University campus in Nebraska
Updated June 28, 2026

Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in Nebraska, 2026 Rankings

Compare the top data analytics colleges in Nebraska. 3 accredited data analytics schools ranked by graduation rate, career outcomes, and value, from University of Nebraska-Lincoln to Creighton University.

#1 ProgramCreighton
Avg Salary$91,560
Tuition From$8,010/yr
Job Growth+22%
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Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology

6

Programs ranked

IPEDS 2024

$91,560

Nebraska median data analytics salary

BLS OEWS 2024

64/100

Top program score

Hakia methodology

25%

U.S. job growth (2023–33)

BLS projections

Key Takeaways

Best data analytics degree programs: Creighton, Bellevue,

Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality

IPEDS 2024

Tuition ranges from $8,010 to $45,000/year

U of Nebraska-Lincoln offers the most affordable option at $8,010/yr

IPEDS 2024

Data Analytics degree programs available: 3 master's, 1 doctoral in Nebraska

From community college pathways to advanced research degrees

IPEDS 2024

Major employers: Mutual of Omaha, First Data, TD Ameritrade, Gallup

Tech hubs in Omaha and Lincoln

Hakia Research 2026

Data Analytics degree programs near 20+ cities across Nebraska

Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location

IPEDS 2024

Updated June 28, 2026

How we ranked Nebraska Data Analytics programs

We rank 6 accredited data analytics programs in Nebraska using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.

Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodology

Are Data Analytics Degree Programs in Nebraska Worth It?

Answer
$91,560
Yes. The best data analytics degree programs in Nebraska deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $91,560 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $20,382/year.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Data Analytics Degree Rankings in Nebraska

Compare the top-ranked Data Analytics programs in Nebraska by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.

Best Bachelor's Data Analytics Programs in Nebraska

2
Programs ranked
$26,568
Avg tuition/yr
12%
Avg grad rate

Program Landscape

Nebraska ranks among the nation's top destinations for data analytics education, with 2 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 0 public and 2 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Creighton, Bellevue, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from Nebraska data analytics programs earn a median salary of $77,826, 21% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Mutual of Omaha, First Data, TD Ameritrade.

Costs & Value

Tuition ranges from $8,136 to $45,000 annually, with an average of $26,568/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 12%, with the highest reaching 12%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.

Curriculum & Specializations

Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Nebraska's leading technology employers. For students seeking data analytics degrees in Nebraska, these top-ranked data analytics schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

Best Master's Data Analytics Programs in Nebraska

3
Programs ranked
$20,382
Avg tuition/yr
12%
Avg grad rate

Program Landscape

Nebraska offers 3 master's degree programs in data analytics, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Bellevue, Creighton, U of Nebraska-Lincoln, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.

Career Outcomes

Master's graduates in Nebraska earn a median salary of $91,560, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Mutual of Omaha, First Data, TD Ameritrade actively recruiting from these programs.

Costs & Value

Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $20,382/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.

Curriculum & Specializations

Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Nebraska's data analytics schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.

Best Doctoral Data Analytics Programs in Nebraska

1
Programs ranked
$8,010
Avg tuition/yr
0%
Avg grad rate

Program Landscape

Nebraska is home to 1 doctoral programs in data analytics, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Nebraska-Lincoln are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.

Career Outcomes

Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Nebraska PhD holders earning a median of $114,450, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Mutual of Omaha, First Data, TD Ameritrade.

Costs & Value

PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.

Curriculum & Specializations

Research strengths across Nebraska programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing data analytics degrees in Nebraska, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.

Data Analytics Degree Costs & Tuition in Nebraska

MetricValue
Average in-state tuition$20,382/year
Average out-of-state tuition$50,955/year
Community college tuition$5,096/year
4-year savings for residents$122,292
2+2 transfer pathway savings$30,572

Source: IPEDS 2024

Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Analytics Students in Nebraska

State Aid Programs

Nebraska residents pursuing data analytics degrees have access to multiple funding pathways designed to make higher education affordable. The Nebraska Opportunity Grant is a need-based grant program administered through the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education that provides direct financial support to eligible students attending Nebraska institutions. This state-specific aid complements federal funding opportunities available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens the door to grants, loans, and work-study programs. All undergraduate and graduate students should complete the FAFSA at StudentAid.gov to determine their eligibility for federal aid, including Pell Grants and federal student loans.

