Best Data Science Bachelor's Programs 2025
Updated June 26, 2026

Best Data Science Bachelor's Degree Programs 2026

Compare 384 accredited data science bachelor's degree programs using data from IPEDS 2024 and BLS 2024. Our rankings analyze graduation rates, tuition costs, student-faculty ratios, and career outcomes to help you find the best program.

Programs Ranked384
Median Tuition$14,250/yr
Avg Graduation Rate72%
Median Starting Salary$85,000
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Key Takeaways

  • 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 2024 completion data

Best Data Science Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's

🥇

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Bachelor's in Data Science, GeneralOn-campus
Ann Arbor, MIPublic

$137,740 median salary · 93% graduation rate

95.9
Score
$19K
Tuition/yr
93%
Grad Rate
$138K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #1

Ranked #1 among data science, general bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (95.9/100): 93% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $18,516 in-state tuition, 103 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 93% graduation rate
  • $137,740 median salary
  • $18,516 in-state tuition
  • 103 graduates annually
🥈

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Bachelor's in Data Science, GeneralOn-campus
Madison, WIPublic

$137,740 median salary · 90% graduation rate

95.1
Score
$10K
Tuition/yr
90%
Grad Rate
$138K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #2

Ranked #2 among data science, general bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (95.1/100): 90% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $10,006 in-state tuition, 246 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 90% graduation rate
  • $137,740 median salary
  • $10,006 in-state tuition
  • 246 graduates annually
🥉

New York University

Bachelor's in Data Science, GeneralOn-campus
New York, NYPrivate nonprofit

$137,740 median salary · 88% graduation rate

94.8
Score
$63K
Tuition/yr
88%
Grad Rate
$138K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #3

Ranked #3 among data science, general bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (94.8/100): 88% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $62,796 in-state tuition, 159 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 88% graduation rate
  • $137,740 median salary
  • $62,796 in-state tuition
  • 159 graduates annually
#4

Northwestern University

Bachelor's in Data Science, GeneralOn-campus
Evanston, ILPrivate nonprofit

$137,740 median salary · 95% graduation rate

94.6
Score
$67K
Tuition/yr
95%
Grad Rate
$138K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #4

Ranked #4 among data science, general bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (94.6/100): 95% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $67,158 in-state tuition, 21 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 95% graduation rate
  • $137,740 median salary
  • $67,158 in-state tuition
  • 21 graduates annually
#5

Columbia University in the City of New York

Bachelor's in Data Science, GeneralOn-campus
New York, NYPrivate nonprofit

$137,740 median salary · 96% graduation rate

94.1
Score
$67K
Tuition/yr
96%
Grad Rate
$138K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #5

Ranked #5 among data science, general bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (94.1/100): 96% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $66,722 in-state tuition, 5 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 96% graduation rate
  • $137,740 median salary
  • $66,722 in-state tuition
  • 5 graduates annually
#6

William & Mary

Bachelor's in Data Science, GeneralOn-campus
Williamsburg, VAPublic

$137,740 median salary · 89% graduation rate

93.3
Score
$19K
Tuition/yr
89%
Grad Rate
$138K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #6

Ranked #6 among data science, general bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (93.3/100): 89% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $18,709 in-state tuition, 42 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 89% graduation rate
  • $137,740 median salary
  • $18,709 in-state tuition
  • 42 graduates annually
#7

Dartmouth College

Bachelor's in Data Science, GeneralOn-campus
Hanover, NHPrivate nonprofit

$137,740 median salary · 96% graduation rate

93.1
Score
$66K
Tuition/yr
96%
Grad Rate
$138K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #7

Ranked #7 among data science, general bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (93.1/100): 96% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $66,123 in-state tuition, 17 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 96% graduation rate
  • $137,740 median salary
  • $66,123 in-state tuition
  • 17 graduates annually
#8

Tufts University

Bachelor's in Data Science, GeneralOn-campus
Medford, MAPrivate nonprofit

$137,740 median salary · 94% graduation rate

93.0
Score
$69K
Tuition/yr
94%
Grad Rate
$138K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #8

Ranked #8 among data science, general bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (93/100): 94% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $69,146 in-state tuition, 17 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

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Program Strengths

  • 94% graduation rate
  • $137,740 median salary
  • $69,146 in-state tuition
  • 17 graduates annually
#9

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Bachelor's in Data Science, GeneralOn-campus
Champaign, ILPublic

$137,740 median salary · 85% graduation rate

92.9
Score
$15K
Tuition/yr
85%
Grad Rate
$138K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #9

Ranked #9 among data science, general bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (92.9/100): 85% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $14,975 in-state tuition, 20 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 85% graduation rate
  • $137,740 median salary
  • $14,975 in-state tuition
  • 20 graduates annually
#10

Stanford University

Bachelor's in Data Science, GeneralOn-campus
Stanford, CAPrivate nonprofit

$137,740 median salary · 92% graduation rate

92.7
Score
$65K
Tuition/yr
92%
Grad Rate
$138K
Median Salary
View
Program

Why it ranks #10

Ranked #10 among data science, general bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (92.7/100): 92% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $65,127 in-state tuition, 4 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.

