Top 3 Data Science Programs in Texas 2025
Texas A & M University-College Station
435 Data Science graduates annually, 84% graduation rate
Southern Methodist University
151 Data Science graduates annually, 89% graduation rate
Rice University
45 Data Science graduates annually, 93% graduation rate
- 1.Texas has 60+ accredited data science and analytics bachelor's programs across UT system, private universities, and regional institutions
- 2.UT Austin ranks #1 in Texas with 87% graduation rate and direct pipeline to Austin tech companies like Dell, IBM, and Oracle
- 3.Texas data scientists earn median $112,850 annually with no state income tax—increasing effective salary by 8-13%
- 4.Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston metros provide 45,000+ data science jobs across tech, energy, and healthcare sectors
- 5.In-state tuition at top public programs averages $11,900—significantly lower than California or northeastern alternatives
Data Science Education Landscape in Texas
Texas offers one of the most robust data science education environments in the country, combining world-class public universities, prestigious private institutions, and a rapidly growing tech economy. With no state income tax and major tech hubs in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston, Texas provides exceptional value for data science students.
The state's data science programs benefit from strong industry partnerships with companies like Dell Technologies, ExxonMobil, Texas Instruments, and emerging tech startups. Students have access to internships at Fortune 500 companies and cutting-edge research opportunities in energy analytics, healthcare informatics, and financial technology.
For national context, see our best data science bachelor's programs ranking. Students considering online options should review our best online data science degrees guide. Career-focused students can explore our data scientist salary breakdown for Texas-specific compensation data.
Texas Data Science Bachelor's Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, TX | Public | $9,003 | 84% | — | 83.1 |
| 2 | Southern Methodist University | Dallas, TX | Private | $57,212 | 89% | — | 69.9 |
| 3 | Rice University | Houston, TX | Private | $57,210 | 93% | — | 68.8 |
| 4 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, TX | Public | $7,637 | 96% | — | 65.1 |
| 5 | Texas State University | San Marcos, TX | Public | $8,606 | 75% | — | 65 |
| 6 | The University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington, TX | Public | $9,206 | 67% | — | 61.4 |
| 7 | The University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, TX | Public | $14,564 | 77% | — | 54.5 |
| 8 | LeTourneau University | Longview, TX | Private | $34,680 | 86% | — | 53.6 |
| 9 | University of Houston-Clear Lake | Houston, TX | Public | $6,600 | 66% | — | 50.1 |
| 10 | Southwestern Adventist University | Keene, TX | Private | $23,928 | 86% | — | 49 |
| 11 | West Texas A & M University | Canyon, TX | Public | $6,372 | 99% | — | 48.4 |
| 12 | Baylor University | Waco, TX | Private | $54,844 | — | — | 47.6 |
| 13 | University of Mary Hardin-Baylor | Belton, TX | Private | $30,600 | 91% | — | 45.1 |
| 14 | Dallas Baptist University | Dallas, TX | Private | $36,510 | 95% | — | 45.1 |
| 15 | Austin College | Sherman, TX | Private | $45,878 | — | — | 44.7 |
| 16 | Texas Wesleyan University | Fort Worth, TX | Private | $32,960 | 62% | — | 44.4 |
| 17 | Houston Christian University | Houston, TX | Private | $35,500 | 75% | — | 42.1 |
| 18 | North American University | Stafford, TX | Private | $12,236 | 34% | — | 42 |
| 19 | University of Dallas | Irving, TX | Private | $47,300 | — | — | 41.9 |
| 20 | Tarleton State University | Stephenville, TX | Public | $4,416 | 69% | — | 41.3 |
Showing 1–20 of 32
Top 5 Data Science Programs in Texas: Side-by-Side
| School | Texas A&M | Rice | University of Texas at... | Lamar | Southern Methodist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,003 | $57,210 | $11,678 | $6,228 | $57,212 |
| Graduation Rate | 84% | 93% | 89% | 99% | 89% |
| Annual Graduates | 435 | 76 | 95 | 192 | 144 |
| Acceptance Rate | 63% | 8% | 29% | 86% | 61% |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 83.1/100 | 75.8/100 | 72.1/100 | 70.0/100 | 69.3/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Science in Texas
Texas offers 32 bachelor's-level data science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Texas A & M University-College Station, Southern Methodist University, Rice University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $80,577 in the Texas 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 Texas
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Texas A&M | $9,003 | 84% | 435 | 83.1 |
| #2 Southern Methodist | $57,212 | 89% | 151 | 69.9 |
| #3 Rice | $57,210 | 93% | 45 | 68.8 |
Top Data Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Texas
For graduate study, Texas offers 23 master's-level data science programs. Leading institutions include Texas A & M University-College Station, Rice University, The University of Texas at Austin. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Texas reaching $149,643 or more.