Key Programs & Amounts

Beyond state and federal aid, Nebraska's data analytics programs at public universities offer competitive institutional scholarships and graduate assistantships. The University of Nebraska system, including the University of Nebraska at Omaha and University of Nebraska-Lincoln, provides merit-based scholarships that recognize academic achievement and can substantially reduce the cost of attendance. Private institutions like Creighton University also offer need-based and merit-based aid packages to qualified students. Community colleges in Nebraska, such as Metropolitan Community College Area and Southeast Community College Area, provide the most affordable entry point with average tuition around $2,900–$3,000 per year, making them ideal for students starting their analytics journey before transferring to a four-year program through the Nebraska Transfer Initiative.

Data Analytics Degree ROI Calculator, Nebraska

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data analytics degree in Nebraska. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.

Data Analytics Degree ROI Calculator

Estimate your return on investment for a data analytics degree

Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type

20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI

+907%

Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.

Net Gain

$1,677,254

Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.

Break-Even

5 years

Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.

COL-Adjusted Salary

$133,333

Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.

Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.

Detailed Breakdown

How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data

Total Investment$185,000

Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)

Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000

Direct cost of the degree program

Opportunity Cost$140,000

4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time

20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,712,662

Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth

20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408

What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth

Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$140,000

Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)

Annualized Return4.9%

Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)

Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com

Data Analytics Salaries by Metro Area

Median annual salary in Nebraska metro areas

Omaha$101K
Lincoln$96K
Bellevue$92K
View data table
CategoryValue
Omaha$101K
Lincoln$96K
Bellevue$92K

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Hakia.com

Top Employers Hiring Data Analytics Graduates in Nebraska

Find data analytics jobs in Nebraska. These major employers across Nebraska metro areas are actively hiring data analytics degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.

Data Analytics Jobs in Omaha

NE
Mutual of Omaha
insurance
Kiewit
construction
PayPal/Venmo
fintech
Buildertrend
tech
Union Pacific
railroad

Data Analytics Jobs in Lincoln

NE
Hudl
tech
Nelnet
fintech
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
education

Transfer Pathways for Data Analytics Degrees in Nebraska

State Transfer System

Nebraska's 16 community colleges provide excellent entry points for students pursuing data analytics degrees. The Nebraska Transfer Initiative facilitates seamless credit transfer among public institutions, allowing students to complete associate degrees at institutions like Metropolitan Community College Area, Southeast Community College Area, Central Community College, Northeast Community College, and Western Nebraska Community College before transferring to bachelor's programs at the University of Nebraska system or other four-year institutions. This pathway significantly reduces overall cost, community college tuition averages as low as $2,568 to $3,240 annually, compared to $6,668 for four-year public universities.

How Transfers Work

Students beginning at community colleges can complete general education and foundational mathematics and science requirements, then transfer with junior standing to top-ranked bachelor's programs such as the University of Nebraska at Omaha (#1 ranked, $6,536 tuition) or the University of Nebraska at Kearney (#4 ranked, $6,480 tuition). The Nebraska Transfer Initiative ensures articulation agreements between institutions, protecting credit hours and minimizing delays to graduation. Qualified Nebraska residents may also access the Nebraska Opportunity Grant, a need-based grant supporting students at eligible institutions throughout the transfer pathway. For additional career pathway exploration, review Data Science in Nebraska and Information Systems in Nebraska to identify complementary programs at transfer-friendly institutions.

Why Pursue a Data Analytics Degree in Nebraska?

Industry & Workforce

Nebraska offers a strong pathway into data analytics with 7 institutions providing degree programs across all educational levels (IPEDS). The state produced 206 total completions in 2023, including 56 bachelor's degrees, 141 master's degrees, and 9 doctoral degrees, demonstrating strong enrollment and completion rates across degree tiers. This diverse program landscape means students can choose between community colleges, public universities, and private institutions tailored to their educational goals and career timeline.

Salary Outlook

Nebraska's tech hubs in Omaha, Lincoln, and the surrounding metro areas host major employers actively seeking data analytics talent, including Nebraska Medicine, Union Pacific, and Berkshire Hathaway. The state's average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions is just $6,668, making Nebraska significantly more affordable than national alternatives (College Scorecard). Top-ranked programs like the University of Nebraska at Omaha and University of Nebraska-Lincoln combine affordability with academic excellence, providing exceptional value for students pursuing bachelor's and master's degrees. Whether you're launching a career or advancing to graduate study, Nebraska's combination of accessible tuition, quality institutions, and employer demand creates an ideal environment for data analytics education. Explore Data Science in Nebraska and Information Systems in Nebraska for related career paths.

