Compare 50 accredited 2-year data science programs at community colleges and technical schools. Find affordable programs with strong transfer pathways and entry-level career placement.
Quick Answer: Is an Associate's Degree in Data Science Worth It?
Source: An associate's degree in data science is worth it for students seeking affordable entry into tech careers. At ~$3,500/year (vs $40,000+ for bachelor's), you can enter the workforce in 2 years or transfer to a 4-year university with completed prerequisites. Entry-level technician roles start at $45,500.
An associate's degree in data science offers a cost-effective pathway into technology careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Data Scientists earn a median salary of $112,590 annually, with entry-level positions starting around $63,650.
Key Benefits of the 2-Year Path
Salary potential: Entry-level data science positions start at $63,650, with experienced professionals earning up to $194,410 (BLS OEWS, 2024).
Who succeeds with an associate's: Students seeking quick entry to tech careers, working adults balancing jobs and education, career changers looking for an affordable credential, and those planning to transfer to bachelor's programs.
$137,740 median salary · 46% graduation rate
Ranked #1 among data science associate's programs by Hakia Score (95.2/100): 46% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $1,987 in-state tuition, 12 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$137,740 median salary · 50% graduation rate
Ranked #2 among online data science associate's programs by Hakia Score (89/100): 50% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $4,485 in-state tuition, 8 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$137,740 median salary · 55% graduation rate
Ranked #3 among data science associate's programs by Hakia Score (86/100): 55% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $3,152 in-state tuition, 1 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$137,740 median salary · 38% graduation rate
Ranked #4 among online data science associate's programs by Hakia Score (85.4/100): 38% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $1,943 in-state tuition, 6 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$137,740 median salary · 44% graduation rate
Ranked #5 among data science associate's programs by Hakia Score (84.1/100): 44% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $4,485 in-state tuition, 4 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$137,740 median salary · 37% graduation rate
Ranked #6 among data science associate's programs by Hakia Score (82.5/100): 37% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $2,095 in-state tuition, 7 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$137,740 median salary · 34% graduation rate
Ranked #7 among data science associate's programs by Hakia Score (77.5/100): 34% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $1,926 in-state tuition, 3 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$137,740 median salary · 39% graduation rate
Ranked #8 among data science associate's programs by Hakia Score (71.8/100): 39% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $5,760 in-state tuition, 1 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$137,740 median salary · 39% graduation rate
Ranked #9 among data science associate's programs by Hakia Score (70.8/100): 39% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $5,784 in-state tuition, 1 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$137,740 median salary · 32% graduation rate
Ranked #10 among data science associate's programs by Hakia Score (66.1/100): 32% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $8,190 in-state tuition, 2 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Hakia ranks Miami Dade College's associate's data science program #1. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Miami, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,987/year | Graduation Rate: 46% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 95.2
Hakia ranks Chippewa Valley Technical College's online associate's data science program #2. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Eau Claire, WI | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,485/year | Graduation Rate: 50% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 89.0
Hakia ranks Florida Polytechnic University's associate's data science program #3. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Lakeland, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,152/year | Graduation Rate: 55% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 86.0
Hakia ranks St Petersburg College's online associate's data science program #4. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: fully online. Location: St. Petersburg, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,943/year | Graduation Rate: 38% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 85.4
Hakia ranks Waukesha County Technical College's associate's data science program #5. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Pewaukee, WI | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,485/year | Graduation Rate: 44% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 84.1
Hakia ranks Florida State College at Jacksonville's associate's data science program #6. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Jacksonville, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $2,095/year | Graduation Rate: 37% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 82.5
Hakia ranks Hillsborough Community College's associate's data science program #7. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Tampa, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,926/year | Graduation Rate: 34% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 77.5
Hakia ranks Harford Community College's associate's data science program #8. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Bel Air, MD | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,760/year | Graduation Rate: 39% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 71.8
Hakia ranks Carroll Community College's associate's data science program #9. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Westminster, MD | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,784/year | Graduation Rate: 39% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 70.8
Hakia ranks Montgomery College's associate's data science program #10. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Rockville, MD | Type: Public | Tuition: $8,190/year | Graduation Rate: 32% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 66.1
| Rank | Program & School | Delivery | Annual Tuition | Grad Rate | Median Salary | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Associate's in Data Science Miami Dade CollegeMiami, FL · Public | On-campus | $1,987 | 46% | $137,740 | 95.2 |
| #2 | Associate's in Data Science Chippewa Valley Technical CollegeEau Claire, WI · Public | Online | $4,485 | 50% | $137,740 | 89.0 |
| #3 | Associate's in Data Science Florida Polytechnic UniversityLakeland, FL · Public | On-campus | $3,152 | 55% | $137,740 | 86.0 |
| #4 | Associate's in Data Science St Petersburg CollegeSt. Petersburg, FL · Public | Online | $1,943 | 38% | $137,740 | 85.4 |
| #5 | Associate's in Data Science Waukesha County Technical CollegePewaukee, WI · Public | On-campus | $4,485 | 44% | $137,740 | 84.1 |
| #6 | Associate's in Data Science Florida State College at JacksonvilleJacksonville, FL · Public | On-campus | $2,095 | 37% | $137,740 | 82.5 |
| #7 | Associate's in Data Science Hillsborough Community CollegeTampa, FL · Public | On-campus | $1,926 | 34% | $137,740 | 77.5 |
| #8 | Associate's in Data Science Harford Community CollegeBel Air, MD · Public | On-campus | $5,760 | 39% | $137,740 | 71.8 |
| #9 | Associate's in Data Science Carroll Community CollegeWestminster, MD · Public | On-campus | $5,784 | 39% | $137,740 | 70.8 |
| #10 | Associate's in Data Science Montgomery CollegeRockville, MD · Public | On-campus | $8,190 | 32% | $137,740 | 66.1 |
| #11 | Associate's in Data Science Madison Area Technical CollegeMadison, WI · Public | On-campus | $4,485 | 29% | $137,740 | 63.5 |
| #12 | Associate's in Data Science Bucks County Community CollegeNewtown, PA · Public | On-campus | $8,160 | 32% | $137,740 | 62.6 |
| #13 | Associate's in Data Science Camden County CollegeBlackwood, NJ · Public | On-campus | $3,216 | 31% | $137,740 | 60.8 |
| #14 | Associate's in Data Science University of Advancing TechnologyTempe, AZ · Private for-profit | Online | $17,900 | 35% | $137,740 | 57.8 |
| #15 | Associate's in Data Science Northampton County Area Community CollegeBethlehem, PA · Public | Online | $7,800 | 24% | $137,740 | 56.5 |
Showing all 15 ranked programs.
