Top 3 Data Science Programs in Utah 2025
Western Governors University
1040 data science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Weber State University
130 data science graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
Brigham Young University
207 data science graduates annually, 91% graduation rate
- 1.Utah offers 9+ accredited data science programs across public and private universities
- 2.Western Governors University leads with strong% graduation rate
- 3.Utah software developers earn median $108,000 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi
- 5.Cost of living index: 101.3% of US average (above average)
Data Science Education in Utah: Overview
Utah offers 9 accredited data science programs, producing approximately 1,787 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi, with major employers including Adobe, Qualtrics, Pluralsight.
With a median software developer salary of $108,000 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 101.3% compared to the US average, Utah offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.
The top data science programs in the state are led by Western Governors University, Weber State University, Brigham Young University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 9 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)
Utah-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Utah Data Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | — | 75.9 |
| 2 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | Public | $5,471 | 92% | 63.1 |
| 3 | Brigham Young University | Provo, UT | Private | $6,496 | 91% | 62.4 |
| 4 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | Public | $5,614 | 92% | 61.1 |
| 5 | University of Utah | Salt Lake City, UT | Public | $8,175 | 72% | 54.3 |
| 6 | Utah State University | Logan, UT | Public | $7,387 | 100% | 48.5 |
| 7 | Southern Utah University | Cedar City, UT | Public | $6,006 | 86% | 43.8 |
| 8 | Utah Tech University | Saint George, UT | Public | $5,266 | — | 42.5 |
| 9 | Westminster University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $40,896 | — | 36.8 |
Top 5 Data Science Programs in Utah: Side-by-Side
| School | Western Governors | Weber State | Brigham Young | Utah Valley | U of Utah |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,710 | $5,471 | $6,496 | $5,614 | $8,175 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 92% | 91% | 92% | 72% |
| Annual Graduates | 1040 | 130 | 207 | 92 | 226 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | N/A | 69% | N/A | 87% |
| Type | Private | Public | Private | Public | Public |
| Score | 75.9/100 | 63.1/100 | 62.4/100 | 61.1/100 | 54.3/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Science in Utah
Utah offers 9 bachelor's-level data science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Western Governors University, Weber State University, Brigham Young University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,600 in the Utah 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 Utah
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Western Governors | $7,710 | N/A% | 1040 | 75.9 |
| #2 Weber State | $5,471 | 92% | 130 | 63.1 |
| #3 Brigham Young | $6,496 | 91% | 207 | 62.4 |
Top Data Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Utah
For graduate study, Utah offers 6 master's-level data science programs. Leading institutions include Western Governors University, Brigham Young University, Weber State University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Utah reaching $140,400 or more.
Top 3 Data Science Master's Programs in Utah
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Western Governors | $7,710 | N/A% | 584 | 75.9 |
| #2 Brigham Young | $6,496 | 91% | 40 | 53.0 |
| #3 Weber State | $5,471 | 92% | 12 | 52.7 |
Most Affordable Data Science Colleges in Utah
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data science programs in Utah are at Utah Tech University ($5,266/year), Weber State University ($5,471/year), Utah Valley University ($5,614/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Utah's competitive tech salaries.
At Utah Tech University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $21,064 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,600, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.5 years. See our Most Affordable Data Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Data Science Programs in Utah (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Utah Tech | $5,266 | $21,064 | 0.5 years | Public |
| #2 Weber State | $5,471 | $21,884 | 0.5 years | Public |
| #3 Utah Valley | $5,614 | $22,456 | 0.6 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Data Science Schools in Utah
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 data science programs in Utah, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,710 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 1,040 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 75.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 1,040 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 75.9 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (1,040 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,000), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Weber State University
Ogden, UT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,471 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 130 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 63.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 130 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 63.1 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (130 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,000), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,496 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 207 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 69%
- • Ranking Score: 62.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 207 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 62.4 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (207 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,000), and selectivity (69% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
BYU's Data Science program combines rigorous mathematical foundations with practical computing skills, requiring courses in machine learning, statistical modeling, and data visualization. The program emphasizes ethics in data science and offers both capstone projects and research opportunities for hands-on experience.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Calculus 1
- •Calculus 2
- •Elementary Linear Algebra
- •Intro to Computer Science
- •Intro to Stat Data Analysis
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 74.5 credits
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,614 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 92 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 61.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 92 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.1 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (92 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,000), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UVU's Computational Data Science program builds strong interdisciplinary skills in mathematics, statistics, computer science and big data processing, preparing students to create algorithms and solve problems beyond basic tool usage in support of industrial, enterprise-level big data pipelines.
Admissions
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,175 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 72% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 226 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 54.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 72% graduation rate
- 226 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 54.3 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (72%), program size (226 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,000), and selectivity (87% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The University of Utah offers one of the first undergraduate Data Science degrees in the nation with comprehensive interdisciplinary training. Students gain technical skills in data processing, management, and analysis while also learning about explainability, ethics, and domain-focused issues across multiple specialized tracks.
Admission Prerequisites
- •quantitative or scientific coursework
- •four-year Bachelor's degree
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
- Internship Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Data Scientist
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Data Engineer
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Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1299Machine Learning Engineer opportunities in Utah with strong job growth.
Data Analyst
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Business Intelligence Analyst
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Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi
- You're seeking competitive salaries ($108,000 median)
- You want to work at companies like Adobe or Qualtrics
- You prefer Utah's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Utah's 9)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Utah
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Data Science Programs in Other States
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New York
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Data Science in Utah 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 - Utah 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.