Top 3 Data Science Programs in Arizona 2025
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
756 Data Science graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
University of Arizona
271 Data Science graduates annually, 68% graduation rate
Northern Arizona University
75 Data Science graduates annually, 98% graduation rate
- 1.Arizona has 25+ accredited data science bachelor's programs across public universities and private institutions (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Arizona State University leads with the largest program enrolling 1,200+ students and extensive industry partnerships
- 3.Average in-state tuition for data science programs is $12,879—well below the national average of $15,423
- 4.Arizona data scientists earn median $109,840 annually—4% above national median with lower cost of living (BLS Arizona 2024)
- 5.Phoenix and Tucson tech sectors provide 8,400+ data analyst and scientist positions with growing fintech presence
Data Science Education in Arizona
Arizona's data science programs have grown rapidly to meet demand from the state's expanding tech sector. With major companies like Intel, Microchip Technology, and American Express establishing significant operations in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona universities have developed strong industry partnerships that directly benefit data science students.
The state offers excellent value with in-state tuition averaging $12,879—significantly below national averages. For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national data science bachelor's rankings. Students considering cost should review our most affordable data science programs guide and best value data science programs for ROI analysis.
Career-focused students should explore our data scientist salary guide for Arizona-specific compensation data and our AI/ML engineer career path for related opportunities in the state's growing artificial intelligence sector.
Arizona Data Science Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion | Tempe, AZ | Public | $11,308 | 81% | — | 75.2 |
| 2 | University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | Public | $11,546 | 68% | — | 58.2 |
| 3 | Northern Arizona University | Flagstaff, AZ | Public | $11,015 | 98% | — | 51.9 |
| 4 | American InterContinental University System | Chandler, AZ | For-Profit | $11,650 | — | — | 44.7 |
| 5 | University of Phoenix-Arizona | Phoenix, AZ | For-Profit | $9,552 | — | — | 42.3 |
| 6 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion | Scottsdale, AZ | Public | $11,308 | — | — | 38.8 |
| 7 | University of Advancing Technology | Tempe, AZ | For-Profit | $18,462 | 74% | — | 38.3 |
| 8 | Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | For-Profit | $16,390 | 34% | — | 37.8 |
Top 5 Data Science Programs in Arizona: Side-by-Side
| School | Arizona State University... | Arizona State University... | U of Arizona | Northern Arizona | American InterContinental... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $11,308 | $11,308 | $11,546 | $11,015 | $11,650 |
| Graduation Rate | 81% | N/A% | 68% | 98% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 756 | 362 | 271 | 86 | 36 |
| Acceptance Rate | 90% | 64% | 86% | 91% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | For-Profit |
| Score | 75.2/100 | 61.4/100 | 58.2/100 | 55.3/100 | 44.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Science in Arizona
Arizona offers 8 bachelor's-level data science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Arizona State University Campus Immersion, University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $74,151 in the Arizona market.
A bachelor's in data science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Data Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Data Science Bachelor's Programs in Arizona
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Arizona State University... | $11,308 | 81% | 756 | 75.2 |
| #2 U of Arizona | $11,546 | 68% | 271 | 58.2 |
| #3 Northern Arizona | $11,015 | 98% | 75 | 54.5 |
Top Data Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Arizona
For graduate study, Arizona offers 5 master's-level data science programs. Leading institutions include Arizona State University Campus Immersion, Arizona State University Digital Immersion, Northern Arizona University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Arizona reaching $137,709 or more.
Top 3 Data Science Master's Programs in Arizona
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Arizona State University... | $11,308 | 81% | 751 | 75.2 |
| #2 Arizona State University... | $11,308 | N/A% | 362 | 61.4 |
| #3 Northern Arizona | $11,015 | 98% | 86 | 55.3 |
Most Affordable Data Science Colleges in Arizona
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data science programs in Arizona are at University of Phoenix-Arizona ($9,552/year), Northern Arizona University ($11,015/year), Arizona State University Campus Immersion ($11,308/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Arizona's competitive tech salaries.
At University of Phoenix-Arizona, a 4-year degree costs approximately $38,208 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $74,151, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1 years.
Most Affordable Data Science Programs in Arizona (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Phoenix-Arizona | $9,552 | $38,208 | 1 years | For-Profit |
| #2 Northern Arizona | $11,015 | $44,060 | 1.1 years | Public |
| #3 Arizona State University... | $11,308 | $45,232 | 1.2 years | Public |
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Tempe, AZ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,308 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 756 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 75.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 756 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 75.2 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (756 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,930), and selectivity (90% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
ASU offers both undergraduate and graduate data science programs with flexible delivery options including online and accelerated pathways. The programs combine mathematical foundations with practical applications in data manipulation, statistical analysis, and machine learning.
