Top 30 Affordable Online Master’s in Data Science Programs for 2022
Data Science is one of the hottest and fastest growing industries in the world, so the time to make the move to a data science career is now. The first step? Getting a degree in data science. While hands-on job experience related to the industry is great, and you may be able to get your foot in the door with what you can learn at a data science bootcamp, the best way to prove your competency and commitment to prospective employers is with a Master’s degree in data science, business analytics, or a related field.
On the other hand, many working adults can’t just take a few years off to pursue a degree. That’s why so many Master’s in data science degrees can be earned online and often on a part-time schedule, allowing you to get the education you need without disrupting your life.
It is also no secret that college tuition costs have grown exponentially over the years, with many graduates finding themselves crippled by student debt. So, when considering an online Master’s in data science—particularly as you may already have incurred heavy costs as an undergraduate—cost is going to be something you will have to consider closely.
It is important to remember that cost is not always an indicator of value when it comes to getting a data science degree online. Private schools, for instance, are almost always going to be more expensive than public schools, despite certain public schools being much more highly regarded than some private ones.
Bear in mind that the total tuition cost does not necessarily mean the total cost you will spend over the course of getting your online Master’s in data science. In addition to supplementary costs of your own—a new laptop, study materials, or maybe a few dozen cups of coffee to keep you awake to finish that final project—there will likely be upwards of few hundred dollars in fees for each of these programs. Often these fees could do a better job of announcing themselves ahead of time, so do your research and try to be aware of them on your own. Most school websites will provide them listed for you, but it can sometimes take a little digging. Various fees may be charged per course, per semester, or per academic year.
Ultimately, all rankings are a little bit subjective and only you can decide which is the best program for you. After selecting the top 30 schools, we ranked them from most affordable to most expensive to make the list simple and easy to navigate, but cost may or may not be the factor that’s most important to you. That’s why we’ve provided links to the website for each program and given you an overview of what you can expect from each program.
East Carolina University
Location: Greenville, North Carolina (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Data Science
Cost Per Credit: $289.11 (in-state), $1,019.61 (out-of-state)
Number of Required Credits: 30
Total Tuition: $8,673.30 (in-state), $30,588.30 (out-of-state)
Founded in 1907, East Carolina University (ECU) is the fourth-largest school in the state and was ranked in the top 200 universities nationally by U.S. News and World Report in 2020. ECU’s data science program is their newest STEM program and includes a Data Science Practicum, where students will solve an industry-sponsored data science problem.
Students of ECU’s program will graduate with the “ability to use computational and statistical knowledge and skills for building descriptive, diagnostic, predictive and prescriptive models” and to use the “application of Big Data analytics and machine learning methods to analyze vast and heterogeneous datasets to generate actionable insights.” Graduates are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA and finish the program in a maximum of five years.
Southern Arkansas University
Location: Magnolia, Arkansas (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Computer and Information Science (Data Science Option)
Cost Per Credit: $293 (in-state), $459 (out-of-state)
Number of Required Credits: 30
Total Tuition: $8,790 (in-state), $13,770 (out-of-state)
The total tuition cost for an online Master of Science in Computer and Information Science degree (with the data science option) from Southern Arkansas University (SAU) is less than $10,000 for in-state residences — although certainly ancillary fees will see the total cost rise into five digits. That’s a big part of the reason you’re sure to find Southern Arkansas at or near the top of any list for the greatest value in online data science Master’s degrees.
SAU’s data science program is one of three available when pursuing a Computer and Information Science degree and focuses on data analytics, decision theories, and big data. The program can be completed in less than two years, depending on your choice for full-time or part-time study.
University of West Florida
Location: Pensacola, Florida (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Data Science
Cost Per Credit: $425.00 (in-state), $1,024.44 (out-of-state)
Number of Required Credits: 36-51
Total Tuition: $11,538 (in-state), $31,327.20 (out-of-state)
The University of West Florida (UWF) offers the Sunshine State’s first ever fully online Master’s degree in Data Science. Their program features synchronous coursework and one-on-one communication with expert faculty. Participating students will also collaborate with graduate students from other disciplines to create a bespoke educational experience that will suit their career goals. UWF’s data science degree offers three different program tracks: (1) Analytics and Modeling, (2) Analytics of Business Decisions, and (3) Health Analytics.
