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Key Takeaways
Best data science degree programs: U of Oklahoma-Norman, U of Tulsa, Northeastern State
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,210 to $46,932/year
Seminole State College offers the most affordable option at $3,210/yr
Data Science degree programs available: 2 associate's, 6 master's, 3 doctoral in Oklahoma
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Oklahoma community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
2 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Paycom, Devon Energy, ONEOK, Love's Travel Stops
Tech hubs in Oklahoma City and Tulsa
Hakia Research 2026
Data Science degree programs near 50+ cities across Oklahoma
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Oklahoma Data Science programs
We rank 18 accredited data science programs in Oklahoma using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Data Science Degree Programs in Oklahoma Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Science Degree Rankings in Oklahoma
Compare the top-ranked Data Science programs in Oklahoma by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Data Science Programs in Oklahoma
Program Landscape
Oklahoma offers 2 accredited associate's degree programs in data science, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Seminole State College, Murray State College, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Oklahoma offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $4,020/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $49,137 in Oklahoma.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Oklahoma's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Paycom, Devon Energy, ONEOK hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among data science schools in Oklahoma, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their data science degrees in Oklahoma.
Best Bachelor's Data Science Programs in Oklahoma
Program Landscape
Oklahoma ranks among the nation's top destinations for data science education, with 7 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 5 public and 2 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Oklahoma-Norman, U of Tulsa, Northeastern State, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Oklahoma data science programs earn a median salary of $75,939, 23% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Paycom, Devon Energy, ONEOK.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $5,070 to $46,932 annually, with an average of $14,442/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 86%, with the highest reaching 88%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Oklahoma's leading technology employers. For students seeking data science degrees in Oklahoma, these top-ranked data science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Show all 7 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Oklahoma Christian University | Edmond, OK | Private | $24,550 | — | 37.7 |
| #7 | University of Central Oklahoma | Edmond, OK | Public | $7,284 | — | 33.6 |
Best Master's Data Science Programs in Oklahoma
Program Landscape
Oklahoma offers 6 master's degree programs in data science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Oklahoma-Norman, U of Central Oklahoma, U of Tulsa, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Oklahoma earn a median salary of $89,340, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Paycom, Devon Energy, ONEOK actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $20,292/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Oklahoma's data science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Oklahoma Christian University
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Oral Roberts University | Tulsa, OK | Private | $32,500 | 96% | 41.3 |
Best Doctoral Data Science Programs in Oklahoma
Program Landscape
Oklahoma is home to 3 doctoral programs in data science, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Oklahoma-Norman, U of Tulsa, Oklahoma State are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Oklahoma PhD holders earning a median of $111,675, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Paycom, Devon Energy, ONEOK.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Oklahoma programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing data science degrees in Oklahoma, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
Data Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Oklahoma
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $14,164/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $35,410/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,541/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $84,984 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $21,246 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Science Students in Oklahoma
State Aid Programs
Oklahoma students pursuing data science degrees have access to multiple layers of financial support, starting with federal aid programs. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) remains the gateway to federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities available through Federal Student Aid. Additionally, Oklahoma's Promise is a state-specific grant program that covers tuition at Oklahoma public institutions for students who enrolled in 8th–10th grade, providing significant savings for eligible learners. This program represents a major advantage for Oklahoma residents planning their higher education path early. Students should also explore institutional scholarships offered by schools like the University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus and Oklahoma State University-Main Campus, which rank among the top data science programs in the state.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal programs, prospective students should leverage resources from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, which oversees financial aid policy and institutional funding across the state (Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education). Many institutions offer merit-based scholarships for strong academic performers and need-based aid packages tailored to individual circumstances. Community college pathways, available through institutions like Oklahoma City Community College and Tulsa Community College, often provide cost-effective entry points before transferring to four-year programs. The Oklahoma Course Transfer and Articulation system facilitates seamless transfers while maintaining financial aid eligibility (Oklahoma Course Transfer and Articulation). Students should review the College Scorecard to compare aid availability and net price across Oklahoma's data science programs.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator, Oklahoma
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data science degree in Oklahoma. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a data science degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+697%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,289,731
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$114,286
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Data Science Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Oklahoma metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | $98K |
| Tulsa | $94K |
| Norman | $89K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Data Science Graduates in Oklahoma
Find data science jobs in Oklahoma. These major employers across Oklahoma metro areas are actively hiring data science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Science Jobs in Oklahoma City
OKData Science Jobs in Tulsa
OKTransfer Pathways for Data Science Degrees in Oklahoma
State Transfer System
Oklahoma provides a well-structured transfer system enabling students to begin their data science education at two-year institutions and seamlessly transition to four-year universities. The Oklahoma Course Transfer and Articulation (OCTA) system provides statewide course transfer agreements and articulation pathways, ensuring that credits earned at 28 two-year institutions transfer with full credit to bachelor's programs. Students pursuing associate's degrees in data science at institutions like Oklahoma City Community College ($3,025 tuition) or Tulsa Community College ($2,976 tuition) can transfer directly into bachelor's programs at major universities, significantly reducing overall education costs. This pathway is particularly valuable given Oklahoma's affordable public in-state tuition average of $5,487 at four-year institutions, allowing students to save thousands while completing general education and foundational courses.