Transfer pathways are critical for associate's degree students. According to NCES, about 34% of first-time community college students transfer to another institution within 150% of normal completion time.
Preparation is Key: Success in transfer requires strong foundations and careful planning. Students should complete prerequisite courses at their community college and verify course equivalencies through official articulation agreements before transferring.
State Transfer Systems
Key to Success: Research from PPIC shows successful transfer students share common traits: they start planning early, attend colleges with strong transfer partnerships, and choose universities with strong support services for transfer students.
Community colleges are experiencing a significant resurgence. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, community college enrollment increased 5.4% between Fall 2023 and Fall 2024 (+288,000 students), the largest growth among all institutional sectors.
As Dr. Walter Bumphus, president of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), noted: "Community colleges have always been gateways to opportunity, but in 2025, they're increasingly engines of innovation in workforce development."
Why Community Colleges Excel for Technology Programs
Data Science associate's programs require 60-65 credit hours completed over 2 years full-time. The curriculum balances technical skills with general education requirements, preparing students for both employment and transfer to bachelor's programs.
Core Data Science Courses
Typical Course Sequence
Transfer Requirements: Most courses will transfer to 4-year universities through articulation agreements. A grade of C or better is required for technical courses. Check your state's transfer agreements (e.g., ASSIST.org for California, Direct Transfer Agreement for Washington).
Online learning has become mainstream in higher education. According to NCES, 53% of U.S. students were enrolled in at least one online course in 2022-23. BestColleges research found that 60% of institutions reported online classes filling first in 2024, indicating strong student preference for flexible formats.
Enrollment Trends: The National Student Clearinghouse reports associate degree enrollment grew 6.3% in Spring 2025. Notably, older first-year students are driving growth, enrollment among those aged 25+ increased 19.7% compared to the prior year.
Flexible Format Options
Tip: Look for programs with asynchronous course delivery if your work schedule is unpredictable. Synchronous (live) classes require logging in at specific times.
Choosing between an associate's degree, bootcamp, or certificate depends on your career goals, timeline, and budget. Each path has trade-offs.
Coding Bootcamp Outcomes: According to the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting (CIRR), 71% of coding bootcamp graduates find a job within 6 months of completion. Course Report's 2025 survey found 79% of alumni land programming jobs within six months, with a 51% average salary increase over pre-bootcamp income.
Comparison
Key difference: Only associate's degrees are regionally accredited and qualify for federal student aid. Bootcamps require full upfront payment or income share agreements. As The Century Foundation notes, always read the fine print on any education program's outcomes claims.
Our recommendation: Choose an associate's degree if you want maximum flexibility, transfer options, employer recognition, and financial aid eligibility. Choose a bootcamp if you're confident about a specific developer role and can afford the upfront cost.
Community college programs qualify for federal financial aid, state grants, and employer tuition assistance. With average tuition under $4,000/year, many students graduate debt-free.
Federal Pell Grants: The maximum Federal Pell Grant for 2024-25 is $7,395 (minimum $740). Since this exceeds typical community college tuition, eligible students may have funds left for books and fees. Lifetime eligibility is limited to 12 semesters.
Free Community College Programs: Over 300 promise programs now operate at state and local levels, including:
Employer Tuition Assistance: In 2023, 80% of large U.S. employers offered tuition reimbursement, spending $28 billion annually (Learn & Work Ecosystem Library). Key programs:
Tax benefits: The American Opportunity Tax Credit provides up to $2,500/year in tax credits for the first four years of higher education.
Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024
Ranking 15 associate data science programs by graduation rate, selectivity, outcomes, and price, Miami Dade College's Associate's in Data Science comes out first. The Hakia Score is computed from IPEDS 2024 and BLS data with no paid placement. Graduates step into a field where the median wage runs about $137,740.
Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.
Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.
Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.
National salary data for data science graduates, factored into institutional scores based on job market strength.
Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.
Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.
Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.
Federal database of U.S. postsecondary institutions
May 2024 salary data by occupation and location
Department of Education outcomes data
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.