🥇
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MIPublic
U-M Central Campus Tour #UofM #UMich #Michigan #CampusTour$18,516
Tuition/yr
93%
Grad rate
95.9
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best data science degree programs: U of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Michigan Technological, Michigan State
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,656 to $55,226/year
Monroe County Community C... offers the most affordable option at $6,638/yr
Data Science degree programs available: 4 associate's, 13 master's, 5 doctoral in Michigan
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
8 online data science degree programs in Michigan
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Michigan community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
4 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Ford, GM, Quicken Loans, Duo Security
Tech hubs in Detroit and Ann Arbor
Hakia Research 2026
Data Science degree programs near 85+ cities across Michigan
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 27, 2026
How we ranked Michigan Data Science programs
We rank 49 accredited data science programs in Michigan 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 Michigan Worth It?
Answer
$99,830
Yes. The best data science degree programs in Michigan deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $99,830 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $23,823/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Science Degree Rankings in Michigan
Compare the top-ranked Data Science programs in Michigan by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Data Science Programs in Michigan
5
Programs ranked
$24,171
Avg tuition/yr
67%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Michigan ranks among the nation's top destinations for data science education, with 27 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 12 public and 15 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Michigan Technological, Michigan State, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Michigan data science programs earn a median salary of $84,856, 14% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Ford, GM, Quicken Loans.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $12,460 to $55,226 annually, with an average of $26,251/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 87%, 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 Michigan's leading technology employers. For students seeking data science degrees in Michigan, these top-ranked data science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
#4
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MIPublic
Explore Eastern 2026 Open House | Visit Eastern Michigan University This Spring$15,920
Tuition/yr
46%
Grad rate
63.9
Hakia Score
Best Master's Data Science Programs in Michigan
3
Programs ranked
$18,075
Avg tuition/yr
76%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Michigan offers 13 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 Michigan-Ann Arbor, Michigan Technological, Grand Valley State, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Michigan earn a median salary of $99,830, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Ford, GM, Quicken Loans 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 $21,868/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 Michigan's data science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
🥇
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MIPublic
U-M Central Campus Tour #UofM #UMich #Michigan #CampusTour$18,516
Tuition/yr
93%
Grad rate
93.2
Hakia Score
🥉
$20,206
Tuition/yr
68%
Grad rate
66.6
Hakia Score
Data Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Michigan
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $23,823/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $59,558/year |
| Community college tuition | $5,956/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $142,940 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $35,734 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Science Students in Michigan
State Aid Programs
Michigan students benefit from both federal financial aid and state-specific programs supporting STEM education. The Michigan Tuition Grant provides up to $2,800/year for students at private institutions, while the Michigan Competitive Scholarship supports students at public universities with up to $1,500/year based on standardized test scores (Michigan Student Aid). Merit-based scholarships often target students pursuing technical fields like data science, with awards ranging from $2,000 to full tuition coverage.
Key Programs & Amounts
Industry partnerships create additional scholarship opportunities through Ford, General Motors, and Rocket Mortgage. Michigan Tech offers extensive scholarship programs for engineering and technology students including data science majors. Graduate students may qualify for research or teaching assistantships covering tuition plus $25,000-$35,000 stipends. Federal Pell Grants provide up to $7,395/year for students with demonstrated financial need.
Institutional Scholarships
Michigan Reconnect covers community college tuition for adults 25+, providing free access to foundational data science coursework. Work-study programs and cooperative education help students offset costs while gaining experience. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing data science degrees, with GM, Ford, and major healthcare systems providing $5,000-$15,000/year for continuing education. Students can explore affordable data science programs for cost comparisons.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator, Michigan
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data science degree in Michigan. 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
+488%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$902,208
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$117,647
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)$1,937,616
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 (Detroit, MI)$100,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return3.2%
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 Michigan metro areas
Detroit$110K
Ann Arbor$105K
Grand Rapids$100K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Detroit | $110K |
| Ann Arbor | $105K |
| Grand Rapids | $100K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Data Science Graduates in Michigan
Find data science jobs in Michigan. These major employers across Michigan metro areas are actively hiring data science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Science Jobs in Detroit Metro
MIDetroit is the center of automotive innovation, leading in EV development and autonomous vehicle technology.
Nearby cities: Dearborn, Troy, Warren, Auburn Hills, Southfield
General Motors
Automotive/Mobility Tech
Ford Motor Company
Automotive/EV Tech
Stellantis
Automotive/Mobility
Waymo
Autonomous Vehicles
Cruise
Autonomous Vehicles
Rivian
Electric Vehicles
Quicken Loans (Rocket)
Fintech
StockX
E-commerce
Microsoft
Enterprise Software
Data Science Jobs in Ann Arbor
MIAnn Arbor is anchored by University of Michigan, with strong tech research and startup ecosystem.
Nearby cities: Ypsilanti, Canton, Plymouth, Novi
Google
Search/Cloud/AI
Amazon
E-commerce/Cloud
Duo Security (Cisco)
Cybersecurity
Domino's
Restaurant Tech
Thomson Reuters
Legal/Financial Tech
Barracuda Networks
Cybersecurity
Transfer Pathways for Data Science Degrees in Michigan
State Transfer System
Michigan's community college system maintains articulation agreements with four-year universities helping data science pathway completion. Students complete mathematics, statistics, and introductory computer science courses at community colleges before transferring. Grand Rapids Community College, Oakland Community College, and Macomb Community College offer strong preparatory programs aligned with transfer requirements. Transfer agreements often guarantee admission with specific GPA requirements.
