Top 3 Data Science Programs in Massachusetts 2025
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
498 Data Science graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
389 Data Science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Tufts University
211 Data Science graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
- 1.Massachusetts has 50+ accredited data science and analytics programs across public and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.MIT ranks #1 in Massachusetts with 96% graduation rate and world-renowned CSAIL artificial intelligence research lab
- 3.University of Massachusetts system offers quality data science education at $16,389 in-state tuition—1/3 the cost of private alternatives
- 4.Massachusetts data scientists earn median $128,460 annually—23% above the national median (BLS Massachusetts 2024)
- 5.Boston-Cambridge tech corridor provides 45,000+ data science and analytics jobs across biotech, fintech, and healthcare sectors
Data Science Education in Massachusetts
Massachusetts stands as a premier destination for data science education, home to world-renowned institutions like MIT and Harvard alongside innovative programs at Northeastern, Boston University, and the UMass system. The state's unique combination of academic excellence and industry proximity creates unparalleled opportunities for aspiring data scientists.
The Boston-Cambridge corridor hosts over 4,000 technology companies, including major employers like Amazon, Microsoft, Biogen, and countless biotech startups that actively recruit Massachusetts data science graduates. This concentration of industry leaders ensures strong job placement rates and competitive starting salaries for program graduates.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national data science bachelor's rankings. Students considering affordability should review our most affordable data science programs guide, while career-focused students can explore our data scientist salary guide for Massachusetts-specific compensation data.
Massachusetts Data Science Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst, MA | Public | $16,591 | 90% | — | 87.8 |
| 2 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | Private | $59,750 | — | — | 84.1 |
| 3 | Tufts University | Medford, MA | Private | $66,358 | 81% | — | 82.7 |
| 4 | Boston University | Boston, MA | Private | $63,798 | — | — | 79.1 |
| 5 | Smith College | Northampton, MA | Private | $61,260 | 98% | — | 78.1 |
| 6 | Harvard University | Cambridge, MA | Private | $54,269 | — | — | 77.3 |
| 7 | Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Worcester, MA | Private | $57,960 | 83% | — | 76.1 |
| 8 | Amherst College | Amherst, MA | Private | $66,650 | 97% | — | 72.9 |
| 9 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell | Lowell, MA | Public | $15,850 | 98% | — | 71.7 |
| 10 | Brandeis University | Waltham, MA | Private | $64,348 | 99% | — | 70.5 |
| 11 | Boston College | Chestnut Hill, MA | Private | $66,410 | — | — | 69.1 |
| 12 | College of the Holy Cross | Worcester, MA | Private | $60,050 | 99% | — | 64.4 |
| 13 | Wentworth Institute of Technology | Boston, MA | Private | $40,410 | 99% | — | 64.2 |
| 14 | Mount Holyoke College | South Hadley, MA | Private | $63,904 | 90% | — | 63.8 |
| 15 | Williams College | Williamstown, MA | Private | $64,540 | — | — | 61.5 |
| 16 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | — | — | 61.4 |
| 17 | Clark University | Worcester, MA | Private | $54,760 | 98% | — | 61.2 |
| 18 | University of Massachusetts-Boston | Boston, MA | Public | $14,905 | 75% | — | 53.3 |
| 19 | Wheaton College (Massachusetts) | Norton, MA | Private | $61,600 | 96% | — | 52.7 |
| 20 | Suffolk University | Boston, MA | Private | $44,812 | 88% | — | 50.3 |
| 21 | Endicott College | Beverly, MA | Private | $38,312 | 85% | — | 48.7 |
| 22 | College of Our Lady of the Elms | Chicopee, MA | Private | $40,095 | 88% | — | 46.8 |
| 23 | Merrimack College | North Andover, MA | Private | $47,636 | 80% | — | 45.9 |
| 24 | Bridgewater State University | Bridgewater, MA | Public | $910 | 97% | — | 45.2 |
| 25 | Gordon College | Wenham, MA | Private | $27,000 | — | — | 44.2 |
Showing 1–25 of 36
Top 5 Data Science Programs in Massachusetts: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Massachusetts-Amherst | MIT | Tufts | Boston | Smith College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $16,591 | $59,750 | $66,358 | $63,798 | $61,260 |
| Graduation Rate | 90% | N/A% | 81% | N/A% | 98% |
| Annual Graduates | 498 | 389 | 211 | 290 | 106 |
| Acceptance Rate | 58% | 5% | 10% | 11% | 20% |
| Type | Public | Private | Private | Private | Private |
| Score | 87.8/100 | 84.1/100 | 82.7/100 | 78.4/100 | 78.1/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Science in Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers 36 bachelor's-level data science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tufts University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $90,048 in the Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Massachusetts-Amherst | $16,591 | 90% | 498 | 87.8 |
| #2 MIT | $59,750 | N/A% | 389 | 84.1 |
| #3 Tufts | $66,358 | 81% | 211 | 82.7 |
Top Data Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Massachusetts
For graduate study, Massachusetts offers 16 master's-level data science programs. Leading institutions include University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Boston University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Massachusetts reaching $167,232 or more.
Top 3 Data Science Master's Programs in Massachusetts
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Massachusetts-Amherst | $16,591 | 90% | 336 | 85.6 |
| #2 Boston | $63,798 | N/A% | 290 | 78.4 |
| #3 MIT | $59,750 | N/A% | 265 | 82.3 |
Most Affordable Data Science Colleges in Massachusetts
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data science programs in Massachusetts are at Bridgewater State University ($910/year), Fitchburg State University ($970/year), Westfield State University ($970/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Massachusetts's competitive tech salaries.
