Top 3 Data Science Programs in Kentucky 2025
Campbellsville University
128 data science graduates annually, 80% graduation rate
Eastern Kentucky University
10 data science graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
Murray State University
16 data science graduates annually, 87% graduation rate
- 1.Kentucky offers 8+ accredited data science programs across public and private universities
- 2.Campbellsville University leads with 80% graduation rate
- 3.Kentucky software developers earn median $91,230 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Louisville, Lexington, Covington
- 5.Cost of living index: 92.2% of US average (below average)
Data Science Education in Kentucky: Overview
Kentucky offers 8 accredited data science programs, producing approximately 229 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Louisville, Lexington, Covington, with major employers including Humana, Yum! Brands, Kindred Healthcare.
With a median software developer salary of $91,230 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 92.2% compared to the US average, Kentucky offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top data science programs in the state are led by Campbellsville University, Eastern Kentucky University, Murray State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Kentucky Data Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Campbellsville University | Campbellsville, KY | Private | $26,490 | 80% | 71.4 |
| 2 | Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond, KY | Public | $9,830 | 97% | 50.9 |
| 3 | Murray State University | Murray, KY | Public | $8,436 | 87% | 49.5 |
| 4 | Centre College | Danville, KY | Private | $50,250 | — | 49.1 |
| 5 | University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY | Public | $11,849 | 75% | 45.2 |
| 6 | Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green, KY | Public | $11,436 | — | 40.1 |
| 7 | Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights, KY | Public | $10,512 | — | 34.6 |
| 8 | Bellarmine University | Louisville, KY | Private | $45,190 | — | 33.8 |
Top 5 Data Science Programs in Kentucky: Side-by-Side
| School | Campbellsville | Eastern Kentucky | Murray State | Centre College | U of Kentucky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $26,490 | $9,830 | $8,436 | $50,250 | $11,849 |
| Graduation Rate | 80% | 97% | 87% | N/A% | 75% |
| Annual Graduates | 128 | 10 | 16 | 23 | 16 |
| Acceptance Rate | 98% | 78% | 86% | 54% | 92% |
| Type | Private | Public | Public | Private | Public |
| Score | 71.4/100 | 50.9/100 | 49.5/100 | 49.1/100 | 45.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Science in Kentucky
Kentucky offers 7 bachelor's-level data science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Eastern Kentucky University, Murray State University, Centre College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $63,861 in the Kentucky market.
A bachelor's in data science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Data Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Data Science Bachelor's Programs in Kentucky
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Eastern Kentucky | $9,830 | 97% | 10 | 50.9 |
| #2 Murray State | $8,436 | 87% | 16 | 49.5 |
| #3 Centre College | $50,250 | N/A% | 23 | 49.1 |
Top Data Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Kentucky
For graduate study, Kentucky offers 4 master's-level data science programs. Leading institutions include Campbellsville University, Eastern Kentucky University, University of Kentucky. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Kentucky reaching $118,599 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best data science master's programs for more options beyond Kentucky.
Top 3 Data Science Master's Programs in Kentucky
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Campbellsville | $26,490 | 80% | 128 | 71.4 |
| #2 Eastern Kentucky | $9,830 | 97% | 9 | 50.4 |
| #3 U of Kentucky | $11,849 | 75% | 16 | 45.2 |
Most Affordable Data Science Colleges in Kentucky
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data science programs in Kentucky are at Murray State University ($8,436/year), Eastern Kentucky University ($9,830/year), Northern Kentucky University ($10,512/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Kentucky's competitive tech salaries.
At Murray State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $33,744 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $63,861, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1.2 years. See our Most Affordable Data Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Data Science Programs in Kentucky (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Murray State | $8,436 | $33,744 | 1.2 years | Public |
| #2 Eastern Kentucky | $9,830 | $39,320 | 1.4 years | Public |
| #3 Northern Kentucky | $10,512 | $42,048 | 1.5 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Data Science Schools in Kentucky
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 data science programs in Kentucky, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $26,490 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 80% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 128 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 98%
- • Ranking Score: 71.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 80% graduation rate
- 128 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 71.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (80%), program size (128 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (98% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,830 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 10 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 78%
- • Ranking Score: 50.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 10 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 50.9 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (10 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (78% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Murray State University
Murray, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,436 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 16 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 86%
- • Ranking Score: 49.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 16 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 49.5 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (16 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (86% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Centre College
Danville, KY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $50,250 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 23 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 54%
- • Ranking Score: 49.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 23 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 49.1 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (23 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (54% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,849 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 75% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 16 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 92%
- • Ranking Score: 45.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- 16 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 45.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (75%), program size (16 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,230), and selectivity (92% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Data Analyst
SOC 15-2051Data Analyst opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2051Business Intelligence Analyst opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-2051Machine Learning Engineer opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Quantitative Analyst
SOC 15-2051Quantitative Analyst opportunities in Kentucky with strong job growth.
Data Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Louisville, Lexington, Covington
- You're seeking lower cost of living (92.2% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Humana or Yum! Brands
- You prefer Kentucky's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Kentucky's 8)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Data Science in Kentucky FAQ
Based on 8 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Data Science degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Kentucky-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Kentucky salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
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.