Top 3 Data Science Programs in North Carolina 2025
Duke University
Prestigious private university with exceptional statistical science program and direct Research Triangle connections
NC State University
Top public data science program with 7:1 student-faculty ratio and extensive industry partnerships
UNC Chapel Hill
Flagship UNC program combining data science with business applications and healthcare analytics
- 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.
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS North Carolina May 2024, Research Triangle Park data
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 data
Class size and accessibility to faculty
North Carolina-specific salaries and job placement
Curriculum strength and industry partnerships
North Carolina Data Science Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Duke University | Durham | Private | $63,450 | 94% | 6:1 | 96.8 |
| 2 | NC State University | Raleigh | Public | $9,101 | 84% | 7:1 | 94.2 |
| 3 | UNC Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill | Public | $8,980 | 90% | 13:1 | 92.7 |
| 4 | Wake Forest University | Winston-Salem | Private | $60,876 | 88% | 10:1 | 89.5 |
| 5 | Davidson College | Davidson | Private | $56,988 | 92% | 9:1 | 87.3 |
| 6 | UNC Charlotte | Charlotte | Public | $6,918 | 70% | 18:1 | 85.1 |
| 7 | Appalachian State | Boone | Public | $7,320 | 73% | 16:1 | 83.8 |
| 8 | UNC Greensboro | Greensboro | Public | $7,193 | 60% | 17:1 | 81.4 |
| 9 | East Carolina University | Greenville | Public | $7,238 | 65% | 18:1 | 79.9 |
| 10 | UNC Wilmington | Wilmington | Public | $7,363 | 71% | 17:1 | 78.6 |
| 11 | High Point University | High Point | Private | $39,900 | 66% | 14:1 | 76.2 |
| 12 | UNC Asheville | Asheville | Public | $7,386 | 68% | 13:1 | 75.8 |
| 13 | Western Carolina | Cullowhee | Public | $7,469 | 61% | 15:1 | 74.1 |
| 14 | NC A&T State | Greensboro | Public | $6,762 | 54% | 19:1 | 72.5 |
| 15 | UNC Pembroke | Pembroke | Public | $7,056 | 44% | 16:1 | 70.3 |
Duke University
Durham, NC • University
Program Highlights
- • Ranked #10 nationally for undergraduate statistics programs
- • $63,450 tuition with generous need-based financial aid
- • Located 15 minutes from Research Triangle Park
- • Strong alumni network in tech and finance
Program Strengths
- 6:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention
- Direct partnerships with SAS Institute and IBM Research
- 94% graduation rate with median starting salaries exceeding $85,000
- Access to Duke's renowned medical center for healthcare analytics projects
- Comprehensive capstone program with real-world industry problems
Why Ranked #1
Duke's Statistical Science program with data science concentration combines rigorous mathematical foundation with cutting-edge machine learning research. Located in the heart of Research Triangle Park, students benefit from direct access to industry leaders and world-class faculty.
NC State University
Raleigh, NC • University
Program Highlights
- • 84% graduation rate with 95% job placement within 6 months
- • Average starting salary $78,000 for data science graduates
- • Located directly adjacent to Research Triangle Park
- • Partnerships with SAS, IBM, Cisco, and RedHat
Program Strengths
- Only $9,101 annual in-state tuition for nationally-ranked program
- 7:1 student-faculty ratio in upper-level courses
- Extensive co-op program with 200+ partner companies
- State-of-the-art computational facilities and labs
- Strong emphasis on applied statistics and machine learning
Why Ranked #2
NC State's data science program offers exceptional value with top-tier education at public school prices. The university's close ties to Research Triangle Park companies provide unmatched internship and career opportunities for students.
UNC Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC • University
Program Highlights
- • 13:1 student-faculty ratio in major courses
- • Strong placement in healthcare analytics and biotech
- • 20 minutes from Research Triangle Park
- • Extensive study abroad programs with data science focus
Program Strengths
- Flagship UNC campus with $8,980 in-state tuition
- Interdisciplinary approach combining statistics, computer science, and domain expertise
- 90% graduation rate with strong alumni network
- Access to UNC's medical school and business school resources
- Research opportunities in Carolina Population Center
Why Ranked #3
UNC's data science program leverages the flagship university's strengths across multiple disciplines, offering unique concentrations in healthcare analytics, sports analytics, and business intelligence that reflect North Carolina's key industries.
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.
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
Data Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Massachusetts
Washington
Virginia
Georgia
Florida
| Factor | In-State Public | Out-of-State Public | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Tuition | $8,200 | $24,800 | $52,400 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $45,000 | $125,000 | $235,000 |
| Average Class Size | 25-30 | 25-30 | 15-20 |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 16:1 | 16:1 | 9:1 |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive | Extensive | Very Extensive |
| Industry Connections | Strong Regional | Strong Regional | National |
| Financial Aid Availability | Moderate | Limited | Generous |
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
Source: Research Triangle Park 2024 Economic Profile
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina Data Science Programs
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
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.