View full research

Program Strengths

  • 92% graduation rate
  • $137,740 median salary
  • $65,127 in-state tuition
  • 4 graduates annually

Best Data Science Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's, Complete Program Data

  1. #1. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor — Bachelor's Data Science, General

    Hakia ranks University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's bachelor's data science, general program #1. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Ann Arbor, MI | Type: Public | Tuition: $18,516/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 95.9

  2. #2. University of Wisconsin-Madison — Bachelor's Data Science, General

    Hakia ranks University of Wisconsin-Madison's bachelor's data science, general program #2. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Madison, WI | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,006/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 95.1

  3. #3. New York University — Bachelor's Data Science, General

    Hakia ranks New York University's bachelor's data science, general program #3. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: New York, NY | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $62,796/year | Graduation Rate: 88% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 94.8

  4. #4. Northwestern University — Bachelor's Data Science, General

    Hakia ranks Northwestern University's bachelor's data science, general program #4. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Evanston, IL | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $67,158/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 94.6

  5. #5. Columbia University in the City of New York — Bachelor's Data Science, General

    Hakia ranks Columbia University in the City of New York's bachelor's data science, general program #5. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: New York, NY | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $66,722/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 94.1

  6. #6. William & Mary — Bachelor's Data Science, General

    Hakia ranks William & Mary's bachelor's data science, general program #6. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Williamsburg, VA | Type: Public | Tuition: $18,709/year | Graduation Rate: 89% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 93.3

  7. #7. Dartmouth College — Bachelor's Data Science, General

    Hakia ranks Dartmouth College's bachelor's data science, general program #7. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Hanover, NH | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $66,123/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 93.1

  8. #8. Tufts University — Bachelor's Data Science, General

    Hakia ranks Tufts University's bachelor's data science, general program #8. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Medford, MA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $69,146/year | Graduation Rate: 94% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 93.0

  9. #9. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Bachelor's Data Science, General

    Hakia ranks University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's bachelor's data science, general program #9. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Champaign, IL | Type: Public | Tuition: $14,975/year | Graduation Rate: 85% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 92.9

  10. #10. Stanford University — Bachelor's Data Science, General

    Hakia ranks Stanford University's bachelor's data science, general program #10. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Stanford, CA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $65,127/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 92.7

Best Data Science Programs - Compare Top 5 Bachelor's

SchoolLocationTypeTuitionGrad RateScore
#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

Data from IPEDS 2024. Tuition shown is in-state for public schools.