How Transfers Work
The Michigan Transfer Network provides online resources for course equivalency and degree planning across institutions. Students should work closely with academic advisors to ensure prerequisite completion and smooth transitions. Some universities offer 2+2 programs specifically designed for data science, providing structured pathways from associate to bachelor's degrees. Transfer-specific scholarships of $2,000-$10,000 reward strong academic performance.
Transfer Planning Tips
Michigan Reconnect covers tuition for adults 25+ at community colleges, enabling free access to foundational coursework. Over 207,000 Michiganders have enrolled since 2021 (Michigan Reconnect). Research shows community college transfer students perform comparably to native students when prerequisites are properly completed. Students should complete calculus through multivariable, statistics, and programming (Python/R) before transferring to ensure smooth academic preparation.
Why Pursue a Data Science Degree in Michigan?
Industry & Workforce
Michigan is a premier destination for data science education and careers, driven by the automotive industry's transformation into autonomous and electric vehicles. Software developers in Michigan earn competitive salaries with strong growth potential, while data scientists are in high demand across automotive, healthcare, and financial services sectors (BLS Software Developers). The state's tech sector benefits from established manufacturing expertise now requiring advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI capabilities.
Salary Outlook
Detroit has launched eight certified tech hubs to support digital literacy and technology development, creating a foundation for data science growth (Detroit Tech Hubs). Major employers like Ford, General Motors, and Rocket Mortgage actively seek data scientists to drive innovation in connected vehicles, autonomous driving, and financial technology. Michigan's lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs makes it attractive for students and professionals alike.
Regional Tech Hubs
The Brookings Institution identified emerging AI activity across Michigan metro areas, indicating expanding opportunities beyond traditional tech centers (Brookings). University of Michigan's data science programs rank among the nation's best, while Michigan State's MSDS program earned #3 national ranking from Fortune Magazine. Students can explore data science programs nationally or compare options in California and Texas.
Data Science Job Growth in Michigan
15%
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% growth for data science occupations in Michigan through 2024-2034. The median salary stands at $99,830 with 31 accredited programs statewide.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook
Data Science Job Market & Salary Data in Michigan
Employment Outlook
Michigan's data science job market reflects national growth trends with employment projected to increase 34% from 2024 to 2034, making it the fourth fastest-growing occupation nationally (BLS Data Scientists). Entry-level data scientists in Michigan start at $70,000-$85,000 annually, while experienced professionals earn $120,000-$160,000. Detroit metro leads employment, followed by Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor, with healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing actively recruiting.
Salaries by Metro
Automotive employers dominate the market. GM employs Senior Data Scientists for marketing analytics with Media Mix Modeling expertise, earning $102,000-$135,900 with comprehensive benefits (GM Careers). Ford's GDI&A department seeks professionals for Machine Learning projects across Connected Vehicle, Smart Mobility, Manufacturing, and Warranty Analytics domains. Stellantis applies data science to autonomous vehicle development and predictive maintenance.
High-Growth Sectors
Financial and healthcare sectors provide stable alternatives. Rocket Mortgage employs hundreds of data scientists for mortgage analytics and AI-driven technology. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Henry Ford Health apply data science to healthcare outcomes and operational efficiency. DTE Energy utilizes data science for smart grid management. Remote work options have expanded access to national employers while maintaining Michigan's 30-40% lower cost of living compared to coastal cities.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Michigan$64,890$144,754
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Data Science Programs in Michigan
Online Programs
8 available in Michigan
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$21,441/yr$23,823/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 Indiana
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $10,300
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Ohio
- Total Programs
- 59
- Median Tuition
- $14,100
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Wisconsin
- Total Programs
- 33
- Median Tuition
- $8,000
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Illinois
- Total Programs
- 67
- Median Tuition
- $34,200
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
Best Data Science Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 120
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Data Science Degree Programs in Michigan: FAQ
What are the best data science degree programs in Michigan?
The best data science degree programs in Michigan based on our methodology are: 1) University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (92% graduation rate), 2) Michigan Technological University, and 3) Michigan State University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Michigan offers 31 total accredited programs across 16 public and 15 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 27 bachelor's programs.
How much do data science degree programs cost in Michigan?
Data Science degree program costs in Michigan vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $23,823/year, while private institutions average $52,411/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $5,956/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $95,292 at public schools to $209,642 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 Michigan?
Data Science professionals in Michigan earn a median salary of $99,830, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $64,890, while senior roles exceed $144,754. Salaries vary by metro area: Detroit ($109,813), Ann Arbor ($104,822) 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 Michigan?
Yes, Michigan offers 8 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 Davenport University and Grand Valley State University. 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 Michigan?
Major Data Science employers in Michigan include Ford, GM, Quicken Loans, Duo Security, Rivian. The Detroit and Ann Arbor metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Michigan universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Michigan's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a data science degree program worth it in Michigan?
A data science degree program in Michigan offers strong ROI with a $99,830 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $23,823/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($112,808), 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 Michigan?
Standard completion times for data science degree programs in Michigan 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. Michigan community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Michigan university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for data science degree students in Michigan?
Michigan 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. Michigan 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 Michigan'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
Michigan 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.
Was this ranking helpful for your college search?
Thanks for your feedback!
How can we improve this article?
Thank you for helping us improve!
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.