- 1.Data Scientists earn a median salary of $108,020 with 35% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Data Science programs include University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Florida Polytechnic University, North Carolina A & T State University based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers data science education at $3,812/year with 76% graduation rate
- 4.25 accredited Data Science programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Data Science Programs - Top 10 Most Affordable
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
N/A data science graduates annually
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 for Data Science based on 76% graduation rate, strong graduates, and overall score of undefined/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 76% graduation rate
- Accredited institution
Florida Polytechnic University
N/A data science graduates annually
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 for Data Science based on 81% graduation rate, strong graduates, and overall score of undefined/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- Accredited institution
North Carolina A & T State University
N/A data science graduates annually
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 for Data Science based on 84% graduation rate, strong graduates, and overall score of undefined/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- Accredited institution
University of Florida
N/A data science graduates annually
University of Central Florida
N/A data science graduates annually
University of South Florida
N/A data science graduates annually
Bellevue College
N/A data science graduates annually
University of North Florida
N/A data science graduates annually
University of West Florida
N/A data science graduates annually
Kennesaw State University
N/A data science graduates annually
Best Data Science Programs - Compare Top 5 Most Affordable
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | Public | $3,812 | 76% | N/A |
| #2 Florida Polytechnic University | Lakeland, FL | Public | $3,152 | 81% | N/A |
| #3 North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro, NC | Public | $3,540 | 84% | N/A |
| #4 University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | Public | $4,477 | 95% | N/A |
| #5 University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | Public | $4,478 | 93% | N/A |
Top 25 Most Affordable Data Science Programs 2026
| Rank | Institution | Location | Tuition | Value Score | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | $3,812 | 187.7 | 76% |
| 2 | Florida Polytechnic University | Lakeland, FL | $3,152 | 187.5 | 81% |
| 3 | North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro, NC | $3,540 | 183.9 | 84% |
| 4 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | $4,477 | 177.9 | 95% |
| 5 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $4,478 | 161.1 | 93% |
| 6 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $4,559 | 149.8 | 85% |
| 7 | Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | $4,074 | 149.2 | 96% |
| 8 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | $3,996 | 146.4 | 82% |
| 9 | University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | $3,735 | 146.2 | 84% |
| 10 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA | $4,450 | 139.1 | 66% |
| 11 | University of North Carolina Wilmington | Wilmington, NC | $4,443 | 135.5 | 79% |
| 12 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo, CA | $5,742 | 132.9 | 100% |
| 13 | San Diego State University | San Diego, CA | $5,742 | 132.3 | 83% |
| 14 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | $7,019 | 130.8 | 93% |
| 15 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | Norman, OK | $5,070 | 130.2 | 88% |
| 16 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Raleigh, NC | $6,535 | 127.2 | 85% |
| 17 | Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | $5,140 | 123.4 | 99% |
| 18 | Appalachian State University | Boone, NC | $4,242 | 117.7 | 78% |
| 19 | San Jose State University | San Jose, CA | $5,742 | 115.5 | 100% |
| 20 | California State University-Long Beach | Long Beach, CA | $5,742 | 115.2 | 73% |
| 21 | Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | $7,158 | 114 | 94% |
| 22 | University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Lafayette, LA | $5,407 | 113.4 | 98% |
| 23 | Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY | $7,070 | 111.9 | 89% |
| 24 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | Pomona, CA | $5,742 | 111.3 | 87% |
| 25 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | $5,471 | 111.1 | 92% |
Affordable Data Science Degrees: Quality Education Without the Debt
Data Science education doesn't require six-figure debt. Our analysis of accredited programs reveals exceptional value opportunities, with the most affordable in-state programs delivering quality education at a fraction of private school costs.
Public universities in Southern and Western states lead our affordable rankings, offering strong academics with affordable tuition. These programs maintain competitive graduation rates, industry partnerships, and excellent job placement—proving that cost doesn't determine quality in data science education.
Our methodology prioritizes total value by calculating a Value Score that divides academic quality metrics by tuition cost. This ensures we're recommending programs that deliver the best education for your dollar, not just the cheapest options regardless of quality. See our full ranking methodology for details on how we calculate Value Scores.
Career Paths
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets to extract business insights and build predictive models
Data Analyst
SOC 15-2041Collect, process, and perform statistical analyses on large datasets
Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design and implement machine learning systems and algorithms
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2031Transform data into actionable business intelligence and strategic recommendations
Statistician
SOC 15-2041Apply statistical methods to collect, analyze, and interpret data
Quantitative Analyst
SOC 15-2031Use mathematical and statistical modeling for financial market analysis
Most Affordable States for Data Science Education
North Carolina
Florida
Louisiana
California
Idaho
Montana
Utah
New York
Wisconsin
Texas
Tennessee
Iowa
Maryland
Indiana
Financial Aid Strategies for Data Science Students
Even the most affordable programs can be made more accessible through strategic financial aid planning. Federal Pell Grants can cover up to $7,395 annually for eligible students, potentially covering most tuition costs at the lowest-priced public universities.
Data science students should explore STEM-specific scholarships and grants which often have less competition than general academic scholarships. Many technology companies offer education sponsorship programs for students in data science and related fields.
- Complete FAFSA applications by priority deadlines - typically December 1st
- Research state-specific grants for STEM students in your state
- Apply for scholarships from professional organizations (ASA, IEEE, ACM)
- Consider employer tuition reimbursement programs if working
- Explore research assistantships and teaching opportunities for advanced students
Students should also investigate employer tuition reimbursement programs which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for working professionals pursuing data science degrees part-time.
Most Affordable Program Spotlights
The following five programs represent the best combination of affordability and quality in data science education. Each offers unique advantages while maintaining costs well below national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 166 programs from IPEDS 2023 (tuition $2K-$35K, 40%+ grad rate, 10+ graduates)
Our Best Value algorithm calculates Value Score = Quality Score / (Tuition / $10,000). This rewards schools delivering quality education at reasonable prices.
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023, weighted at 35% of the Quality Score
Number of Data Science graduates indicating program resources and faculty (IPEDS 2023)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
R1 research universities receive bonus points for institutional quality
Data Sources & Methodology
2023 tuition, fees, graduation rates, and enrollment data for all accredited institutions
May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for data science careers
2024 earnings data and employment outcomes for program graduates
Graduation and completion rate verification 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.