🥇
$8,204
Tuition/yr
54%
Grad rate
72.9
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best data science degree programs: Vanderbilt, U of Tennessee-Knoxville, Middle Tennessee State
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $7,008 to $61,618/year
Middle Tennessee State offers the most affordable option at $7,536/yr
Data Science degree programs available: 2 associate's, 11 master's, 3 doctoral in Tennessee
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
6 online data science degree programs in Tennessee
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Tennessee 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: HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein, Lyft
Tech hubs in Nashville and Knoxville
Hakia Research 2026
Data Science degree programs near 63+ cities across Tennessee
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Tennessee Data Science programs
We rank 40 accredited data science programs in Tennessee 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.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyAre Data Science Degree Programs in Tennessee Worth It?
Answer
$108,470
Yes. The best data science degree programs in Tennessee deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $108,470 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $23,479/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Science Degree Rankings in Tennessee
Compare the top-ranked Data Science programs in Tennessee by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Data Science Programs in Tennessee
1
Programs ranked
$8,204
Avg tuition/yr
54%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Tennessee ranks among the nation's top destinations for data science education, with 24 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 8 public and 15 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Vanderbilt, U of Tennessee-Knoxville, Middle Tennessee State, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Tennessee data science programs earn a median salary of $92,200, 6% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $7,008 to $61,618 annually, with an average of $23,479/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 89%, with the highest reaching 100%. 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 Tennessee's leading technology employers. For students seeking data science degrees in Tennessee, these top-ranked data science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Data Science Programs in Tennessee
5
Programs ranked
$15,900
Avg tuition/yr
53%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Tennessee offers 11 master's degree programs in data science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Vanderbilt, U of Tennessee-Knoxville, Austin Peay State, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Tennessee earn a median salary of $108,470, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein 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 $18,198/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 Tennessee's data science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
🥇
$8,204
Tuition/yr
54%
Grad rate
69.5
Hakia Score
#4
Christian Brothers University
Memphis, TNPrivate nonprofit
$38,420
Tuition/yr
55%
Grad rate
61.8
Hakia Score
Data Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Tennessee
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $23,479/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $58,698/year |
| Community college tuition | $5,870/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $140,876 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $35,218 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Science Students in Tennessee
State Aid Programs
Tennessee offers exceptional financial aid opportunities for data science students through both state and federal programs. The Tennessee Promise program covers full tuition and fees at community colleges, making it an affordable entry point for students pursuing associate degrees in data science. Additionally, the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship provides up to $4,500 per year for eligible students attending four-year institutions, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs. These state-level initiatives complement federal aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which students can complete at StudentAid.gov to access grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal aid, Tennessee's four-year public universities offer competitive in-state tuition averaging $8,520 annually, among the most affordable rates in the nation. Many institutions, including The University of Tennessee-Knoxville and Middle Tennessee State University, provide merit-based scholarships specifically for data science and STEM programs. Students should also explore institutional financial aid offices and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission for additional grant opportunities. A critical advantage for Tennessee residents is the state's zero income tax, which directly increases take-home earnings for graduates working within the state.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator, Tennessee
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data science degree in Tennessee. 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
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+697%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,289,731
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$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
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,325,139
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$120,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.1%
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 Tennessee metro areas
Nashville$119K
Knoxville$114K
Memphis$108K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Nashville | $119K |
| Knoxville | $114K |
| Memphis | $108K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Data Science Graduates in Tennessee
Find data science jobs in Tennessee. These major employers across Tennessee metro areas are actively hiring data science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Science Jobs in Nashville
TNAmazon
tech
Oracle Health (Cerner)
healthtech
Asurion
tech
AllianceBernstein
finance
HCA Healthcare
healthcare
Data Science Jobs in Knoxville
TNOak Ridge National Laboratory
government
Pilot Flying J
retail
Data Science Jobs in Memphis
TNFedEx
logistics
International Paper
manufacturing
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
healthcare
Transfer Pathways for Data Science Degrees in Tennessee
State Transfer System
Tennessee's Transfer Pathways system provides guaranteed transfer routes from community colleges to four-year universities, making data science education accessible and affordable. The state's 49 two-year institutions and 57 four-year institutions participate in articulation agreements that streamline credit transfer and degree completion. Students can begin at a community college, such as Jackson State Community College, which offers an associate's degree in data science, and seamlessly transition to bachelor's programs at institutions like The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Middle Tennessee State University, or Tennessee Technological University, avoiding duplicate coursework and saving significant time and tuition.
How Transfers Work
This pathway structure aligns perfectly with Tennessee's affordability advantage. Community college tuition averages significantly less than four-year institutions, and students can leverage Tennessee Promise/HOPE financial aid to cover costs at both entry and upper-level stages. Completing general education and foundational data science courses at a two-year institution, where tuition averages around $4,224 annually, before transferring to a $7,008–$8,764 public four-year program creates substantial savings. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission oversees pathway coordination and quality assurance. For complementary pathways in related fields, explore transfers available in Data Analytics, Computer Science, and Machine Learning programs across Tennessee.