Top 3 Data Science Master's Programs in Texas
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Texas A&M | $9,003 | 84% | 276 | 83.1 |
| #2 Rice | $57,210 | 93% | 76 | 75.8 |
| #3 University of Texas at... | $11,678 | 89% | 95 | 72.1 |
Most Affordable Data Science Colleges in Texas
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data science programs in Texas are at Tarleton State University ($4,416/year), Texas A&M University-San Antonio ($4,969/year), University of Houston-Victoria ($5,111/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Texas's competitive tech salaries.
At Tarleton State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $17,664 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $80,577, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years.
Most Affordable Data Science Programs in Texas (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Tarleton State | $4,416 | $17,664 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 Texas A&M University-San... | $4,969 | $19,876 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #3 U of Houston-Victoria | $5,111 | $20,444 | 0.4 years | Public |
Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, TX • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,003 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 84% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 435 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 63%
- • Ranking Score: 83.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- 435 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 83.1 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (84%), program size (435 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (63% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Rice University
Houston, TX • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $57,210 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 76 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 8%
- • Ranking Score: 75.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 76 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 75.8 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (76 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (8% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Rice's online Master of Data Science program offers specializations in Machine Learning and Business Analytics with hands-on capstone projects using real-world datasets from industry partners including Texas Medical Center researchers. The program provides access to the same career resources as on-campus students and is led by faculty from the Rice Data2Knowledge (D2K) Lab.
Admission Prerequisites
- •bachelor's degree
- •solid mathematical background including high-school level algebra and trigonometry, college-level calculus, basic discrete math skills, and boolean logic
- •basic programming skills in Python, R and/or SQL recommended
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Available Specializations / Concentrations
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,678 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 95 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 29%
- • Ranking Score: 72.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 95 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 72.1 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (95 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (29% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Data Science is UT Austin's newest major that provides foundational training in both established statistics and emerging data science fields. The program equips students to execute all stages of data analysis and emphasizes reproducible data science principles and ethical considerations.
Admission Prerequisites
- •M 408C Differential Calculus
- •M 408D Sequences, Series and Multivariable Calculus
- •C S 303E Elements of Computers and Programming
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,228 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 192 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 86%
- • Ranking Score: 70.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 192 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 70.0 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (192 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (86% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Lamar University offers AACSB-accredited, STEM-designated data analytics programs with hands-on experience in industry-standard tools like Tableau, SAS, Python, R, SQL, SAP and Oracle. Students can transfer credits toward the BBA in Management Information Systems and build portfolios to show future employers.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $57,212 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 144 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 61%
- • Ranking Score: 69.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 144 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 69.3 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (144 graduates), state salary outcomes ($115,110), and selectivity (61% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Apply statistical analysis and machine learning to extract insights from large datasets for business decision-making.
Design and implement ML systems and algorithms for production environments and real-time applications.
Data Analyst
Collect, process, and analyze data to support business intelligence and operational decision-making.
Business Intelligence Developer
Build dashboards, reports, and data visualization tools to support organizational analytics needs.
Quantitative Analyst
Apply mathematical and statistical methods to financial data for risk assessment and trading strategies.
Texas University Systems for Data Science
Texas offers data science programs through multiple university systems, each with distinct strengths and characteristics. Understanding these systems helps students choose the best fit for their academic goals and career objectives.
The University of Texas System provides the state's flagship data science programs, with UT Austin leading in research and industry connections, UT Dallas strong in technical specializations, and regional campuses like UT San Antonio and UT Arlington serving local markets with growing programs.
- UT System: Flagship programs at Austin and Dallas with strong research focus and industry partnerships
- Texas A&M System: Comprehensive programs with agricultural and engineering data applications
- Texas State University System: Regional programs serving local markets with practical, career-focused curricula
- Private Universities: Rice, SMU, Baylor, and TCU offering smaller programs with personalized attention
For students considering related programs, Texas also excels in computer science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity education. Those interested in skill-based learning can explore data science bootcamps and data analytics certifications.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Texas
Data Science Programs by State
California
New York
Florida
Massachusetts
Illinois
Washington
Which Should You Choose?
- No state income tax increasing effective salary by 8-13%
- Access to growing tech hubs in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston
- Affordable tuition at excellent public universities like UT Austin and Texas A&M
- Industry connections in energy, healthcare, and technology sectors
- Warm climate and relatively low cost of living compared to California or Northeast
- Strong job market with 4,200+ annual data science openings across major metros
- Maximum program prestige (California has Stanford, MIT is in Massachusetts)
- Specialized research in certain domains (some niche areas stronger elsewhere)
- Specific climate preferences (some prefer four seasons or coastal environments)
- Particular industry focus (fintech concentrated in New York, biotech in Massachusetts)
- Different cultural environment or specific lifestyle preferences
- Family connections or existing networks in other regions
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Data Science Programs
Based on 20 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
Explore More Data Science Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database providing graduation rates, tuition costs, and enrollment data for all accredited institutions
Official salary and employment data for data scientists and related occupations in Texas
State agency data on program approval, transfer agreements, and student outcomes
Federal education statistics including completion rates and program characteristics
Source: Based on median data scientist salary of $112,850 and neighboring state tax rates
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.