- 1.Data Scientists earn a median salary of $108,020 with 35% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Data Science programs include Pierce College District, Santa Monica College, Florida State College at Jacksonville based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Pierce College District offers data science education at $4,074/year with 93% graduation rate
- 4.30 accredited Data Science programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Data Science Programs - Top 10 Associate's
Pierce College District
7 data science graduates annually
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 for Data Science based on 93% graduation rate, 7 graduates, and overall score of 52.3/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 7 data science graduates annually
- Accredited institution
Santa Monica College
1 data science graduates annually
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 for Data Science based on 95% graduation rate, 1 graduates, and overall score of 48.7/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 1 data science graduates annually
- Accredited institution
Florida State College at Jacksonville
4 data science graduates annually
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 for Data Science based on 89% graduation rate, 4 graduates, and overall score of 47.5/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 4 data science graduates annually
- Accredited institution
College of Southern Nevada
4 data science graduates annually
Miami Dade College
11 data science graduates annually
Remington College-Online Dallas
10 data science graduates annually
St Petersburg College
7 data science graduates annually
De Anza College
2 data science graduates annually
Gateway Technical College
9 data science graduates annually
Georgia Piedmont Technical College
4 data science graduates annually
Best Data Science Programs - Compare Top 5 Associate's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Pierce College District | Lakewood, WA | Public | $4,074 | 93% | 52.3/100 |
| #2 Santa Monica College | Santa Monica, CA | Public | $1,104 | 95% | 48.7/100 |
| #3 Florida State College at Jacksonville | Jacksonville, FL | Public | $2,095 | 89% | 47.5/100 |
| #4 College of Southern Nevada | Las Vegas, NV | Public | $3,465 | 73% | 41.8/100 |
| #5 Miami Dade College | Miami, FL | Public | $1,987 | N/A | 41/100 |
Top Associate Data Science Programs 2026
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pierce College District | Lakewood, WA | $4,074 | — | — | 52.3 |
| 2 | Santa Monica College | Santa Monica, CA | $1,104 | — | — | 48.7 |
| 3 | Florida State College at Jacksonville | Jacksonville, FL | $2,095 | — | — | 47.5 |
| 4 | College of Southern Nevada | Las Vegas, NV | $3,465 | — | — | 41.8 |
| 5 | Miami Dade College | Miami, FL | $1,987 | — | — | 41 |
| 6 | Remington College-Online Dallas | Dallas, TX | $15,764 | — | — | 39.3 |
| 7 | St Petersburg College | St. Petersburg, FL | $1,943 | — | — | 39.3 |
| 8 | De Anza College | Cupertino, CA | $1,395 | — | — | 38.8 |
| 9 | Gateway Technical College | Kenosha, WI | $4,386 | — | — | 38.4 |
| 10 | Georgia Piedmont Technical College | Clarkston, GA | $2,400 | — | — | 36.3 |
| 11 | Waukesha County Technical College | Pewaukee, WI | $4,386 | — | — | 34.4 |
| 12 | Mt Hood Community College | Gresham, OR | $4,392 | — | — | 34 |
| 13 | Mt San Antonio College | Walnut, CA | $1,288 | — | — | 33.9 |
| 14 | Atlanta Technical College | Atlanta, GA | $2,400 | — | — | 33.8 |
| 15 | Fox Valley Technical College | Appleton, WI | $4,386 | — | — | 33.4 |
| 16 | Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis, IN | $4,912 | — | — | 33 |
| 17 | American River College | Sacramento, CA | $0 | — | — | 31.3 |
| 18 | Long Beach City College | Long Beach, CA | $1,472 | — | — | 30.9 |
| 19 | Collin County Community College District | McKinney, TX | $3,450 | — | — | 30 |
| 20 | Normandale Community College | Bloomington, MN | $5,347 | — | — | 29.2 |
| 21 | Quinsigamond Community College | Worcester, MA | $576 | — | — | 28.2 |
| 22 | American Public University System | Charles Town, WV | $8,400 | — | — | 27.7 |
| 23 | Bergen Community College | Paramus, NJ | $7,516 | — | — | 27.7 |
| 24 | Sinclair Community College | Dayton, OH | $3,889 | — | — | 27.4 |
| 25 | Bucks County Community College | Newtown, PA | $7,920 | — | — | 27.4 |
Showing 1–25 of 30
Career Paths
Entry-level position analyzing data to support business decisions, creating reports and basic visualizations
Business Intelligence Analyst
Work with business stakeholders to identify data needs and create dashboards for decision-making
Data Technician
Support senior data scientists by cleaning data, running analyses, and maintaining databases
Research Assistant
Assist researchers in collecting, organizing, and analyzing data for studies and reports
Marketing Data Analyst
Analyze marketing campaign performance, customer behavior, and digital analytics
What is an Associate Degree in Data Science?