Data Analytics Program Availability in Nebraska

3 Programs
Nebraska offers 3 accredited data analytics programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue.

Source: IPEDS 2024

Data Analytics Job Market & Salary Data in Nebraska

Employment Outlook

Nebraska's data analytics job market is experiencing steady growth, with strong demand across multiple sectors and geographic regions. The state's major metropolitan areas, particularly the Omaha-Council Bluffs and Lincoln metros, serve as primary hubs for data analytics employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nebraska continues to attract talent in data-driven roles across diverse industries. The state's education infrastructure supports this demand, with 7 institutions offering data analytics programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, producing 206 total completions annually across all degree types (IPEDS).

Salaries by Metro

The strongest employment opportunities are concentrated in Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Grand Island, and Kearney, where major employers actively recruit data analytics professionals. Career pathways in Nebraska are well-supported by leading institutions such as University of Nebraska at Omaha's top-ranked programs and University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which together produce significant graduate talent annually. Students seeking to understand state-level employment trends can reference detailed occupational data through the BLS Nebraska data portal. For those interested in related fields, Nebraska also offers strong programs in Data Science, Information Systems, and Database Management, creating multiple entry points into the analytics career ecosystem.

Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)

New graduates and career changers

Senior (8+ yrs)

Technical leads and architects

Median Salary in Nebraska$59,514$132,762
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred

Online vs On-Campus Data Analytics Programs in Nebraska

Online Programs

0 available in Nebraska

On-Campus Programs

Traditional classroom experience

Typical Tuition$18,344/yr$20,382/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)

Compare Data Analytics Programs in Other States

Data Analytics Degree Programs in Nebraska: FAQ

What are the best data analytics degree programs in Nebraska?
The best data analytics degree programs in Nebraska based on our methodology are: 1) Creighton University (highly ranked), 2) Bellevue University, and 3) N/A. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Nebraska offers 3 total accredited programs across 1 public and 2 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 2 bachelor's programs.
How much do data analytics degree programs cost in Nebraska?
Data Analytics degree program costs in Nebraska vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $20,382/year, while private institutions average $44,840/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $5,096/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $81,528 at public schools to $179,362 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can data analytics degree graduates earn in Nebraska?
Data Analytics professionals in Nebraska earn a median salary of $91,560, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $59,514, while senior roles exceed $132,762. Salaries vary by metro area: Omaha ($100,716), Lincoln ($96,138) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online data analytics degree programs in Nebraska?
Yes, Nebraska offers 0 accredited online Data Analytics programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from various state universities. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire data analytics degree graduates in Nebraska?
Major Data Analytics employers in Nebraska include Mutual of Omaha, First Data, TD Ameritrade, Gallup, Buildertrend. The Omaha and Lincoln metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Nebraska universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Nebraska's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a data analytics degree program worth it in Nebraska?
A data analytics degree program in Nebraska offers strong ROI with a $91,560 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $20,382/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($103,463), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do data analytics degree programs take in Nebraska?
Standard completion times for data analytics degree programs in Nebraska are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Nebraska community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Nebraska university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for data analytics degree students in Nebraska?
Nebraska data analytics degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Nebraska state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Nebraska's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.

Data Sources

Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates

Nebraska salary and employment data

Official University Websites

Program details and admissions information

Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

Was this ranking helpful for your college search?
Taylor Rupe

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.

The research behind the rankings

In-depth Data Analytics program profiles in Nebraska

Hand-researched detail on the top-ranked programs: degree pathways, research labs, industry partners, career outcomes, and admissions. Tap any school to expand.

Best Bachelor's Data Analytics programs

#1Creighton UniversityOmaha, NE

Why it stands out. Interdisciplinary curriculum combining mathematics, statistics, journalism, media, and computing. Collaborative, service-learning-based capstone project

Hakia insight. Creighton's unusual inclusion of journalism and media within the data science major signals that students graduate comfortable communicating findings to non-technical stakeholders—a skill gap at most technical programs that Berkshire Hathaway's corporate culture rewards.

