Top 3 Data Science Programs in Pennsylvania 2025
Carnegie Mellon University
431 Data Science graduates annually, 98% graduation rate
University of Pennsylvania
150 Data Science graduates annually, 100% graduation rate
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
240 Data Science graduates annually, 87% graduation rate
- 1.Pennsylvania has 35+ accredited data science and analytics bachelor's programs across public and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Carnegie Mellon University ranks #1 in Pennsylvania with 91% graduation rate and direct pipeline to tech giants like Google and Amazon
- 3.Penn State offers exceptional value at $18,898 in-state tuition for nationally-ranked data science education
- 4.Pennsylvania data scientists earn median $118,890 annually—13% above national median (BLS Pennsylvania 2024)
- 5.Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg metro areas provide 12,500+ data science jobs with companies like Comcast, UPMC, and Vanguard
Data Science Education Landscape in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers diverse data science educational opportunities, from world-renowned private institutions like Carnegie Mellon and UPenn to excellent public options through the Penn State system. The state's strong presence in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing provides abundant internship and career opportunities for data science graduates.
For national context, review our best data science bachelor's programs nationwide. Cost-conscious students should examine our most affordable data science programs guide. Career-focused students can explore detailed data scientist salary data to understand Pennsylvania's competitive compensation landscape.
Pennsylvania's data science programs benefit from proximity to major tech hubs in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, plus established industries requiring advanced analytics. The state's research universities provide exceptional opportunities for undergraduate research in machine learning, biostatistics, and business analytics.
Pennsylvania Data Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | — | 96.9 |
| 2 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | Private | $58,620 | 100% | — | 83.3 |
| 3 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | — | 75.6 |
| 4 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | Pittsburgh, PA | Public | $20,154 | 88% | — | 75.4 |
| 5 | Lehigh University | Bethlehem, PA | Private | $61,180 | 81% | — | 73.8 |
| 6 | Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA | Private | $58,293 | — | — | 60.6 |
| 7 | Bryn Mawr College | Bryn Mawr, PA | Private | $61,190 | 98% | — | 60.6 |
| 8 | Haverford College | Haverford, PA | Private | $67,522 | 94% | — | 58.1 |
| 9 | Villanova University | Villanova, PA | Private | $63,806 | — | — | 55.7 |
| 10 | Bucknell University | Lewisburg, PA | Private | $64,418 | 94% | — | 55.1 |
| 11 | Moravian University | Bethlehem, PA | Private | $50,069 | 93% | — | 54 |
| 12 | Ursinus College | Collegeville, PA | Private | $59,196 | 99% | — | 49.9 |
| 13 | Juniata College | Huntingdon, PA | Private | $55,322 | 87% | — | 48.5 |
| 14 | Central Penn College | Summerdale, PA | For-Profit | $18,324 | — | — | 47.8 |
| 15 | University of Scranton | Scranton, PA | Private | $51,534 | 88% | — | 47.4 |
Showing 1–15 of 50
Top 5 Data Science Programs in Pennsylvania: Side-by-Side
| School | Carnegie Mellon | U of Pennsylvania | Eastern | Penn State | U of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $62,260 | $58,620 | $36,760 | $19,672 | $20,154 |
| Graduation Rate | 98% | 100% | 81% | 87% | 88% |
| Annual Graduates | 431 | 290 | 468 | 240 | 217 |
| Acceptance Rate | 11% | 6% | 94% | 54% | 50% |
| Type | Private | Private | Private | Public | Public |
| Score | 95.4/100 | 90.6/100 | 74.9/100 | 74.5/100 | 74.4/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Science in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers 50 bachelor's-level data science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $76,181 in the Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Carnegie Mellon | $62,260 | 98% | 431 | 95.4 |
| #2 U of Pennsylvania | $58,620 | 100% | 150 | 83.3 |
| #3 Penn State | $19,672 | 87% | 240 | 74.5 |
Top Data Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Pennsylvania
For graduate study, Pennsylvania offers 18 master's-level data science programs. Leading institutions include University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, Eastern University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Pennsylvania reaching $141,479 or more.
Top 3 Data Science Master's Programs in Pennsylvania
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Pennsylvania | $58,620 | 100% | 290 | 90.6 |
| #2 Carnegie Mellon | $62,260 | 98% | 110 | 77.9 |
| #3 Eastern | $36,760 | 81% | 468 | 74.9 |
Most Affordable Data Science Colleges in Pennsylvania
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data science programs in Pennsylvania are at West Chester University of Pennsylvania ($7,716/year), Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania ($7,716/year), Kutztown University of Pennsylvania ($7,716/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Pennsylvania's competitive tech salaries.
At West Chester University of Pennsylvania, a 4-year degree costs approximately $30,864 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $76,181, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years.
