Best Value Data Analytics Degree Programs 2026

Best Data Analytics Programs - Top 10 Best Value, Complete Program Data

1. #1. Bridgewater State University — Data Analytics

   Hakia ranks Bridgewater State University's data analytics program #1. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Bridgewater, MA | Type: Public | Tuition: $910/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Score: 100.0

   What makes Bridgewater State University stand out: Bridgewater State University's Data Analytics program is known for its comprehensive integration of statistical theory, programming proficiency, and real-world application within a supportive state university environment that emphasizes personalized attention and affordability.

   Hakia Insight: Bridgewater State University graduates earn $5,500,065,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on data analytics curriculum.

   Program Overview: Bridgewater State University's Data Analytics program is housed within the Department of Computer Science and represents a advanced undergraduate program designed to meet the growing demand for data professionals. The BS in Data Analytics combines rigorous mathematical foundations with practical programming skills and statistical analysis techniques, preparing students to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets across various industries. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through real-world projects and internship opportunities in the greater Boston area. As part of BSU's College of Science and Mathematics, the Data Analytics program benefits from strong interdisciplinary connections and modern computing facilities. Students gain proficiency in popular data analysis tools including Python, R, SQL, and various visualization platforms while developing critical thinking skills essential for data-driven decision making. The program's curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for immediate entry into the workforce or continuation to graduate studies.

   Degree Programs: Data Analytics Undergraduate Certificate (not specified); MS in Computer Science with Data Science Focus (not specified); Master of Science in Computer Science (Variable); Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (4 years); Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Sustainability (4 years)

   Research Labs: Dana Mohler-Faria Science and Mathematics Center - Scientific research with tissue culture, small mammal, aquatic and natural history facilities; Center for the Advancement of STEM Education (CASE) - K-12 STEM education and environmental science research; Watershed Access Lab - Environmental research including eel lifecycle studies and river health; Cyber Range - Hands-on cybersecurity training and real-world attack simulation

   Industry Partners: Moderna, Boston Scientific, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Marine Biological Laboratory, Skillsoft, DraftKings, Formlabs, HubSpot, Wayfair, KMBO Diagnostics, Partners HealthCare, Mass General Hospital, Boston University, National Institute of Health

   Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: High placement rate in data-related fields | Top Employers: Healthcare organizations, Financial services, Government agencies, Technology companies

   Notable Faculty: Dr. Haleh Khojasteh (Computer Science - Graduate Program Coordinator); Dr. Kenneth Adams (Molecular and cell biology)

   Admissions: GPA: 2.5 minimum for regular admission | Acceptance Rate: Approximately 85%

   Accreditations: NECHE Accredited, Program aligned with industry data analytics standards

2. #2. Salem State University — Data Analytics

   Hakia ranks Salem State University's data analytics program #2. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Salem, MA | Type: Public | Tuition: $910/year | Score: 77.2

   What makes Salem State University stand out: Salem State University integrates data analytics training across business and psychology disciplines, offering STEM-designated programs with AACSB accreditation and the only MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology program on Boston's North Shore.

   Hakia Insight: Salem State University graduates earn $134,400, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on data analytics curriculum.

   Program Overview: Salem State offers data analytics education through experienced faculty like Fernando Colina who teaches forecasting, predictive analytics, and business intelligence, supported by specialized facilities including a Cyber Range and partnerships with industry leaders like Palo Alto Networks. The university provides a student-first approach with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and strong financial aid support.

   Degree Programs: Bachelors in Data Analytics; Analytics and Management Science Concentration (4 years); Information and Data Science Concentration (4 years); MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (2-4 years); Business Analytics Certificate; Data Science Certificate

   Industry Partners: Linkage, Inc., i3 Solutions, Weston & Sampson, Partners Healthcare, Beverly Hospital, CRICO Strategies, Randstad International, Rapid7, New England Biolabs, EBSCO Information Services, Mercury Computer Systems, Dynatrace Software

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Partners Healthcare, Beverly Hospital, Linkage, Inc., Rapid7 | Common Roles: human resources, organizational development, change management, data analytics, leadership development

   Notable Faculty: Dr. Ben Miller (Data Analysis for I/O Psychology); Dr. Dia Chatterjee (Research in Organizations); Dr. Hinda Sterling (Organization Consulting)

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: AACSB

3. #3. Miami Dade College — Data Analytics

   Hakia ranks Miami Dade College's data analytics program #3. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Miami, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,987/year | Score: 37.8

   What makes Miami Dade College stand out: Addresses the talent gap created by the explosion of 'big data' and has agreements with major universities for accelerated master's degree pathways that can possibly be completed in one year

   Hakia Insight: Miami Dade College leverages partnerships with Florida International University and Florida Atlantic University to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.

