Top 3 Data Analytics Programs in Ohio
Case Western Reserve University
Top-tier research opportunities and strong industry partnerships in Cleveland's growing tech sector
Ohio State University
Excellent value with comprehensive curriculum and extensive alumni network
University of Cincinnati
Strong co-op program providing hands-on industry experience
- 1.Ohio offers 28 accredited data analytics programs with tuition ranging from $11,500 to $62,300 annually
- 2.Data analyst jobs in Ohio are projected to grow 35% through 2032, faster than the national average of 25%
- 3.Average starting salary for data analytics graduates in Ohio is $67,500, with experienced professionals earning $95,000+
- 4.Top programs feature strong industry partnerships with companies like Procter & Gamble, Nationwide, and Cardinal Health
- 5.Ohio's three major metro areas (Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati) each offer unique career opportunities in different sectors
Based on 28 programs from Analysis of Ohio Department of Higher Education data, College Scorecard, and industry surveys
Faculty credentials, research output, curriculum comprehensiveness
Job placement rates, salary data, employer satisfaction
Graduation rates, retention rates, student satisfaction
Technology access, research facilities, industry partnerships
Tuition costs relative to outcomes, financial aid availability
28
Total Programs
$13,200
Avg. In-State Tuition
35%
Job Growth Rate
$78,500
Median Salary
4 years
Time to Graduate
500+
Major Employers
Ohio has emerged as a significant hub for data analytics education and careers, with 28 accredited programs across public and private institutions. The state's diverse economy, spanning healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and technology, creates robust demand for data analytics professionals. Major employers include Fortune 500 companies like Procter & Gamble, Nationwide Insurance, and Cardinal Health, alongside growing tech startups in Columbus and Cleveland.
Key Highlights
- Home to 3 universities ranked in the top 100 nationally for data analytics programs
- Strong public university system offering affordable, high-quality education options
- Growing tech industry with companies like Root Insurance and Bold Penguin headquartered in Columbus
- Established healthcare and insurance sectors providing diverse career opportunities
Avg Salary
$78,500
Tech Jobs
45,000+
Job Growth
35%
Major Industries
Complete Rankings: Ohio Data Analytics Programs 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland | Private | $62,300 | 8500% | 94 |
| 2 | Ohio State University | Columbus | Public | $12,485 | 8700% | 92 |
| 3 | University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati | Public | $12,783 | 7100% | 89 |
| 4 | Miami University | Oxford | Public | $16,825 | 8200% | 87 |
| 5 | Kent State University | Kent | Public | $11,587 | 6900% | 85 |
| 6 | Wright State University | Dayton | Public | $10,098 | 4500% | 82 |
| 7 | University of Toledo | Toledo | Public | $11,500 | 5800% | 80 |
| 8 | Ohio University | Athens | Public | $13,352 | 6500% | 78 |
| 9 | Cleveland State University | Cleveland | Public | $11,800 | 5300% | 76 |
| 10 | Bowling Green State University | Bowling Green | Public | $11,980 | 6100% | 74 |
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH • University
Program Highlights
- • 85% graduate employment rate within 6 months
- • Average starting salary of $78,000 for recent graduates
- • 98% of students secure internships or co-op positions
- • Faculty actively involved in cutting-edge research projects
Program Strengths
- Interdisciplinary approach combining computer science, statistics, and domain expertise
- Access to cutting-edge research labs and high-performance computing resources
- Strong partnerships with Cleveland Clinic, NASA Glenn, and local tech companies
- Small class sizes ensuring personalized attention from renowned faculty
- Extensive co-op and internship opportunities in Cleveland's growing tech sector
Why Ranked #1
Case Western leads Ohio in data analytics education through its comprehensive curriculum, world-class research facilities, and strong industry connections. The program combines rigorous technical training with practical applications across multiple domains.
Detailed Analysis of Ohio's Leading Data Analytics Programs
Ohio's data analytics programs have gained national recognition for their quality and career outcomes. The state's top programs benefit from Ohio's diverse economy, which provides rich opportunities for real-world applications across healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and emerging technology sectors. According to the Ohio Department of Higher Education, enrollment in data analytics and related programs has increased by 45% over the past three years, reflecting growing student interest and industry demand.
Case Western Reserve University stands out for its research excellence and industry partnerships. The program's collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic provides unique opportunities for healthcare analytics applications, while partnerships with NASA Glenn Research Center offer exposure to aerospace data challenges. Students benefit from access to advanced computing resources and work directly with faculty on funded research projects.
