Compare 347 accredited data science programs based on return on investment using IPEDS 2024 tuition data and BLS 2024 career outcomes. Programs are ranked by graduate salary-to-cost ratios.
$137,740 median salary · 93% graduation rate
Ranked #1 among data science 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.
$137,740 median salary · 90% graduation rate
Ranked #2 among data science 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.
$137,740 median salary · 89% graduation rate
Ranked #3 among data science 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.
$137,740 median salary · 85% graduation rate
Ranked #4 among data science 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.
$137,740 median salary · 86% graduation rate
Ranked #5 among data science bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (92.3/100): 86% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $13,152 in-state tuition, 158 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$137,740 median salary · 86% graduation rate
Ranked #6 among data science bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (90.3/100): 86% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $20,066 in-state tuition, 122 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$137,740 median salary · 78% graduation rate
Ranked #7 among data science bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (90.1/100): 78% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $4,478 in-state tuition, 15 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$137,740 median salary · 84% graduation rate
Ranked #8 among data science bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (89.8/100): 84% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $14,222 in-state tuition, 5 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$137,740 median salary · 86% graduation rate
Ranked #9 among data science bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (89.7/100): 86% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $12,260 in-state tuition, 2 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$137,740 median salary · 85% graduation rate
Ranked #10 among data science bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (89.6/100): 85% graduation rate, $137,740 median salary, $20,556 in-state tuition, 8 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Hakia ranks University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's bachelor's data science 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
Hakia ranks University of Wisconsin-Madison's bachelor's data science 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
Hakia ranks William & Mary's bachelor's data science program #3. 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
Hakia ranks University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's bachelor's data science program #4. 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
Hakia ranks Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's bachelor's data science program #5. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Blacksburg, VA | Type: Public | Tuition: $13,152/year | Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 92.3
Hakia ranks Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus's bachelor's data science program #6. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: University Park, PA | Type: Public | Tuition: $20,066/year | Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 90.3
Hakia ranks University of Central Florida's bachelor's data science program #7. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Orlando, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,478/year | Graduation Rate: 78% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 90.1
Hakia ranks Rutgers University-New Brunswick's bachelor's data science program #8. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: New Brunswick, NJ | Type: Public | Tuition: $14,222/year | Graduation Rate: 84% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 89.8
Hakia ranks University of California-Davis's bachelor's data science program #9. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Davis, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $12,260/year | Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 89.7
Hakia ranks University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus's bachelor's data science program #10. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Type: Public | Tuition: $20,556/year | Graduation Rate: 85% | Median Salary: $137,740 | Score: 89.6
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Bridgewater State University | Bridgewater, MA | Public | $910 | 97% | 100.0/100 |
| #2 Western Carolina University | Cullowhee, NC | Public | $1,000 | 95% | 82.2/100 |
| #3 Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville, NC | Public | $1,000 | 86% | 79.8/100 |
| #4 Westfield State University | Westfield, MA | Public | $970 | N/A | 77.1/100 |
| #5 Fitchburg State University | Fitchburg, MA | Public | $970 | N/A | 76.6/100 |
Data from IPEDS 2024. Tuition shown is in-state for public schools.
