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Key Takeaways
Best data science degree programs: Western Governors, Weber State, Brigham Young
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,180 to $40,896/year
Weber State offers the most affordable option at $5,471/yr
Data Science degree programs available: 3 associate's, 6 master's, 2 doctoral in Utah
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Utah community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
3 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Adobe, Qualtrics, Pluralsight, Domo
Tech hubs in Salt Lake City and Provo
Hakia Research 2026
Data Science degree programs near 28+ cities across Utah
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Utah Data Science programs
We rank 20 accredited data science programs in Utah 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.
Are Data Science Degree Programs in Utah Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Science Degree Rankings in Utah
Compare the top-ranked Data Science programs in Utah by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Data Science Programs in Utah
Program Landscape
Utah offers 3 accredited associate's degree programs in data science, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Weber State, Utah Valley, Snow College, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Utah offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $5,088/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $59,400 in Utah.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Utah's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Adobe, Qualtrics, Pluralsight hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among data science schools in Utah, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their data science degrees in Utah.
Best Bachelor's Data Science Programs in Utah
Program Landscape
Utah ranks among the nation's top destinations for data science education, with 9 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 6 public and 3 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Western Governors, Weber State, Brigham Young, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Utah data science programs earn a median salary of $91,800, 6% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Adobe, Qualtrics, Pluralsight.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $5,266 to $40,896 annually, with an average of $10,336/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 Utah's leading technology employers. For students seeking data science degrees in Utah, these top-ranked data science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 9 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Utah State University | Logan, UT | Public | $7,387 | 100% | 48.5 |
| #7 | Southern Utah University | Cedar City, UT | Public | $6,006 | 86% | 45.0 |
| #8 | Utah Tech University | Saint George, UT | Public | $5,266 | — | 44.3 |
| #9 | Westminster University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $40,896 | — | 37.9 |
Best Master's Data Science Programs in Utah
Program Landscape
Utah offers 6 master's degree programs in data science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Western Governors, Brigham Young, Weber State, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Utah earn a median salary of $108,000, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Adobe, Qualtrics, Pluralsight 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 $6,809/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 Utah's data science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Utah State University | Logan, UT | Public | $7,387 | 100% | 47.0 |
Best Doctoral Data Science Programs in Utah
Program Landscape
Utah is home to 2 doctoral programs in data science, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Utah, Brigham Young are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Utah PhD holders earning a median of $135,000, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Adobe, Qualtrics, Pluralsight.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Utah programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing data science degrees in Utah, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Data Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Utah
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $9,720/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $24,300/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,430/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $58,320 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $14,580 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Science Students in Utah
State Aid Programs
Utah residents pursuing data science degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways designed to make higher education affordable. The Utah Opportunity Scholarship (https://ushe.edu/) provides both need- and merit-based awards specifically for Utah residents, making it a critical resource for undergraduate and graduate students. Beyond state-specific programs, all students can access federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study opportunities (Federal Student Aid).
Key Programs & Amounts
Individual institutions across Utah's higher education system also offer institutional scholarships and assistantships tailored to data science students. Many schools within the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) provide merit scholarships based on academic performance and test scores, while graduate programs often feature teaching and research assistantships that offset tuition costs. The average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions stands at $6,014, making Utah relatively affordable compared to national averages. Students should explore institution-specific aid by contacting financial aid offices directly, as scholarships often have rolling deadlines and require early application.
Institutional Scholarships
For comprehensive guidance on federal aid options, students should visit (College Scorecard), which provides detailed cost and aid information for individual Utah institutions. Transfer students should also investigate how financial aid transfers between institutions using (Utah Transfer Guides), which outline major-specific pathways from two-year to four-year programs while maintaining financial aid eligibility.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator, Utah
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data science degree in Utah. 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
+697%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,289,731
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$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
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
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 Utah metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | $119K |
| Provo | $113K |
| Lehi | $108K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Data Science Graduates in Utah
Find data science jobs in Utah. These major employers across Utah metro areas are actively hiring data science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Science Jobs in Salt Lake City
UTData Science Jobs in Provo
UTData Science Jobs in Lehi
UTTransfer Pathways for Data Science Degrees in Utah
State Transfer System
Utah's articulated transfer system makes transitioning from associate's to bachelor's degree programs straightforward and economical. The state's Utah Transfer Guides provide major-specific pathways that allow students to complete 2-year degrees at institutions like Weber State University, Utah Valley University, and Salt Lake Community College before transferring seamlessly to four-year programs. These pathways guarantee course credits transfer and count toward bachelor's degrees, eliminating wasted coursework and reducing time-to-degree. Students pursuing data science can earn an associate's degree at one of 5 two-year institutions, completing foundational mathematics, statistics, and programming courses while keeping costs low, average tuition at community colleges runs approximately $3,778–$5,614 annually.