Ohio State University offers exceptional value as a public institution, combining comprehensive curriculum with extensive resources. The program leverages OSU's massive alumni network, with graduates placed at major corporations throughout the Midwest and beyond. The university's location in Columbus provides access to a growing tech scene, including companies like Root Insurance and CoverMyMeds. Students can choose from multiple concentrations including business analytics, healthcare informatics, and sports analytics, taking advantage of OSU's strong athletics program.
The University of Cincinnati's cooperative education program sets it apart from competitors. Students alternate between classroom study and full-time work experience, graduating with 18-24 months of professional experience. This model produces graduates who are immediately productive in the workplace and often receive full-time offers from their co-op employers. UC's location provides access to major employers like Procter & Gamble, Fifth Third Bank, and American Financial Group.
Admission Requirements and Prerequisites for Ohio Programs
Admission requirements for data analytics programs in Ohio vary significantly between institutions, but most require a strong foundation in mathematics and some programming experience. Highly selective programs like Case Western Reserve typically require a minimum GPA of 3.5, SAT scores above 1400, and demonstrated proficiency in calculus and statistics. Public universities generally have more accessible admission standards while still maintaining academic rigor.
Most Ohio programs require completion of calculus I and II, with many preferring additional coursework in statistics or discrete mathematics. Programming experience in languages like Python, R, or SQL is increasingly expected, though some programs offer foundational courses for students without prior coding experience. Ohio State University requires completion of calculus through multivariable calculus for their data analytics track within computer science.
- Minimum GPA requirements: 3.0-3.7 depending on program selectivity
- Standardized test scores: SAT 1200+ or ACT 26+ for competitive programs
- Mathematics prerequisites: Calculus I-II, statistics recommended
- Programming experience: Preferred but not always required for entry
- Application materials: Personal statement, letters of recommendation, transcripts
Transfer students and career changers have multiple pathways into Ohio's data analytics programs. Many universities offer bridge programs or prerequisite courses for students lacking mathematical backgrounds. Wright State University and University of Toledo have particularly accommodating transfer policies, accepting students from community colleges and other disciplines who demonstrate quantitative aptitude.
Career Paths
Data Scientist
SOC 15-1221Design and implement machine learning models, conduct advanced statistical analysis, and extract insights from complex datasets.
Data Analyst
Collect, process, and analyze data to support business decision-making through reports, dashboards, and visualizations.
Business Intelligence Analyst
Transform raw data into actionable business insights using BI tools and create strategic recommendations for leadership.
Machine Learning Engineer
Deploy and maintain machine learning models in production environments, bridging data science and software engineering.
Quantitative Analyst
Apply mathematical and statistical methods to financial and risk management problems in banking and investment firms.
Data Analytics Curriculum and Specialization Options
Ohio's data analytics programs typically follow a four-year curriculum that builds from foundational mathematics and programming skills to advanced machine learning and domain-specific applications. The first two years focus on core competencies including calculus, statistics, programming in Python and R, and database management. Students learn essential tools like SQL, Tableau, and Excel while developing critical thinking skills for problem-solving with data.
Upper-level coursework varies by program but commonly includes machine learning, data mining, statistical modeling, and data visualization. Many Ohio programs offer specialization tracks allowing students to focus on specific industries or applications. Popular concentrations include business analytics, healthcare informatics, sports analytics, and social media analytics. The University of Cincinnati offers unique tracks in supply chain analytics and financial analytics, reflecting the city's strong manufacturing and financial services sectors.
Hands-on experience is emphasized across Ohio's top programs through capstone projects, internships, and industry partnerships. Students typically complete a senior capstone project working with real data from local companies or organizations. Case Western students often work on projects with the Cleveland Clinic analyzing patient outcomes data, while Ohio State students may analyze fan engagement data for the athletic department. These experiences provide valuable portfolio pieces and networking opportunities.
- Core programming languages: Python, R, SQL, Java
- Statistical software: SAS, SPSS, STATA, Minitab
- Visualization tools: Tableau, Power BI, D3.js, matplotlib
- Big data technologies: Hadoop, Spark, NoSQL databases
- Cloud platforms: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform
Source: Ohio Department of Commerce Labor Market Information
Tuition Costs and Financial Aid for Ohio Students
Ohio offers some of the most affordable data analytics education options in the Midwest, particularly through its public university system. In-state tuition at public universities ranges from $10,098 at Wright State University to $13,352 at Ohio University, making quality education accessible to Ohio residents. Private institutions like Case Western Reserve command higher tuition at $62,300 annually, but often provide generous financial aid packages that can significantly reduce net costs.
