On this page
Key Takeaways
Best data analytics degree programs: Ohio State, Ohio, Denison
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,889 to $64,100/year
Sinclair Community College offers the most affordable option at $3,889/yr
Data Analytics degree programs available: 2 associate's, 13 master's, 4 doctoral in Ohio
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
9 online data analytics degree programs in Ohio
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Ohio community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
2 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: JPMorgan Chase, Nationwide, Root Insurance, CoverMyMeds
Tech hubs in Columbus and Cleveland
Hakia Research 2026
Data Analytics degree programs near 140+ cities across Ohio
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Ohio Data Analytics programs
We rank 34 accredited data analytics programs in Ohio 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.
Are Data Analytics Degree Programs in Ohio Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Analytics Degree Rankings in Ohio
Compare the top-ranked Data Analytics programs in Ohio by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Data Analytics Programs in Ohio
Program Landscape
Ohio ranks among the nation's top destinations for data analytics education, with 15 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 9 public and 6 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Ohio State, Ohio, Denison, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Ohio data analytics programs earn a median salary of $85,153, 13% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including JPMorgan Chase, Nationwide, Root Insurance.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $9,753 to $64,100 annually, with an average of $27,303/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 89%, with the highest reaching 97%. 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 Ohio's leading technology employers. For students seeking data analytics degrees in Ohio, these top-ranked data analytics schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Data Analytics Programs in Ohio
Program Landscape
Ohio offers 13 master's degree programs in data analytics, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Case Western Reserve, Ohio State, U of Cincinnati, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Ohio earn a median salary of $100,180, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with JPMorgan Chase, Nationwide, Root Insurance 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 $26,801/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 Ohio's data analytics schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Data Analytics Degree Costs & Tuition in Ohio
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $28,301/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $70,753/year |
| Community college tuition | $7,075/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $169,808 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $42,452 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Analytics Students in Ohio
State Aid Programs
The Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) provides up to $5,000 annually for Ohio residents with demonstrated financial need (Ohio Higher Ed). Eligibility requires a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 3,750 or less and maximum household income of $96,000. The Choose Ohio First program supports STEM students including those pursuing analytics and data science degrees, with awards varying by institution and program.
Key Programs & Amounts
The College Technology Internship Program reimburses companies two-thirds of intern wages up to $7,500 per student, connecting analytics students with paid internships at Ohio companies using data-driven decision making (Ohio Tech Internship). Major employers including 84.51, Nationwide, and JPMorgan Chase actively participate. Federal Pell Grants provide up to $7,395 for students with financial need, stacking with state aid for maximum assistance.
Institutional Scholarships
Institutional scholarships enhance affordability.
Ohio State's Fisher College of Business offers merit scholarships for undergraduate analytics students. Miami University provides academic scholarships based on GPA and test scores. Graduate assistantships at research universities cover tuition plus provide $20,000-$30,000 annual stipends for research support. Corporate sponsors including 84.51, Cardinal Health, and Procter & Gamble fund scholarships at partner universities. Complete the FAFSA by October 1 to maximize eligibility for all aid programs.
Data Analytics Degree ROI Calculator, Ohio
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data analytics degree in Ohio. 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
+802%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,483,492
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$123,810
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
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
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 Ohio metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Columbus | $110K |
| Cleveland | $105K |
| Cincinnati | $100K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Data Analytics Graduates in Ohio
Find data analytics jobs in Ohio. These major employers across Ohio metro areas are actively hiring data analytics degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Analytics Jobs in Columbus
OHColumbus is Ohio's tech hub with a strong insurtech and fintech presence, plus major data center investments.
Nearby cities: Dublin, Westerville, Worthington, Grove City
Data Analytics Jobs in Cleveland
OHCleveland combines healthcare IT innovation with industrial automation and aerospace research.
Nearby cities: Akron, Parma, Independence, Beachwood
Ohio Tech Industry & Infrastructure
Ohio's tech market is reshaping rapidly around Intel's $20+ billion New Albany semiconductor fab (the largest single private investment in state history) and Honda's EV/battery joint venture with LG Energy Solution. Beyond the new chip and EV manufacturing footprint, Ohio's three major metros each host substantial enterprise/financial-services tech operations.
Columbus
Columbus metro
Fastest-growing Ohio tech metro by employment. Intel Ohio chip fab (online 2026-2027), Nationwide Insurance IT, Cardinal Health, Honda IT, Huntington Bank tech. Ohio State University is the principal CS graduate producer.
Cincinnati
Cincinnati metro
P&G's substantial IT and analytics organization, Kroger's digital transformation (84.51° data science arm), Fifth Third Bank tech, GE Aviation. Strong consumer-products data-engineering market.
Cleveland
Cleveland-Akron metro
Progressive Insurance HQ, KeyBank tech, Sherwin-Williams IT, Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals medical-IT. Smaller but stable enterprise-tech market.
Ohio has a graduated state income tax (top rate ~3.5%). InvestOhio and JobsOhio's R&D tax credit are the principal state-level tech-employer incentives.
Ohio Regulation Affecting Data Analytics Graduates
Ohio is unusual among states for offering an explicit cybersecurity safe-harbor through the Ohio Data Protection Act — businesses that voluntarily adopt a recognized cybersecurity framework gain affirmative defense against data-breach tort claims. This makes Ohio a relatively favorable jurisdiction for security-engineering work.
Ohio Data Protection Act (ODPA)
Provides an affirmative defense against data-breach tort claims for businesses that maintain a written cybersecurity program conforming to recognized frameworks (NIST CSF, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, HITRUST, etc.).