RankProgram & SchoolDeliveryAnnual TuitionGrad RateMedian SalaryHakia Score
#1
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI · Public
On-campus$18,51693%$137,74095.9
#2
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI · Public
On-campus$10,00690%$137,74095.1
#3
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
New York University
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
On-campus$62,79688%$137,74094.8
#4
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL · Private nonprofit
On-campus$67,15895%$137,74094.6
#5
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
On-campus$66,72296%$137,74094.1
#6
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA · Public
On-campus$18,70989%$137,74093.3
#7
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH · Private nonprofit
On-campus$66,12396%$137,74093.1
#8
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Tufts University
Medford, MA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$69,14694%$137,74093.0
#9
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL · Public
On-campus$14,97585%$137,74092.9
#10
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Stanford University
Stanford, CA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$65,12792%$137,74092.7
#11
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA · Public
On-campus$13,15286%$137,74092.3
#12
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
United States Air Force Academy
USAF Academy, CO · Public
On-campus88%$137,74091.8
#13
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH · Private nonprofit
On-campus$66,02087%$137,74090.7
#14
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA · Public
On-campus$20,06686%$137,74090.3
#15
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Smith College
Northampton, MA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$64,87089%$137,74090.2
#16
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL · Public
On-campus$4,47878%$137,74090.1
#17
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ · Public
On-campus$14,22284%$137,74089.8
#18
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
University of California-Davis
Davis, CA · Public
On-campus$12,26086%$137,74089.7
#19
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA · Public
On-campus$20,55685%$137,74089.6
#20
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
Scottsdale, AZ · Public
Online$11,478$137,74088.9
#21
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$59,70090%$137,74088.5
#22
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Mount Holyoke College
South Hadley, MA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$66,78084%$137,74087.6
#23
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Baylor University
Waco, TX · Private nonprofit
On-campus$58,10080%$137,74087.2
#24
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Denison University
Granville, OH · Private nonprofit
On-campus$67,00079%$137,74087.0
#25
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
University of Vermont
Burlington, VT · Public
On-campus$16,28079%$137,74086.7
#26
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
The University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson, TX · Public
On-campus$10,63976%$137,74086.3
#27
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN · Public
On-campus$15,14885%$137,74085.8
#28
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
St Lawrence University
Canton, NY · Private nonprofit
On-campus$65,45079%$137,74083.8
#29
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Centre College
Danville, KY · Private nonprofit
On-campus$52,52081%$137,74083.5
#30
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ · Public
On-campus$16,33473%$137,74083.5
#31
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO · Private nonprofit
On-campus$54,76080%$137,74082.0
#32
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
On-campus$60,04278%$137,74081.8
#33
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
The College of Wooster
Wooster, OH · Private nonprofit
On-campus$61,12074%$137,74081.2
#34
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC · Public
On-campus$3,81269%$137,74078.8
#35
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Bennington College
Bennington, VT · Private nonprofit
On-campus$65,39871%$137,74078.6
#36
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
College of Charleston
Charleston, SC · Public
On-campus$12,51866%$137,74078.4
#37
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA · Public
On-campus$9,28675%$137,74077.9
#38
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Beloit College
Beloit, WI · Private nonprofit
On-campus$60,36471%$137,74077.9
#39
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Quinnipiac University
Hamden, CT · Private nonprofit
On-campus$52,67076%$137,74077.8
#40
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Willamette University
Salem, OR · Private nonprofit
On-campus$50,88071%$137,74077.3
#41
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
University of Oregon
Eugene, OR · Public
On-campus$12,72672%$137,74077.1
#42
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Mahwah, NJ · Public
On-campus$16,77770%$137,74077.0
#43
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Calvin University
Grand Rapids, MI · Private nonprofit
On-campus$39,35074%$137,74076.7
#44
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL · Public
On-campus$2,52263%$137,74076.6
#45
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Siena College
Loudonville, NY · Private nonprofit
On-campus$44,50575%$137,74076.5
#46
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
John Carroll University
University Heights, OH · Private nonprofit
On-campus$48,70079%$137,74076.4
#47
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
William Jewell College
Liberty, MO · Private nonprofit
On-campus$19,32068%$137,74076.3
#48
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit
On-campus$52,23073%$137,74076.2
#49
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Clarkson University
Potsdam, NY · Private nonprofit
On-campus$58,05875%$137,74076.0
#50
Bachelor's in Data Science, General
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
Tempe, AZ · Public
On-campus$11,47868%$137,74075.4

Showing all 50 ranked programs.

Data Science Bachelor's Degree Overview 2026

Data science is one of the most in-demand fields in technology, combining statistics, computer science, and domain expertise to extract insights from complex data. Data from 384 accredited data science bachelor's programs shows 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.

Getting Started: No Prior Experience Needed

A Data Science bachelor's degree requires no prior programming or technical experience. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 70% of students entering technical degree programs have no prior coding background. Programs are designed to take complete beginners to job-ready professionals over four years.

What to Expect Your First Year:

  • Introduction to programming fundamentals (Python or Java)
  • Mathematics foundations including calculus, discrete math, and linear algebra
  • Computer systems basics and computational thinking
  • Problem-solving methodologies and algorithmic thinking

Research from Computing Research Association shows that students who engage with tutoring services and study groups in their first year have 23% higher retention rates. Most universities offer dedicated support including office hours, peer tutoring, and programming labs. Success comes from consistent practice, not prior experience.

General Education Requirements

Bachelor's programs require 40-60 credit hours of general education courses alongside your Data Science major. These requirements, mandated by regional accreditation bodies, ensure graduates develop well-rounded communication and critical thinking skills valued by employers.

Common General Education Requirements:

  • English Composition (6 credits). Technical writing skills are essential. 89% of developers write documentation weekly (Stack Overflow Survey 2024)
  • Mathematics (6-12 credits). Calculus I & II, plus statistics for data-focused roles
  • Natural Sciences (6-8 credits). Physics is particularly relevant for hardware-adjacent specializations
  • Social Sciences/Humanities (6-12 credits). Ethics courses increasingly important given AI regulation
  • Communication (3 credits). Presentation skills for technical demos and stakeholder meetings

Pro tip: Many schools allow AP/IB credits or CLEP exams to satisfy gen-ed requirements, potentially saving $3,000-$10,000 in tuition. Check your target school's transfer credit policies before enrolling.

