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University of Advancing Technology
Tempe, AZPrivate for-profit
$17,900
Tuition/yr
35%
Grad rate
57.8
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best data science degree programs: Arizona State University ..., U of Arizona, Northern Arizona
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $1,944 to $18,462/year
Mesa Community College offers the most affordable option at $2,328/yr
Data Science degree programs available: 13 associate's, 5 master's, 3 doctoral in Arizona
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
8 online data science degree programs in Arizona
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Arizona community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
13 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Intel, GoDaddy, Axon, Carvana
Tech hubs in Phoenix and Scottsdale
Hakia Research 2026
Data Science degree programs near 25+ cities across Arizona
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Arizona Data Science programs
We rank 29 accredited data science programs in Arizona 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 methodologyAre Data Science Degree Programs in Arizona Worth It?
Answer
$105,930
Yes. The best data science degree programs in Arizona deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $105,930 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $6,424/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Science Degree Rankings in Arizona
Compare the top-ranked Data Science programs in Arizona by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Data Science Programs in Arizona
1
Programs ranked
$17,900
Avg tuition/yr
35%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Arizona offers 13 accredited associate's degree programs in data science, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Mesa Community College, Chandler-Gilbert Communit..., Estrella Mountain Communi..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Arizona offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $3,532/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $58,262 in Arizona.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Arizona's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Intel, GoDaddy, Axon hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among data science schools in Arizona, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their data science degrees in Arizona.
Best Bachelor's Data Science Programs in Arizona
5
Programs ranked
$17,259
Avg tuition/yr
55%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Arizona ranks among the nation's top destinations for data science education, with 8 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 4 public and 0 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Arizona State University ..., U of Arizona, Northern Arizona, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Arizona data science programs earn a median salary of $90,041, 8% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Intel, GoDaddy, Axon.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $9,552 to $18,462 annually, with an average of $12,654/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 71%, with the highest reaching 98%. 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 Arizona's leading technology employers. For students seeking data science degrees in Arizona, these top-ranked data science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
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Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Tempe, AZPublic
Arizona State University: A Tranquil Visual Tour Across Our Campuses$11,478
Tuition/yr
68%
Grad rate
75.4
Hakia Score
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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
Prescott, AZPrivate nonprofit
$42,408
Tuition/yr
68%
Grad rate
72.0
Hakia Score
#4
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZPublic
Discover NAU's University Union: Best Eats, Study Spots & Student Life$11,378
Tuition/yr
61%
Grad rate
69.1
Hakia Score
#5
$9,552
Tuition/yr
21%
Grad rate
68.6
Hakia Score
Best Master's Data Science Programs in Arizona
2
Programs ranked
$10,694
Avg tuition/yr
45%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Arizona offers 5 master's degree programs in data science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Arizona State University ..., Arizona State University ..., Northern Arizona, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Arizona earn a median salary of $105,930, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Intel, GoDaddy, Axon 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 $12,313/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 Arizona's data science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
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$11,835
Tuition/yr
68%
Grad rate
74.4
Hakia Score
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University of Phoenix-Arizona
Phoenix, AZPrivate for-profit
$9,552
Tuition/yr
21%
Grad rate
68.2
Hakia Score
Data Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Arizona
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $6,424/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $16,060/year |
| Community college tuition | $1,606/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $38,544 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $9,636 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Science Students in Arizona
State Aid Programs
Arizona students qualify for federal financial aid including Pell Grants and direct student loans, with data science programs eligible for all standard federal aid programs. The Arizona Financial Aid Trust (AFAT) provides need-based grants to Arizona residents attending in-state institutions, offering up to $2,000 annually for qualifying students. ASU's New American University Scholarship covers full tuition for students with family incomes below $80,000, making data science education accessible regardless of economic background.