Strong incentive for OH-based businesses to invest in formal security programs — drives security-engineer hiring and consulting demand. Engineers building security-program-compliant systems in Ohio operate with this legal benefit in mind.
Read moreOhio Personal Information Privacy Act (proposed)
HB 376 / SB 11 (varying sessions) propose CCPA-style consumer privacy rights for Ohio residents. None has yet passed as of 2026.
Engineers should watch this space; Ohio passing comprehensive privacy would create a new compliance lane.
Read moreOhio Identity Theft & Data Breach Notification Statutes
Ohio Revised Code 1349.19 — requires data-breach notification for OH residents whose personal information was compromised.
Standard data-protection compliance for any OH-resident-serving business.
Read moreProfessional Engineer Licensure in Ohio
Ohio does not currently administer a separate Software Engineering PE license. ABET-EAC accreditation is recognized for traditional engineering PE tracks (mechanical, electrical, computer engineering); software engineering specifically is not a recognized Ohio PE discipline.
Ohio licensing boardOhio Financial Aid Programs
Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)
State grantUp to $5,500/yr (varies by institution type)
Ohio residents with demonstrated financial need at OH public and private nonprofit institutions
Choose Ohio First Scholarship
STEM-specific state scholarshipAverage ~$4,700/yr (varies by institution and award)
Ohio residents pursuing STEM degrees at participating Ohio institutions; merit + financial need
Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund
State scholarshipTuition + fees
Children/spouses of OH safety officers killed in the line of duty
War Orphans & Severely Disabled Veterans' Children Scholarship
State scholarshipUp to ~$5,950/yr
Children of qualifying veterans pursuing higher education in Ohio
Transfer Pathways for Data Analytics Degrees in Ohio
State Transfer System
Ohio's statewide transfer system supports analytics students beginning at community colleges. The Ohio Transfer Module (OTM) guarantees transfer of 36-40 general education credit hours among all public institutions (Ohio Higher Ed). Analytics students should complete calculus sequences, introductory statistics, and foundational programming at community colleges before transferring, ensuring efficient progression to major coursework.
How Transfers Work
Ohio State University's pre-major requirements can be completed at community colleges with verified equivalencies. Columbus State Community College maintains strong articulation agreements with Ohio State, enabling seamless transfer of mathematics, statistics, and computing prerequisites. Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) partners with Cleveland State and Case Western Reserve for analytics-related pathways. Sinclair Community College (Dayton) and Cincinnati State provide similar pathways to regional universities.
Transfer Planning Tips
Miami University's analytics programs welcome transfer students with strong quantitative backgrounds. The Data Analytics BA's flexible structure accommodates transfer students with varied academic histories. Students should work with advisors at both sending and receiving institutions to verify course equivalencies and develop efficient degree completion plans. The 2+2 pathway from community college to university can save $20,000-$40,000 in total degree costs while providing access to competitive analytics programs.
Data Analytics Job Growth in Ohio
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook
Data Analytics Job Market & Salary Data in Ohio
Employment Outlook
Ohio's data analytics job market shows strong growth across financial services, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing sectors. Data scientists earn median salaries of $110,000-$152,000 in Columbus, with AI architects commanding $200,000+ at leading employers (Nucamp). JPMorgan Chase's Columbus operations employ thousands of analytics professionals in risk modeling, fraud detection, and customer insights. The Columbus Innovation District's $1.1 billion investment is creating 20,000+ STEM jobs, with analytics roles among the fastest-growing categories.
Salaries by Metro
In-demand analytics specializations across Ohio metros:
- Columbus: Financial analytics at JPMorgan Chase, insurance modeling at Nationwide, healthcare analytics at Cardinal Health
- Cleveland: Clinical analytics at Cleveland Clinic, customer analytics at Progressive Insurance, supply chain optimization at Sherwin-Williams
- Cincinnati: Consumer insights at Procter & Gamble, retail analytics at 84.51 (Kroger), banking analytics at Fifth Third Bank The BLS projects 35% growth for data scientist positions through 2032, significantly outpacing most occupations (BLS OOH).
High-Growth Sectors
Ohio State University's analytics graduates find employment at Accenture, Cardinal Health, Columbus Blue Jackets, Ford, Infoverity, JPMorgan Chase, Nationwide Children's Hospital, PwC, and Zillow. 84.51, Kroger's analytics subsidiary headquartered in Cincinnati, has become a major pipeline employer, offering competitive salaries and advanced retail analytics challenges. Cleveland Clinic's analytics teams apply machine learning to clinical decision support, population health management, and operational optimization. For related paths, explore data science degrees or machine learning programs.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Data Analytics Programs in Ohio
Online Programs
9 available in Ohio
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Data Analytics Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 36
- Median Tuition
- $16,400
- Total Programs
- 21
- Median Tuition
- $10,300
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $11,200
- Total Programs
- 6
- Median Tuition
- $8,400
- Total Programs
- 56
- Median Tuition
- $37,200
- Total Programs
- 64
- Median Tuition
- $11,800
- Total Programs
- 16
- Median Tuition
- $11,500
- Total Programs
- 44
- Median Tuition
- $11,700
Data Analytics Degree Programs in Ohio: FAQ
What are the best data analytics degree programs in Ohio?
How much do data analytics degree programs cost in Ohio?
What salary can data analytics degree graduates earn in Ohio?
Are there online data analytics degree programs in Ohio?
What companies hire data analytics degree graduates in Ohio?
Is a data analytics degree program worth it in Ohio?
How long do data analytics degree programs take in Ohio?
What financial aid is available for data analytics degree students in Ohio?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Ohio salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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.