- 1.Data Scientists earn a median salary of $108,020 with 35% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Data Science programs include University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of Wisconsin-Madison offers data science education at $9,644/year with 83% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Data Science programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Data Science Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Michigan's MS in Data Science is jointly owned and operated by four separate departments - CSE, Statistics, School of Information, and Biostatistics - creating an unusually comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum that balances statistical theory with computational implementation across diverse data domains.
Program Overview
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Master's in Data Science represents a unique collaborative effort between four powerhouse departments: Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Statistics, School of Information, and Biostatistics. This interdisciplinary approach ensures students receive balanced training in both statistical rigor and computational prowess, combining the distinct educational strengths of each contributing department. Located in the Bob and Betty Beyster Building on U-M's engineering campus, the program sits within the Computer Science and Engineering Division, which is part of the highly-ranked Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in the College of Engineering.
The program is specifically designed to produce graduates who understand data representation and analysis at an advanced level, with particular emphasis on working with large heterogeneous datasets in multi-computer environments. Students develop the ability to identify relevant datasets, apply appropriate statistical and computational tools to answer complex questions posed by individuals, organizations, or governmental agencies, and design and evaluate analytical procedures that can be efficiently implemented across distributed computing systems.
Degree Programs
University of Wisconsin-Madison
UW-Madison operates one of the first online data science master's programs in the nation through its multi-campus collaboration, while its on-campus program uniquely bridges the Statistics and Computer Sciences departments with a curriculum addressing emerging areas of applied statistical and computing research.
Program Overview
The University of Wisconsin-Madison MS in Data Science represents a joint professional program between the Statistics and Computer Sciences departments, administered by the Statistics Department. This 30-credit program blends computational and statistical thinking to address data-rich problems across diverse fields. Students complete core coursework in statistics (STAT 611-613), computer sciences algorithms/systems/human-data interaction (9 credits), machine learning (6 credits), and flexible electives. The program offers both a traditional 1.5-2 year track and an accelerated pathway for qualified UW-Madison alumni that can be completed in just three semesters. With face-to-face instruction and accelerated options available, the program prepares graduates for roles as data analysts and data scientists or further education in quantitative fields.
Notably, UW-Madison also partners with Wisconsin Online Collaboratives to offer a separate 100% online Master of Science in Data Science through UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Superior. This online program was one of the first online data science programs in the nation and features asynchronous learning with hands-on skills in Python, machine learning, and cloud computing.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Powered by American Family Insurance, advancing research through data science with $20M in research grants
Industry Partners
Admissions
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Virginia Tech's Data Science program uniquely offers three flexible pathways including an accelerated option for undergraduates and a part-time Northern Virginia hybrid program, while emphasizing interdisciplinary training that combines data science with domain expertise across fields from environmental conservation to biomedical research.
Program Overview
Virginia Tech's Academy of Data Science offers a comprehensive Master of Science in Data Science program that bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world application through three distinct pathways. Students can choose between a traditional two-year in-person program based in Blacksburg, an accelerated master's option that allows undergraduates to complete their degree in just one additional year, or a part-time hybrid program delivered in Northern Virginia. The program is taught by industry experts with decades of experience and emphasizes hands-on learning through a capstone project completed in the second year. What sets Virginia Tech's approach apart is its interdisciplinary focus - students can combine core data science training with domain expertise through electives in economics, forest resources and environmental conservation, geosciences, and industrial and systems engineering.
The Academy operates within Virginia Tech's College of Science and maintains strong connections to the university's broader research enterprise, including the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC and the Center for Biostatistics and Health Data Science. Faculty are actively engaged in cutting-edge research, from molecular bioscience applications with Data Science Faculty Fellow Anne M. Brown to collaborations with the Center for Ecosystem Forecasting on water quality data collection. The program's non-thesis structure allows students to dive deep into practical applications while still maintaining rigorous academic standards.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Collaborative biostatistics and health data science research with One Health approach
Environmental data science and water quality forecasting
Industry Partners
Admissions
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Penn State's intercollege Data Sciences program uniquely allows students to specialize in Applied, Computational, or Statistical Modeling tracks while reuniting for shared capstone experiences, creating graduates who understand data science's multiple dimensions. The university's R1 research status combined with specialized labs like the $1 billion research engine creates unprecedented opportunities for undergraduates to engage in advanced research.
Northeastern University
63 data science graduates annually
Northwestern University
30 data science graduates annually
Columbia University in the City of New York
Columbia's Data Science Institute houses one of the world's most comprehensive data science ecosystems, with 400+ affiliated faculty across eight specialized research centers and a 'Data for Good' mission that tackles society's toughest challenges while maintaining direct industry partnerships.