Key Programs & Amounts
Technology companies operating in Arizona sponsor scholarships specifically for STEM students, with Intel, Raytheon, and General Dynamics offering awards ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 annually. The Arizona Technology Council Foundation provides scholarships prioritizing underrepresented groups in technology fields, supporting diversity initiatives in data science education. University-specific aid includes merit scholarships based on academic achievement, with top students receiving awards covering substantial portions of tuition costs.
Institutional Scholarships
Work-study opportunities in university research labs provide both financial support and relevant experience for data science students. Graduate assistantships cover tuition while providing teaching or research experience, particularly valuable for students planning advanced degrees. Students should explore our comprehensive financial aid guide for detailed information about federal, state, and institutional funding sources. Arizona's relatively low in-state tuition rates make data science education more affordable than comparable programs in neighboring states.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator, Arizona
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data science degree in Arizona. 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 Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a data science degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+540%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$999,088
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$110,526
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)$2,034,496
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 (Phoenix, AZ)$105,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return3.4%
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 Science Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Arizona metro areas
Phoenix$117K
Scottsdale$111K
Tempe$106K
Tucson$101K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Phoenix | $117K |
| Scottsdale | $111K |
| Tempe | $106K |
| Tucson | $101K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Data Science Graduates in Arizona
Find data science jobs in Arizona. These major employers across Arizona metro areas are actively hiring data science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Science Jobs in Phoenix
AZThe Phoenix metro is the 5th largest in the US with a growing tech sector. Intel, Amazon, and major defense contractors have significant operations here.
Nearby cities: Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise
Intel
Semiconductor/AI
Amazon
E-commerce/Cloud
Honeywell
Aerospace/Industrial
American Express
Financial Services
Banner Health
Healthcare IT
State Farm
Insurance/Tech
Data Science Jobs in Tucson
AZTucson is home to the University of Arizona and major defense contractors like Raytheon. The metro offers lower cost of living than Phoenix.
Nearby cities: Oro Valley, Marana, Sahuarita, Green Valley, Sierra Vista
Raytheon
Defense/Aerospace
University of Arizona
Higher Education/Research
Caterpillar
Manufacturing/Mining Tech
Data Science Jobs in Scottsdale
AZThe Scottsdale-Tempe corridor is a major tech hub with GoDaddy, Axon, and numerous startups. ASU drives talent pipeline.
Nearby cities: Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, Carefree
Transfer Pathways for Data Science Degrees in Arizona
State Transfer System
The Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) facilitates transfer from community colleges to four-year universities, though data science programs require additional prerequisite planning beyond general education requirements. Maricopa Community Colleges District maintains articulation agreements with ASU covering calculus, statistics, and computer science prerequisites essential for data science admission. Pima Community College partners with University of Arizona to create clear transfer pathways, ensuring students complete necessary mathematical foundations before upper-division coursework.
How Transfers Work
Arizona Transfer (AZTransfer) system provides online tools helping students plan coursework across institutions, though data science pathways require careful advising due to specific prerequisite sequences. Students complete two years of foundational mathematics, statistics, and programming at community colleges before transferring to specialized data science programs. Community college preparation significantly reduces total program costs while maintaining access to quality education. Transfer students should work closely with advisors to ensure prerequisite completion aligns with target university requirements and graduation timelines.
Why Pursue a Data Science Degree in Arizona?
Industry & Workforce
Arizona's tech sector added 4,300 jobs in February 2025, maintaining a stable 4.0% unemployment rate while projecting 9% growth for tech jobs through 2028 (Arizona Tech Talent Trends TTG). The state's massive semiconductor investments are creating unprecedented demand for data professionals, with Intel expanding its Chandler facility through a $20 billion investment adding 9,000 new jobs, and TSMC investing $65 billion in Phoenix fabrication facilities expected to create over 6,000 high-tech positions.
Salary Outlook
Maricopa County consistently ranks among the top regions nationally for tech job postings, driven by major employers in Phoenix and Chandler expanding their data analytics capabilities (Arizona Tech Talent Trends TTG). The state's focus on cloud computing, cybersecurity, and emerging AI technologies creates diverse career paths for data science graduates. Arizona's growing semiconductor manufacturing sector requires sophisticated data analysis for equipment maintenance, process optimization, and supply chain management.
