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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Bachelor's in Data ScienceOn-campus
Ann Arbor, MIPublic
$137,740 median salary · 93% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- $137,740 median salary
- $18,516 in-state tuition
- 103 graduates annually
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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 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 2024 completion data
Best Data Science Programs - Top 10 Best Value
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University of Wisconsin-Madison
Bachelor's in Data ScienceOn-campus
Madison, WIPublic
$137,740 median salary · 90% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- $137,740 median salary
- $10,006 in-state tuition
- 246 graduates annually
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William & Mary
Bachelor's in Data ScienceOn-campus
Williamsburg, VAPublic
$137,740 median salary · 89% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- $137,740 median salary
- $18,709 in-state tuition
- 42 graduates annually
#4
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor's in Data ScienceOn-campus
Champaign, ILPublic
$137,740 median salary · 85% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 85% graduation rate
- $137,740 median salary
- $14,975 in-state tuition
- 20 graduates annually
#5
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Bachelor's in Data ScienceOn-campus
Blacksburg, VAPublic
$137,740 median salary · 86% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 86% graduation rate
- $137,740 median salary
- $13,152 in-state tuition
- 158 graduates annually
#6
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Bachelor's in Data ScienceOn-campus
University Park, PAPublic
$137,740 median salary · 86% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 86% graduation rate
- $137,740 median salary
- $20,066 in-state tuition
- 122 graduates annually
#7
University of Central Florida
Bachelor's in Data ScienceOn-campus
Orlando, FLPublic
$137,740 median salary · 78% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 78% graduation rate
- $137,740 median salary
- $4,478 in-state tuition
- 15 graduates annually
#8
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Bachelor's in Data ScienceOn-campus
New Brunswick, NJPublic
$137,740 median salary · 84% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- $137,740 median salary
- $14,222 in-state tuition
- 5 graduates annually
#9
University of California-Davis
Bachelor's in Data ScienceOn-campus
Davis, CAPublic
$137,740 median salary · 86% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 86% graduation rate
- $137,740 median salary
- $12,260 in-state tuition
- 2 graduates annually
#10
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Bachelor's in Data ScienceOn-campus
Pittsburgh, PAPublic
$137,740 median salary · 85% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 85% graduation rate
- $137,740 median salary
- $20,556 in-state tuition
- 8 graduates annually
Best Data Science Programs - Top 10 Best Value, Complete Program Data
#1. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor — Bachelor's Data Science
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
#2. University of Wisconsin-Madison — Bachelor's Data Science
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
#3. William & Mary — Bachelor's Data Science
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
#4. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Bachelor's Data Science
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
#5. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University — Bachelor's Data Science
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
#6. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus — Bachelor's Data Science
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
#7. University of Central Florida — Bachelor's Data Science
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
#8. Rutgers University-New Brunswick — Bachelor's Data Science
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
#9. University of California-Davis — Bachelor's Data Science
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
#10. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus — Bachelor's Data Science
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
Best Data Science Programs - Compare Top 5 Best Value
| 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.
Top 50 Best Value Data Science Programs by ROI
| 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 Degree ROI Analysis Overview
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.
Understanding Value Score
Our Value Score methodology evaluates Data Science programs by calculating quality per dollar spent. Unlike pure cost rankings, Value Score rewards programs that deliver strong outcomes at reasonable prices, helping you find the best investment for your education.
Value Score Formula:
`Value Score = Quality Score ÷ (Annual Tuition / $10,000)`
Quality Score Components:
- Graduation Rate (35%), 6-year completion rate from IPEDS
- Program Strength (25%). Based on annual graduates and program maturity
- Selectivity (20%). Admission rate indicating competitive student body
- Research Activity (20%). Carnegie classification for research opportunities
This formula means a program with a Quality Score of 80 at $10,000/year tuition scores higher than a program with Quality Score 90 at $50,000/year, because the outcomes don't justify 5x the cost.
ROI Analysis: Break-Even Time
Return on Investment (ROI) analysis helps determine how long it takes for your Data Science degree to "pay for itself." According to Georgetown CEW, computer science degrees have among the highest lifetime ROI of any major, averaging $1.5 million in additional lifetime earnings.
Break-Even Calculation:
`Break-Even Time = Total Degree Cost ÷ (Post-Degree Salary - Pre-Degree Salary)`
Example Scenarios:
- Public university ($50K total). With $80K starting salary vs $40K HS grad salary: 1.25 years to break even
- Private university ($200K total). Same salaries: 5 years to break even
- Community college + transfer ($30K total), 9 months to break even
Key Insight: For Data Science degrees, the break-even point is 1-5 years post-graduation. After that, every year represents pure return on your educational investment.
Quality Metrics Explained
Quality metrics help distinguish excellent Data Science programs from mediocre ones. We use objective, verifiable indicators rather than subjective reputation surveys.
Academic Quality Indicators:
- ABET Accreditation. Industry-recognized quality standard. Required by some employers
- Faculty Research. H-index scores, grant funding, and publication rates
- Student-Faculty Ratio. Lower is better. Enables mentorship and undergraduate research
- PhD Production. Programs that produce PhD students have stronger research cultures
Career Outcome Indicators:
- Employer Recruiting. Number of tech companies actively hiring from campus
- Internship Placement, % of juniors completing paid internships
- Graduate School Placement, % admitted to top-20 graduate programs
- Alumni Network. Strength and engagement of professional network
Value vs Prestige Analysis
Is a prestigious (expensive) program worth the premium? For Data Science, skills demonstrated through projects and interviews matter more than school brand.
