University campus in Texas
Updated July 13, 2026

Best Data Analytics Degree Programs in Texas, 2026 Rankings

Compare the top data analytics colleges in Texas. 30 accredited data analytics schools ranked by graduation rate, career outcomes, and value, from Collin County Community College District to University of Houston.

#1 ProgramU of Houston
Avg Salary$115,110
Tuition From$3,450/yr
Job Growth+22%
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology

4

Programs ranked

IPEDS 2024

$115,110

Texas median data analytics salary

BLS OEWS 2024

72.1/100

Top program score

Hakia methodology

25%

U.S. job growth (2023–33)

BLS projections

Key Takeaways

Best data analytics degree programs: U of Houston, UT Dallas, Rice

Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality

IPEDS 2024

Tuition ranges from $3,450 to $57,212/year

Collin County Community C... offers the most affordable option at $3,450/yr

IPEDS 2024

Data Analytics degree programs available: 2 associate's, 21 master's, 5 doctoral in Texas

From community college pathways to advanced research degrees

IPEDS 2024

19 online data analytics degree programs in Texas

Flexible scheduling for working professionals

IPEDS 2024

Texas 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: Dell, Oracle, AT&T, Texas Instruments

Tech hubs in Austin and Dallas

Hakia Research 2026

Data Analytics degree programs near 125+ cities across Texas

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

IPEDS 2024

Updated July 13, 2026

How we ranked Texas Data Analytics programs

We rank 44 accredited data analytics programs in Texas 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 Texas Worth It?

Answer
$115,110
Yes. The best data analytics degree programs in Texas deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $115,110 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $21,794/year.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Data Analytics Degree Rankings in Texas

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

Best Bachelor's Data Analytics Programs in Texas

1
Programs ranked
$7,842
Avg tuition/yr
53%
Avg grad rate

Program Landscape

Texas ranks among the nation's top destinations for data analytics education, with 16 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 8 public and 8 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Houston, UT Dallas, Rice, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from Texas data analytics programs earn a median salary of $97,844, 0% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Austin, Dallas, Houston metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Dell, Oracle, AT&T.

Costs & Value

Tuition ranges from $6,080 to $57,212 annually, with an average of $26,359/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 81%, 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 Texas's leading technology employers. For students seeking data analytics degrees in Texas, these top-ranked data analytics schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

Best Master's Data Analytics Programs in Texas

3
Programs ranked
$7,199
Avg tuition/yr
47%
Avg grad rate

Program Landscape

Texas offers 21 master's degree programs in data analytics, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Southern Methodist, Rice, U of North Texas, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.

Career Outcomes

Master's graduates in Texas earn a median salary of $115,110, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Austin, Dallas, Houston creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Dell, Oracle, AT&T 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 $19,639/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 Texas'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 Texas

MetricValue
Average in-state tuition$21,794/year
Average out-of-state tuition$54,485/year
Community college tuition$5,449/year
4-year savings for residents$130,764
2+2 transfer pathway savings$32,690

Source: IPEDS 2024

Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Analytics Students in Texas

State Aid Programs

Texas offers strong state-funded financial aid programs that complement federal assistance.

The flagship program is the TEXAS Grant (Towards Excellence, Access, and Success), providing need-based aid exclusively for Texas residents at public universities. Eligibility requires demonstrated financial need (determined via FAFSA), enrollment in an approved degree program, and satisfactory academic progress. The TEXAS Grant can cover a significant portion of tuition costs, making flagship universities accessible to students from all economic backgrounds. Students must reapply annually and maintain eligibility requirements (Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board).

