Top 3 Data Science Programs in Tennessee 2025
Vanderbilt University
198 data science graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
131 data science graduates annually, 73% graduation rate
Middle Tennessee State University
92 data science graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
- 1.Tennessee offers 25+ accredited data science programs across public and private universities
- 2.Vanderbilt University leads with 99% graduation rate
- 3.Tennessee software developers earn median $108,470 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis
- 5.Cost of living index: 93.2% of US average (below average)
Data Science Education in Tennessee: Overview
Tennessee offers 25 accredited data science programs, producing approximately 892 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, with major employers including HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein.
With a median software developer salary of $108,470 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 93.2% compared to the US average, Tennessee offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, further boosting take-home pay.
The top data science programs in the state are led by Vanderbilt University, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Middle Tennessee State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 25 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Data Science degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Tennessee-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Tennessee Data Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | Private | $61,618 | 99% | 98.2 |
| 2 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Knoxville, TN | Public | $11,332 | 73% | 76 |
| 3 | Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro, TN | Public | $7,536 | 97% | 72.8 |
| 4 | Tennessee Technological University | Cookeville, TN | Public | $8,764 | 88% | 72 |
| 5 | The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | Chattanooga, TN | Public | $8,232 | 91% | 65.9 |
| 6 | Austin Peay State University | Clarksville, TN | Public | $7,008 | — | 54.4 |
| 7 | The University of the South | Sewanee, TN | Private | $53,418 | 100% | 53.9 |
| 8 | Rhodes College | Memphis, TN | Private | $54,082 | — | 51.5 |
| 9 | University of Memphis | Memphis, TN | Public | $8,520 | — | 50.5 |
| 10 | Milligan University | Milligan, TN | Private | $37,700 | 86% | 49.8 |
| 11 | Lipscomb University | Nashville, TN | Private | $35,848 | 90% | 49 |
| 12 | Southern Adventist University | Collegedale, TN | Private | $24,350 | 75% | 48.8 |
| 13 | Tennessee State University | Nashville, TN | Public | $7,320 | 88% | 48.6 |
| 14 | The University of Tennessee-Martin | Martin, TN | Public | $8,546 | 94% | 48.5 |
| 15 | Lane College | Jackson, TN | Private | $9,270 | — | 45.6 |
| 16 | South College | Knoxville, TN | For-Profit | $16,450 | — | 40.9 |
| 17 | Meharry Medical College | Nashville, TN | Private | $0 | — | 40.9 |
| 18 | Union University | Jackson, TN | Private | $19,476 | — | 40.5 |
| 19 | Tusculum University | Greeneville, TN | Private | $27,500 | — | 39.7 |
| 20 | Lee University | Cleveland, TN | Private | $21,960 | — | 38.5 |
| 21 | Carson-Newman University | Jefferson City, TN | Private | $32,900 | — | 37.3 |
| 22 | Christian Brothers University | Memphis, TN | Private | $37,300 | — | 36.8 |
| 23 | Trevecca Nazarene University | Nashville, TN | Private | $28,590 | — | 35.9 |
| 24 | Freed-Hardeman University | Henderson, TN | Private | $25,000 | — | 31.7 |
| 25 | Le Moyne-Owen College | Memphis, TN | Private | $10,776 | — | 30.5 |
Top 5 Data Science Programs in Tennessee: Side-by-Side
| School | Vanderbilt | University of Tennessee-K... | Middle Tennessee State | Tennessee Technological | University of Tennessee-C... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $61,618 | $11,332 | $7,536 | $8,764 | $8,232 |
| Graduation Rate | 99% | 73% | 97% | 88% | 91% |
| Annual Graduates | 198 | 131 | 92 | 129 | 69 |
| Acceptance Rate | 6% | 46% | 68% | 83% | 77% |
| Type | Private | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 98.2/100 | 76.0/100 | 72.8/100 | 72.0/100 | 65.9/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Science in Tennessee
Tennessee offers 24 bachelor's-level data science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Vanderbilt University, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Middle Tennessee State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,929 in the Tennessee 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 Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Vanderbilt | $61,618 | 99% | 198 | 98.2 |
| #2 University of Tennessee-K... | $11,332 | 73% | 131 | 76.0 |
| #3 Middle Tennessee State | $7,536 | 97% | 92 | 72.8 |
Top Data Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Tennessee
For graduate study, Tennessee offers 11 master's-level data science programs. Leading institutions include Vanderbilt University, Austin Peay State University, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Tennessee reaching $141,011 or more.
Top 3 Data Science Master's Programs in Tennessee
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Vanderbilt | $61,618 | 99% | 72 | 92.6 |
| #2 Austin Peay State | $7,008 | N/A% | 90 | 54.4 |
| #3 University of Tennessee-K... | $11,332 | 73% | 32 | 63.7 |
Most Affordable Data Science Colleges in Tennessee
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data science programs in Tennessee are at Austin Peay State University ($7,008/year), Tennessee State University ($7,320/year), Middle Tennessee State University ($7,536/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Tennessee's competitive tech salaries.
At Austin Peay State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $28,032 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,929, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years. See our Most Affordable Data Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Data Science Programs in Tennessee (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Austin Peay State | $7,008 | $28,032 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Tennessee State | $7,320 | $29,280 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 Middle Tennessee State | $7,536 | $30,144 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Data Science Schools in Tennessee
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 data science programs in Tennessee, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,618 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 198 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 6%
- • Ranking Score: 98.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 198 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 98.2 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (198 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (6% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Vanderbilt offers a comprehensive Data Science minor with research opportunities including dedicated research courses and summer programs. The program combines strong technical foundations with real-world applications through Data Science for Social Good initiatives.
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,332 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 73% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 131 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 46%
- • Ranking Score: 76.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 73% graduation rate
- 131 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 76.0 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (73%), program size (131 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (46% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Data Science program at UT-Knoxville offers interdisciplinary flexibility allowing students to specialize in their areas of interest, with industry partnerships providing hands-on experience through internships and research projects. The field shows strong employment growth projected at 35% between 2022-2032 with competitive median salaries of $108,020.
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $108,020
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,536 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 92 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 68%
- • Ranking Score: 72.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 92 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 72.8 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (92 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (68% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
MTSU's Data Science program combines computer science, statistics, and business analytics in an interdisciplinary approach with real-world experiences through the Data Science Institute. Students gain hands-on experience through data dives, Hack-MT events, and capstone projects that create a portfolio for employers.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.75
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,764 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 88% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 129 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 72.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 88% graduation rate
- 129 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 72.0 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (88%), program size (129 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (83% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,232 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 69 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 77%
- • Ranking Score: 65.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 69 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 65.9 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (69 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,470), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Data Engineer
SOC 15-1252Data Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1299Machine Learning Engineer opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Data Analyst
SOC 15-2051Data Analyst opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2051Business Intelligence Analyst opportunities in Tennessee with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis
- You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (93.2% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like HCA Healthcare or Asurion
- You want no state income tax on wages
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Tennessee's 25)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Tennessee
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Explore computer engineering programs in Tennessee
Explore information technology programs in Tennessee
Data Science Programs in Other States
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Data Science in Tennessee FAQ
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Tennessee salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome 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.