- 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 Florida, University of Central Florida, University of South Florida based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of Florida offers data analytics education at $4,477/year with 95% graduation rate
- 4.25 accredited Data Analytics programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Data Analytics Programs - Top 10 Most Affordable
Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater State University's Data Analytics program stands out 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.
Program Overview
Bridgewater State University provides budget-friendly Data Analytics education at $910 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 97% graduation rate. Proximity to Boston's thriving tech and biotech industries
Hakia Insight: Bridgewater State University graduates earn $5,500,065,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on data analytics curriculum.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Scientific research with tissue culture, small mammal, aquatic and natural history facilities
K-12 STEM education and environmental science research
Environmental research including eel lifecycle studies and river health
Hands-on cybersecurity training and real-world attack simulation
Location Advantages
- •Proximity to Boston's thriving tech and biotech industries
- •Access to numerous internship and job opportunities in Massachusetts
- •Affordable public university education with quality programs
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Healthcare organizations, Financial services, Government agencies, Technology companies
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Salem State University
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.
Program Overview
Salem State University provides budget-friendly Data Analytics education at $910 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Boston's North Shore location
Hakia Insight: Salem State University graduates earn $134,400, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on data analytics curriculum.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Boston's North Shore location
- •Access to diverse internship opportunities in healthcare, consulting, and technology sectors
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Partners Healthcare, Beverly Hospital, Linkage, Inc., Rapid7
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Miami Dade College
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
Program Overview
Miami Dade College provides budget-friendly Data Analytics education at $1,987 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Multiple campus locations including Hialeah, Homestead, Kendall, Medical, North, Padrón, West, Wolfson campuses
Hakia Insight: Miami Dade College's partnerships with Florida International University and Florida Atlantic University translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Multiple campus locations including Hialeah, Homestead, Kendall, Medical, North, Padrón, West, Wolfson campuses
- •Partnership agreements with Florida International University, Florida Atlantic University, and University of Miami for accelerated master's degree completion
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Admissions
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
UNC Charlotte's Data Analytics program stands out 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 unparalleled industry exposure and career opportunities.
Program Overview
University of North Carolina at Charlotte provides budget-friendly Data Analytics education at $3,812 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 76% graduation rate. Charlotte is the second-largest banking center in the US, providing extensive internship and job opportunities
Hakia Insight: University of North Carolina at Charlotte's partnerships with Bank of America and Wells Fargo translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Machine learning and artificial intelligence applications
Cross-disciplinary data science research and applications
Location Advantages
- •Charlotte is the second-largest banking center in the US, providing extensive internship and job opportunities
- •Growing tech hub with numerous startups and established companies requiring data analytics talent
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Lowe's Companies, Duke Energy, Honeywell
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of Florida
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.
Program Overview
University of Florida provides budget-friendly Data Analytics education at $4,477 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 95% graduation rate. Access to Innovation Square technology hub in downtown Gainesville
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.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
IoT, sensor networks, and ML applications
Brain-computer interfaces and neural data analysis
Big data analytics and pattern recognition
Genomic data analysis and bioinformatics
Location Advantages
- •Access to Innovation Square technology hub in downtown Gainesville
- •Proximity to major Florida tech centers in Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville
- •Strong alumni network throughout the Southeast technology sector
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Microsoft, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Accenture, Harris Corporation
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of North Florida
UNF's Data Analytics program stands out 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.
Program Overview
University of North Florida provides budget-friendly Data Analytics education at $3,996 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 82% graduation rate. Jacksonville financial services and fintech growth
Hakia Insight: University of North Florida's partnerships with CSX Corporation and Baptist Health translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Machine learning applications and business analytics
Community partnerships and applied research projects
Location Advantages
- •Jacksonville financial services and fintech growth
- •Regional logistics and supply chain industry
- •Defense and government contracting presence
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of Central Florida
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.
Program Overview
University of Central Florida provides budget-friendly Data Analytics education at $4,478 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 93% graduation rate. Central Florida's growing tech corridor with numerous analytics companies
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.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Computer vision and machine learning applications
Modeling, simulation, and data-driven training systems
Large-scale data processing and predictive analytics
Location Advantages
- •Central Florida's growing tech corridor with numerous analytics companies
- •Proximity to major theme parks providing unique customer analytics opportunities
- •Access to diverse industries including aerospace, healthcare, and tourism for internships
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Walt Disney World, Lockheed Martin, AdventHealth, IBM, Accenture
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of South Florida
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.
Program Overview
University of South Florida provides budget-friendly Data Analytics education at $4,559 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 85% graduation rate. Access to diverse industries including aerospace, banking, finance, and healthcare
Hakia Insight: University of South Florida graduates earn $112,500, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on data analytics curriculum.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Access to diverse industries including aerospace, banking, finance, and healthcare
- •Strong corporate presence in Tampa Bay area
Career Outcomes
Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Tesla, Deloitte
Admissions
San Diego State University
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.
