Top 3 Data Science Programs in Ohio 2025
The Ohio State University
Leading public data science program with strong industry partnerships in Columbus tech corridor and excellent career placement rates
Case Western Reserve University
Top-tier private program with 8:1 student-faculty ratio and strong research opportunities in healthcare analytics
University of Cincinnati
Innovative co-op program providing real-world experience with top employers like Procter & Gamble and GE
- 1.Ohio has 35+ accredited data science and analytics bachelor's programs across public and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.The Ohio State University ranks #1 in Ohio with 87% graduation rate and strong Columbus tech industry connections
- 3.Ohio data scientists earn median $112,480 annually—competitive with national averages and lower cost of living (BLS Ohio 2024)
- 4.Major employers include Nationwide Insurance, Progressive, KeyBank, and growing fintech sector in Columbus
- 5.Strong co-op and internship programs with companies like Procter & Gamble, GE Aviation, and Cleveland Clinic provide hands-on experience
Data Science Education Landscape in Ohio
Ohio offers excellent data science education opportunities across major metropolitan areas, with strong programs at flagship universities and growing regional options. The state's diverse economy—spanning finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology—creates abundant opportunities for data science graduates.
For national perspective, see our best data science bachelor's programs ranking. Students considering costs should review our most affordable data science programs guide. Career-focused students can explore our data scientist salary guide for detailed compensation insights.
Ohio's strategic location and lower cost of living make it an attractive option for students seeking quality data science education without the premium costs of coastal markets. The state's strong industrial base in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing provides diverse internship and career opportunities.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Ohio May 2024, Ohio Department of Education
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 data
Class size and accessibility to professors
Ohio-specific salaries and job placement rates
Research opportunities and industry partnerships
Ohio Data Science Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Ohio State University | Columbus | Public | $11,936 | 87% | 19:1 | 94.2 |
| 2 | Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland | Private | $62,310 | 90% | 8:1 | 92.8 |
| 3 | University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati | Public | $12,784 | 75% | 17:1 | 89.5 |
| 4 | Miami University | Oxford | Public | $16,678 | 82% | 17:1 | 87.3 |
| 5 | University of Dayton | Dayton | Private | $46,170 | 81% | 14:1 | 85.9 |
| 6 | Kent State University | Kent | Public | $11,631 | 69% | 21:1 | 83.4 |
| 7 | Wright State University | Dayton | Public | $10,098 | 55% | 18:1 | 81.2 |
| 8 | Bowling Green State University | Bowling Green | Public | $11,057 | 65% | 18:1 | 79.8 |
| 9 | Cleveland State University | Cleveland | Public | $11,260 | 54% | 17:1 | 78.5 |
| 10 | University of Toledo | Toledo | Public | $10,574 | 58% | 20:1 | 77.1 |
| 11 | Ohio University | Athens | Public | $13,352 | 67% | 16:1 | 75.9 |
| 12 | Youngstown State University | Youngstown | Public | $9,017 | 48% | 15:1 | 74.6 |
| 13 | Xavier University | Cincinnati | Private | $43,940 | 79% | 11:1 | 73.2 |
| 14 | Oberlin College | Oberlin | Private | $61,724 | 87% | 9:1 | 71.8 |
| 15 | Denison University | Granville | Private | $57,590 | 84% | 9:1 | 70.5 |
| 16 | Akron University | Akron | Public | $11,658 | 55% | 19:1 | 69.1 |
| 17 | Central State University | Wilberforce | Public | $6,246 | 35% | 13:1 | 67.8 |
| 18 | Cedarville University | Cedarville | Private | $34,710 | 74% | 13:1 | 66.4 |
| 19 | Muskingum University | New Concord | Private | $30,298 | 63% | 13:1 | 65.2 |
| 20 | Ohio Northern University | Ada | Private | $35,590 | 70% | 11:1 | 63.9 |
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH • University
Program Highlights
- • 87% graduation rate—highest among Ohio public universities
- • Average starting salary of $85,000 for data science graduates
- • Direct recruitment pipeline with Columbus Fortune 500 companies
- • State-of-the-art Dreese Labs with dedicated data science facilities
Program Strengths
- Comprehensive curriculum covering statistics, machine learning, and business analytics
- Strong industry partnerships with Nationwide Insurance, Cardinal Health, and JPMorgan Chase
- Access to high-performance computing resources and modern data labs
- Active research opportunities in healthcare informatics and financial analytics
Why Ranked #1
Ohio State leads our Ohio rankings with the state's most comprehensive data science program, combining strong academic rigor with exceptional industry connections in the rapidly growing Columbus tech corridor.