Campus Resources for Students

Top Data Science programs provide extensive support infrastructure to help students succeed. According to EDUCAUSE research, students who use campus resources are 34% more likely to graduate on time.

Essential Campus Resources:

  • Computer Labs, 24/7 access to high-performance workstations, often with specialized software (MATLAB, AWS credits, GPU clusters)
  • Career Services. Resume reviews, mock interviews, and direct recruiter connections. Top programs host 50+ tech companies annually
  • Tutoring Centers. Free peer tutoring for programming, math, and core courses. Many offer drop-in hours
  • Student Organizations. ACM chapters, hackathon teams, and Women in Computing groups provide networking and project experience
  • Research Opportunities. Undergraduate research positions with faculty can lead to publications and graduate school recommendations

When evaluating programs, ask about student-to-advisor ratios. The NACADA recommends no more than 300:1 for effective academic advising, though top tech programs often achieve 150:1 or better.

Internships & Co-op Programs

Data Science internships offer the highest compensation of any undergraduate major, with an average hourly wage of $24.76 according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2024 Report. Top-tier companies pay significantly more, often 3-5x the average rate.

Top Employers for Data Science Interns:

  • Netflix, $8,000-$10,000/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
  • Spotify, $7,500-$9,500/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
  • Goldman Sachs, $7,000-$9,000/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
  • Meta, $6,500-$8,500/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
  • Airbnb, $6,000-$8,000/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs

53% of interns receive full-time job offers from their internship employers (NACE 2024). For paid internships specifically, the conversion rate jumps to 70-75%. Most applications open August-October for the following summer, start preparing early.

For salary expectations after graduation, see our data scientist salary guide.

$85,000
Starting Salary
$130,000
Mid-Career
+22%
Job Growth
13,500
Annual Openings

Career Paths

Data Analyst

SOC 15-2041
+0.13%

Collect, process, and analyze data to help organizations make informed business decisions and identify trends and patterns.

Median Salary:$82,360

Business Intelligence Analyst

SOC 15-2051
+0.18%

Transform data into actionable business insights through reporting, dashboards, and data visualization tools.

Median Salary:$88,700

Research Scientist

SOC 19-1012
+0.08%

Conduct advanced research in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence in academic or industry settings.

Median Salary:$142,050

Programs by State

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 leads 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.

Bachelor's vs Associate's vs Bootcamp

Choosing between a bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or coding bootcamp depends on your career goals, timeline, and budget. Each path offers distinct advantages for entering the Data Science field.

Bachelor's Degree (4 years, $40K-$160K)

  • Comprehensive theoretical foundation plus hands-on skills
  • Required for most senior/management positions and graduate school
  • Median starting salary: $75,000 (NACE 2024)
  • Best for: Students seeking long-term career growth and research opportunities

Associate's Degree (2 years, $10K-$30K)

  • Faster entry into entry-level positions
  • Many credits transfer to 4-year programs (2+2 pathway)
  • Median starting salary: $50,000-$60,000
  • Best for: Career changers or those testing interest before committing to 4 years

Coding Bootcamp (12-24 weeks, $10K-$20K)

  • Intensive, job-focused training on current industry tools
  • Many offer income share agreements (ISAs) or deferred tuition
  • Median starting salary: $65,000-$80,000 for graduates with strong portfolios
  • Best for: Career changers with self-discipline. See our Data Science bootcamp rankings

For a detailed ROI comparison, read our analysis: Bootcamp vs Master's Degree: Which Has Better ROI?

Preparing for Graduate School

A bachelor's in Data Science provides an excellent foundation for graduate study. According to the Computing Research Association, 25% of CS bachelor's graduates pursue advanced degrees within five years of graduation, with master's holders earning 20-30% more than bachelor's-only peers.

