Top 3 Data Science Programs in Michigan 2025
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
251 Data Science graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
Michigan Technological University
75 Data Science graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
Michigan State University
56 Data Science graduates annually, 87% graduation rate
- 1.Michigan has 20+ accredited data science and related analytics programs across public and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.University of Michigan - Ann Arbor ranks #1 in Michigan with 93% graduation rate and world-renowned AI research capabilities
- 3.Michigan data scientists earn median $98,230 annually - slightly above the national median of $95,510 (BLS Michigan 2024)
- 4.Detroit's tech renaissance creates 15,000+ data science jobs with companies like Ford, GM, Quicken Loans, and emerging startups
- 5.Michigan State and Wayne State offer excellent value alternatives with strong regional employer connections
Data Science Education Landscape in Michigan
Michigan offers a growing selection of data science programs, from the prestigious University of Michigan system to specialized programs at regional universities. The state's automotive industry transformation and Detroit's tech renaissance create unique opportunities for data science graduates focusing on manufacturing analytics, autonomous vehicles, and financial technology.
For national context, see our best data science bachelor's programs ranking. Students considering cost should review our most affordable data science programs guide. Career-focused students should explore our data scientist salary breakdown for Michigan-specific compensation insights.
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | Public | $17,977 | 92% | — | 92.4 |
| 2 | Michigan Technological University | Houghton, MI | Public | $19,429 | 90% | — | 57.8 |
| 3 | Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | Public | $16,930 | 87% | — | 55.2 |
| 4 | University of Michigan-Dearborn | Dearborn, MI | Public | $14,544 | 94% | — | 51.9 |
| 5 | Eastern Michigan University | Ypsilanti, MI | Public | $15,200 | — | — | 51.4 |
| 6 | Grand Valley State University | Allendale, MI | Public | $14,978 | 85% | — | 49.8 |
| 7 | Western Michigan University | Kalamazoo, MI | Public | $15,198 | — | — | 48.2 |
| 8 | Central Michigan University | Mount Pleasant, MI | Public | $13,862 | — | — | 47.4 |
| 9 | Northern Michigan University | Marquette, MI | Public | $12,726 | 97% | — | 46.1 |
| 10 | University of Michigan-Flint | Flint, MI | Public | $12,942 | — | — | 45.3 |
| 11 | Calvin University | Grand Rapids, MI | Private | $38,370 | — | — | 45.1 |
| 12 | Kettering University | Flint, MI | Private | $45,380 | — | — | 44 |
| 13 | Spring Arbor University | Spring Arbor, MI | Private | $31,940 | — | — | 43.7 |
| 14 | Davenport University | Grand Rapids, MI | Private | $22,272 | — | — | 41.3 |
| 15 | Lawrence Technological University | Southfield, MI | Private | $40,672 | — | — | 41 |
Showing 1–15 of 27
Top 5 Data Science Programs in Michigan: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Michigan | Michigan Technological | Michigan State | Eastern Michigan | U of Michigan-Dearborn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $17,977 | $19,429 | $16,930 | $15,200 | $14,544 |
| Graduation Rate | 92% | 90% | 87% | N/A% | 94% |
| Annual Graduates | 251 | 75 | 56 | 94 | 9 |
| Acceptance Rate | 18% | 88% | 84% | 81% | 59% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 92.4/100 | 60.7/100 | 57.9/100 | 54.0/100 | 51.9/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Science in Michigan
Michigan offers 27 bachelor's-level data science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Michigan Technological University, Michigan State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $69,881 in the Michigan 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 Michigan
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Michigan | $17,977 | 92% | 251 | 92.4 |
| #2 Michigan Technological | $19,429 | 90% | 75 | 60.7 |
| #3 Michigan State | $16,930 | 87% | 56 | 57.9 |
Top Data Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Michigan
For graduate study, Michigan offers 13 master's-level data science programs. Leading institutions include University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Michigan Technological University, Central Michigan University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Michigan reaching $129,779 or more.
