Compare 247 accredited data analytics master's degree programs using data from IPEDS 2024 and BLS 2024. Our rankings analyze graduation rates, tuition costs, career outcomes, and curriculum quality to identify the top programs.
Programs Ranked247
Median Tuition$24,850/yr
Avg Graduation Rate84%
Median Starting Salary$88,000
On this page
Key Takeaways
1.data Analysts earn a median salary of $103,500 with 35% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
2.Top-ranked Data Analytics programs include University of California-Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
3.Best value: University of California-Berkeley offers data analytics education at $11,834/year with 96% graduation rate
4.50 accredited Data Analytics programs analyzed using IPEDS 2024 completion data
Ranked #1 among data analytics master's programs by Hakia Score (96.2/100): 96% graduation rate, $101,860 median salary, $67,446 in-state tuition, 246 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Ranked #2 among data analytics master's programs by Hakia Score (91.7/100): 94% graduation rate, $101,860 median salary, $69,146 in-state tuition, 27 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Ranked #3 among data analytics master's programs by Hakia Score (91.5/100): 94% graduation rate, $101,860 median salary, $64,596 in-state tuition, 20 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Ranked #4 among data analytics master's programs by Hakia Score (88.5/100): 91% graduation rate, $101,860 median salary, $69,400 in-state tuition, 9 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Ranked #5 among online data analytics master's programs by Hakia Score (83/100): 74% graduation rate, $101,860 median salary, $51,444 in-state tuition, 18 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Ranked #6 among online data analytics master's programs by Hakia Score (80.8/100): 80% graduation rate, $101,860 median salary, $46,570 in-state tuition, 21 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Ranked #7 among online data analytics master's programs by Hakia Score (80.4/100): 75% graduation rate, $101,860 median salary, $58,058 in-state tuition, 8 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Ranked #8 among data analytics master's programs by Hakia Score (79.2/100): 72% graduation rate, $101,860 median salary, $51,569 in-state tuition, 2 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Ranked #9 among online data analytics master's programs by Hakia Score (79/100): 62% graduation rate, $101,860 median salary, $17,520 in-state tuition, 82 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Ranked #10 among data analytics master's programs by Hakia Score (78.2/100): 68% graduation rate, $101,860 median salary, $54,660 in-state tuition, 5 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
View full researchShow less
Program Strengths
68% graduation rate
$101,860 median salary
$54,660 in-state tuition
5 graduates annually
Best Data Analytics Programs - Top 10 Master's, Complete Program Data
#1. University of Chicago — Master's Data Analytics
Hakia ranks University of Chicago's master's data analytics program #1. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Chicago, IL | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $67,446/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Median Salary: $101,860 | Score: 96.2
#2. Tufts University — Master's Data Analytics
Hakia ranks Tufts University's master's data analytics program #2. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Medford, MA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $69,146/year | Graduation Rate: 94% | Median Salary: $101,860 | Score: 91.7
#3. Carnegie Mellon University — Master's Data Analytics
Hakia ranks Carnegie Mellon University's master's data analytics program #3. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $64,596/year | Graduation Rate: 94% | Median Salary: $101,860 | Score: 91.5
#4. Boston College — Master's Data Analytics
Hakia ranks Boston College's master's data analytics program #4. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Chestnut Hill, MA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $69,400/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Median Salary: $101,860 | Score: 88.5
#5. Drake University — Master's Data Analytics (Online)
Hakia ranks Drake University's online master's data analytics program #5. Degree: Master's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Des Moines, IA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $51,444/year | Graduation Rate: 74% | Median Salary: $101,860 | Score: 83.0
#6. Butler University — Master's Data Analytics (Online)
Hakia ranks Butler University's online master's data analytics program #6. Degree: Master's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Indianapolis, IN | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $46,570/year | Graduation Rate: 80% | Median Salary: $101,860 | Score: 80.8
#7. Clarkson University — Master's Data Analytics (Online)
Hakia ranks Clarkson University's online master's data analytics program #7. Degree: Master's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Potsdam, NY | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $58,058/year | Graduation Rate: 75% | Median Salary: $101,860 | Score: 80.4
#8. Moravian University — Master's Data Analytics
Hakia ranks Moravian University's master's data analytics program #8. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Bethlehem, PA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $51,569/year | Graduation Rate: 72% | Median Salary: $101,860 | Score: 79.2
#9. Westcliff University — Master's Data Analytics (Online)
Hakia ranks Westcliff University's online master's data analytics program #9. Degree: Master's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Irvine, CA | Type: Private for-profit | Tuition: $17,520/year | Graduation Rate: 62% | Median Salary: $101,860 | Score: 79.0
#10. Widener University — Master's Data Analytics
Hakia ranks Widener University's master's data analytics program #10. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Chester, PA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $54,660/year | Graduation Rate: 68% | Median Salary: $101,860 | Score: 78.2
Best Data Analytics Programs - Compare Top 5 Master's
School
Location
Type
Tuition
Grad Rate
Score
#1 University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
Public
$11,834
96%
100/100
#2 Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA
Private
$62,260
98%
97.2/100
#3 Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
Private
$59,750
N/A
92.7/100
#4 University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Private
$66,640
92%
92.5/100
#5 Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Private
$61,731
N/A
89.4/100
Data from IPEDS 2024. Tuition shown is in-state for public schools.