At Bridgewater State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $3,640 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $90,048, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.1 years.
Most Affordable Data Science Programs in Massachusetts (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Bridgewater State | $910 | $3,640 | 0.1 years | Public |
| #2 Fitchburg State | $970 | $3,880 | 0.1 years | Public |
| #3 Westfield State | $970 | $3,880 | 0.1 years | Public |
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $16,591 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 498 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 58%
- • Ranking Score: 87.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 498 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 87.8 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (498 graduates), state salary outcomes ($128,640), and selectivity (58% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
This interdisciplinary program integrates mathematics and computer science with multiple disciplines including business, engineering, healthcare, and science. Students complete real-world capstone projects such as classifying gravitational wave signals and analyzing cancer drug effectiveness, with faculty leading groundbreaking research in gravitational wave science.
Admission Prerequisites
- •minimum of 2 semesters of calculus
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Brown University, CVS Pharmacy, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Capital One, Citizens Financial Group, New England Survey Systems, Pratt & Whitney
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $59,750 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 389 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 5%
- • Ranking Score: 84.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 389 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 84.1 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (389 graduates), state salary outcomes ($128,640), and selectivity (5% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Tufts University
Medford, MA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $66,358 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 211 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 10%
- • Ranking Score: 82.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 211 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 82.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (211 graduates), state salary outcomes ($128,640), and selectivity (10% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Tufts Data Science program is jointly administered by Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments, offering both Bachelor's and Master's degrees with strong interdisciplinary focus. The program combines theoretical foundations with practical applications through cooperative education opportunities and prepares graduates for high-demand careers with average salaries of $108K+ in a field projected to grow 35% through 2032.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Bachelor of Science degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credits (Master's), 38 courses (Bachelor's)
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $108K+
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $63,798 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 290 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 11%
- • Ranking Score: 78.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 290 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 78.4 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (290 graduates), state salary outcomes ($128,640), and selectivity (11% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Boston University's Data Science program combines rigorous technical training with real-world applications through CDS Impact Labs partnerships. The program offers both residential and online options, with the online MS completing in as little as 16 months, and emphasizes ethical considerations alongside technical skills.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Introductory Programming course (eg, Python, Java, C++, R)
- •Second course in Programming
- •Introductory Discrete Mathematics
- •Linear Algebra
- •Introductory Statistics and Probability
- •Calculus, to the level of Calculus BC Advanced Placement
- •Introduction to Algorithms
Program Details
- Credits: 64 units toward the major for BS, 30 credit hours for online MS
Smith College
Northampton, MA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,260 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 98% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 106 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 20%
- • Ranking Score: 78.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 106 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 78.1 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (98%), program size (106 graduates), state salary outcomes ($128,640), and selectivity (20% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Smith's Statistical & Data Sciences program emphasizes learning statistics by doing with hands-on problem-solving and student-driven projects across multiple disciplines. Students benefit from extensive career support with 94% employment rate within six months and access to over 53,000 alumni worldwide.
Available Scholarships
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 94% of Smith alums from the class of 2024 are employed, studying in graduate or professional school, or in full-time service programs within six months after graduation
- Top Employers: Abbott Labs, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Charles River Associates, TD Cowen, Epic Systems, Louis Dreyfus Company, Mayo Clinic, Planned Parenthood
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Analyze complex datasets to drive business decisions and product development at Boston's tech companies and biotech firms
Design and implement ML systems for companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and local AI startups in the Boston ecosystem
Data Analytics Manager
Lead analytics teams at healthcare organizations like Partners HealthCare and pharmaceutical companies
Business Intelligence Analyst
Transform data into actionable insights for financial services firms and consulting companies throughout Massachusetts
Research Scientist
Conduct advanced analytics research at academic institutions, hospitals, and biotechnology companies
Massachusetts University Systems for Data Science
Massachusetts offers diverse pathways to data science education through its prestigious private institutions and affordable public university system.
Private Universities: MIT, Harvard, and Northeastern represent the pinnacle of data science education globally, offering unparalleled research opportunities and industry connections. Boston University, Tufts, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute provide excellent alternatives with strong regional recognition and more accessible admissions.
University of Massachusetts System: UMass Amherst leads the public options with a comprehensive data science program at $16,389 in-state tuition. UMass Boston offers urban advantages with proximity to financial services companies, while UMass Lowell provides a more affordable pathway with growing industry partnerships.
Specialized Institutions: Worcester Polytechnic Institute emphasizes project-based learning, while Bentley University focuses on business applications of data science. These specialized approaches can provide unique advantages for students with clear career goals.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Massachusetts
Data Science Programs in Other States
California
New York
Texas
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to world-class institutions like MIT and Harvard with global recognition
- Proximity to leading biotech and pharmaceutical companies for internships and jobs
- Strong job market with 45,000+ data science positions in the Boston metro area
- Networking opportunities in one of America's most educated metropolitan areas
- Research opportunities at top-tier academic medical centers and tech companies
- Lower cost of living and more affordable tuition options
- Warmer climate and different lifestyle preferences
- Different industry focuses like entertainment (California) or energy (Texas)
- Less competitive academic and job market environments
- Larger state university systems with more program variety
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Data Science Programs
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Data Science degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific data science salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Data Science Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
2023 graduation rates, enrollment, and institutional characteristics
May 2024 Massachusetts salary data for data science occupations
Accreditation status and program listings
State university system information and transfer policies
Source: BLS Massachusetts 2024
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.