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
Scottsdale, AZ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,308 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 362 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 64%
- • Ranking Score: 61.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 362 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.4 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (362 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,930), and selectivity (64% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
ASU's Data Science program offers flexible learning with both in-person immersion and online options, plus an accelerated bachelor's plus master's pathway. The curriculum combines mathematical foundations with hands-on programming in R and Python, culminating in a capstone project.
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,546 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 68% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 271 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 86%
- • Ranking Score: 58.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 68% graduation rate
- 271 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 58.2 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (68%), program size (271 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,930), and selectivity (86% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The University of Arizona's MS in Data Science is ranked #4 in the nation by Fortune and can be completed in 18 months full-time. The program offers both on-campus and online options with strong industry connections to top employers like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •three semesters of Calculus through multivariable/vector calculus
- •one semester of Linear Algebra
- •experience with computer technologies
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 30 units
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $109,900
- Top Employers: Amazon, Apple, The Boeing Company, Booz, Allen and Hamilton, Capital One, Cisco Systems, CTG, CyberCoders, Deloitte, Elevance Health, Google, Humana, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Meta, Microsoft, Northrop Grumman, Randstad, The Roche Group, Square, USAA Insurance, Verisk Analytics
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,015 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 98% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 86 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 91%
- • Ranking Score: 55.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 86 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 55.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (98%), program size (86 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,930), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
NAU offers both bachelor's and master's programs in data science with real-world 'Big Data' applications and multidisciplinary curriculum building on computer science, statistics, and database management. The programs address the rapidly growing data science market with Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 36% growth in data scientist jobs within the next decade.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Bachelor's degree in STEM or related field
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits for bachelor's, 30 units for master's
Available Specializations / Concentrations
American InterContinental University System
Chandler, AZ • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,650 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 36 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 44.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 36 data science graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 44.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (36 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,930), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Apply machine learning and statistical analysis to solve business problems at Arizona's growing tech companies
Data Analyst
SOC 15-2041Create reports and visualizations for Arizona's finance, healthcare, and retail sectors
Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1299Develop AI systems for companies like Intel, Microchip Technology, and emerging startups
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2051Support decision-making at major Arizona employers including American Express and Banner Health
Research Scientist
SOC 19-1099Conduct data-driven research at universities, national labs, and R&D companies
Arizona University Systems and Data Science Programs
Arizona's public higher education is governed by the Arizona Board of Regents, overseeing three major research universities that anchor the state's data science education landscape.
Arizona State University operates the largest data science program in the state with campuses in Tempe, Phoenix, and online. ASU's program emphasizes practical applications and industry partnerships, making it ideal for students seeking immediate employment after graduation. The university's Innovation Quarter in Phoenix provides direct access to internships at major corporations.
University of Arizona in Tucson focuses on research applications of data science, particularly in environmental science, astronomy, and healthcare. The program is smaller but offers exceptional research opportunities for students interested in graduate school or scientific careers.
Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff provides the most personalized education with small class sizes and strong faculty mentorship. The program integrates liberal arts education with technical training, producing well-rounded graduates.
Arizona's community college system offers pathways into data science through associate degrees and transfer programs. Students can complete prerequisites at institutions like Maricopa Community Colleges (serving Phoenix area) or Pima Community College (serving Tucson) before transferring to four-year programs.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Arizona
Data Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Georgia
North Carolina
Virginia
Colorado
Which Should You Choose?
- Affordable in-state tuition with quality education (average $12,879)
- Growing tech job market with lower cost of living than California
- Strong industry connections at Intel, American Express, and PayPal
- Year-round internship opportunities in Phoenix and Scottsdale
- Excellent weather for outdoor activities and work-life balance
- Pathways to Silicon Valley with lower educational debt
- Top-tier program prestige (California, Massachusetts, New York)
- Larger tech ecosystems with more career diversity
- Higher starting salaries to offset higher living costs
- Extensive public transportation systems
- More established data science research programs
- Greater variety of specialized master's programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Data Science Programs
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Data Science degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific data science salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Data Science Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment, and tuition data for 2023
May 2024 occupational employment and wage estimates
Public university system data and policies
Data science research funding and initiatives data
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.