Student Reviews
"The co-op program at Ohio State helped me land internships with two Fortune 500 companies before graduation. The hands-on experience was invaluable."
— 2024 Graduate, Data Science
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH • University
Program Highlights
- • 90% graduation rate—highest in Ohio
- • 50%+ of graduates pursue advanced degrees at top universities
- • Access to medical center data for real-world healthcare projects
- • $15M+ in active data science research grants
Program Strengths
- Exceptional 8:1 student-faculty ratio enabling personalized attention
- Strong emphasis on statistical theory and mathematical foundations
- Cutting-edge research in biomedical informatics and healthcare data
- Close partnerships with Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals
Why Ranked #2
Case Western combines rigorous academics with outstanding research opportunities, particularly in healthcare analytics, making it ideal for students seeking graduate school preparation or research-focused careers.
Student Reviews
"The research opportunities here are amazing. I worked on a machine learning project analyzing cancer data that led to a publication before I graduated."
— 2024 Graduate, Data Science
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH • University
Program Highlights
- • 100% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- • Average of $25,000 earned during co-op experiences
- • Direct hiring pipeline with P&G, GE, and Fifth Third Bank
- • 75% of students receive full-time offers from co-op employers
Program Strengths
- Mandatory co-op program with guaranteed professional experience
- Strong industry connections with Fortune 500 headquarters in Cincinnati
- Emphasis on applied analytics and business intelligence
- Modern facilities in the recently renovated Engineering Research Center
Why Ranked #3
Cincinnati's innovative cooperative education program sets it apart, providing students with up to 18 months of paid professional experience with leading companies like Procter & Gamble and GE Aviation.
Student Reviews
"The co-op program made all the difference. I graduated with two years of real work experience and a job offer from my co-op employer."
— 2024 Graduate, Data Analytics
Ohio University Systems and Data Science Options
Ohio's higher education landscape provides diverse pathways for data science education across public and private institutions. The state university system offers affordable options with strong industry connections, while private universities provide smaller class sizes and research opportunities.
Ohio State University System leads with flagship programs in Columbus. Ohio State's data science program benefits from proximity to major employers like Nationwide Insurance, Cardinal Health, and a growing fintech sector. Regional campuses in Lima, Mansfield, Marion, and Newark provide additional access points.
University System of Ohio includes comprehensive universities like Cincinnati, Toledo, and Kent State, each offering unique strengths. Cincinnati's co-op program is nationally recognized, while Kent State provides affordable tuition with solid career outcomes.
Private Universities like Case Western Reserve and University of Dayton offer smaller class sizes and extensive research opportunities. These programs often provide better graduate school preparation and access to cutting-edge research facilities.
Career Paths
Analyze complex datasets to extract business insights and build predictive models
Business Intelligence Analyst
Transform raw data into actionable business intelligence for decision-making
Design and implement ML systems and algorithms for production environments
Financial Analyst
Apply quantitative analysis to investment decisions and risk assessment
Operations Research Analyst
Use statistical and mathematical methods to solve complex business problems
Data Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
| Factor | Public Universities | Private Universities | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average In-State Tuition | $11,500 | $45,200 | Public |
| Average Class Size | 25-35 students | 15-20 students | Private |
| Research Opportunities | Good | Excellent | Private |
| Industry Partnerships | Strong | Moderate | Public |
| Job Placement Rate | 85% | 90% | Private |
| Financial Aid Availability | Good | Excellent | Private |
Which Should You Choose?
- Affordable, high-quality public education options
- Strong industry connections with Fortune 500 companies
- Lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs
- Hands-on experience through co-op and internship programs
- Diverse career opportunities across finance, healthcare, and manufacturing
- Access to Silicon Valley tech giants and startups
- Higher starting salaries (but also higher living costs)
- More specialized AI/ML research opportunities
- International tech company headquarters
- Venture capital and startup ecosystem exposure
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Data Science Programs
Related Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database providing comprehensive data on tuition, graduation rates, and student demographics for all accredited institutions
Official state-level employment and wage data for data science and related occupations
State education data including program accreditation and institutional quality metrics
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.