Regional Tech Hubs
Students considering data science programs will find Arizona offers significant advantages over neighboring states. The lack of state income tax means higher take-home pay compared to California, while the cost of living remains substantially lower than tech hubs like San Francisco or Seattle. Arizona's position in AI development makes it an ideal location for students interested in artificial intelligence in arizona and related fields.
Data Science Job Growth in Arizona
15%
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% growth for data science occupations in Arizona through 2024-2034. The median salary stands at $105,930 with 21 accredited programs statewide.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook
Data Science Job Market & Salary Data in Arizona
Employment Outlook
Arizona's data science job market shows sustained growth with high demand for full-stack developers, cloud architects, cybersecurity analysts, and DevOps engineers concentrated in the Phoenix metro area (Arizona Tech Talent Trends TTG). Software developers and quality assurance analysts represent the largest segment of tech hiring, with employment projections showing continued expansion through 2028. The semiconductor boom is creating additional demand for data professionals specializing in manufacturing analytics and process optimization.
Salaries by Metro
The Bay Area accounts for 13% of all AI-related job postings nationally, but Arizona emerges as one of the key metropolitan areas experiencing widening geography of AI activity (Brookings AI Economy Mapping). Phoenix and Tucson benefit from this geographic expansion, offering data scientists opportunities in generative AI and agentic systems development. Entry-level data analysts can expect competitive starting salaries, while experienced data scientists command premium compensation packages.
High-Growth Sectors
Remote work trends continue supporting Arizona's appeal, with many California companies maintaining satellite operations in Phoenix and Chandler. The state's 9% projected growth rate for tech jobs through 2028 exceeds national averages, creating opportunities for data scientist roles across industries. Students exploring machine learning in arizona will find particularly strong demand in semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, and financial services sectors.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Arizona$68,855$153,599
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Data Science Programs in Arizona
Online Programs
8 available in Arizona
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$5,782/yr$6,424/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 Science Programs in Other States
Best Data Science Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 180
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Nevada
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $7,900
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Utah
- Total Programs
- 20
- Median Tuition
- $6,500
Best Data Science Degree Programs in New Mexico
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $6,800
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Colorado
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 43
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 77
- Median Tuition
- $8,700
Best Data Science Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 120
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Data Science Degree Programs in Arizona: FAQ
What are the best data science degree programs in Arizona?
The best data science degree programs in Arizona based on our methodology are: 1) Arizona State University Campus Immersion (81% graduation rate), 2) University of Arizona, and 3) Northern Arizona University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Arizona offers 21 total accredited programs across 16 public and 0 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 8 bachelor's programs.
How much do data science degree programs cost in Arizona?
Data Science degree program costs in Arizona vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $6,424/year, while private institutions average $14,133/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $1,606/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $25,696 at public schools to $56,531 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 science degree graduates earn in Arizona?
Data Science professionals in Arizona earn a median salary of $105,930, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $68,855, while senior roles exceed $153,599. Salaries vary by metro area: Phoenix ($116,523), Scottsdale ($111,227) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online data science degree programs in Arizona?
Yes, Arizona offers 8 accredited online Data Science 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 Scottsdale Community College and Aspen 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 science degree graduates in Arizona?
Major Data Science employers in Arizona include Intel, GoDaddy, Axon, Carvana, Microchip Technology. The Phoenix and Scottsdale metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Arizona universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Arizona's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a data science degree program worth it in Arizona?
A data science degree program in Arizona offers strong ROI with a $105,930 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $6,424/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($119,701), 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 science degree programs take in Arizona?
Standard completion times for data science degree programs in Arizona 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. Arizona community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Arizona university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for data science degree students in Arizona?
Arizona data science 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. Arizona 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 Arizona'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
Arizona 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
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.