Most Affordable Data Science Programs in Pennsylvania (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 West Chester University... | $7,716 | $30,864 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Commonwealth University... | $7,716 | $30,864 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 Kutztown University of... | $7,716 | $30,864 | 0.7 years | Public |
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $62,260 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 98% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 431 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 11%
- • Ranking Score: 95.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 431 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 95.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (98%), program size (431 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (11% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Master of Science in Applied Data Science features real consulting projects with industry and academic clients, extensive training in industry-valued applications like R, Python, PySpark, and SQL, and specialized professional skills courses taught by industry leaders to develop client-facing and workplace collaboration skills.
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $58,620 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 290 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 6%
- • Ranking Score: 90.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 290 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 90.6 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (290 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (6% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Penn offers both undergraduate and graduate data science programs with flexible transfer options and accelerated master's pathways. The program emphasizes practical skills through required courses in probability, programming, and machine learning with strong career services support.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Probability
- •Programming Languages and Techniques
- •Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science
- •Data Structures and Algorithms
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.4
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 33 course units
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Eastern University
Saint Davids, PA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $36,760 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 468 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 94%
- • Ranking Score: 74.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 468 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 74.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (468 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (94% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Eastern University offers an MS in Data Science with 30 credits requiring foundational courses in R, SQL, machine learning, and ethical issues, with flexible electives including AI, cloud computing, and natural language processing. The program includes both theoretical foundations and practical applications with capstone projects focusing on ethical considerations in data science.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credits
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $19,672 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 240 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 54%
- • Ranking Score: 74.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 240 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 74.5 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (240 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (54% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The B.S. Data Sciences program leverages resources from three colleges to provide both depth and breadth in data sciences, positioning students to uncover patterns and actionable insights from massive amounts of unstructured data. Students can choose from three specialized options and explore application focus areas including Astronomy, Business Fundamentals, Economics, Food Science, and Information and Cybersecurity Sciences.
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $20,154 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 88% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 217 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 50%
- • Ranking Score: 74.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 88% graduation rate
- 217 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 74.4 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (88%), program size (217 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (50% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The B.S. in Data Science program provides foundational training in four critical areas (data, algorithmic, mathematical, and statistical literacy) with flexible specialization tracks and connects theory to real-world problem solving. Students can pursue specialized areas through four distinct tracks and complete faculty-guided research projects.
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets to extract business insights and build predictive models for Pennsylvania's healthcare, finance, and manufacturing sectors
Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1299Design and implement ML systems for companies like Comcast, UPMC, and emerging Pittsburgh tech startups
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-1299Transform data into actionable business insights for Pennsylvania's diverse economy including healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services
Quantitative Analyst
SOC 15-2099Apply statistical models to financial markets, particularly strong opportunities with Vanguard and other Philadelphia-area financial firms
Research Scientist
SOC 19-1042Conduct data-driven research in academia, healthcare systems like UPMC, or pharmaceutical companies concentrated in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania University Systems for Data Science
Pennsylvania's higher education landscape includes several university systems offering data science programs at different levels and price points.
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) includes 10 universities offering affordable data science and analytics programs. West Chester University and California University of Pennsylvania (now Pennsylvania Western University) provide quality programs at under $13,000 annual tuition for in-state students.
Penn State System operates multiple campuses beyond University Park. Penn State Harrisburg and Penn State Berks offer data science programs with smaller class sizes and lower costs while maintaining connection to the flagship research university.
Private Universities like Carnegie Mellon, UPenn, and Drexel offer premium data science education with extensive research opportunities and industry connections. While more expensive, these programs often provide better job placement rates and higher starting salaries.
Students interested in related programs should explore computer science programs in Pennsylvania or artificial intelligence degrees in Pennsylvania for additional options.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Pennsylvania
Data Science Programs in Other States
California
New York
Texas
Massachusetts
Illinois
Washington
Florida
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to top-tier programs like Carnegie Mellon and UPenn without California competition
- Strong job market in healthcare analytics (UPMC system), finance (Vanguard), and emerging tech
- Affordable public options through Penn State system with excellent value
- Proximity to major East Coast markets including New York and Washington DC
- Four-season climate with lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs
- Maximum program variety (California and Texas have 40+ programs vs Pennsylvania's 15)
- Guaranteed warm weather and outdoor lifestyle year-round
- Immediate access to Silicon Valley tech culture and startup ecosystem
- The absolute lowest cost programs (some Southern and Midwest states offer cheaper options)
- Major tech company headquarters (Google, Apple, Amazon are not headquartered in PA)
Pennsylvania Data Science Programs FAQ
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
Graduation rates, enrollment data, and institutional characteristics for 2023
Pennsylvania-specific salary data for data scientists and related occupations, May 2024
Program reputation and selectivity metrics for Pennsylvania universities
Employment outcomes and salary data from individual institution career placement offices
Alumni salary progression and return on investment calculations
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024
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.