Top 3 Data Science Programs in North Carolina 2025
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
427 Data Science graduates annually, 93% graduation rate
Duke University
493 Data Science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
367 Data Science graduates annually, 85% graduation rate
- 1.North Carolina has 20+ data science bachelor's programs across the UNC System, NC State, and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Duke University ranks #1 in North Carolina with 94% graduation rate and extensive Research Triangle industry connections
- 3.NC State offers top-tier public data science education at $9,101 in-state tuition with strong tech industry placement
- 4.North Carolina data scientists earn median $95,540 annually—above the national median with lower cost of living (BLS NC 2024)
- 5.Research Triangle Park houses 300+ tech companies including IBM, SAS, and Cisco providing extensive internship and career opportunities
Data Science Education in North Carolina Overview
North Carolina has emerged as a premier destination for data science education, anchored by the Research Triangle Park region. The state offers a unique combination of world-class universities, affordable tuition rates, and exceptional career opportunities in one of the nation's largest tech hubs.
The Research Triangle—formed by Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill—hosts Duke University, NC State, and UNC Chapel Hill within 30 miles of each other. This concentration creates unparalleled opportunities for cross-institutional collaboration, internships, and career networking. Students benefit from proximity to SAS Institute (the world's largest privately-held software company), IBM's largest software development facility, and hundreds of biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
For national comparisons, see our best data science bachelor's programs ranking. Students considering cost should review our most affordable data science programs guide. Those interested in career outcomes should explore our comprehensive data scientist salary guide for detailed compensation analysis.
North Carolina Data Science Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | Public | $7,019 | 93% | — | 86.8 |
| 2 | Duke University | Durham, NC | Private | $63,450 | — | — | 80.3 |
| 3 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Raleigh, NC | Public | $6,535 | 85% | — | 78.1 |
| 4 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | Public | $3,812 | 76% | — | 76.3 |
| 5 | Davidson College | Davidson, NC | Private | $59,510 | 100% | — | 67.1 |
| 6 | Wake Forest University | Winston-Salem, NC | Private | $63,608 | 97% | — | 66.6 |
| 7 | University of North Carolina Wilmington | Wilmington, NC | Public | $4,443 | 79% | — | 56.3 |
| 8 | Elon University | Elon, NC | Private | $44,029 | 94% | — | 54.9 |
| 9 | Appalachian State University | Boone, NC | Public | $4,242 | 78% | — | 49.2 |
| 10 | North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro, NC | Public | $3,540 | 84% | — | 49.1 |
| 11 | High Point University | High Point, NC | Private | $38,748 | 76% | — | 45.3 |
| 12 | Shaw University | Raleigh, NC | Private | $12,408 | — | — | 44.6 |
| 13 | Carolina University | Winston-Salem, NC | Private | $13,400 | 59% | — | 44.1 |
| 14 | Gardner-Webb University | Boiling Springs, NC | Private | $32,470 | 93% | — | 43.6 |
| 15 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Greensboro, NC | Public | $4,422 | — | — | 41.2 |
Showing 1–15 of 24
Top 5 Data Science Programs in North Carolina: Side-by-Side
| School | UNC Chapel Hill | NC State | Duke | U of North Carolina at... | Davidson College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,019 | $6,535 | $63,450 | $3,812 | $59,510 |
| Graduation Rate | 93% | 85% | N/A% | 76% | 100% |
| Annual Graduates | 427 | 545 | 493 | 644 | 54 |
| Acceptance Rate | 19% | 40% | 7% | 80% | 14% |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Public | Private |
| Score | 86.8/100 | 84.2/100 | 80.3/100 | 76.3/100 | 70.4/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Science in North Carolina
North Carolina offers 24 bachelor's-level data science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, North Carolina State University at Raleigh. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,138 in the North Carolina 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 North Carolina
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UNC Chapel Hill | $7,019 | 93% | 427 | 86.8 |
| #2 Duke | $63,450 | N/A% | 493 | 80.3 |
| #3 NC State | $6,535 | 85% | 367 | 78.1 |
Top Data Science Schools for Master's Degrees in North Carolina
For graduate study, North Carolina offers 11 master's-level data science programs. Leading institutions include North Carolina State University at Raleigh, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Duke University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in North Carolina reaching $139,542 or more.
Top 3 Data Science Master's Programs in North Carolina
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 NC State | $6,535 | 85% | 545 | 84.2 |
| #2 U of North Carolina at... | $3,812 | 76% | 383 | 70.4 |
| #3 Duke | $63,450 | N/A% | 141 | 66.8 |
Most Affordable Data Science Colleges in North Carolina
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data science programs in North Carolina are at Elizabeth City State University ($1,000/year), Western Carolina University ($1,000/year), Fayetteville State University ($1,000/year). These programs offer strong ROI given North Carolina's competitive tech salaries.
At Elizabeth City State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $4,000 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,138, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.1 years.
