, pre-departure orientation, and accommodation guidance. That support can help students manage the process more confidently. For many Indian students, that structure adds practical value beyond the numbers.

MAS in Data Science Global Pathway Cost: Quick Summary

The quick summary below gives Indian students an at-a-glance view of the MAS in Data Science Global Pathway cost, including study duration, tuition, total cost of attendance, and estimated savings compared with the traditional route.  
Metric Global Pathway
India study 6 months
U.S. study 12 months
Total duration 18 months
Approx. tuition ~$49,350
Approx. total cost of attendance ~$78,500
Approx. savings vs traditional MAS ~$30,600
Estimated all-in savings Up to ~30%
U.S. degree STEM MAS in Data Science
Note: All figures are approximate estimates stated by the program and may vary based on individual circumstances.  

Understand the Full Cost Before You Apply

Understanding the MAS in Data Science Global Pathway cost means looking beyond tuition and seeing the full study journey. The pathway is estimated at about $49,350 in tuition and about $78,500 in total cost of attendance, compared with about $63,525 and $109,000 for the traditional route. The estimated difference is about $30,600, with the program also highlighting up to approximately 30% all-in savings. That advantage comes from six months of study in India followed by 12 months in Chicago. If you are comparing the cost of studying Data Science in USA, the edept × Mahindra University × Illinois Tech MAS in Data Science Global Pathway is worth evaluating closely.

 

Build global-ready skills with edept’s Master’s in Data Science program
Begin Your Journey!

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

The MAS in Data Science Global Pathway cost is estimated at approximately $49,350 in tuition and approximately $78,500 in total cost of attendance, giving students a clearer budget for the full study journey.

The estimated tuition for the Global Pathway is approximately $49,350 for the full 6+12 structure. This tuition estimate covers the academic component of the program, while the total cost also includes living-related expenses.

The estimated total cost of attendance is approximately $78,500. This figure is more useful than tuition alone because it includes the academic cost along with housing, food, fees, and other standard living expenses.

It includes tuition, housing, food, fees, and other standard living expenses during the program. That makes it a broader and more realistic planning number than tuition alone for Indian students.

The estimated savings compared with the traditional MAS route are approximately $30,600. That difference comes mainly from the shorter U.S. study period and the six months completed in India before moving to Chicago.

Yes. It has a lower estimated tuition and a lower total cost of attendance than the traditional MAS route. The savings come from the program structure, not from reducing the academic outcome.

It is less expensive because students complete the first six months in India, which reduces the length of time spent in the USA. That lowers U.S.-based tuition and living costs across the full program.

Yes. Housing and food are included in the estimated total cost of attendance. These are important expenses during the Chicago phase and are part of the broader financial planning for the program.

Yes. edept states that loan assistance and financial guidance are available through lending partners. This can help students plan financing for tuition and living costs before beginning the U.S. phase.

No. Students still progress to the Illinois Tech STEM MAS in Data Science. The lower cost comes from the pathway structure, not from a reduced degree or weaker academic outcome.

Yes. Actual spending can vary depending on housing choices, lifestyle, travel, and personal spending patterns. The estimated cost is a planning guide, but each student’s final expense may differ.

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