Creighton's Bachelor of Science in Data Science is an interdisciplinary program combining mathematics, statistics, journalism, media, and computing. The 47-credit curriculum emphasizes a balanced approach to modern data science with a collaborative, service-learning-based capstone providing real-world experience. Students develop skills across the entire data lifecycle—planning, acquiring, managing, analyzing, modeling, and drawing inferences from data. Two specialization tracks are available: Advanced Computing (algorithm design, artificial intelligence, social media analytics) and Advanced Mathematics/Statistics (linear algebra, probability theory, statistical inference). Graduates pursue careers as data scientists, data engineers, machine learning engineers, or statisticians. The field shows strong job growth, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting 15-33% growth over two decades. The program prepares students for immediate employment or graduate study in data science, machine learning, computer science, or statistics.

Programs offered

  • Bachelor of Science in Data Science · 4 years · on-campus

Industry partners

Berkshire HathawayMutual of OmahaCHI Health

Location advantage: Proximity to Berkshire Hathaway headquarters and Omaha's insurance/financial services sector Access to major healthcare systems (CHI Health, Nebraska Medicine) Regional hub for business and actuarial talent

#2Bellevue UniversityBellevue, NE

Why it stands out. Bellevue's online, working-professional-focused analytics program allows career pivots without sacrificing full-time employment.

Hakia insight. Bellevue's fully online format with flexible pacing lets career-changers stay employed while transitioning into analytics, eliminating the financial cliff other programs create.

At the bachelor's level, bellevue's data analytics program is designed for working professionals and career-changers, offered primarily online with flexible pacing so students can apply what they learn immediately in their current roles. The curriculum emphasizes practical analytics—Python, SQL, statistical modeling, and visualization in Tableau—with less emphasis on mathematical proofs and more on how to extract and interpret insights from real datasets. Courses are taught by faculty with active industry experience, and many cohorts include classmates from insurance, finance, military, and government sectors, creating a peer-learning environment where students encounter analytics problems from multiple domains. The online format and evening course scheduling reflect the reality that most analytics learners already hold full-time jobs and need programs that fit their lives. Bellevue's reputation in the Omaha professional community, combined with its flexibility, makes it a common choice for internal promotions—employees in finance, HR, and operations roles who want to transition into analytics without leaving their employers.

Programs offered

  • Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics · 4 years · on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics · 4 years · online

Accreditation & certifications

Higher Learning Commission

Location advantage: Omaha-area professional network in finance and insurance

Best Master's Data Analytics programs

#1Bellevue UniversityBellevue, NE

Why it stands out. No GMAT/GRE required for simplified admission. 100% online delivery for working professionals

Hakia insight. No GMAT/GRE requirement paired with 36-credit online structure removes friction barriers for mid-career professionals in finance and insurance who have work experience but no standardized test scores.

Bellevue University's Master of Science in Business Analytics is a streamlined 36-credit online program designed for working professionals seeking career advancement in data-driven decision-making. The program offers flexible online learning with no GMAT/GRE required, enabling rapid enrollment. Students develop expertise in SAS programming, enterprise data management, advanced data mining, and business intelligence through real-world scenarios. The curriculum combines business foundation courses (accounting, finance, marketing, organizational performance) with information systems and analytics specializations. Graduates advance into high-demand analytics roles with salary increases over bachelor's degrees. The program emphasizes applicable technical skills in statistical analysis, data visualization, and strategic IT implementation. With embedded SAS Base Programming certification alignment and practical capstone projects, professionals can complete the degree part-time while employed, with spring sessions beginning March 16 and ongoing enrollment opportunities.

Programs offered

  • Master of Science in Business Analytics · 1-2 years · on-campus

Career outcomes

Top employers: Intel

Accreditation & certifications

Higher Learning Commission

Location advantage: Omaha-area professional network in finance and insurance

#2Creighton UniversityOmaha, NE

Why it stands out. Fully online format designed for working professionals. Completion in just over 2 years without interrupting current employment

Hakia insight. Creighton's two-year online format combined with Berkshire Hathaway proximity means practicum projects often connect directly to the world's largest insurance and investment operations—embedded mentorship most remote programs can't replicate.