Data analytics is one of the fastest-growing fields in technology, with master's degree programs experiencing 35% enrollment growth between 2020-2023 (IPEDS 2024). These programs prepare graduates for careers as data scientists, business intelligence analysts, and machine learning engineers in industries ranging from finance to healthcare to technology.
Data from 247 accredited data analytics master's programs shows significant variations in curriculum focus, career outcomes, and cost. Top-tier programs like Northwestern and UC Berkeley combine theoretical foundations with hands-on experience using tools like Python, R, SQL, and Tableau. Many programs also offer specializations in areas such as artificial intelligence, business analytics, or healthcare informatics.
The field offers excellent career prospects, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 35% job growth for data scientists through 2032 - much faster than average. Graduates start at salaries between $75,000-$110,000, with potential to reach $150,000+ with experience. Strong programs also provide pathways to specialized roles in AI/ML engineering and cybersecurity analytics.
$88,000
Starting Salary
$125,000
Mid-Career
+28%
Job Growth
17,700
Annual Openings
Career Paths
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2098
+0.23%
Create dashboards and reports to help organizations make data-driven business decisions using tools like Tableau and Power BI.
Median Salary:$88,240
Data Engineer
SOC 15-1243
+0.21%
Design and maintain data infrastructure, pipelines, and warehouses to support analytics and machine learning initiatives.
Median Salary:$95,340
Quantitative Analyst
SOC 15-2098
+0.19%
Apply mathematical and statistical methods to financial and risk management problems in investment firms and banks.
Median Salary:$136,600
Marketing Data Analyst
SOC 15-2098
+0.23%
Analyze customer behavior, campaign performance, and market trends to optimize marketing strategies and ROI.
Median Salary:$82,430
Healthcare Data Analyst
SOC 15-2098
+0.31%
Analyze clinical and operational healthcare data to improve patient outcomes and organizational efficiency.
Median Salary:$86,240
Operations Research Analyst
SOC 15-2031
+0.23%
Use advanced analytical methods to solve complex business problems and optimize organizational operations.
Graduate students in data analytics programs have access to various funding sources that can significantly reduce program costs. Research assistantships are common at major universities, providing tuition remission plus $20,000-$30,000 annual stipends in exchange for 20 hours/week of research work. Teaching assistantships offer similar benefits for students interested in academic careers.
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for relevant graduate education. Technology companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon provide up to $12,000-$25,000 annually for employees pursuing analytics degrees. Professional development programs at consulting firms (McKinsey, Deloitte, PwC) often cover full tuition for high-performing employees. For comprehensive funding strategies, see our FAFSA and grants guide and employer tuition reimbursement resources.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $25,000/year at major tech companies
Federal Student Loans: Up to $20,500/year (unsubsidized)
Professional Association Scholarships: $2,000-$10,000 (ASA, INFORMS)
Diversity and Inclusion Scholarships: Various amounts for underrepresented groups
Merit-based Departmental Funding: Varies by program and academic credentials
Program Selection Framework
Choose Northwestern or Carnegie Mellon if.
You want maximum career prestige and earning potential
Budget allows for premium tuition ($65,000+)
You prefer small cohorts and intensive faculty mentorship
Career goals include consulting or investment banking
Choose UC Berkeley or Georgia Tech if.
You want top-tier education at public university pricing
Research opportunities and academic rigor are priorities
Location preferences favor California or Southeast
You value strong technical foundations with business applications
Choose online programs if.
Currently employed and need scheduling flexibility
Geographic constraints limit on-campus options
Self-directed learning style works well for you
Budget constraints favor lower-cost options
Choose specialized programs if.
Clear industry focus (healthcare, finance, marketing)
Existing domain expertise you want to complement
Specific technical interests (AI/ML, visualization, etc.)
