- 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 Wisconsin-Madison, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, 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 Best Value
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 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
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.
Smith College
62 data science graduates annually
Western Governors University
200 data science graduates annually
William & Mary
49 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.
Denison University
34 data science graduates annually
Best Data Science Programs - Compare Top 5 Best Value
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | Public | $9,644 | 83% | 87.2/100 |
| #2 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | Public | $17,977 | 92% | 80.2/100 |
| #3 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Blacksburg, VA | Public | $12,698 | 95% | 79.1/100 |
| #4 Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | 74.4/100 |
| #5 Smith College | Northampton, MA | Private | $61,260 | 98% | 73.6/100 |
Top 50 Best Value Data Science Programs by ROI
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | Public | $9,644 | — | — | — |
| 2 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | Public | $17,977 | — | — | — |
| 3 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Blacksburg, VA | Public | $12,698 | — | — | — |
| 4 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | — | — | — |
| 5 | Smith College | Northampton, MA | Private | $61,260 | — | — | — |
| 6 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | — | — | — |
| 7 | William & Mary | Williamsburg, VA | Public | $18,253 | — | — | — |
| 8 | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | Private | $64,887 | — | — | — |
| 9 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | $64,526 | — | — | — |
| 10 | Denison University | Granville, OH | Private | $64,000 | — | — | — |
| 11 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | — | — | — |
| 12 | Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Worcester, MA | Private | $57,960 | — | — | — |
| 13 | Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | Public | $4,074 | — | — | — |
| 14 | Mount Holyoke College | South Hadley, MA | Private | $63,904 | — | — | — |
| 15 | William Jewell College | Liberty, MO | Private | $18,600 | — | — | — |
| 16 | The University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, TX | Public | $14,564 | — | — | — |
| 17 | Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro, TN | Public | $7,536 | — | — | — |
| 18 | Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland, OH | Private | $64,100 | — | — | — |
| 19 | Southern Methodist University | Dallas, TX | Private | $57,212 | — | — | — |
| 20 | University of Vermont | Burlington, VT | Public | $16,280 | — | — | — |
| 21 | Utah State University | Logan, UT | Public | $7,387 | — | — | — |
| 22 | Dartmouth College | Hanover, NH | Private | $63,684 | — | — | — |
| 23 | Siena College | Loudonville, NY | Private | $42,580 | — | — | — |
| 24 | Western Washington University | Bellingham, WA | Public | $7,997 | — | — | — |
| 25 | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | Fort Collins, CO | Public | $10,299 | — | — | — |
| 26 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | Public | $14,496 | — | — | — |
| 27 | University of St Thomas | Saint Paul, MN | Private | $50,788 | — | — | — |
| 28 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion | Tempe, AZ | Public | $11,308 | — | — | — |
| 29 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private | $43,379 | — | — | — |
| 30 | Saint Louis University | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $52,260 | — | — | — |
| 31 | Salisbury University | Salisbury, MD | Public | $7,706 | — | — | — |
| 32 | University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | Public | $9,016 | — | — | — |
| 33 | Willamette University | Salem, OR | Private | $48,000 | — | — | — |
| 34 | Maryville University of Saint Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $24,766 | — | — | — |
| 35 | Loyola University Chicago | Chicago, IL | Private | $50,270 | — | — | — |
| 36 | Carthage College | Kenosha, WI | Private | $36,500 | — | — | — |
| 37 | College of Charleston | Charleston, SC | Public | $12,518 | — | — | — |
| 38 | University of Oregon | Eugene, OR | Public | $12,240 | — | — | — |
| 39 | Northern Arizona University | Flagstaff, AZ | Public | $11,015 | — | — | — |
| 40 | Centre College | Danville, KY | Private | $50,250 | — | — | — |
| 41 | Baylor University | Waco, TX | Private | $54,844 | — | — | — |
| 42 | Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA | Private | $58,293 | — | — | — |
| 43 | University of Houston-Downtown | Houston, TX | Public | $6,080 | — | — | — |
| 44 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion | Scottsdale, AZ | Public | $11,308 | — | — | — |
| 45 | Winona State University | Winona, MN | Public | $8,388 | — | — | — |
| 46 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | Duluth, MN | Public | $12,766 | — | — | — |
| 47 | The College of Wooster | Wooster, OH | Private | $59,050 | — | — | — |
| 48 | Metropolitan State University | Saint Paul, MN | Public | $8,571 | — | — | — |
| 49 | University of Wisconsin-River Falls | River Falls, WI | Public | $6,837 | — | — | — |
| 50 | Florida Polytechnic University | Lakeland, FL | Public | $3,152 | — | — | — |
Data Science Degree ROI Analysis Overview
Data science has emerged as one of the highest-ROI tech degrees, with graduates from top value programs achieving payback periods under 3 years. Our analysis of 347 data science programs using IPEDS 2023 tuition data and BLS 2024 salary statistics reveals significant value variations across institutions.
Public universities consistently deliver superior ROI, with in-state students at top programs like UC Berkeley and Georgia Tech achieving 4.8:1 and 4.5:1 ratios respectively. These programs combine low tuition costs with high graduate salaries, often exceeding outcomes at private institutions charging 3-4x more. Location plays a crucial role, with programs near tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, and Atlanta providing enhanced internship opportunities and higher starting salaries.
The best value data science degree programs share common characteristics: ABET accreditation, strong industry partnerships, dedicated career services, and curricula emphasizing both statistical foundations and practical skills. Students considering online data science degrees should note that top online programs achieve comparable ROI to on-campus offerings, with slightly lower upfront costs but similar career outcomes.
Career Paths
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex data to drive business decisions and build predictive models
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Build data applications, pipelines, and analytical tools
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299Develop and deploy machine learning models and AI systems
Data Engineer
SOC 15-1243Design and maintain data infrastructure and processing systems
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2041Create dashboards and reports to support business strategy
Top Value Data Science Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Detailed Program Spotlights
The following five programs represent the best value in data science education, combining affordable tuition with exceptional career outcomes. Each program has been thoroughly analyzed based on graduate employment data, curriculum quality, and return on investment calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 347 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Data Science degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific data science salaries from BLS OES 2024
Data Sources
Tuition, graduation rates, and institutional characteristics
Occupational employment and wage statistics
Job growth projections and labor market trends
Graduate earnings and debt-to-income ratios
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.