Key Programs & Amounts

Key state aid programs and amounts:

  • TEXAS Grant: Need-based aid for public university students. Amounts vary by institution but often cover most tuition at public schools
  • Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG) for community colleges: For students at community colleges, state colleges, and technical institutes. Provides need-based grants for lower-division study
  • Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) up to $5,810/year for private schools: Up to $3,873/year for students at private universities (or $5,810/year for low-income students with Student Aid Index below 3,698)
  • TASFA for DACA and undocumented students: Texas Application for State Financial Aid for students ineligible for FAFSA (including DACA recipients and undocumented students). Priority deadline: February 15. Application window runs December 2 through June 30
  • Federal Pell Grant: Up to $7,395 maximum for 2024-25 academic year (apply via FAFSA at studentaid.gov)
  • FORWARD Loan Program: Low-interest loans for students in high-demand fields including technology

Institutional Scholarships

These programs can be combined, a low-income student at UT Austin might receive TEXAS Grant, Pell Grant, and institutional aid covering nearly all expenses.

Data Analytics Degree ROI Calculator, Texas

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data analytics degree in Texas. 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 Texas metro areas

Austin$127K
Dallas$121K
Houston$115K
San Antonio$109K
View data table
CategoryValue
Austin$127K
Dallas$121K
Houston$115K
San Antonio$109K

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Hakia.com

Top Employers Hiring Data Analytics Graduates in Texas

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

Data Analytics Jobs in Austin

TX
~2,606 Open Positions

Austin is the fastest-growing tech hub in the US. Tesla, Oracle, and major tech companies have relocated headquarters here.

Nearby cities: Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, San Marcos, Kyle, Leander

Tesla
Electric Vehicles & Energy
Apple
Consumer Electronics
Dell Technologies
Enterprise Technology
Oracle
Enterprise Software
Google
Big Tech
Meta
Social Media & VR
Amazon
E-commerce & Cloud
IBM
Enterprise Technology

Data Analytics Jobs in Dallas-Fort Worth

TX
~1,205 Open Positions

Dallas-Fort Worth has major corporate headquarters and a growing tech presence. AT&T and Texas Instruments are based here.

Nearby cities: Fort Worth, Plano, Irving, Arlington, Frisco, McKinney, Richardson, Garland

Texas Instruments
Semiconductors
AT&T
Telecommunications
Capital One
Financial Technology
Cisco
Networking
Microsoft
Big Tech
ServiceNow
Enterprise SaaS

Data Analytics Jobs in Houston

TX
~805 Open Positions

Houston leads in energy tech, healthcare IT, and aerospace. NASA Johnson Space Center drives space technology.

Nearby cities: The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Katy, Pearland, League City, Pasadena, Baytown

ExxonMobil
Energy Technology
Schlumberger (SLB)
Oilfield Services
Halliburton
Energy Services
JPMorgan Chase
Financial Technology
Sysco LABS
Food Tech
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Enterprise Technology

Data Analytics Jobs in San Antonio

TX
~795 Open Positions
USAA
Financial Services
Lockheed Martin
Defense & Aerospace
Northrop Grumman
Defense Technology
Raytheon
Defense & Cybersecurity
Deloitte
Professional Services
Booz Allen Hamilton
Defense Consulting

Texas Tech Industry & Infrastructure

Texas now sits second only to California in tech-job employment and has been the destination of the heaviest tech-employer relocations of the last five years — Oracle, Tesla, HPE, Charles Schwab, and CBRE moved headquarters to the state. No state income tax, business-friendly regulation, and a deep pool of state universities have produced one of the largest tech-graduate markets in the country.

Austin

Austin metro

Capital tech hub anchored by Apple, Tesla, Oracle, Indeed, Dell, IBM, and a dense startup/VC scene. UT Austin's CS program feeds directly into this market; entry-level total comp at named employers commonly clears $150,000.

Dallas-Fort Worth

DFW metro

Largest Texas tech-employer concentration: AT&T, Texas Instruments, Toyota North America IT, Capital One, USAA, Charles Schwab. Strong enterprise/IT, telecom, and financial-services tech markets.

Houston

Houston metro

Energy-tech, healthcare-IT (Texas Medical Center), and growing aerospace/defense software. Rice and University of Houston are the principal CS feeders.

No state income tax. Texas Enterprise Fund and R&D franchise-tax credit are the principal state-level tech incentives.