Career goals align with program specialization
Frequently Asked Questions About Data Analytics Master's Programs
What's the difference between data analytics and data science master's programs?
Data analytics programs focus on business applications, visualization, and descriptive statistics using tools like Excel, Tableau, and SQL. Data science programs emphasize predictive modeling, machine learning, and programming with Python/R. Analytics programs are more business-focused while data science programs are more technically rigorous. However, program names aren't standardized, so review specific curricula. Many programs now offer tracks in both areas.
Is work experience required for admission to top data analytics programs?
Most top programs prefer 2-4 years of work experience but don't require it. Northwestern, UC Berkeley, and Georgia Tech accept strong candidates directly from undergraduate programs. Work experience helps with application competitiveness and classroom discussions but isn't mandatory. Programs value diverse backgrounds - experience in business, finance, marketing, or technical fields can all be relevant.
How important is a technical undergraduate degree for data analytics master's programs?
Technical backgrounds help but aren't required for most programs. Successful students come from diverse fields including business, economics, psychology, and liberal arts. Most programs offer prerequisite courses in statistics and programming for students without technical backgrounds. However, strong quantitative skills (demonstrated through coursework or work experience) are important for success.
What programming languages should I know before starting a data analytics program?
Python and R are the most important languages for data analytics. SQL for database querying is essential. Most programs teach these languages, but familiarity helps. Excel proficiency is assumed. Some programs also cover SAS, Scala, or specialized tools like Tableau and Power BI. Focus on Python and SQL if you're preparing independently - they're used across most programs and in industry.
Are online data analytics master's programs as valuable as on-campus programs?
Online programs from accredited universities provide comparable education quality and career outcomes. Georgia Tech's online MSA, Arizona State's online program, and Penn State's World Campus all have strong reputations. However, on-campus programs offer better networking opportunities and hands-on lab experiences. Choose online if you need flexibility. Choose on-campus for maximum networking and immersive experience.
What's the job market like for data analytics master's graduates?
The job market is very strong with 35% projected growth through 2032 (BLS). High demand exists across industries - healthcare, finance, technology, retail, and consulting all seek analytics professionals. Starting salaries range from $75,000-$110,000 depending on location and specialization. Competition exists for top-tier positions at major tech companies, but overall employment prospects are excellent.
How much can I expect to earn with a data analytics master's degree?
Starting salaries range from $75,000-$110,000, with median around $88,000. Location significantly impacts compensation - San Francisco and New York offer $95,000-$115,000 starting salaries, while smaller markets range $70,000-$90,000. With 3-5 years experience, salaries reach $100,000-$150,000. Senior roles and management positions can exceed $180,000. Specializations in finance and healthcare often command premium salaries.
Should I specialize in a specific industry (healthcare, finance, marketing) or stay generalist?
Both approaches have merits. Specialization can lead to higher salaries and faster career advancement in specific industries - healthcare and finance analytics roles often pay 10-20% premiums. However, generalist skills provide more career flexibility and broader job opportunities. Consider your interests, existing experience, and local job market. Many successful analysts start generalist and specialize later based on career opportunities.
What's the typical time commitment for data analytics master's programs?
Full-time programs require 16-21 months and 40+ hours/week including coursework, projects, and study time. Part-time programs extend 24-36 months with 15-25 hours/week commitment. Intensive summer programs can compress timelines but require 60+ hours/week. Online programs offer more flexibility but require strong time management skills. Factor in internships, networking events, and job search activities when planning time commitment.
How do I choose between different data analytics specializations?
Consider your career goals, existing experience, and local job market. Business analytics focuses on organizational decision-making and strategic insights. Marketing analytics emphasizes customer behavior and campaign optimization. Healthcare analytics combines domain knowledge with regulatory compliance requirements. Financial analytics involves risk modeling and investment analysis. Research job postings in your target area to understand which specializations are in highest demand.
How We Rank Data Analytics Degree Programs
Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024
Of the 32 master's data analytics programs we rank, University of Chicago's Master's in Data Analytics earns the highest Hakia Score. Each is graded on real graduation, admissions, salary, and tuition data. Graduates step into a field where the median wage runs about $101,860.
Ranking Factors
Program Completions35%
Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.
Graduation Rate25%
Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.
Selectivity20%
Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.
Career Outcomes20%
National salary data for data analytics graduates, factored into institutional scores based on job market strength.
Ranking Categories
Best Programs
Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.
Online Programs
Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.
Most Affordable
Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.