An associate degree in data science is a 2-year undergraduate program that provides foundational knowledge in data analysis, statistics, and basic programming. Unlike bachelor's programs that dive deep into machine learning and advanced algorithms, associate programs focus on practical skills employers need for entry-level data positions.
Most associate data science programs combine business analytics, computer science fundamentals, and statistics. Students learn to work with databases, create visualizations, and analyze data using tools like Excel, SQL, Python, and R. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on projects that mirror real workplace scenarios.
These programs serve two primary pathways: direct entry into the workforce as junior data analysts or preparation for transfer to bachelor's data science programs. Many community colleges have articulation agreements with 4-year universities, allowing seamless credit transfer.
The growing demand for data professionals has created opportunities for associate degree holders. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in data-related occupations is projected to grow 22% through 2030, much faster than average. While senior data scientist roles require advanced degrees, many organizations hire associate degree graduates for support roles, data entry, and junior analyst positions.
Curriculum and Course Requirements
Associate data science programs typically require 60-66 credit hours completed over four semesters. The curriculum balances general education requirements with technical coursework, ensuring graduates have both analytical skills and communication abilities needed in the workplace.
Core technical courses cover database fundamentals, statistical analysis, data visualization, and programming. Most programs use Python and R for statistical computing, SQL for database queries, and tools like Tableau or Power BI for visualization. Students also learn Excel at an advanced level, as it remains widely used in business environments.
- Database Management and SQL (3-4 credits)
- Statistics for Data Analysis (3-4 credits)
- Python Programming for Data Science (3-4 credits)
- Data Visualization and Reporting (3 credits)
- Business Analytics Applications (3 credits)
- Research Methods and Data Ethics (3 credits)
- Capstone Project or Internship (3-6 credits)
General education requirements typically include college algebra, business communication, and basic computer literacy. Some programs offer electives in specialized areas like healthcare analytics, financial analysis, or digital marketing metrics.
The capstone experience varies by program but usually involves working with real data from local businesses or non-profit organizations. Students apply their skills to solve actual problems, creating portfolios that demonstrate their capabilities to potential employers. This practical experience often becomes the centerpiece of job interviews and demonstrates readiness for entry-level positions.
How to Choose the Right Associate Data Science Program
- You want the most affordable option
- You plan to transfer to a 4-year university
- You prefer smaller class sizes and personalized attention
- You need flexible scheduling options
- You want immediate job placement assistance
- You prefer industry-focused curriculum
- You're interested in specialized certifications
- You want hands-on, practical training
- You're a working professional
- You live in a rural area without local options
- You need maximum scheduling flexibility
- You're comfortable with virtual learning environments
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 45 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
Institution type (R1/R2 research bonus)
CAE-CD designation, curator bonuses
Data completeness proxy
Reporting completeness
Data Sources and Methodology
Employment projections and salary data for data science occupations
Program completion rates and transfer statistics
Graduation rates, costs, and post-graduation earnings by institution
Student satisfaction and engagement metrics
Program quality assessments and accreditation status
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.