   Program Overview: MDC's Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals who can identify, analyze, interpret and present the volumes of data that are critical to the success of organizations. Graduates will use machine learning, statistics, programming, and visualization tools to resolve complex business problems and make recommendations that effectively support tactical and strategic business objectives.

   Degree Programs: BS

   Industry Partners: Florida International University, Florida Atlantic University, University of Miami

   Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Data Analyst, Data Warehousing Specialist, Database Architect, Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Scientist

   Admissions:

4. #4. University of North Carolina at Charlotte — Data Analytics

   Hakia ranks University of North Carolina at Charlotte's data analytics program #4. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Charlotte, NC | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,812/year | Graduation Rate: 76% | Score: 23.3

   What makes University of North Carolina at Charlotte stand out: UNC Charlotte's Data Analytics program is known for its unique integration of business acumen with technical data science skills, leveraging Charlotte's position as a major financial hub to provide students with industry exposure and career opportunities.

   Hakia Insight: University of North Carolina at Charlotte leverages partnerships with Bank of America and Wells Fargo to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.

   Program Overview: The University of North Carolina at Charlotte's Data Analytics program is housed within the College of Computing and Informatics and represents one of the top-ranked undergraduate programs in the nation. The Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Business Analytics combines rigorous technical training in statistics, programming, and machine learning with practical business applications, preparing students for the rapidly growing field of data analytics. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through real-world projects, internships, and collaboration with industry partners in Charlotte's thriving financial and technology sectors.

   Degree Programs: MS (15 months average); Graduate Certificate; PhD; BS

   Research Labs: Center for Computational Intelligence - Machine learning and artificial intelligence applications; Data Science Initiative - Cross-disciplinary data science research and applications

   Industry Partners: Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Lowe's Companies

   Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 90% within 6 months | Top Employers: Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Lowe's Companies, Duke Energy, Honeywell

   Notable Faculty: Dr. Zbigniew Ras (Data mining and machine learning); Dr. Taghi Khoshgoftaar (Software engineering and data quality)

   Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum | Acceptance Rate: 65%

   Accreditations: ABET Accredited (College of Computing and Informatics), SACSCOC Accredited

5. #5. University of Florida — Data Analytics

   Hakia ranks University of Florida's data analytics program #5. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Gainesville, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,477/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Score: 22.4

   What makes University of Florida stand out: The University of Florida's Data Analytics programs uniquely combine access to one of the world's most powerful academic supercomputers (HiPerGator) with interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, statistics, business, and domain-specific applications in a comprehensive research university setting.

   Hakia Insight: With a 30% acceptance rate, University of Florida's data analytics program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.

   Program Overview: The University of Florida's Data Analytics programs are housed within the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and represent a comprehensive approach to data science education. The Bachelor of Science in Data Science, launched in 2019, was one of the first dedicated undergraduate data science programs in the nation and integrates statistics, computer science, and domain-specific applications. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, preparing students for the rapidly evolving data analytics landscape through interdisciplinary coursework and hands-on projects. At the graduate level, UF offers multiple pathways for data analytics education, including specialized master's programs and doctoral research opportunities. The programs leverage the university's strengths across multiple colleges, including the College of Engineering, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the Warrington College of Business. Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art computing facilities, including the HiPerGator supercomputer, one of the most powerful academic supercomputers in the world.

   Degree Programs: BS (4 years); MS (10 months); MS (10 months)

   Research Labs: Machine Learning and Sensing Lab - IoT, sensor networks, and ML applications; Computational Neuroengineering Lab - Brain-computer interfaces and neural data analysis; Data Mining and Machine Learning Lab - Big data analytics and pattern recognition; Center for Computable Genomics - Genomic data analysis and bioinformatics

   Industry Partners: Microsoft, NVIDIA, Lockheed Martin, Accenture

   Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 95% within 6 months | Top Employers: Microsoft, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Accenture, Harris Corporation

   Notable Faculty: Dr. Jose Principe (Machine Learning and Signal Processing); Dr. Alper Bozkurt (IoT and Sensor Networks); Dr. Daisy Zhe Wang (Database Systems and Data Mining); Dr. Tamer Kahveci (Bioinformatics and Computational Biology)

   Admissions: GPA: 3.5 minimum for competitive admission | Acceptance Rate: 30% overall university

   Accreditations: ABET Accredited (Engineering programs), SACSCOC Accredited, Member of Computing Accreditation Commission

6. #6. University of North Florida — Data Analytics

   Hakia ranks University of North Florida's data analytics program #6. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Jacksonville, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,996/year | Graduation Rate: 82% | Score: 21.3

   What makes University of North Florida stand out: UNF's Data Analytics program is known for its strong emphasis on practical, project-based learning combined with close industry partnerships in Jacksonville's diverse business ecosystem, particularly in logistics, healthcare, and financial services.