Why Pursue a Data Science Degree in Tennessee?
Industry & Workforce
Tennessee offers exceptional opportunities for data science education with 45 institutions across the state offering programs at multiple degree levels (IPEDS). In 2023, Tennessee institutions awarded 785 bachelor's degrees, 328 master's degrees, and 19 doctoral degrees in data science, demonstrating strong educational pathways from entry-level to advanced study. The state's leading universities. Vanderbilt University, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and Tennessee Technological University, consistently rank among the nation's best programs while maintaining strong industry connections with major employers including Amazon, FedEx, Nissan, and HCA Healthcare.
Salary Outlook
Beyond academics, Tennessee presents unique financial advantages for students. Public four-year institutions charge an average in-state tuition of just $8,520 annually, and the state offers no income tax, a significant long-term benefit for earning professionals (Tennessee Higher Education Commission). Major tech hubs in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga create abundant internship and career opportunities. Additionally, Tennessee's Tennessee Promise/HOPE financial aid programs can cover substantial tuition costs, and transfer pathways make starting at community colleges a viable, affordable entry point. Compare Tennessee's opportunities to programs in California, Texas, or New York to see the competitive value. For those interested in related fields, Tennessee also offers strong Data Analytics, Machine Learning, and Computer Science programs.
Tennessee Take-Home Pay Advantage
$0 State Income Tax
Tennessee has no state income tax. At the median data science salary of $108,470, that keeps roughly $5,424 more in your pocket annually compared to states with a 5% income tax rate.
Source: Tennessee Department of Revenue
Data Science Job Market & Salary Data in Tennessee
Employment Outlook
Tennessee's data science job market is experiencing strong growth, driven by a diverse range of industries and major metropolitan areas. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the state offers competitive opportunities across Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. These four metro regions represent the strongest hiring markets for data science professionals, with Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin emerging as the state's largest tech hub. The state's lack of income tax provides a significant financial advantage for data science professionals, allowing greater take-home earnings compared to neighboring states and making Tennessee an increasingly attractive destination for talent relocation.
Salaries by Metro
Recent IPEDS program data shows Tennessee institutions are producing substantial numbers of qualified data science graduates to meet market demand. In 2023, Tennessee schools awarded 785 bachelor's degrees, 328 master's degrees, and 19 doctoral degrees in data science. The concentration of educational institutions in major metro areas, particularly Vanderbilt University in Nashville and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville in Knoxville, ensures a steady pipeline of skilled professionals entering the workforce. This educational infrastructure directly supports regional employer needs and creates competitive advantages for graduates seeking positions in analytics, machine learning, and business intelligence roles across Tennessee's major employment centers.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Tennessee$70,506$157,282
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Data Science Programs in Tennessee
Online Programs
6 available in Tennessee
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$21,131/yr$23,479/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Data Science Programs in Other States
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Kentucky
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $11,600
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Virginia
- Total Programs
- 33
- Median Tuition
- $11,400
Best Data Science Degree Programs in North Carolina
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $6,500
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Georgia
- Total Programs
- 30
- Median Tuition
- $7,200
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Alabama
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $10,700
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Mississippi
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $9,700
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Arkansas
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $7,700
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Missouri
- Total Programs
- 33
- Median Tuition
- $14,400
Data Science Degree Programs in Tennessee: FAQ
What are the best data science degree programs in Tennessee?
The best data science degree programs in Tennessee based on our methodology are: 1) Vanderbilt University (99% graduation rate), 2) The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and 3) Middle Tennessee State University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Tennessee offers 25 total accredited programs across 8 public and 16 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 24 bachelor's programs.
How much do data science degree programs cost in Tennessee?
Data Science degree program costs in Tennessee vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $23,479/year, while private institutions average $51,654/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $5,870/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $93,916 at public schools to $206,615 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can data science degree graduates earn in Tennessee?
Data Science professionals in Tennessee earn a median salary of $108,470, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $70,506, while senior roles exceed $157,282. Salaries vary by metro area: Nashville ($119,317), Knoxville ($113,894) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online data science degree programs in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee offers 6 accredited online Data Science programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from Milligan University and Lane College. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire data science degree graduates in Tennessee?
Major Data Science employers in Tennessee include HCA Healthcare, Asurion, AllianceBernstein, Lyft, Amazon. The Nashville and Knoxville metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Tennessee universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Tennessee's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a data science degree program worth it in Tennessee?
A data science degree program in Tennessee offers strong ROI with a $108,470 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $23,479/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($122,571), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do data science degree programs take in Tennessee?
Standard completion times for data science degree programs in Tennessee are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Tennessee community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Tennessee university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for data science degree students in Tennessee?
Tennessee data science degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Tennessee state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Tennessee's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Tennessee salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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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.