🥇
$69,146
Tuition/yr
94%
Grad rate
93.0
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best data science degree programs: U of Massachusetts-Amherst, Massachusetts Institute o..., Tufts
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $576 to $66,650/year
Bunker Hill Community Col... offers the most affordable option at $576/yr
Data Science degree programs available: 10 associate's, 16 master's, 9 doctoral in Massachusetts
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
14 online data science degree programs in Massachusetts
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Massachusetts community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
10 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Amazon, Google, HubSpot, Wayfair
Tech hubs in Boston and Cambridge
Hakia Research 2026
Data Science degree programs near 75+ cities across Massachusetts
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Massachusetts Data Science programs
We rank 71 accredited data science programs in Massachusetts 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.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyAre Data Science Degree Programs in Massachusetts Worth It?
Answer
$128,640
Yes. The best data science degree programs in Massachusetts deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $128,640 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $35,749/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Science Degree Rankings in Massachusetts
Compare the top-ranked Data Science programs in Massachusetts by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Data Science Programs in Massachusetts
4
Programs ranked
$65,124
Avg tuition/yr
89%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Massachusetts ranks among the nation's top destinations for data science education, with 36 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 6 public and 30 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Massachusetts-Amherst, Massachusetts Institute o..., Tufts, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Massachusetts data science programs earn a median salary of $109,344, 11% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Boston, Cambridge, Worcester metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Amazon, Google, HubSpot.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $910 to $66,650 annually, with an average of $44,380/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 91%, with the highest reaching 99%. 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 Massachusetts's leading technology employers. For students seeking data science degrees in Massachusetts, these top-ranked data science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
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Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MAPrivate nonprofit
$59,700
Tuition/yr
90%
Grad rate
88.5
Hakia Score
#4
Mount Holyoke College
South Hadley, MAPrivate nonprofit
$66,780
Tuition/yr
84%
Grad rate
87.6
Hakia Score
Best Master's Data Science Programs in Massachusetts
5
Programs ranked
$50,901
Avg tuition/yr
85%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Massachusetts offers 16 master's degree programs in data science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Massachusetts-Amherst, Boston, Massachusetts Institute o..., combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $128,640, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Boston, Cambridge, Worcester creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Amazon, Google, HubSpot 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 $41,811/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 Massachusetts's data science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
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$69,146
Tuition/yr
94%
Grad rate
89.9
Hakia Score
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$66,670
Tuition/yr
89%
Grad rate
89.0
Hakia Score
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University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MAPublic
Jazz & African-American Music Studies program at UMass Amherst$17,006
Tuition/yr
83%
Grad rate
85.9
Hakia Score
#4
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MAPrivate nonprofit
$59,700
Tuition/yr
90%
Grad rate
83.8
Hakia Score
#5
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Boston, MAPrivate nonprofit
$41,984
Tuition/yr
68%
Grad rate
63.9
Hakia Score
Best Doctoral Data Science Programs in Massachusetts
1
Programs ranked
$59,700
Avg tuition/yr
90%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Massachusetts is home to 9 doctoral programs in data science, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Massachusetts Institute o..., U of Massachusetts-Amherst, Worcester Polytechnic Ins... are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Massachusetts PhD holders earning a median of $160,800, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Boston, Cambridge, Worcester region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Amazon, Google, HubSpot.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Massachusetts programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing data science degrees in Massachusetts, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
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Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MAPrivate nonprofit
$59,700
Tuition/yr
90%
Grad rate
79.5
Hakia Score
Data Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Massachusetts
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $35,749/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $89,373/year |
| Community college tuition | $8,937/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $214,496 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $53,624 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Science Students in Massachusetts
State Aid Programs
The MassTech Intern Partnership provides up to $3,200 per student through employer reimbursements, directly supporting data science education costs.
This program enables eligible companies with 250 or fewer employees to hire Massachusetts college students as interns with partial wage subsidies (MassTech Intern Partnership). Companies in priority areas including cybersecurity, digital health, fintech, and robotics can hire up to three interns per program period, creating abundant paid learning opportunities.
Key Programs & Amounts
Federal Pell Grants, state financial aid programs, and institutional scholarships combine to make data science education accessible across income levels.
Massachusetts residents qualify for state grant programs based on academic performance and financial need. Many universities offer merit-based scholarships specifically for STEM students, with awards ranging from $5,000 to full tuition coverage.
Institutional Scholarships
The Massachusetts Tech Connect program allocates $400,000 annually to support tech internships at community colleges and associate degree programs.
Individual awards range from $100,000 to $200,000 per institution, funding wage stipends and wraparound services for associate-level students (Massachusetts Tech Connect). This initiative specifically addresses barriers preventing students from completing internships while strengthening the state's tech talent pipeline.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator, Massachusetts
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data science degree in Massachusetts. 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
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+854%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,580,373
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$87,097
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
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,615,781
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Boston, MA)$135,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.7%
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 Massachusetts metro areas
Boston$142K
Cambridge$135K
Worcester$129K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Boston | $142K |
| Cambridge | $135K |
| Worcester | $129K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Data Science Graduates in Massachusetts
Find data science jobs in Massachusetts. These major employers across Massachusetts metro areas are actively hiring data science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Science Jobs in Boston/Cambridge
MABoston/Cambridge is a biotech and AI research hub, anchored by MIT, Harvard, and major tech company R&D centers.