| Rank | Program & School | Delivery | Annual Tuition | Grad Rate | Median Salary | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Bachelor's in Data Science University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor, MI · Public | On-campus | $18,516 | 93% | $137,740 | 95.9 |
| #2 | Bachelor's in Data Science University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison, WI · Public | On-campus | $10,006 | 90% | $137,740 | 95.1 |
| #3 | Bachelor's in Data Science William & MaryWilliamsburg, VA · Public | On-campus | $18,709 | 89% | $137,740 | 93.3 |
| #4 | Bachelor's in Data Science University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign, IL · Public | On-campus | $14,975 | 85% | $137,740 | 92.9 |
| #5 | Bachelor's in Data Science Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg, VA · Public | On-campus | $13,152 | 86% | $137,740 | 92.3 |
| #6 | Bachelor's in Data Science Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusUniversity Park, PA · Public | On-campus | $20,066 | 86% | $137,740 | 90.3 |
| #7 | Bachelor's in Data Science University of Central FloridaOrlando, FL · Public | On-campus | $4,478 | 78% | $137,740 | 90.1 |
| #8 | Bachelor's in Data Science Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick, NJ · Public | On-campus | $14,222 | 84% | $137,740 | 89.8 |
| #9 | Bachelor's in Data Science University of California-DavisDavis, CA · Public | On-campus | $12,260 | 86% | $137,740 | 89.7 |
| #10 | Bachelor's in Data Science University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh, PA · Public | On-campus | $20,556 | 85% | $137,740 | 89.6 |
| #11 | Bachelor's in Data Science Arizona State University Digital ImmersionScottsdale, AZ · Public | Online | $11,478 | — | $137,740 | 88.9 |
| #12 | Bachelor's in Data Science University of VermontBurlington, VT · Public | On-campus | $16,280 | 79% | $137,740 | 86.7 |
| #13 | Bachelor's in Data Science The University of Texas at DallasRichardson, TX · Public | On-campus | $10,639 | 76% | $137,740 | 86.3 |
| #14 | Bachelor's in Data Science University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis, MN · Public | On-campus | $15,148 | 85% | $137,740 | 85.8 |
| #15 | Bachelor's in Data Science New Jersey Institute of TechnologyNewark, NJ · Public | On-campus | $16,334 | 73% | $137,740 | 83.5 |
| #16 | Bachelor's in Data Science University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte, NC · Public | On-campus | $3,812 | 69% | $137,740 | 78.8 |
| #17 | Bachelor's in Data Science College of CharlestonCharleston, SC · Public | On-campus | $12,518 | 66% | $137,740 | 78.4 |
| #18 | Bachelor's in Data Science University of IowaIowa City, IA · Public | On-campus | $9,286 | 75% | $137,740 | 77.9 |
| #19 | Bachelor's in Data Science University of OregonEugene, OR · Public | On-campus | $12,726 | 72% | $137,740 | 77.1 |
| #20 | Bachelor's in Data Science Ramapo College of New JerseyMahwah, NJ · Public | On-campus | $16,777 | 70% | $137,740 | 77.0 |
| #21 | Bachelor's in Data Science Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton, FL · Public | On-campus | $2,522 | 63% | $137,740 | 76.6 |
| #22 | Bachelor's in Data Science William Jewell CollegeLiberty, MO · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $19,320 | 68% | $137,740 | 76.3 |
| #23 | Bachelor's in Data Science Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe, AZ · Public | On-campus | $11,478 | 68% | $137,740 | 75.4 |
| #24 | Bachelor's in Data Science Florida Polytechnic UniversityLakeland, FL · Public | On-campus | $3,152 | 55% | $137,740 | 75.3 |
| #25 | Bachelor's in Data Science University of North TexasDenton, TX · Public | On-campus | $8,319 | 61% | $137,740 | 74.7 |
| #26 | Bachelor's in Data Science Harding UniversitySearcy, AR · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $25,290 | 69% | $137,740 | 74.0 |
| #27 | Bachelor's in Data Science Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins, CO · Public | On-campus | $10,610 | 67% | $137,740 | 73.7 |
| #28 | Bachelor's in Data Science Salisbury UniversitySalisbury, MD · Public | On-campus | $7,860 | 68% | $137,740 | 73.6 |
| #29 | Bachelor's in Data Science Winona State UniversityWinona, MN · Public | On-campus | $8,388 | 57% | $137,740 | 73.5 |
