Top 3 Data Science Programs in Missouri 2025
Washington University in St Louis
190 data science graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
University of Missouri-Kansas City
653 data science graduates annually, 98% graduation rate
University of Central Missouri
1170 data science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Missouri offers 21+ accredited data science programs across public and private universities
- 2.Washington University in St Louis leads with 97% graduation rate
- 3.Missouri software developers earn median $104,000 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Kansas City, St. Louis
- 5.Cost of living index: 90.8% of US average (below average)
Data Science Education in Missouri: Overview
Missouri offers 21 accredited data science programs, producing approximately 2,703 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Kansas City, St. Louis, with major employers including Cerner, World Wide Technology, Bayer.
With a median software developer salary of $104,000 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 90.8% compared to the US average, Missouri offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets.
The top data science programs in the state are led by Washington University in St Louis, University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Central Missouri, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 21 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Data Science degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Missouri-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Missouri Data Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington University in St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $61,750 | 97% | 73.7 |
| 2 | University of Missouri-Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | Public | $11,190 | 98% | 73.4 |
| 3 | University of Central Missouri | Warrensburg, MO | Public | $8,325 | — | 71.4 |
| 4 | William Jewell College | Liberty, MO | Private | $18,600 | 86% | 52.2 |
| 5 | Northwest Missouri State University | Maryville, MO | Public | $6,442 | — | 50.3 |
| 6 | Missouri Valley College | Marshall, MO | Private | $21,300 | 93% | 47.9 |
| 7 | Saint Louis University | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $52,260 | 92% | 47.8 |
| 8 | University of Missouri-St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Public | $14,400 | — | 45.5 |
| 9 | College of the Ozarks | Point Lookout, MO | Private | $20,800 | — | 45.2 |
| 10 | University of Missouri-Columbia | Columbia, MO | Public | $13,008 | 80% | 44.8 |
| 11 | Maryville University of Saint Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $24,766 | 86% | 42.7 |
| 12 | Missouri Western State University | Saint Joseph, MO | Public | $7,740 | — | 41.2 |
| 13 | Webster University | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $30,530 | — | 40.3 |
| 14 | Columbia College | Columbia, MO | Private | $12,268 | — | 39.1 |
| 15 | Missouri State University-Springfield | Springfield, MO | Public | $7,812 | — | 38 |
| 16 | Truman State University | Kirksville, MO | Public | $9,132 | — | 37.5 |
| 17 | Rockhurst University | Kansas City, MO | Private | $41,900 | — | 34.7 |
| 18 | Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | Fayette, MO | Private | $26,360 | — | 32.4 |
| 19 | Westminster College | Fulton, MO | Private | $31,156 | — | 32.2 |
| 20 | Southwest Baptist University | Bolivar, MO | Private | $27,290 | — | 31.5 |
| 21 | Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies | Fayette, MO | Private | $6,480 | 6% | 21.4 |
Top 5 Data Science Programs in Missouri: Side-by-Side
| School | WashU | U of Missouri-Kansas City | U of Central Missouri | William Jewell College | Northwest Missouri State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $61,750 | $11,190 | $8,325 | $18,600 | $6,442 |
| Graduation Rate | 97% | 98% | N/A% | 86% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 190 | 653 | 1170 | 9 | 320 |
| Acceptance Rate | 12% | 75% | 69% | 34% | 86% |
| Type | Private | Public | Public | Private | Public |
| Score | 73.7/100 | 73.4/100 | 71.4/100 | 52.2/100 | 50.3/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Science in Missouri
Missouri offers 21 bachelor's-level data science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Washington University in St Louis, University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Missouri-St Louis. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,800 in the Missouri 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 Missouri
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 WashU | $61,750 | 97% | 190 | 73.7 |
| #2 U of Missouri-Kansas City | $11,190 | 98% | 98 | 72.4 |
| #3 U of Missouri-St Louis | $14,400 | N/A% | 60 | 45.5 |
Top Data Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Missouri
For graduate study, Missouri offers 10 master's-level data science programs. Leading institutions include University of Missouri-Kansas City, Washington University in St Louis, University of Central Missouri. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Missouri reaching $135,200 or more.
Top 3 Data Science Master's Programs in Missouri
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Missouri-Kansas City | $11,190 | 98% | 653 | 73.4 |
| #2 WashU | $61,750 | 97% | 160 | 72.5 |
| #3 U of Central Missouri | $8,325 | N/A% | 1170 | 71.4 |
Most Affordable Data Science Colleges in Missouri
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data science programs in Missouri are at Northwest Missouri State University ($6,442/year), Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies ($6,480/year), Missouri Western State University ($7,740/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Missouri's competitive tech salaries.
At Northwest Missouri State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $25,768 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $72,800, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years. See our Most Affordable Data Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Data Science Programs in Missouri (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Northwest Missouri State | $6,442 | $25,768 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Central Methodist... | $6,480 | $25,920 | 0.7 years | Private |
| #3 Missouri Western State | $7,740 | $30,960 | 0.8 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Data Science Schools in Missouri
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 data science programs in Missouri, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Washington University in St Louis
Saint Louis, MO • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,750 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 190 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 12%
- • Ranking Score: 73.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 190 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 73.7 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (190 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (12% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,190 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 98% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 653 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 75%
- • Ranking Score: 73.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 653 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 73.4 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (98%), program size (653 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (75% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UMKC offers both Master of Science in Computer Science with Data Science specialization and a dedicated Master of Science in Data Science & Analytics program, with hands-on research opportunities alongside faculty funded by major organizations and access to newly renovated laboratories including a $20-million research facility.
Available Scholarships
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,325 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 1,170 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 69%
- • Ranking Score: 71.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 1,170 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 71.4 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (1,170 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (69% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UCM's Data Science program offers an HLC-accredited bachelor's degree with an accelerated BS-MS pathway and flexible online course options. Students gain comprehensive skills in AI, machine learning, data mining, and statistical methods to tackle large-scale data sets and provide data-driven insights to decision makers.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.00
William Jewell College
Liberty, MO • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $18,600 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 86% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 9 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 34%
- • Ranking Score: 52.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 86% graduation rate
- 9 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 52.2 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (86%), program size (9 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (34% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,442 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 320 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 86%
- • Ranking Score: 50.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 320 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 50.3 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (320 graduates), state salary outcomes ($104,000), and selectivity (86% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Northwest's data science major is the first of its kind in Missouri and the region, offering an interdisciplinary program with four areas of emphasis in a field where employment is projected to grow 35 percent from 2022 to 2032.
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Information management companies, Internet search engine providers, Outsource data center, Securities and investment institutions
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
Data Engineer
SOC 15-1252Data Engineer opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1299Machine Learning Engineer opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
Data Analyst
SOC 15-2051Data Analyst opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2051Business Intelligence Analyst opportunities in Missouri with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Kansas City, St. Louis
- You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (90.8% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Cerner or World Wide Technology
- You prefer Missouri's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Missouri's 21)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Missouri
Explore artificial intelligence programs in Missouri
Explore machine learning programs in Missouri
Explore data analytics programs in Missouri
Explore cybersecurity programs in Missouri
Explore information security programs in Missouri
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Explore computer science programs in Missouri
Explore computer engineering programs in Missouri
Explore information technology programs in Missouri
Data Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
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Pennsylvania
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Data Science in Missouri FAQ
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Missouri salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
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.