Nearby cities: Cambridge, Somerville, Waltham, Burlington, Quincy
Transfer Pathways for Data Science Degrees in Massachusetts
State Transfer System
Massachusetts community colleges maintain articulation agreements with four-year institutions to streamline data science degree completion.
Students can complete foundational mathematics, statistics, and computer science coursework at community colleges before transferring to universities for specialized data science training. The Massachusetts Transfer Compact guarantees credit acceptance between public institutions, reducing time to degree completion and overall educational costs.
How Transfers Work
Transfer students complete 60 credits including calculus sequence, introductory programming, statistics, and general education requirements before transferring.
Many universities reserve junior-level admission slots specifically for community college transfers, recognizing their academic preparation and motivation. Some programs offer 2+2 pathways where students complete associate degrees in mathematics, computer science, or related fields before seamlessly transitioning to bachelor's programs. Consider most affordable programs data science to compare costs across different educational pathways.
Why Pursue a Data Science Degree in Massachusetts?
Industry & Workforce
Massachusetts leads the nation in data science opportunities with software developers earning significantly above national averages.
The Bay Area accounts for 13% of all AI-related job postings nationally, but Massachusetts consistently ranks among the top states for tech employment (Brookings AI Economy Mapping). Cambridge alone hosts 25 major employers across technology, healthcare, and research sectors, creating dense networks of data-driven companies (Cambridge Top 25 Employers).
Salary Outlook
The state's concentration of universities, biotech companies, and financial services creates unique advantages for data science students.
Massachusetts companies actively seek talented interns through programs like the MassTech Intern Partnership, which reimburses companies up to $3,200 per intern annually. This ecosystem of academic institutions, research hospitals, and Fortune 500 companies provides unmatched learning and networking opportunities.
Regional Tech Hubs
Your career prospects extend beyond traditional tech roles into healthcare analytics, financial modeling, and AI research.
The state's focus on priority areas including cybersecurity, digital health, fintech, and quantum technology means data science graduates can explore specialized career paths. Consider exploring best bachelors programs data science or comparing opportunities in nearby states like data science in connecticut.
Data Science Job Growth in Massachusetts
15%
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% growth for data science occupations in Massachusetts through 2024-2034. The median salary stands at $128,640 with 45 accredited programs statewide.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook
Data Science Job Market & Salary Data in Massachusetts
Employment Outlook
Software developers and data professionals in Massachusetts benefit from sustained job growth and competitive compensation packages.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued expansion in software development roles, with quality assurance analysts and testers seeing particularly strong demand (BLS Software Developers Massachusetts). Cambridge's employment data shows consistent growth among technology employers, with many companies expanding their data science teams annually.
Salaries by Metro
Boston metro area salaries exceed national averages by 15-25% across data science roles.
Entry-level data analysts start around $75,000, while senior data scientists and machine learning engineers command $140,000-$180,000 annually. The concentration of biotech, financial services, and consulting firms drives premium compensation for professionals with specialized domain knowledge.
High-Growth Sectors
High-growth sectors include healthcare analytics, fintech, and AI research, with remote work becoming increasingly common.
Companies prioritizing advanced manufacturing, bioindustrial manufacturing, and robotics offer particularly attractive opportunities for data science graduates. Explore related opportunities in artificial intelligence in massachusetts or machine learning in massachusetts to understand specialized career paths available in the state.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Massachusetts$83,616$186,528
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Data Science Programs in Massachusetts
Online Programs
14 available in Massachusetts
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$32,174/yr$35,749/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Data Science Programs in Other States
Best Data Science Degree Programs in New Hampshire
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $15,500
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Vermont
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $46,900
Best Data Science Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 120
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Connecticut
- Total Programs
- 19
- Median Tuition
- $44,100
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Rhode Island
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $41,100
Best Data Science Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 180
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 43
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 77
- Median Tuition
- $8,700
Data Science Degree Programs in Massachusetts: FAQ
What are the best data science degree programs in Massachusetts?
The best data science degree programs in Massachusetts based on our methodology are: 1) University of Massachusetts-Amherst (90% graduation rate), 2) Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and 3) Tufts University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Massachusetts offers 45 total accredited programs across 15 public and 30 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 36 bachelor's programs.
How much do data science degree programs cost in Massachusetts?
Data Science degree program costs in Massachusetts vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $35,749/year, while private institutions average $78,648/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $8,937/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $142,996 at public schools to $314,591 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can data science degree graduates earn in Massachusetts?
Data Science professionals in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $128,640, which is 11% above the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $83,616, while senior roles exceed $186,528. Salaries vary by metro area: Boston ($141,504), Cambridge ($135,072) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online data science degree programs in Massachusetts?
Yes, Massachusetts offers 14 accredited online Data Science programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from Harvard University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire data science degree graduates in Massachusetts?
Major Data Science employers in Massachusetts include Amazon, Google, HubSpot, Wayfair, Toast. The Boston and Cambridge metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Massachusetts universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Massachusetts's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a data science degree program worth it in Massachusetts?
A data science degree program in Massachusetts offers strong ROI with a $128,640 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $35,749/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($145,363), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do data science degree programs take in Massachusetts?
Standard completion times for data science degree programs in Massachusetts are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Massachusetts community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Massachusetts university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for data science degree students in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts data science degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Massachusetts state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Massachusetts's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Massachusetts salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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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.