- 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, University of Southern California 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 Online
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
University of Southern California
USC houses the Information Sciences Institute (ISI), a world-renowned research center that pioneered ARPAnet technologies and continues to lead breakthroughs in AI and data science, while the program's unique 'lived in the data' philosophy ensures students graduate with real-world experience through extensive hands-on projects and professional practicums.
Program Overview
USC Viterbi offers a comprehensive suite of data science programs designed to transform students with diverse backgrounds into skilled data scientists. The flagship Master of Science in Applied Data Science is a 32-unit program that welcomes students from computer science, engineering, scientific disciplines, and even social sciences with strong mathematical aptitude. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with the philosophy of having students 'lived in the data' through extensive practical projects and a unique professional practicum. USC also offers a more technical MS in Computer Science - Data Science track for students with strong CS backgrounds, providing deeper algorithmic and systems expertise in handling large-scale, heterogeneous data across domains like energy, healthcare, and transportation. Both programs are available through the innovative DEN@Viterbi online platform, delivering the identical curriculum and degree as on-campus students, making USC one of the pioneers in high-quality remote engineering education.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
World leader in AI, networking, cybersecurity, and advanced information processing
Machine learning and data mining research
Advanced ML algorithms and applications
Knowledge graphs and information extraction
Industry Partners
Admissions
George Mason University
George Mason's Department of Computational and Data Sciences is globally recognized as one of only a few departments offering comprehensive data science education at all degree levels, while the Data Analytics Engineering program offers an exceptional 14 specialized concentrations including unique tracks like Naval Engineering and Cyber Analytics.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Illinois created one of the first fully online Master of Computer Science in Data Science programs with courses taught by faculty who have produced seminal research in data sciences, while offering unprecedented flexibility through cross-school collaboration between Statistics, Computer Science, and Information Sciences.
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.
University of Virginia-Main Campus
UVA operates one of the few dedicated Schools of Data Science in the nation, built with a transformative $120 million founding gift and designed as a 'school without walls' that emphasizes responsible data science for the common good rather than purely technical applications.
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.
University of Pennsylvania
Penn's MSE in Data Science stands out for its unique depth area specialization system, allowing students to apply data science techniques across diverse fields from digital humanities to public policy, all while being housed in the newly opened Amy Gutmann Hall—the dedicated hub for data science innovation backed by a $60 million IDEAS initiative.
The University of Texas at Austin
84 data science graduates annually
Best Data Science Programs - Compare Top 5 Online
| 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 University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | 77.1/100 |
| #4 George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | Public | $10,095 | 80% | 75.1/100 |
| #5 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | Public | $14,768 | 90% | 75/100 |
Top 50 Online Data Science Programs 2026
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | Public | $17,977 | — | — | 81 |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | Public | $9,644 | — | — | 78 |
| 3 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | — | — | 77.1 |
| 4 | George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | Public | $10,095 | — | — | 75.1 |
| 5 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | Public | $14,768 | — | — | 75 |
| 6 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Blacksburg, VA | Public | $12,698 | — | — | 74.6 |
| 7 | University of Virginia-Main Campus | Charlottesville, VA | Public | $18,823 | — | — | 74.4 |
| 8 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | — | — | 71.1 |
| 9 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | Private | $58,620 | — | — | 69.5 |
| 10 | The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | Public | $11,678 | — | — | 67 |
| 11 | Rice University | Houston, TX | Private | $57,210 | — | — | 67 |
| 12 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | — | — | 66.7 |
| 13 | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | Private | $64,887 | — | — | 66.6 |
| 14 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | $64,526 | — | — | 66.4 |
| 15 | University of California-Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara, CA | Public | $11,834 | — | — | 66.4 |
| 16 | William & Mary | Williamsburg, VA | Public | $18,253 | — | — | 65.9 |
| 17 | University of San Diego | San Diego, CA | Private | $55,690 | — | — | 65.7 |
| 18 | Smith College | Northampton, MA | Private | $61,260 | — | — | 65.5 |
| 19 | University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | — | — | 64.9 |
| 20 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Raleigh, NC | Public | $6,535 | — | — | 64.6 |
| 21 | Brandeis University | Waltham, MA | Private | $64,348 | — | — | 63.3 |
| 22 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | Newark, NJ | Public | $15,616 | — | — | 62.8 |
| 23 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | — | — | 62.4 |
| 24 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst, MA | Public | $16,591 | — | — | 61.8 |
| 25 | Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, TX | Public | $9,003 | — | — | 61.3 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Online Data Science Education Overview
Online data science education has evolved dramatically, with top universities now offering fully accredited programs that match their on-campus counterparts in rigor and outcomes. Our analysis of 127 programs shows that online data science degrees deliver comparable career preparation while offering flexibility for working professionals.
The demand for data scientists continues to surge, with BLS projecting 35% growth through 2032. Online programs have responded by incorporating industry-standard tools like Python, R, SQL, and Tableau into interactive virtual environments. Leading programs partner with companies like IBM, Microsoft, and Google to provide real-world project experience and cloud computing certifications.
Key advantages of online data science programs include asynchronous learning for working professionals, lower total costs (averaging 30% less than on-campus), and access to diverse geographic talent pools. However, students should carefully evaluate program accreditation, faculty credentials, and career support services when making their selection.
Career Paths
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets to extract business insights and build predictive models using statistical methods and machine learning.
Data Analyst
Clean, analyze, and visualize data to support business decision-making across industries.
Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design and deploy machine learning models and AI systems in production environments.
Business Intelligence Analyst
Develop dashboards and reporting systems to help organizations understand their data and performance metrics.
Data Engineer
Build and maintain data pipelines, databases, and infrastructure for data collection and analysis.
Quantitative Analyst
Apply mathematical and statistical methods to financial markets and risk management.
Research Scientist
Conduct advanced research in data science, machine learning, or artificial intelligence at tech companies or research institutions.
Financial Aid and Employer Benefits
Federal financial aid applies to accredited online programs just like traditional degrees. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for data science education, recognizing the direct value to business operations. Popular options include employer tuition assistance, veteran benefits, and income-driven repayment plans.
- Federal Pell Grants available for undergraduate programs (up to $7,395/year)
- Employer tuition reimbursement averages $3,000-$8,000 annually
- Military benefits including GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon programs
- Graduate assistantships available for master's level online programs
- Industry-specific scholarships from companies like Google, Microsoft, and IBM
Student Experience and Satisfaction
Online data science students report high satisfaction with program flexibility and career outcomes, though they emphasize the importance of self-discipline and time management. Our analysis of student reviews reveals that successful online learners typically dedicate 15-20 hours per week to coursework and actively participate in virtual study groups and professional networking events.
Program Selection Guide by Student Type
- Need maximum schedule flexibility with asynchronous content
- Value accelerated 8-week course formats
- Prefer competency-based assessments over traditional exams
- Benefit from employer tuition reimbursement programs
- Need comprehensive foundational courses in statistics and programming
- Value embedded career coaching and portfolio development
- Prefer programs with industry certifications (SAS, Tableau, AWS)
- Want strong alumni networks for career transitions
- Prefer cohort-based learning with peer interaction
- Value research opportunities and graduate school preparation
- Can commit to synchronized course schedules
- Benefit from traditional semester calendars
- Need military-friendly scheduling with deployment accommodations
- Value Yellow Ribbon and GI Bill benefits
- Prefer accelerated completion options
- Benefit from security clearance pathways
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 127 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.