Texas Regulation Affecting Data Analytics Graduates

Texas passed comprehensive privacy legislation in 2023, joining a small set of states with binding consumer privacy laws. The state's approach generally favors employers and remains less restrictive than California's, but compliance is now a real engineering concern for any business serving Texas residents at scale.

Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA)

Effective July 2024. Grants Texas consumers rights to access, correct, delete, and opt out of sale of personal data. Applies to businesses conducting business in Texas that process personal data of Texas residents.

Engineers building consumer-facing products serving Texas users must implement opt-out mechanisms, data-access flows, and breach-notification logic.

Read more

Texas SB 8 (Consumer Data Protection)

Part of the broader TDPSA package establishing the Texas AG as the primary privacy enforcement authority.

Texas AG's office actively investigates non-compliance; tech-employer legal/engineering review of privacy posture has expanded since 2024.

Read more

Texas Cybersecurity Act (HB 8)

Establishes data-breach notification requirements and minimum cybersecurity standards for state agencies and contractors.

Engineers working with state/local government tech in Texas operate under these standards; the law shapes hiring criteria for state-IT and gov-tech roles.

Read more

Professional Engineer Licensure in Texas

Texas is one of the few US states that still actively administers a Software Engineering PE license. ABET-EAC accredited software engineering degrees count toward eligibility; ABET-CAC computer science does not. Most Texas CS graduates do not pursue PE licensure; the credential is most relevant for state agency, infrastructure, or defense-adjacent software work.

Texas licensing board

Texas Financial Aid Programs

Up to ~$5,195/yr for universities, $2,790/yr for community colleges

Texas residents with demonstrated financial need at public colleges/universities

Up to ~$3,800/yr

Texas residents at independent (private) Texas colleges/universities

Up to ~$1,860/yr

Texas residents at public two-year community colleges with financial need

Top 10% Scholarship

State scholarship

$2,000 per academic year

Texas high-school students graduating in top 10% of class enrolling at participating Texas universities

Transfer Pathways for Data Analytics Degrees in Texas

State Transfer System

Texas has one of the nation's most strong transfer systems.

The Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS) is a voluntary cooperative effort among 137 participating institutions in TCCNS, including all 50 community college districts plus public and private universities (TCCNS). Courses bearing TCCNS numbers are guaranteed to transfer if they fall within your approved degree curriculum. This statewide coordination means Texas transfer students experience far less credit loss than the national average of 43% of credits lost in transfer. The system covers all freshman and sophomore-level courses, precisely the ones community college students complete before transferring.

How Transfers Work

How TCCNS works in practice: Each participating school maps its courses to common numbers, for example, a programming course at any Texas community college may transfer as equivalent to introductory courses at UT Austin. When you transfer, the receiving institution automatically recognizes courses by their TCCNS numbers rather than requiring individual evaluation. This eliminates the frustrating credit reviews that plague transfer students elsewhere. Additionally, UT Austin maintains the Automated Transfer Equivalency (ATE) system with over 300,000 evaluated courses from institutions nationwide (UT Admissions). Austin Community College has specific partnership programs including the "Bats to Cats" program with Texas State and transfer agreements with multiple UT System schools (ACC Transfer).

Transfer Planning Tips

Strategic transfer planning for Data Analytics students:

  1. 1Complete foundational coursework: Finish calculus, statistics, and introductory data analytics courses at community college
  2. 2Verify equivalencies early: Use TCCNS and ATE systems to confirm your courses will transfer before enrolling
  3. 3Maintain strong GPA: Target 3.0+ for university admission. 3.5+ for competitive programs like UT Austin
  4. 4Meet priority deadlines: Most universities have February-March deadlines for fall transfer admission
  5. 5Consider structured tracks: Many community colleges offer Associate of Science degrees specifically designed for data analytics transfer students

Texas Take-Home Pay Advantage

$0 State Income Tax
Texas has no state income tax. At the median data analytics salary of $115,110, that keeps roughly $5,756 more in your pocket annually compared to states with a 5% income tax rate.