William & Mary
49 data science graduates annually
Smith College
62 data science graduates annually
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
47 data science graduates annually
Best Data Science Programs - Compare Top 5 Bachelor's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | Public | $17,977 | 92% | 81/100 |
| #2 University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | Public | $9,644 | 83% | 78/100 |
| #3 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Blacksburg, VA | Public | $12,698 | 95% | 74.6/100 |
| #4 Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | 71.1/100 |
| #5 Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | N/A | 66.7/100 |
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | Public | $17,977 | 92% | — | 81 |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | Public | $9,644 | 83% | — | 78 |
| 3 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Blacksburg, VA | Public | $12,698 | 95% | — | 74.6 |
| 4 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | — | 71.1 |
| 5 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | — | — | 66.7 |
| 6 | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | Private | $64,887 | 90% | — | 66.6 |
| 7 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | $64,526 | 100% | — | 66.4 |
| 8 | William & Mary | Williamsburg, VA | Public | $18,253 | 94% | — | 65.9 |
| 9 | Smith College | Northampton, MA | Private | $61,260 | 98% | — | 65.5 |
| 10 | Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Worcester, MA | Private | $57,960 | 83% | — | 61.1 |
| 11 | The University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, TX | Public | $14,564 | 77% | — | 61 |
| 12 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | Public | $4,478 | 93% | — | 61 |
| 13 | Denison University | Granville, OH | Private | $64,000 | 97% | — | 59.7 |
| 14 | Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland, OH | Private | $64,100 | 85% | — | 58.5 |
| 15 | Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | Public | $4,074 | 96% | — | 57.5 |
| 16 | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | Fort Collins, CO | Public | $10,299 | 93% | — | 57.5 |
| 17 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | — | — | 57.4 |
| 18 | Southern Methodist University | Dallas, TX | Private | $57,212 | 89% | — | 57.3 |
| 19 | Utah State University | Logan, UT | Public | $7,387 | 100% | — | 57 |
| 20 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion | Tempe, AZ | Public | $11,308 | 81% | — | 56.6 |
| 21 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | Public | $14,496 | 92% | — | 56.6 |
| 22 | Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro, TN | Public | $7,536 | 97% | — | 55.8 |
| 23 | Mount Holyoke College | South Hadley, MA | Private | $63,904 | 90% | — | 55.2 |
| 24 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | Pittsburgh, PA | Public | $20,154 | 88% | — | 55.2 |
| 25 | University of Vermont | Burlington, VT | Public | $16,280 | 91% | — | 55 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Data Science Bachelor's Degree Overview 2026
Data science has emerged as one of the most in-demand fields in technology, combining statistics, computer science, and domain expertise to extract insights from complex data. Our comprehensive analysis of 384 accredited data science bachelor's programs reveals significant growth in program availability, with new degrees launching at 42 institutions in 2024 alone.
The data science degree landscape has evolved rapidly since 2010, when only 12 universities offered dedicated undergraduate data science programs. Today's programs integrate machine learning, statistical analysis, programming, and business applications to prepare graduates for roles as data scientists, AI engineers, and analytics professionals across industries.
Public universities dominate the affordable rankings, with in-state tuition averaging $11,430 annually compared to $45,280 at private institutions. However, career outcomes remain strong across all institution types, with data science professionals earning and mid-career salaries reaching $130,000.
Career Paths
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets to extract business insights and build predictive models using statistical methods and machine learning algorithms.
Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1299Design and implement machine learning systems and algorithms to solve complex problems and automate decision-making processes.
Data Analyst
SOC 15-2041Collect, process, and analyze data to help organizations make informed business decisions and identify trends and patterns.
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2051Transform data into actionable business insights through reporting, dashboards, and data visualization tools.
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Develop software applications and systems with a focus on data processing, analytics platforms, and machine learning infrastructure.
Research Scientist
SOC 19-1012Conduct advanced research in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence in academic or industry settings.
Programs by State
California
New York
Texas
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Ohio
North Carolina
Georgia
Financial Aid and Funding Options for Data Science Students
Data science students have access to numerous funding opportunities, including federal financial aid, merit scholarships, and industry-sponsored programs. The FAFSA application opens doors to federal grants and loans, while many institutions offer specific scholarships for STEM majors.
Tech companies increasingly offer educational partnerships and internship programs that can offset tuition costs. Programs like Google's scholarship initiatives and Microsoft's LEAP program provide both financial support and career development opportunities for underrepresented students in data science.
Graduate assistantships at research universities often provide tuition remission and stipends in exchange for teaching or research duties. Many data science students also benefit from employer tuition reimbursement programs when pursuing degrees while working.
Data Science Bachelor's Degree FAQ
Based on 384 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
Institution type (R1/R2 research bonus)
CAE-CD designation, curator bonuses
Data completeness proxy
Reporting completeness
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.