Creighton University's Master of Science in Business Analytics is a STEM-designated, online program designed for working professionals to complete in just over two years without interrupting their careers. The 33-credit program emphasizes descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics, data visualization, machine learning, and database management. Core courses include Data Visual Analysis, Database Management Systems, Ethics for Data Analysts, and Machine Learning. Students can apply up to 6 credits toward an MBA or complete remaining credits as electives in business analytics. The program prepares graduates for roles as business analysts, data scientists, and marketing managers—fields where 69% of employers prefer candidates with business analytics degrees, according to the Business-Higher Education Forum. International students on F-1 visas can work in the U.S. for up to three years post-graduation without sponsorship. Dual degree options (MBA + MS) and graduate certificates (15 credits) are available, with certificate credits applicable toward the master's degree.

Programs offered

  • Master of Science in Business Analytics · 1-2 years · on-campus

Industry partners

Berkshire HathawayMutual of OmahaCHI Health

Location advantage: Proximity to Berkshire Hathaway headquarters and Omaha's insurance/financial services sector Access to major healthcare systems (CHI Health, Nebraska Medicine) Regional hub for business and actuarial talent

#3University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln, NE

Why it stands out. 100% online, asynchronous format with no required login times. Eight-week mobile-optimized courses designed for working professionals

Hakia insight. Nebraska-Lincoln's eight-week asynchronous courses with no login requirements and precision agriculture focus attract agtech professionals; John Deere and Bayer partnership projects mean your capstone may influence farm-equipment data systems.

The M.S. in Business Analytics at University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a 30-credit, fully online master's degree designed for working professionals seeking to advance careers in data-driven fields. The program is offered 100% online in asynchronous, eight-week courses with no required login times, allowing completion on your schedule. The curriculum builds practical expertise in quantitative business methods, data analytics tools, and analytical software across logistics, finance, marketing, and technology. Faculty bring real-world analytics experience to instruction. The program supports career advancement with industry-relevant skills and affordable tuition at $710/credit hour. Working professionals benefit from employer partnership opportunities through the Talent Investment Program (15% tuition reduction) and the Graduate Advantage Program (15% reduction for recent UNL/UNK/UNO graduates). Students pay approximately $15,000 less than comparable programs nationally.

Programs offered

  • Master of Science in Business Analytics · 1-2 years · on-campus

Research labs & institutes

  • Nebraska Center for Computing in Agriculture — Precision agriculture analytics and farm data systems

Industry partners

John DeereMonsanto (Bayer Crop Science)

Admissions

GPA 3.0.

Location advantage: Access to agricultural data opportunities across Nebraska's farming and agtech sector Proximity to precision agriculture innovation ecosystem

Best Doctoral Data Analytics programs

#1University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln, NE

Why it stands out. Nebraska-Lincoln uniquely positions data analytics within a land-grant research context, offering specialization pathways in agricultural data science and computational biology alongside traditional data science tracks.

Hakia insight. Nebraska-Lincoln's land-grant mission surfaces a competitive advantage competitors miss: agricultural data science and computational biology specializations where demand exceeds PhD supply and John Deere actively recruits.

At the doctoral level, nebraska-Lincoln's approach to data analytics sits within a strong computer science and engineering research ecosystem, giving the program depth in statistical foundations and algorithmic thinking. The university supports data-focused research clusters across multiple departments—from agricultural data science leveraging the school's land-grant heritage, to bioinformatics, to machine learning in engineering contexts. This distributed model means data analytics students can specialize based on their interests: agricultural data (crop modeling, precision farming analytics), computational biology, or general data science. The program benefits from the university's investment in high-performance computing infrastructure and a faculty culture that values both theoretical rigor and practical application. Graduate students often engage in research that directly impacts agriculture, health, and engineering—not hypothetical exercises. The data science concentration within the CS graduate program emphasizes machine learning, statistical inference, and systems thinking. Lincoln's position as a major research institution means access to funded research opportunities and collaborations with national labs, particularly in agricultural and life sciences analytics where Nebraska's expertise is nationally recognized.

Programs offered

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Data Analytics · 4-6 years · on-campus
  • Doctor of Science in Data Analytics · 4-6 years · online

Research labs & institutes

  • Nebraska Center for Computing in Agriculture — Precision agriculture analytics and farm data systems

Industry partners

John DeereMonsanto (Bayer Crop Science)

Career outcomes

Top employers: John Deere, Google, Microsoft, Bayer Crop Science

Admissions

GPA 3.0.

Location advantage: Access to agricultural data opportunities across Nebraska's farming and agtech sector Proximity to precision agriculture innovation ecosystem