Source: Texas Department of Revenue

Data Analytics Job Market & Salary Data in Texas

Employment Outlook

Texas offers exceptional job prospects for Data Analytics graduates.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports strong demand across all Texas metros, with 15% projected growth for software developers through 2034, outpacing the national average (BLS OEWS May 2024). Texas tech employment grew 24% over the past decade, nearly double the national rate. The state added 40,051 new tech jobs in 2025, cementing its position as the second-largest tech workforce in the nation with 972,747 tech workers as of 2024 (CompTIA) (CompTIA State of Tech Workforce 2025). Entry-level data analytics positions start around $70,000-$90,000, with rapid advancement opportunities available.

Salaries by Metro

Salaries vary significantly by metro area, reflecting local industry concentrations:

  • Austin: Austin: $135,000 median tech salary, with Austin: 16.3% of workforce in tech vs 9% nationally. AI/ML job market grew 35% since 2023. Software developers earn $85,000-$165,000+ depending on experience.
  • Dallas-Fort Worth: Dallas-Fort Worth: $120,866 median tech salary with strong demand in enterprise technology and financial services. Tech contributed $85.3 billion to the regional economy. Entry-level positions start around $75,000-$95,000.
  • Houston: $125,885 median, with Houston: 158,176 tech workers and Houston: 4,000+ startups. Energy technology dominates, with digital transformation roles at oil majors paying premium salaries for data analytics skills.
  • San Antonio: $112,000 median for general tech, but San Antonio: #2 cybersecurity hub nationally. Cybersecurity and defense specialists command higher salaries with excellent job security. (BLS OEWS Metro Data)

High-Growth Sectors

High-growth sectors shaping Texas's tech future include: cloud computing infrastructure (CenterPoint Energy reported 700% spike in data center power requests), artificial intelligence and machine learning (35% job growth in Austin), cybersecurity (Texas launched the nation's largest state cyber command in 2025), and semiconductor manufacturing (Texas committed $1.4 billion to chip manufacturing incentives). Texas Tech University recently received a $2 million NSF grant to prepare students for semiconductor workforce opportunities (Texas Tech Semiconductor Grant). The Brookings Institution classifies Austin as a "Star Hub" for AI economy development, with Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston as emerging AI centers (Brookings AI Economy 2025). For related career paths, explore our AI degree programs, data science rankings, or cybersecurity rankings.

Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)

New graduates and career changers

Senior (8+ yrs)

Technical leads and architects

Median Salary in Texas$74,822$166,910
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred

Online vs On-Campus Data Analytics Programs in Texas

Online Programs

19 available in Texas

On-Campus Programs

Traditional classroom experience

Typical Tuition$19,615/yr$21,794/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 Texas: FAQ

What are the best data analytics degree programs in Texas?
The best data analytics degree programs in Texas based on our methodology are: 1) University of Houston (91% graduation rate), 2) The University of Texas at Dallas, and 3) Rice University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Texas offers 30 total accredited programs across 16 public and 14 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 16 bachelor's programs.
How much do data analytics degree programs cost in Texas?
Data Analytics degree program costs in Texas vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $21,794/year, while private institutions average $47,947/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $5,449/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $87,176 at public schools to $191,787 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 Texas?
Data Analytics professionals in Texas earn a median salary of $115,110, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $74,822, while senior roles exceed $166,910. Salaries vary by metro area: Austin ($126,621), Dallas ($120,866) 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 Texas?
Yes, Texas offers 19 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 The University of Texas at Dallas and Southern Methodist University. 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 Texas?
Major Data Analytics employers in Texas include Dell, Oracle, AT&T, Texas Instruments, AMD. The Austin and Dallas metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Texas universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Texas's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a data analytics degree program worth it in Texas?
A data analytics degree program in Texas offers strong ROI with a $115,110 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $21,794/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($130,074), 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 Texas?
Standard completion times for data analytics degree programs in Texas 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. Texas community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Texas university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for data analytics degree students in Texas?
Texas 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. Texas 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 Texas'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

Texas 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.

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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.