   Hakia Insight: University of North Florida leverages partnerships with CSX Corporation and Baptist Health to offer students real-world project experience valued by employers.

   Program Overview: The University of North Florida's Data Analytics program is housed within the College of Computing, Engineering & Construction and offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science degree that combines statistical analysis, computer programming, and business intelligence. The program is designed to prepare students for the growing field of data science by providing hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and technologies including R, Python, SQL, Tableau, and various machine learning frameworks. UNF's program emphasizes practical application through project-based learning and real-world case studies, preparing graduates to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets across various industries. The program benefits from UNF's location in Jacksonville, Florida's largest city, which provides numerous internship and career opportunities with major corporations, healthcare systems, financial institutions, and logistics companies. Students gain experience working with both structured and unstructured data, learning to communicate findings effectively to stakeholders, and developing the critical thinking skills necessary to solve complex business problems through data-driven decision making.

   Degree Programs: Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Sciences with Data Science concentration (4 years); Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) (not specified); Master of Science in Accounting and Data Analytics (MSADA) (not specified)

   Research Labs: Data Science Research Lab - Machine learning applications and business analytics; Center for Data Analytics - Community partnerships and applied research projects

   Industry Partners: CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, VyStar Credit Union, Fidelity National Financial

   Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Data Scientist, Data Analyst

   Notable Faculty: Dr. Karthikeyan Umapathy (Machine learning and data mining); Dr. Shervin Rahimi (Statistical modeling and business analytics)

   Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum | Acceptance Rate: 71%

   Accreditations: ABET Accredited (College of Computing, Engineering & Construction), SACSCOC Accredited

7. #7. University of Central Florida — Data Analytics

   Hakia ranks University of Central Florida's data analytics program #7. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Orlando, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,478/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Score: 20.5

   What makes University of Central Florida stand out: UCF's Data Analytics programs stand out for their integration of business acumen with technical expertise, preparing graduates who can bridge the gap between data science and strategic decision-making in enterprise environments.

   Hakia Insight: University of Central Florida graduates earn $7,200,085,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on data analytics curriculum.

   Program Overview: The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers highly-ranked Data Analytics programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels, positioning itself as a leader in data science education. The undergraduate program, ranking #2 nationally, provides a comprehensive foundation in statistical analysis, programming, and business intelligence, while the graduate program, ranking #5, offers advanced specializations in machine learning, big data technologies, and predictive analytics. UCF's programs emphasize hands-on experience through real-world projects, industry partnerships, and advanced research opportunities in one of the nation's largest and most innovative universities.

   Degree Programs: MS (4-5 semesters); PhD

   Research Labs: Center for Research in Computer Vision - Computer vision and machine learning applications; Institute for Simulation and Training - Modeling, simulation, and data-driven training systems; Big Data Analytics Lab - Large-scale data processing and predictive analytics

   Industry Partners: Walt Disney World, Lockheed Martin, AdventHealth, Harris Corporation

   Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 88% within 6 months | Top Employers: Walt Disney World, Lockheed Martin, AdventHealth, IBM, Accenture, Deloitte

   Notable Faculty: Dr. Mubarak Shah (Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition); Dr. Xin Li (Big Data Analytics and Machine Learning); Dr. Yan Solihin (High-Performance Computing)

   Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum for undergraduate, 3.2 for graduate | Acceptance Rate: 44%

   Accreditations: ABET Accredited Computer Science programs, SACSCOC Regional Accreditation, NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense

8. #8. University of South Florida — Data Analytics

   Hakia ranks University of South Florida's data analytics program #8. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Tampa, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,559/year | Graduation Rate: 85% | Score: 19.5

   What makes University of South Florida stand out: The MS in AIBA is a STEM-designated program with highly competitive admission (only 250 students admitted annually), featuring industry-driven curriculum taught by faculty from top universities and enhanced by free bootcamps, certifications, and a dedicated industry advisory board.

   Hakia Insight: University of South Florida graduates earn $112,500, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on data analytics curriculum.

   Program Overview: The University of South Florida offers data analytics programs through both an undergraduate Information Science B.S. with Data Science and Analytics Concentration and a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Business Analytics. These programs prepare students for careers in data science, business analytics, and AI/ML engineering across various industries.

