On this page
Key Takeaways
Best data science degree programs: Centre College, Murray State, Eastern Kentucky
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $8,436 to $50,250/year
Murray State offers the most affordable option at $8,436/yr
Data Science degree programs available: 4 master's, 1 doctoral in Kentucky
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
1 online data science degree programs in Kentucky
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Major employers: Humana, Yum! Brands, Kindred Healthcare, Ashland
Tech hubs in Louisville and Lexington
Hakia Research 2026
Data Science degree programs near 45+ cities across Kentucky
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Kentucky Data Science programs
We rank 12 accredited data science programs in Kentucky 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 Kentucky Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Science Degree Rankings in Kentucky
Compare the top-ranked Data Science programs in Kentucky by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Data Science Programs in Kentucky
Program Landscape
Kentucky ranks among the nation's top destinations for data science education, with 7 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 4 public and 3 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Centre College, Murray State, Eastern Kentucky, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Kentucky data science programs earn a median salary of $77,546, 21% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Louisville, Lexington, Covington metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Humana, Yum! Brands, Kindred Healthcare.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $8,436 to $50,250 annually, with an average of $23,163/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 88%, with the highest reaching 97%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Kentucky's leading technology employers. For students seeking data science degrees in Kentucky, these top-ranked data science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Data Science Programs in Kentucky
Program Landscape
Kentucky offers 4 master's degree programs in data science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Campbellsville, Eastern Kentucky, U of Kentucky, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Kentucky earn a median salary of $91,230, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Louisville, Lexington, Covington creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Humana, Yum! Brands, Kindred Healthcare 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 $14,670/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 Kentucky's data science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
University of Kentucky
Data Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Kentucky
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $21,749/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $54,373/year |
| Community college tuition | $5,437/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $130,496 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $32,624 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Science Students in Kentucky
State Aid Programs
Kentucky residents pursuing data science degrees have access to multiple funding sources designed to make higher education affordable. The College Access Program (CAP) Grant provides need-based financial assistance of up to $2,900 per year for eligible Kentucky residents (College Access Program (CAP) Grant), making it a critical resource for students at both public and private institutions. All students, regardless of state residency, can access federal student aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens pathways to grants, loans, and work-study opportunities (Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA determines eligibility for federal Pell Grants and federal student loans, with award amounts based on demonstrated financial need and cost of attendance.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal aid, Kentucky's data science programs offer institutional scholarships and merit-based awards. Many universities, including those ranked among the best bachelor's programs in data science, provide departmental scholarships specifically for STEM majors. The Kentucky Transfer Feedback System (Kentucky Transfer Feedback System) enables students to maximize their aid by transferring seamlessly from Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) institutions to four-year universities, potentially reducing overall degree costs. Students should consult individual institution financial aid offices and explore national affordable data science programs to compare scholarship offerings and total cost of attendance.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator, Kentucky
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data science degree in Kentucky. 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 Kentucky metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Louisville | $100K |
| Lexington | $96K |
| Covington | $91K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Data Science Graduates in Kentucky
Find data science jobs in Kentucky. These major employers across Kentucky metro areas are actively hiring data science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Science Jobs in Louisville
KYData Science Jobs in Lexington
KYTransfer Pathways for Data Science Degrees in Kentucky
State Transfer System
Kentucky offers seamless transfer pathways for students beginning their data science education at community and technical colleges. The Kentucky Transfer Feedback System (Kentucky Transfer Feedback System) enables smooth transitions from Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) institutions to public universities, ensuring that coursework completed at 23 two-year institutions transfers with full credit. Associate degree programs at institutions like Jefferson Community and Technical College, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, and Gateway Community and Technical College provide affordable entry points, with tuition as low as $4,464, allowing students to complete foundational mathematics, computer science, and statistics requirements before pursuing a bachelor's degree.