Program Overview
San Diego State University provides budget-friendly Data Analytics education at $5,742 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 83% graduation rate.
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.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Human dynamics, social media, big data, visualization
UN Sustainable Development Goals localization
AI, IoT, cyber-physical systems in construction
Space operations sensing, guidance, dynamics, and control
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Florida State University
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.
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.
Hakia Insight: Florida State University graduates earn $144,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on data analytics curriculum.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Career Outcomes
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Best Data Analytics Programs - Top 10 Most Affordable — Complete Program Data
#1. Bridgewater State University
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 stands out 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 cutting-edge 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. Salem State University
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. Miami Dade College
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's partnerships with Florida International University and Florida Atlantic University translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
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. University of North Carolina at Charlotte
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 stands out 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 unparalleled industry exposure and career opportunities.
Hakia Insight: University of North Carolina at Charlotte's partnerships with Bank of America and Wells Fargo translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
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. University of Florida
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. University of North Florida
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 stands out 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's partnerships with CSX Corporation and Baptist Health translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
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. University of Central Florida
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 cutting-edge 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. University of South Florida
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. San Diego State University
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. Florida State University
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
Best Data Analytics Programs - Compare Top 5 Most Affordable
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Bridgewater State University | Bridgewater, MA | Public | $910 | 97% | 100.0/100 |
| #2 Salem State University | Salem, MA | Public | $910 | N/A | 77.2/100 |
| #3 Miami Dade College | Miami, FL | Public | $1,987 | N/A | 37.8/100 |
| #4 University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | Public | $3,812 | 76% | 23.3/100 |
| #5 University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | Public | $4,477 | 95% | 22.4/100 |
Top 25 Most Affordable Data Analytics Programs 2026
| Rank | Institution | Location | Tuition | Value Score | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bridgewater State University | Bridgewater, MA | $910 | — | 97% |
| 2 | Salem State University | Salem, MA | $910 | — | — |
| 3 | Miami Dade College | Miami, FL | $1,987 | — | — |
| 4 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | $3,812 | — | 76% |
| 5 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | $4,477 | — | 95% |
| 6 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | $3,996 | — | 82% |
| 7 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $4,478 | — | 93% |
| 8 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $4,559 | — | 85% |
| 9 | San Diego State University | San Diego, CA | $5,742 | — | 83% |
| 10 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | $4,640 | — | — |
| 11 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | $4,721 | — | — |
| 12 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo, CA | $5,742 | — | 100% |
| 13 | California State University-Long Beach | Long Beach, CA | $5,742 | — | 73% |
| 14 | University of Wyoming | Laramie, WY | $4,980 | — | — |
| 15 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Raleigh, NC | $6,535 | — | 85% |
| 16 | Brigham Young University | Provo, UT | $6,496 | — | 91% |
| 17 | University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez | Mayaguez, PR | $5,024 | — | — |
| 18 | University at Buffalo | Buffalo, NY | $7,070 | — | 95% |
| 19 | California State University-East Bay | Hayward, CA | $5,742 | — | — |
| 20 | The University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio, TX | $6,239 | — | — |
| 21 | University of Idaho | Moscow, ID | $6,540 | — | 83% |
| 22 | Utah State University | Logan, UT | $7,387 | — | 100% |
| 23 | Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro, TN | $7,536 | — | 97% |
| 24 | University of Houston | Houston, TX | $8,685 | — | 91% |
| 25 | University of Houston-Downtown | Houston, TX | $6,080 | — | 64% |
Showing 1–25 of 50
True Cost Breakdown
The true cost of a Data Analytics degree extends beyond tuition. Understanding total cost of attendance helps you budget accurately and compare programs fairly. According to College Board, non-tuition expenses add $12,000-$25,000 annually to degree costs.
Full Cost Breakdown:
- Tuition — $3,000-$15,000/year (in-state public) vs $30,000-$60,000/year (private)
- Fees — $500-$3,000/year (technology, activity, health fees)
- Books/Supplies — $500-$1,500/year; e-textbooks and open resources reduce costs
- Housing — $8,000-$15,000/year; off-campus often cheaper than dorms
- Food — $3,000-$5,000/year; meal plans vs. cooking varies widely
- Transportation — $1,000-$3,000/year; car-free campuses save significantly
- Personal/Misc — $2,000-$4,000/year; includes phone, entertainment, supplies
Cost-Saving Strategy: Use each school's Net Price Calculator for personalized estimates including financial aid. Sticker price rarely reflects actual cost.