| #30 | Bachelor's in Data Science Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State, MS · Public | On-campus | $10,052 | 67% | $137,740 | 73.3 |
| #31 | Bachelor's in Data Science Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro, TN · Public | On-campus | $8,204 | 54% | $137,740 | 72.9 |
| #32 | Bachelor's in Data Science University of North DakotaGrand Forks, ND · Public | On-campus | $9,237 | 60% | $137,740 | 72.0 |
| #33 | Bachelor's in Data Science University of Maryland Global CampusAdelphi, MD · Public | Online | $7,776 | 33% | $137,740 | 71.7 |
| #34 | Bachelor's in Data Science Western Washington UniversityBellingham, WA · Public | On-campus | $8,240 | 65% | $137,740 | 71.5 |
| #35 | Bachelor's in Data Science The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington, TX · Public | On-campus | $9,206 | 54% | $137,740 | 69.2 |
| #36 | Bachelor's in Data Science Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff, AZ · Public | On-campus | $11,378 | 61% | $137,740 | 69.1 |
| #37 | Bachelor's in Data Science Utah Valley UniversityOrem, UT · Public | On-campus | $5,818 | 45% | $137,740 | 69.0 |
| #38 | Bachelor's in Data Science University of Central OklahomaEdmond, OK · Public | On-campus | $7,580 | 37% | $137,740 | 68.6 |
| #39 | Bachelor's in Data Science University of Phoenix-ArizonaPhoenix, AZ · Private for-profit | Online | $9,552 | 21% | $137,740 | 68.6 |
| #40 | Bachelor's in Data Science Maryville University of Saint LouisSaint Louis, MO · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $24,766 | 66% | $137,740 | 68.0 |
| #41 | Bachelor's in Data Science University of Wisconsin-River FallsRiver Falls, WI · Public | On-campus | $7,121 | 57% | $137,740 | 67.9 |
| #42 | Bachelor's in Data Science Lyon CollegeBatesville, AR · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $29,900 | 47% | $137,740 | 67.6 |
| #43 | Bachelor's in Data Science South Dakota State UniversityBrookings, SD · Public | On-campus | $7,773 | 62% | $137,740 | 67.0 |
| #44 | Bachelor's in Data Science Portland State UniversityPortland, OR · Public | On-campus | $9,114 | 53% | $137,740 | 66.6 |
| #45 | Bachelor's in Data Science University of ToledoToledo, OH · Public | On-campus | $10,102 | 57% | $137,740 | 66.4 |
| #46 | Bachelor's in Data Science Bellevue UniversityBellevue, NE · Private nonprofit | Online | $12,123 | 33% | $137,740 | 66.3 |
| #47 | Bachelor's in Data Science University of Wisconsin-PlattevillePlatteville, WI · Public | On-campus | $7,126 | 56% | $137,740 | 65.9 |
| #48 | Bachelor's in Data Science Millikin UniversityDecatur, IL · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $26,000 | 55% | $137,740 | 65.1 |
| #49 | Bachelor's in Data Science City University of SeattleSeattle, WA · Private nonprofit | Online | $13,929 | — | $137,740 | 64.7 |
| #50 | Bachelor's in Data Science Xavier University of LouisianaNew Orleans, LA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $25,829 | 49% | $137,740 | 64.3 |
Showing all 50 ranked programs.
Data science is one of the highest-ROI tech degrees, with graduates from top value programs achieving payback periods under 3 years. Among 347 data science programs using IPEDS 2024 tuition data and BLS 2024 salary statistics 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.
Quality metrics help distinguish excellent Data Science programs from mediocre ones. We use objective, verifiable indicators rather than subjective reputation surveys.
Academic Quality Indicators:
Career Outcome Indicators:
Design and maintain data infrastructure and processing systems
Create dashboards and reports to support business strategy
Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024
Ranking 50 best-value data science programs by graduation rate, selectivity, outcomes, and price, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Bachelor's in Data Science comes out first. The Hakia Score is computed from IPEDS 2024 and BLS data with no paid placement. 5 of them can be earned fully online.
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.
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
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.
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.