Most Affordable Data Science Programs in North Carolina (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Elizabeth City State | $1,000 | $4,000 | 0.1 years | Public |
| #2 Western Carolina | $1,000 | $4,000 | 0.1 years | Public |
| #3 Fayetteville State | $1,000 | $4,000 | 0.1 years | Public |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,019 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 427 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 19%
- • Ranking Score: 86.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 427 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 86.8 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (427 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,340), and selectivity (19% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UNC-Chapel Hill offers both B.A. and B.S. Data Science degrees with six core competencies including responsible data science and AI/ML, plus an online Master of Applied Data Science program. The program emphasizes ethical data practices and provides mentored research opportunities with access to a robust alumni network of 360,000+ members worldwide.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Programming (Python or Java)
- •Linear Algebra
- •Statistics and Probability
- •Calculus
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.000
Program Details
- Credits: 44-45 credits for B.A., minimum 45 academic credit hours from UNC-Chapel Hill required
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: over 95% of graduates entering full-time employment or further education within six months of graduation
Available Specializations / Concentrations
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,535 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 85% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 545 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 40%
- • Ranking Score: 84.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 85% graduation rate
- 545 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 84.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (85%), program size (545 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,340), and selectivity (40% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
NC State's Computer Science program is ABET-accredited and located on Centennial Campus, offering three concentrations and three elective tracks with industrial partnerships through the Senior Design Center. The university ranks #10 for value among public universities and #1 for salary potential among North Carolina public universities.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •MA 141 Calculus I
- •MA 241 Calculus II
- •CH 101 Chemistry - A Molecular Science
- •PY 205 Physics for Engineers and Scientists I
Admissions
- Acceptance Rate: 39.46%
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 121 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Duke University
Durham, NC • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $63,450 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 493 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 7%
- • Ranking Score: 80.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 493 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 80.3 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (493 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,340), and selectivity (7% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Duke's MIDS program cultivates quantitative thought leaders who use disruptive computational strategies to generate innovation, combining rigorous technical training with field knowledge and collaborative leadership practice. The program requires a unique video presentation component and offers capstone partnerships with industry.
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •COMPSCI 101L, 102, or 116
- •MATH 111L
- •MATH 112L
- •Probability: STA 230, STA 231, or STA 240
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,812 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 76% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 644 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 80%
- • Ranking Score: 76.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 76% graduation rate
- 644 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 76.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (76%), program size (644 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,340), and selectivity (80% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UNC Charlotte's M.S. in Data Science and Business Analytics is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for high-demand roles in financial services, energy, retail, supply chain, and healthcare. The program combines business, computer science, statistics, and operations research with graduates earning an average salary of $151,346, which is 22% higher than the national average.
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •one semester of calculus
- •one semester of statistics
- •current working knowledge of one higher-level Procedural language (Python, C, Java, etc.)
- •familiarity with computer applications
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 33 credit hours
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $151,346
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Davidson College
Davidson, NC • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $59,510 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 54 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 14%
- • Ranking Score: 70.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 54 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 70.4 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (54 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,340), and selectivity (14% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Davidson's Data Science minor is an interdisciplinary program open to students from all academic divisions, designed to complement humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences majors with technical skills in data analysis, programming, and statistics while maintaining the liberal arts educational foundation.
Career Paths
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets to drive business decisions across finance, healthcare, and technology sectors
Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1299Develop and deploy ML models for Research Triangle Park tech companies
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2051Create data-driven insights for banking and financial services in Charlotte
Biostatistician
SOC 15-2041Apply statistical methods to biological and health data in the state's thriving biotech sector
Research Scientist
SOC 19-1042Conduct advanced research in academic institutions and private R&D facilities
North Carolina University Systems for Data Science
North Carolina's data science programs are distributed across several university systems, each offering distinct advantages for students. The state's commitment to higher education has created a comprehensive landscape of options from world-class research universities to affordable regional institutions.
The University of North Carolina System anchors the state's public higher education offerings with 16 campuses. UNC Chapel Hill leads as the flagship with comprehensive research opportunities, while UNC Charlotte serves the state's banking center with business-focused analytics programs. NC State operates as the state's primary technological university with the strongest industry connections in Research Triangle Park.
Private institutions like Duke University and Wake Forest University provide elite education options, while Davidson College offers a liberal arts approach to data science education. Students considering various educational pathways should also explore our data science bootcamps for accelerated training options.
Other Tech Degree Programs in North Carolina
Data Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Massachusetts
Washington
Virginia
Georgia
Florida
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to Research Triangle Park's 300+ tech companies for internships and careers
- Affordable, high-quality education with strong public university options
- Proximity to SAS Institute headquarters and major IBM development center
- Lower cost of living compared to California or New York tech hubs
- Strong biotech and pharmaceutical industry presence for healthcare analytics
- Mild climate and outdoor recreational opportunities near campus
- Silicon Valley or Seattle tech scene exposure
- Maximum salary potential regardless of cost of living
- Extensive startup ecosystem and venture capital access
- International tech company headquarters
- Major financial services data science roles
- Comprehensive public transportation systems
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina 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
Tuition, graduation rates, and program enrollment data
North Carolina salary data for data science occupations
Employment and company data for Research Triangle region
University research expenditure data
Source: Research Triangle Park 2024 Economic Profile
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.