   Degree Programs: BS Information Science with Data Science and Analytics Concentration (4 years); MS in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Business Analytics

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Tesla, Deloitte, JP Morgan, Disney, Verizon | Common Roles: data scientist, data analyst, AI/ML engineer, BI developer, data engineer, business analyst

   Notable Faculty: Dr. Alan R. Hevner (Distinguished University Professor and AAAS Fellow); Dr. Wolfgang S. Jank (Anderson Professor and advisor, Center for Analytics and Creativity); Dr. Joni L. Jones (Academic Director, MS in BAIS program and Florida Center for Cybersecurity)

   Admissions:

9. #9. San Diego State University — Data Analytics

   Hakia ranks San Diego State University's data analytics program #9. Delivery: on-campus. Location: San Diego, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 83% | Score: 18.0

   What makes San Diego State University stand out: SDSU's Big Data Analytics program uniquely combines transdisciplinary coursework spanning technology, business, and social sciences with both on-campus and online delivery options, featuring extensive elective choices across multiple departments and a highly-ranked online format completable in 16 months.

   Hakia Insight: San Diego State University's Metabolism of Cities Living Lab (MOC-LLAB) and Data-informed Construction Engineering (DiCE) research lab position students at the forefront of data analytics research.

   Program Overview: San Diego State University's Master of Science in Big Data Analytics is a transdisciplinary 30-unit graduate program that combines technology, business, engineering, science, and social science. The program features a dual-core approach with required courses in Big Data Science and Analytics Platforms, Python Scripting, Enterprise Data Management, and Machine Learning Engineering. Students can choose from extensive electives spanning computer science, geography, linguistics, business analytics, public health, and cybersecurity. The program offers both Plan A (thesis) and Plan B (comprehensive exam) culminating experiences, with a capstone seminar requirement. Available both on-campus and fully online through SDSU Global Campus, the online version can be completed in just 16 months and is ranked #21 among online data analytics programs by TechGuide. The program serves professionals across diverse fields including business analytics, GIS, digital humanities, bioinformatics, IT, and public health.

   Degree Programs: Master of Science in Big Data Analytics (16 months minimum); Master of Science in Big Data Analytics Online (16 months minimum)

   Research Labs: Center for Human Dynamics in the Mobile Age (HDMA) - Human dynamics, social media, big data, visualization; Metabolism of Cities Living Lab (MOC-LLAB) - UN Sustainable Development Goals localization; Data-informed Construction Engineering (DiCE) research lab - AI, IoT, cyber-physical systems in construction; Spacecraft Platform for Astronautics & Celestial Emulation (SPACE) laboratory - Space operations sensing, guidance, dynamics, and control

   Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Business Analytics, Marketing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Digital Humanities, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Information Technology (IT), Social and Behavioral Science, Public Health, Sustainability

   Notable Faculty: Ming-Hsiang Tsou (Human dynamics, social media analytics, big data visualization); Gabriela Fernandez (Urban metabolism, smart cities, data science for sustainability); Reza Akhavian (AI, robotics, IoT in construction engineering); Ahmad Bani Younes (Aerospace engineering, spacecraft guidance and control)

   Admissions:

10. #10. Florida State University — Data Analytics

    Hakia ranks Florida State University's data analytics program #10. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Tallahassee, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,640/year | Score: 17.5

    What makes Florida State University stand out: FSU's data analytics programs are STEM-qualified and provide cross-disciplinary training that bridges functional business areas, with industry engagement to keep curriculum relevant and extensive networking opportunities with industry executives.

    Hakia Insight: Florida State University graduates earn $144,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on data analytics curriculum.

    Program Overview: Florida State University offers data analytics programs through two departments: the Business Analytics program in the Herbert Wertheim College of Business and an Interdisciplinary Data Science program. The programs focus on machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer science, mathematics, and statistics with cross-disciplinary applications.

    Degree Programs: Minor in Business Analytics; MS in Business Analytics (1 year); MS in Management Information Systems; Combined BS-MIS/MS-MIS; PhD with major in Management Information Systems; Interdisciplinary Data Science Master's

    Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Data Scientist, Business Analyst

    Notable Faculty: Dr. Noyan Ilk (MS-BA Program Coordinator and Department Chair); Dr. Xinlin Tang (Ph.D. with major in MIS Program Coordinator); Dr. Darren Brooks (MBA Program Coordinator)

    Admissions:

    Accreditations: AACSB International, STEM designation