When Prestige Matters: Elite employer preferences, PhD/academic careers, strong alumni network value.
When Value Wins: Most tech employers care about skills, regional employers prefer local universities, debt burden impacts life choices.
Who Recruits from Value Programs?
Top employers actively recruit from high-value Data Science programs. Understanding which companies recruit where helps you target schools with strong career pipelines.
Major Tech Employers and Feeder Schools:
- Google. Stanford, UC Berkeley, MIT, CMU, University of Washington
- Amazon. University of Washington, Georgia Tech, UT Austin, Purdue
- Microsoft. University of Washington, CMU, Stanford, UC Berkeley
- Meta. Stanford, CMU, MIT, UC Berkeley, University of Michigan
- Apple. Stanford, UC Berkeley, San Jose State, Santa Clara University
Value School Recruiting: Many high-value public universities have identical employer access to elite privates. Georgia Tech, UIUC, UT Austin, and UMich attract the same top recruiters at a fraction of the tuition.
$85,000
Starting Salary
$145,000
Mid-Career
+0.35%
Job Growth
19,800
Annual Openings
Career Paths
Data Engineer
SOC 15-1243Design and maintain data infrastructure and processing systems
Median Salary:$118,370
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2041Create dashboards and reports to support business strategy
Median Salary:$95,570
Top Value Data Science Programs by State
Best Value Data Science Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 28
- Median Tuition
- $14,226
Best Value Data Science Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 18
- Median Tuition
- $11,698
Best Value Data Science Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $7,070
Best Value Data Science Programs in Florida
- Total Programs
- 15
- Median Tuition
- $6,368
Best Value Data Science Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $11,745
Best Value Data Science Programs in Illinois
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $12,036
Best Value Data Science Programs in Pennsylvania
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $15,400
Best Value Data Science Programs in Massachusetts
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $16,800
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate ROI for data science programs?
We calculate ROI by dividing median graduate salary by total program cost (tuition plus opportunity cost). For example, UC Berkeley's ROI of 4.8:1 reflects a $125,000 median salary divided by $26,000 annual cost. This ratio indicates students earn back their investment 4.8 times over in their first year alone.
Are public universities really better value than private schools for data science?
For most students, yes. Public universities dominate our value rankings due to significantly lower in-state tuition while maintaining competitive graduate salaries. The top 15 value programs are all public institutions. However, private schools may offer value through smaller class sizes, extensive alumni networks, and premium employer relationships.
What's the typical payback period for a data science degree?
Top value programs have payback periods of 1.8-3.2 years, meaning graduates recover their total education investment within this timeframe. This assumes graduates earn median starting salaries and includes both direct costs (tuition) and opportunity costs (foregone earnings during school).
How important is location for data science program value?
Location significantly impacts ROI through salary differentials and networking opportunities. Programs in tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, and Austin offer 15-25% higher starting salaries. However, cost of living differences may offset some salary advantages, making location choice a personal decision based on career goals and lifestyle preferences.
Do online data science programs offer similar ROI to on-campus programs?
Top online programs achieve comparable ROI to on-campus offerings, with slightly lower upfront costs but similar career outcomes. Online programs eliminate housing costs and allow students to work while studying, potentially improving overall financial position. However, students may miss networking opportunities and hands-on research experiences.
What factors beyond ROI should I consider when choosing a data science program?
Consider curriculum quality, research opportunities, industry partnerships, faculty expertise, student support services, and cultural fit. While ROI is important, these factors impact long-term career success and personal satisfaction. Visit campuses, talk to current students, and evaluate how well each program aligns with your specific interests and goals.
How do data science salaries vary by industry and location?
Data scientist salaries range from $95,000-$180,000 depending on industry and location. Tech companies offer the highest compensation ($120K-$180K), followed by finance ($110K-$150K) and consulting ($100K-$140K). Geographic differences are significant: San Francisco/NYC ($130K-$180K), Seattle/Austin ($115K-$150K), and other markets ($95K-$130K).
Is it worth attending an out-of-state public university for data science?
This depends on your in-state options and the specific out-of-state program. Out-of-state tuition at top programs like UC Berkeley ($44K) or University of Washington ($40K) may still offer better value than private alternatives ($50K-$70K), especially if the program has superior career outcomes or industry connections in your target market.
What financial aid options are available for data science students?
Options include federal financial aid (Pell Grants, subsidized loans), state grants, institutional scholarships, and private scholarships. Many schools offer merit-based aid for high-achieving students. Additionally, some tech companies provide educational partnerships or tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing relevant degrees.
How has the data science job market affected program ROI in recent years?
The data science job market remains strong despite broader tech industry changes, with 35% projected growth through 2032. While entry-level competition has increased, graduates from top programs maintain excellent placement rates. ROI has actually improved at many programs due to salary growth outpacing tuition increases.
How We Rank Data Science Degree Programs
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.
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 2024 — Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
- BLS OEWS 2024 — National and metro salary data by occupation
- CIP Code Mapping — Programs identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes
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
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.
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.