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Key Takeaways
Best data science degree programs: Wichita State, Southwestern College, Benedictine College
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,432 to $38,330/year
Butler Community College offers the most affordable option at $3,090/yr
Data Science degree programs available: 2 associate's, 2 master's, 1 doctoral in Kansas
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Kansas community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
2 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Garmin, Sprint, Cerner, Koch Industries
Tech hubs in Kansas City and Wichita
Hakia Research 2026
Data Science degree programs near 44+ cities across Kansas
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Kansas Data Science programs
We rank 10 accredited data science programs in Kansas using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Data Science Degree Programs in Kansas Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Science Degree Rankings in Kansas
Compare the top-ranked Data Science programs in Kansas by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Master's Data Science Programs in Kansas
Program Landscape
Kansas offers 2 master's degree programs in data science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Wichita State, Kansas State, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Kansas earn a median salary of $92,340, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Garmin, Sprint, Cerner actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $8,606/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Kansas's data science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Data Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Kansas
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $18,323/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $45,808/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,581/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $109,940 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $27,484 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Science Students in Kansas
State Aid Programs
Kansas students pursuing data science degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways designed to make higher education affordable. The federal government provides comprehensive aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at Federal Student Aid, which determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Additionally, Kansas offers the Kansas Comprehensive Grant, a need-based financial aid program specifically for students attending Kansas independent institutions. This state-level support complements federal aid and helps reduce the financial burden of tuition and related expenses. Students should begin by completing the FAFSA to unlock both federal and state funding opportunities.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond federal and state grants, many Kansas institutions offering data science programs provide institutional scholarships and merit-based awards. Public universities in Kansas, such as those ranked in our best bachelor's programs guide, often have dedicated scholarship funds for STEM students, including data science majors. Community colleges like Butler Community College and Barton County Community College offer additional affordability through lower tuition costs combined with grant opportunities. Students should contact their institution's financial aid office directly to explore scholarship availability. For comprehensive information on federal student aid options and state-specific programs, visit the Kansas Board of Regents website. Additional career-focused funding may be available through College Scorecard, which provides institution-specific aid data.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator, Kansas
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data science degree in Kansas. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a data science degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+697%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,289,731
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$114,286
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Data Science Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Kansas metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $102K |
| Wichita | $97K |
| Overland Park | $92K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Data Science Graduates in Kansas
Find data science jobs in Kansas. These major employers across Kansas metro areas are actively hiring data science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Science Jobs in Overland Park
KSData Science Jobs in Wichita
KSTransfer Pathways for Data Science Degrees in Kansas
State Transfer System
Kansas provides a structured transfer system designed to help seamless movement from two-year to four-year institutions. The Kansas Transfer Equivalency System establishes systemwide course transfer agreements, ensuring that credits earned at community colleges transfer as equivalent coursework to bachelor's programs at universities. With 28 two-year institutions and 34 four-year institutions in Kansas, students have abundant pathway options. 3 associate's programs in data science at institutions like Butler Community College provide an affordable entry point, with 19 completions in 2023, allowing students to complete foundational coursework before transferring to bachelor's programs.
How Transfers Work
Associate's degree holders can transfer directly into bachelor's programs at top institutions like the University of Kansas and Wichita State University, with guaranteed course equivalency through the transfer system. This pathway reduces overall education costs while maintaining academic quality, community college tuition averages significantly below four-year institutions. Students pursuing this route should consult the Kansas Transfer Equivalency System website to verify program-specific articulation agreements. Additionally, students may explore Data Analytics in Kansas and Computer Science in Kansas programs as complementary transfer pathways aligned with career goals.
Why Pursue a Data Science Degree in Kansas?
Industry & Workforce
Kansas offers a strong ecosystem for data science education with 16 institutions across the state offering programs at multiple degree levels (IPEDS). From associate's degrees to doctoral programs, students can pursue data science credentials suited to their academic goals. The state's 9 bachelor's programs produced 107 completions in 2023, while 3 master's programs awarded 279 completions, reflecting strong demand for advanced data science talent (IPEDS). Major metropolitan areas including Wichita, Kansas City, and Lawrence provide vibrant communities with growing tech sectors and employment opportunities.
Salary Outlook
Kansas's public universities offer exceptional affordability, with average in-state tuition for four-year institutions at $7,625, significantly lower than the national average. Top-ranked programs like Wichita State University and the University of Kansas lead the state's data science education landscape. The state is home to major employers like Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation, creating direct pathways from classroom to career. Students exploring related fields should also investigate Data Analytics in Kansas, Machine Learning in Kansas, and Artificial Intelligence in Kansas programs for additional specialization options.
Data Science Program Availability in Kansas
Source: IPEDS 2024
Data Science Job Market & Salary Data in Kansas
Employment Outlook
Kansas offers a strong job market for data science professionals, with significant opportunities across multiple metropolitan regions. The state's major employment hubs include the Kansas City Metro, Wichita, and Topeka, each hosting diverse industries that leverage data-driven decision-making. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational data, Kansas continues to develop its technology workforce across these strategic markets. Students graduating from Kansas institutions benefit from proximity to major employers and regional job growth in analytics and computational fields.
Salaries by Metro
The state's data science ecosystem is strengthened by 16 institutions offering data science programs at various levels, from associate's degrees through doctoral programs (IPEDS). In 2023, Kansas schools completed 417 data science degrees across all levels, with master's programs leading at 279 completions. Wichita State University dominates the completion landscape with 346 total completions across all degree levels, making it a crucial pipeline for regional talent. The affordability of Kansas public institutions, with average four-year public in-state tuition at $7,625, enables broader workforce development and keeps talented graduates rooted in the state.
High-Growth Sectors
Career pathways in Kansas are strengthened by the state's commitment to educational access and transfer. The Kansas Transfer Equivalency System facilitates seamless degree progression, allowing students to build credentials from associate's through master's levels. Students exploring related fields should consider complementary programs: Data Analytics in Kansas, Machine Learning in Kansas, and Computer Science in Kansas all support integrated career development in technology sectors.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Data Science Programs in Kansas
Online Programs
0 available in Kansas
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Data Science Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $8,100
- Total Programs
- 33
- Median Tuition
- $14,400
- Total Programs
- 18
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
- Total Programs
- 180
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 43
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 77
- Median Tuition
- $8,700
- Total Programs
- 120
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Data Science Degree Programs in Kansas: FAQ
What are the best data science degree programs in Kansas?
How much do data science degree programs cost in Kansas?
What salary can data science degree graduates earn in Kansas?
Are there online data science degree programs in Kansas?
What companies hire data science degree graduates in Kansas?
Is a data science degree program worth it in Kansas?
How long do data science degree programs take in Kansas?
What financial aid is available for data science degree students in Kansas?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Kansas salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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.