Top 3 Data Science Master's Programs in Michigan
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Michigan | $17,977 | 92% | 77 | 87.9 |
| #2 Michigan Technological | $19,429 | 90% | 31 | 58.1 |
| #3 Central Michigan | $13,862 | N/A% | 54 | 46.4 |
Most Affordable Data Science Colleges in Michigan
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data science programs in Michigan are at Baker College ($12,460/year), Northern Michigan University ($12,726/year), University of Michigan-Flint ($12,942/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Michigan's competitive tech salaries.
At Baker College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $49,840 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $69,881, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1.4 years.
Most Affordable Data Science Programs in Michigan (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Baker College | $12,460 | $49,840 | 1.4 years | Private |
| #2 Northern Michigan | $12,726 | $50,904 | 1.5 years | Public |
| #3 U of Michigan-Flint | $12,942 | $51,768 | 1.5 years | Public |
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $17,977 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 251 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 18%
- • Ranking Score: 92.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 251 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 92.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (251 graduates), state salary outcomes ($99,830), and selectivity (18% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $19,429 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 75 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 60.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 75 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 60.7 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (75 graduates), state salary outcomes ($99,830), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Michigan Tech's Data Science program is a multidisciplinary program coupling computer science, business, engineering, and mathematical sciences with flexible specialization options and accelerated master's pathways. The program addresses the growing demand for data scientists with less than five percent of available data currently mined effectively, positioning graduates to enter a high-demand job market.
Admissions
- Acceptance Rate: 83.5%
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $16,930 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 56 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 84%
- • Ranking Score: 57.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 56 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 57.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (56 graduates), state salary outcomes ($99,830), and selectivity (84% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $15,200 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 94 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 81%
- • Ranking Score: 54.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 94 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 54.0 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (94 graduates), state salary outcomes ($99,830), and selectivity (81% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Dearborn, MI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $14,544 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 94% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 9 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 59%
- • Ranking Score: 51.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 94% graduation rate
- 9 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 51.9 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (94%), program size (9 graduates), state salary outcomes ($99,830), and selectivity (59% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Analyze complex datasets to drive business decisions in automotive, healthcare, and financial services industries
Develop and deploy ML models for autonomous vehicles, manufacturing optimization, and predictive maintenance
Data Analyst
Transform data into actionable insights for Michigan's diverse industries including automotive, agriculture, and tourism
Business Intelligence Analyst
Create dashboards and reporting systems for Michigan's growing tech sector and traditional industries
Quantitative Analyst
Apply mathematical and statistical methods in Detroit's financial services and insurance industries
Michigan University Systems and Data Science Options
Michigan's public university system offers diverse pathways into data science education. The University of Michigan system leads with three campuses offering data science programs, while individual state universities provide specialized focuses and regional advantages.
The University of Michigan System includes Ann Arbor (flagship with premier research), Dearborn (engineering focus with automotive applications), and Flint (urban campus with practical orientation). Each campus offers distinct advantages for different student goals and career paths.
Regional universities like Michigan State, Wayne State, and Western Michigan provide excellent value with strong regional employer connections. These programs often emphasize applied data science and offer more accessible entry requirements while maintaining quality education standards.
Students can also explore complementary programs in computer science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity at Michigan institutions for broader technical preparation.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Michigan
Data Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Illinois
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Pennsylvania
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to automotive and manufacturing data science opportunities
- You prefer public university education with strong value propositions
- You're interested in applied research in traditional industries undergoing digital transformation
- You want to be part of Detroit's tech renaissance and startup ecosystem
- You value strong regional alumni networks and employer connections
- You prioritize access to major tech company headquarters (consider California or Washington)
- You want the highest possible starting salaries (consider California or New York)
- You prefer more specialized AI/ML focused programs (consider Massachusetts or California)
- You want year-round mild weather and outdoor access
- You prioritize maximum program diversity and options
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Data Science Programs
Based on 15 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
Graduation rates, enrollment, and institutional data
State-specific salary and employment data
Research output and funding data
Student outcomes and institutional performance
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.