Ohio students benefit from several state-specific financial aid programs designed to keep talent in-state. The Ohio College Opportunity Grant provides up to $2,000 annually for eligible students, while the Choose Ohio First Scholarship specifically targets STEM majors with awards up to $5,000 per year. Many universities also offer merit-based scholarships for high-achieving students in data analytics programs.
The return on investment for Ohio data analytics programs is strong, with graduates typically earning starting salaries that justify educational costs. PayScale data shows that Ohio State data analytics graduates have a median starting salary of $68,000, reaching $92,000 at mid-career. Even accounting for student loan payments, graduates typically see positive cash flow within 2-3 years of graduation.
- Average in-state tuition: $12,200 annually for public universities
- Average out-of-state tuition: $28,500 annually for public universities
- Private university average: $45,000-$65,000 annually
- Financial aid recipients: 85% of students receive some form of aid
- Average debt at graduation: $27,500 for public university graduates
| Factor | Public Universities | Private Universities | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Cost | $12,200 avg in-state | $55,000+ avg | |
| Class Sizes | 25-40 students | 15-25 students | |
| Research Opportunities | Abundant | Very Abundant | |
| Industry Connections | Strong regional | National networks | |
| Financial Aid | State grants available | Merit scholarships | |
| Flexibility | Multiple campuses | Limited locations |
Industry Partnerships and Internship Opportunities
Ohio's data analytics programs benefit from the state's diverse economy and strong corporate presence. Major employers actively partner with universities to provide internships, co-op positions, and full-time opportunities for graduates. Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Ohio include Procter & Gamble, Nationwide Insurance, Cardinal Health, and American Electric Power, all of which have significant data analytics needs and established university partnerships.
The healthcare sector offers particularly rich opportunities for data analytics students. Ohio is home to world-renowned medical institutions including the Cleveland Clinic, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, and Ohio State's Wexner Medical Center. These organizations provide internships and research opportunities in healthcare informatics, clinical data analysis, and population health analytics. Students gain exposure to electronic health records, clinical trial data, and public health datasets.
Ohio's growing tech scene provides additional opportunities for data analytics students. Columbus has emerged as a significant tech hub, earning the nickname 'Silicon Prairie' with companies like Root Insurance, CoverMyMeds, and Bold Penguin creating new opportunities for data professionals. Cleveland's tech sector is also expanding, with companies like Explorys (acquired by IBM) and Hyland Software offering data analytics roles.
- 98% of students at top programs secure internships or co-op positions
- Average internship compensation: $18-22 per hour in Ohio
- Full-time offer rate from internship employers: 65%
- Major internship providers: P&G, Nationwide, Cardinal Health, Fifth Third Bank
- Emerging opportunities: Root Insurance, CoverMyMeds, Hyland Software
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to cutting-edge research opportunities
- Small class sizes and personalized attention are priorities
- You're interested in healthcare or aerospace analytics applications
- Cost is less of a concern than program prestige
- You want excellent value from a top public university
- Access to extensive alumni networks is important
- You prefer a large university with diverse opportunities
- In-state tuition makes cost a major factor
- Hands-on work experience through co-ops appeals to you
- You want to graduate with 18+ months of professional experience
- Building relationships with potential employers is a priority
- You prefer learning through practical application
- Affordability is your primary concern
- You prefer smaller campus environments
- Geographic location is more important than rankings
- You plan to work regionally rather than nationally
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Data Analytics Programs
Next Steps: Applying to Ohio Data Analytics Programs
Research and Compare Programs
Use this ranking to identify programs that match your career goals, budget, and academic background. Visit campus websites and attend virtual information sessions.
Strengthen Prerequisites
Ensure you've completed required mathematics courses. If lacking programming experience, consider taking an introductory Python or R course through platforms like Coursera or edX.
Prepare Application Materials
Write a compelling personal statement highlighting your interest in data analytics. Secure strong letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or mentors who know your analytical abilities.
Apply for Financial Aid
Submit the FAFSA as early as possible. Research Ohio-specific scholarships like Choose Ohio First and university merit awards. Consider the long-term ROI when evaluating program costs.
Plan for Success
Once enrolled, actively seek internships and co-op opportunities. Build a portfolio of projects, join student organizations, and network with industry professionals through career fairs and LinkedIn.
Related Resources and Programs
Data Sources and Methodology
Program accreditation, enrollment, and graduation data for Ohio universities
Employment projections and salary data for data analyst occupations
Federal data on college costs, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings
Salary data and career outcomes for data analytics graduates by school
State labor market information and economic development data
Official curriculum information, admission requirements, and program statistics
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.