How Transfers Work
Transfer students can then advance to bachelor's programs at top-ranked institutions like Brigham Young University or University of Utah, where they complete upper-level data science specializations and capstone projects. This pathway model serves over 179 associate's degree completions annually in Utah, providing an accessible entry point for students seeking advanced degrees. The Utah System of Higher Education maintains detailed articulation agreements ensuring that credits earned at community colleges like Snow College count directly toward bachelor's requirements. This structured transfer system, combined with state financial aid like the Utah Opportunity Scholarship, creates affordable pathways to data science careers. Students should consult transfer guides early and work with academic advisors to align coursework with target bachelor's institutions, maximizing credit recognition and minimizing costs.
Why Pursue a Data Science Degree in Utah?
Industry & Workforce
Utah is a vibrant hub for data science education and career opportunities. The state hosts 22 institutions offering data science programs across all degree levels, with 1,786 bachelor's completions and 712 master's completions annually (IPEDS). This strong educational ecosystem is supported by major employers including Intermountain Healthcare, Goldman Sachs, and Adobe, which actively recruit graduates from Utah's top-ranked institutions. The Salt Lake City and Provo-Orem metropolitan areas serve as epicenters for tech innovation, offering abundant internship and employment opportunities for data science students.
Salary Outlook
Utah's affordability stands out compared to national averages. Public four-year institutions charge an average in-state tuition of just $6,014 annually, significantly lower than the out-of-state average of $19,392 (College Scorecard). Top-ranked programs like Brigham Young University and Weber State University maintain competitive tuition while delivering exceptional education quality. The state's Utah Opportunity Scholarship provides additional need- and merit-based financial support for Utah residents, making advanced degrees more accessible. For prospective students comparing regional options, Utah's combination of affordability, quality institutions, and strong tech employment market makes it an attractive destination for data science study.
Data Science Program Availability in Utah
Source: IPEDS 2024
Data Science Job Market & Salary Data in Utah
Employment Outlook
Utah's data science job market is experiencing strong growth, driven by a thriving tech ecosystem and major corporate investments across the state. The Salt Lake City, Provo-Orem, and Ogden-Clearfield metro areas represent the primary employment hubs, with Salt Lake City serving as the dominant technology center in the region. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Utah's job market for quantitative professionals continues to expand, supported by both established corporations and emerging startups. The state's lower cost of living compared to other tech hubs, combined with a growing population in major cities like Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, and West Jordan, creates sustained demand for skilled data science professionals.
Salaries by Metro
Educational infrastructure supporting this job market is substantial, with 22 institutions offering data science programs across multiple degree levels, including 9 bachelor's-granting institutions and 6 master's-granting programs (IPEDS). The state's public universities maintain affordable tuition, with average in-state costs at four-year institutions around $6,014 annually, making Utah an accessible pathway into data science careers. Students completing degrees from institutions like Brigham Young University, University of Utah, and Weber State University can immediately tap into regional employers seeking analytics talent. Career pathways are further enhanced through the Utah System of Higher Education's coordinated transfer system, ensuring streamlined progression from associate's to bachelor's degrees for students planning four-year careers in data science.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Data Science Programs in Utah
Online Programs
0 available in Utah
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Data Science Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
- Total Programs
- 29
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $7,900
- Total Programs
- 180
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 43
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 77
- Median Tuition
- $8,700
Data Science Degree Programs in Utah: FAQ
What are the best data science degree programs in Utah?
How much do data science degree programs cost in Utah?
What salary can data science degree graduates earn in Utah?
Are there online data science degree programs in Utah?
What companies hire data science degree graduates in Utah?
Is a data science degree program worth it in Utah?
How long do data science degree programs take in Utah?
What financial aid is available for data science degree students in Utah?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Utah salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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.