How Transfers Work
The OCTA system maintains detailed course-to-course equivalencies and guaranteed transfer agreements between community colleges and universities, eliminating credit loss and ensuring timely degree completion. Students should work with academic advisors at their starting institution to map courses that will transfer directly into data science bachelor's programs at universities like the University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus or Oklahoma State University-Main Campus. In addition to OCTA, Oklahoma's Promise program provides additional financial support for eligible students. Four-year institutions in Oklahoma total 31, providing numerous options for degree completion following community college study. For detailed information on specific transfer agreements and course mappings, visit the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education website. Students seeking broader program comparisons may also explore best online programs and most affordable programs nationally to identify additional pathways.
Why Pursue a Data Science Degree in Oklahoma?
Industry & Workforce
Oklahoma offers a strong and accessible pathway to data science education with 21 institutions currently offering programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). In 2023, Oklahoma awarded 211 bachelor's completions, 99 master's completions, and 15 doctoral completions in data science, demonstrating strong workforce development in this high-demand field. The state's public four-year institutions maintain an average in-state tuition of just $5,487, making Oklahoma one of the most affordable options for quality data science education. Top-performing schools like the University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus and Oklahoma State University-Main Campus lead the nation in program quality while keeping costs accessible to Oklahoma residents.
Salary Outlook
Oklahoma's major metropolitan areas. Oklahoma City and Tulsa, serve as thriving technology and business hubs with significant employer presence. Major employers including Integris Health, Tinker Air Force Base, and American Airlines actively seek data science professionals, creating strong job placement opportunities for graduates. Students pursuing data science in Oklahoma benefit from proximity to these economic centers while enjoying lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs. Additionally, Oklahoma's Promise program covers tuition at public institutions for eligible students, further reducing financial barriers to education. For those exploring related fields, Oklahoma also offers strong programs in Data Analytics, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence.
Data Science Program Availability in Oklahoma
Source: IPEDS 2024
Data Science Job Market & Salary Data in Oklahoma
Employment Outlook
Oklahoma's data science job market is experiencing steady growth, supported by a diverse employer base across multiple industries and metropolitan regions. The state's two largest metro areas. Oklahoma City and Tulsa, serve as primary employment hubs for data science professionals, with opportunities spanning healthcare, defense, aviation, and technology sectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Oklahoma's labor market shows consistent demand for skilled data professionals. The state's strategic geographic location and business-friendly environment have attracted major employers seeking data-driven talent to support their operations and digital transformation initiatives.
Salaries by Metro
Data science education in Oklahoma supports this growing job market through 21 institutions offering programs at various levels. The state produced 211 bachelor's degree completions, 99 master's degree completions, and 15 doctoral degree completions in 2023, according to IPEDS data. These graduates fill positions with major employers throughout Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and surrounding regions. The affordability of Oklahoma's public higher education system, with average in-state tuition at $5,487 for four-year institutions, enables broader access to data science training. This accessible pathway to education helps develop a competitive talent pool that meets the state's growing demand for analytics and data engineering expertise.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Data Science Programs in Oklahoma
Online Programs
0 available in Oklahoma
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Data Science Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 77
- Median Tuition
- $8,700
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $7,700
- Total Programs
- 33
- Median Tuition
- $14,400
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $10,000
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $6,800
- Total Programs
- 180
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 43
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Data Science Degree Programs in Oklahoma: FAQ
What are the best data science degree programs in Oklahoma?
How much do data science degree programs cost in Oklahoma?
What salary can data science degree graduates earn in Oklahoma?
Are there online data science degree programs in Oklahoma?
What companies hire data science degree graduates in Oklahoma?
Is a data science degree program worth it in Oklahoma?
How long do data science degree programs take in Oklahoma?
What financial aid is available for data science degree students in Oklahoma?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Oklahoma salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.