In-State Tuition Strategies
Establishing in-state residency can reduce Data Analytics degree costs by $40,000-$80,000 over four years. Each state has different requirements, but most allow residency establishment within 12 months.
Common Residency Requirements:
- Physical presence — 12 consecutive months living in state before enrollment
- Intent to remain — Driver's license, voter registration, vehicle registration in state
- Financial independence — If under 24, may need parents to establish residency too
- Employment — Some states require working in-state during residency year
Gap Year Strategy: Work in your target state for a year before starting college. You'll earn money, establish residency, and save tens of thousands on tuition. Many tech hubs (Austin, Seattle, Denver) offer good entry-level tech jobs.
Regional Agreements: Some states offer reduced tuition through compacts like WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) or MSEP (Midwest Student Exchange)—typically 150% of in-state tuition.
Save with Transfer Credits
Starting at a community college before transferring can reduce Data Analytics degree costs by $20,000-$40,000. According to Community College Research Center, transfer students who complete associate's degrees before transferring achieve similar graduation rates to direct admits at four-year schools.
Transfer Pathway Strategy:
- Complete 60+ credits at community college (~$8,000-$15,000 total)
- Target transfer agreements — Many states guarantee admission to public universities for CC graduates
- Focus on transferable courses — General education and intro CS courses transfer most reliably
- Maintain 3.5+ GPA — Transfer admission is often more competitive than freshman admission
Transfer-Friendly Universities:
- UC System — TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee) with CA community colleges
- UT Austin — CAP program guarantees transfer after one year at other UT campuses
- Arizona State — MAPP agreements with Maricopa Community Colleges
- Many state schools — 2+2 articulation agreements guarantee credit transfer
Graduate Debt-Free Strategies
Graduating debt-free from a Data Analytics program is achievable with strategic planning. According to TICAS, 30% of bachelor's graduates complete their degrees without student loans. Here's how to join them.
Debt-Free Strategies:
- Community college start — Complete 2 years for ~$7,000 vs $30,000+ at 4-year schools
- Work part-time — 15-20 hours/week at $15-20/hour covers living expenses; campus IT jobs are ideal
- Employer tuition programs — Companies like Starbucks, Amazon, and Target offer full tuition coverage
- AmeriCorps/Peace Corps — Earn $6,500+ education award per year of service
- Tuition payment plans — Interest-free monthly payments avoid loans for manageable amounts
Income While in School:
- Paid internships — ${programName} interns earn $4,000-$8,000/month in summer
- Freelance work — Web development, tutoring, or technical writing at $25-75/hour
- Teaching/tutoring — Campus tutoring centers pay $12-20/hour
- Research positions — $15-25/hour working with faculty
Career Paths
Entry-level position analyzing business data to identify trends and insights
Business Intelligence Analyst
Develop dashboards and reports to support business decision-making
Advanced analytics role requiring statistical modeling and machine learning
Marketing Analyst
Analyze customer data and campaign performance to optimize marketing strategies
Choosing Your Affordable Data Analytics Program
- You qualify for in-state tuition rates
- Want traditional campus experience at low cost
- Prefer face-to-face instruction and networking
- Have access to state financial aid programs
- Need flexible scheduling for work or family
- Want to avoid housing and commuting costs
- Comfortable with self-directed learning
- Seeking accelerated degree completion
- Want the lowest possible total cost
- Need time to improve academic credentials
- Uncertain about committing to 4-year program initially
- Have guaranteed transfer agreements available
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Data Analytics Programs
Based on 91 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Ranking Factors
Percentage of students who complete their degree within 150% of normal time, indicating program effectiveness and student support.
Based on the number of graduates in this specific field, reflecting program size, resources, and industry relevance.
Derived from acceptance rate, indicating academic competitiveness and prestige of the institution.
Regional salary data and employment rates for graduates in this field.
Return on investment calculated from tuition costs relative to expected career earnings.
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database of college costs, financial aid, and employment outcomes
National Center for Education Statistics institutional data
Employment projections and salary data for data analysts
Official source for federal financial aid information and deadlines
Financial Aid Strategies for Data Analytics Students
Federal financial aid significantly reduces data analytics program costs for eligible students. The average Pell Grant provides $7,395 annually for low-income students, while federal student loans offer additional funding with favorable repayment terms. STEM-specific grants and scholarships can provide additional support for data analytics students.
Many universities offer merit-based scholarships specifically for data analytics and computer science students. These awards typically range from $2,000 to $10,000 annually and are renewable throughout the degree program. Students should research scholarships for women in tech and other demographic-specific opportunities that can substantially reduce program costs.
Work-study programs and graduate assistantships provide another avenue for reducing education costs. Many data analytics programs offer research assistant positions that provide tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities not only reduce costs but also provide valuable hands-on experience that enhances career prospects.
Taylor Rupe
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.