How Transfers Work
Students beginning at community colleges can articulate into bachelor's programs at institutions such as Eastern Kentucky University ($9,830 tuition, 96.90% graduation rate), Western Kentucky University ($11,436 tuition), or the University of Kentucky ($11,849 tuition), all of which actively help transfers and provide clear pathway agreements (Kentucky Transfer Feedback System). This progression allows students to reduce overall education costs while building strong quantitative foundations. The transfer system is supported by the College Access Program (CAP) Grant (College Access Program), which provides up to $2,900 annually to eligible Kentucky residents regardless of institution type. For broader transfer context, explore Most Affordable Programs and related fields like Data Analytics in Kentucky.
Why Pursue a Data Science Degree in Kentucky?
Industry & Workforce
Kentucky offers a strong and growing landscape for data science education, with 16 institutions across the state providing dedicated programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels (IPEDS). In 2023, Kentucky institutions awarded 79 bachelor's degrees, 155 master's degrees, and 2 doctoral degrees in data science, demonstrating strong institutional commitment to the field. This educational infrastructure positions Kentucky as a meaningful hub for aspiring data scientists seeking quality programs without the premium costs associated with leading tech corridors.
Salary Outlook
Kentucky's major cities. Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and the Northern Kentucky region, host major employers in technology and data-driven industries, including UPS, Humana, Norton Healthcare, Amazon, and Toyota. These organizations create abundant internship and career opportunities for graduates. The state's average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions stands at $10,288, significantly lower than the out-of-state average of $21,792, making Kentucky programs exceptionally affordable (College Scorecard). Additionally, qualified Kentucky residents can access the College Access Program (CAP) Grant, providing need-based aid up to $2,900 per year (College Access Program), further reducing financial barriers. For prospective students comparing opportunities, explore Data Science in California and Data Science in Texas to see how Kentucky stacks up nationally.
Data Science Program Availability in Kentucky
Source: IPEDS 2024
Data Science Job Market & Salary Data in Kentucky
Employment Outlook
Kentucky's data science job market is experiencing steady growth, supported by a diverse employer base and strategic geographic positioning. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kentucky has established itself as a competitive hub for data science professionals, particularly in major metropolitan areas including Louisville-Jefferson County and Lexington-Fayette. The state's economy is anchored by major employers investing heavily in data-driven decision making, creating strong employment opportunities for graduates with data science credentials. Students completing data science programs at Kentucky institutions, 155 master's degree completions and 79 bachelor's completions annually, enter a job market characterized by growing demand across multiple sectors.
Salaries by Metro
The Louisville Metro and Central Kentucky regions represent the strongest job markets for data science professionals in the state. These areas house Fortune 500 companies and rapidly expanding tech-focused operations that prioritize data analytics and machine learning capabilities. Entry-level positions offer competitive salaries, with growth potential as professionals gain experience and specialized skills. Kentucky's overall cost of living remains below the national average, making salaries in the state particularly attractive relative to compensation in high-cost tech hubs. For comprehensive labor market data and salary benchmarks, consult the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Students interested in related fields should explore Data Analytics in Kentucky and Machine Learning in Kentucky programs, which complement data science careers.
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 Kentucky
Online Programs
1 available in Kentucky
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Data Science Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $10,300
- Total Programs
- 59
- Median Tuition
- $14,100
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $9,400
- Total Programs
- 33
- Median Tuition
- $11,400
- Total Programs
- 40
- Median Tuition
- $16,500
- Total Programs
- 33
- Median Tuition
- $14,400
- Total Programs
- 180
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 43
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Data Science Degree Programs in Kentucky: FAQ
What are the best data science degree programs in Kentucky?
How much do data science degree programs cost in Kentucky?
What salary can data science degree graduates earn in Kentucky?
Are there online data science degree programs in Kentucky?
What companies hire data science degree graduates in Kentucky?
Is a data science degree program worth it in Kentucky?
How long do data science degree programs take in Kentucky?
What financial aid is available for data science degree students in Kentucky?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Kentucky 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.