Preparing for Graduate School During Your Bachelor's:

  • Maintain GPA above 3.5. Most competitive programs require 3.3+ minimum. Top-10 programs average 3.7+
  • Secure research experience, 2+ semesters with faculty improves PhD admission chances
  • Build faculty relationships. You'll need 3 strong recommendation letters. Start early
  • Take graduate-level courses. Many programs allow undergrads to enroll. Demonstrates readiness
  • Prepare for GRE (if required). Quantitative scores above 165 expected for top programs

Graduate Degree Options:

  • Master's (1-2 years). Career-focused. Average salary boost of $15,000-$25,000. See our best Data Science master's programs
  • PhD (4-6 years). Research-focused. Fully funded with $30,000-$45,000 stipend. Required for professorships and research scientist roles
  • Professional Master's. Industry-sponsored programs (Google, Facebook) combine coursework with company projects

Data Science Bachelor's Degree FAQ

What's the difference between data science and computer science degrees?
Data science degrees focus specifically on extracting insights from data through statistics, machine learning, and domain expertise, while computer science covers broader computing topics including software development, algorithms, and systems. Data science programs include more statistics and domain application courses, while CS programs emphasize programming fundamentals and theoretical computer science. Both lead to lucrative careers, but data science is more specialized for analytics roles.
Do I need a strong math background for data science?
Strong mathematical foundations are essential for data science success. Most programs require calculus (through multivariable), linear algebra, probability, and statistics. Students need strong performance in high school math or completion of college-level prerequisite courses. The mathematical rigor varies by program - theoretical programs like MIT require more advanced math than applied programs.
What programming languages do data science students learn?
Most data science programs teach Python as the primary language due to its extensive libraries for data analysis (pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn). R is commonly taught for statistical analysis and visualization. SQL is essential for database management. Some programs also cover Java, Scala (for big data), and specialized tools like Tableau, SAS, or Spark depending on the curriculum focus.
Is a data science bachelor's degree worth it compared to a bootcamp?
A bachelor's degree provides deeper theoretical foundations, broader education, and leads to higher starting salaries ($85,000+ vs $65,000 for bootcamp graduates). However, bootcamps offer faster entry (6 months vs 4 years) and lower costs. Degree holders have better long-term career prospects and advancement opportunities, while bootcamp graduates can start working sooner but may need additional education for senior roles.
What are the job prospects after graduation?
Job prospects for data science graduates are excellent, with 22% projected employment growth through 2032. Top program graduates receive multiple job offers with starting salaries of $75,000-$125,000. Major employers include tech companies (Google, Amazon, Microsoft), consulting firms (McKinsey, Deloitte), financial services, healthcare organizations, and government agencies. The field offers diverse career paths from technical roles to business-focused positions.
Can I specialize within data science during my bachelor's degree?
Many programs offer specialization tracks or concentrations such as machine learning, business analytics, biostatistics, or computational linguistics. Students can often choose electives in specific domains like healthcare, finance, or marketing analytics. Some schools offer formal tracks like 'Data Science for Social Good' or 'Computational Biology.' Specialization helps differentiate candidates in competitive job markets.
How important is the school's reputation for data science careers?
School reputation significantly impacts initial career opportunities and starting salaries. Graduates from top-tier programs (MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon) have access to prestigious internships and earn 20-30% higher starting salaries. However, strong public programs like UC Berkeley and Georgia Tech also produce highly employable graduates at much lower costs. Skills and portfolio work can sometimes overcome school prestige differences.
What internship opportunities are available for data science students?
Data science internships are widely available at tech companies, startups, consulting firms, research institutions, and government agencies. Major companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon offer structured data science internship programs with competitive pay ($6,000-$10,000/month). Students also pursue research assistantships, nonprofit projects, and startup opportunities. Strong programs help industry partnerships and internship placement.
Should I choose an online or on-campus data science program?
On-campus programs offer better networking, research opportunities, and hands-on lab experiences, which can be valuable for career development. Online programs provide flexibility for working students and often cost less. Top online programs from established universities (like Georgia Tech's online offerings) maintain quality while offering convenience. Consider your learning style, career goals, and need for flexibility when choosing.
What's the difference between affordable and expensive data science programs in terms of outcomes?
While expensive private programs often have higher average starting salaries and more prestigious internships, many affordable public programs produce equally successful graduates. The key factors are accreditation, faculty quality, and career services rather than tuition cost. Public universities like UC Berkeley and Georgia Tech offer data science education at fraction of private school costs, often with comparable job placement rates.

How We Rank Data Science Degree Programs

Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024

We scored 50 bachelor's data science programs on the Hakia Score, a 0 to 100 composite drawn from federal IPEDS 2024 and BLS figures, and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Bachelor's in Data Science, General sits at the top. Graduates step into a field where the median wage runs about $137,740.

Ranking Factors

Program Completions35%

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.

Graduation Rate25%

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.

Selectivity20%

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.

Career Outcomes20%

National salary data for data science graduates, factored into institutional scores based on job market strength.

Ranking Categories

Best Programs

Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.

Online Programs

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.

Most Affordable

Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.

Data Sources

  • IPEDS 2024Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
  • BLS OEWS 2024National and metro salary data by occupation
  • CIP Code MappingPrograms identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes
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.