University of Oklahoma
Location: Norman, Oklahoma (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics
Cost Per Credit: $356.70 (in-state) $984.30 (out-of-state)
Number of Required Credits: 33
Total Tuition: $11,771.10 (in-state), $32,481.90 (out-of-state)
The University of Oklahoma offers a number of great STEM programs but chief among them is the Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics. This online Master’s in data science is tailor-made to help students enter and advance in the rapidly growing field of data science and analytics in as little as 24 months. University of Oklahoma also offers various training opportunities and collaboration with industry partners in the data science field that help give their students a head start in using what they learned in the classroom out on the job.
Texas Tech University
Location: Lubbock, Texas (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Data Science
Cost Per Semester: $3,996
Number of Required Credits: 36
Total Tuition*: $11,988
Texas Tech University’s degree promises to provide “graduates with the technical expertise needed to lead in the digital frontier.” How do they do it? Through an in-depth yet flexible program that allows students to complete their degree both online and on-campus and in as little as one year but with the option to extend that to two years for those who need to devote more time to working.
Texas Tech’s program operates as a cohort. Working professionals take their core courses together, building relationships that emanate from individual diverse backgrounds and prior experience, resulting in an impressive and useful professional network upon graduating.
* Each semester consists of 12-credit-hours. Total tuition is based on completing three semesters.
City University of New York – School of Professional Studies (CUNY)
Location: New York City, New York (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Data Science
Cost Per Credit: $470
Number of Required Credits: 30
Total Tuition: $14,100
One of 25 schools in the world-renowned City University of New York (CUNY) system, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) was founded in 2003 to serve working adults. With nearly all of its undergraduate and graduate degrees offered online, CUNY SPS provides flexible and low-cost options (including in-state tuition for all students enrolled in online programs) so that students may earn their degree on their own time and schedule.
CUNY’s MS in data science program is designed around employer needs. Similar to a programming boot camp, students will come away from the program with a portfolio of increasingly complex projects that mirror the current experiences and demands of the data science industry today.
Indiana University
Location: Bloomington, Indiana (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Data Science
Cost Per Credit: $515 (in-state), $827.50 (out-of-state)
Number of Required Credits: 30
Total Tuition: $15,450 (in-state), $24,825 (out-of-state)
Founded in 1820, Indiana University at Bloomington is the flagship school of the Indiana system and is a leader in technological innovation. As part of the MS in Data Science program, students will get choose a focus on one of four different domain areas: (1) data analytics and visualization, (2) Intelligent systems engineering, (3) precision health or (4) cybersecurity. This degree of specialization is not offered at every school on this list and allows students to tailor their education to the fields that most interest them. The price, even for students who don’t live in Indiana, is also hard to beat.
Oklahoma State University
Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Business Analytics and Data Science
Cost Per Credit: $481.15 (in-state) and $611.85 (out-of-state)
Number of Required Credits: 33
Total Tuition: $15,877.95 (in-state) and $20,174.55 (out-of-state)
The online MS in Business Analytics and Data Science from Oklahoma State University (OSU) is designed for those who are currently in the workforce to transition into roles as analytics and data science professionals. In addition to common open-source software such as Python and R, OSU’s program also uses state-of-the-art enterprise level software like Alteryx, Azure, Power BI, Tableau, SAS® and Snowflake.
As with Indiana University’s program, there are four specialization options: (1) cybersecurity analytics, (2) health analytics, (3) advanced data science or (4) marketing analytics. Plus, though OSU’s program is more expensive for those in-state, it’s more affordable for those out-of-state.
University of North Texas
Location: Denton, Texas (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Data Science
Cost Per Credit: $444.45 (in-state), $841.67 (out-of-state)
Number of Required Credits: 36
Total Tuition: $16,200.20 (in-state), $30,300.12 (out-of-state)
The University of North Texas (UNT) offers students a Data Science degree that can be completed online, in-person, on campus, or hybrid option of the two. Graduates of UNT program will gain skills and experience in gathering data and turning that into actionable knowledge. Students will graduate with the skills and knowledge they’ll need to manage data science and analytics projects, and work with the most modern tools and technologies. The program is “aimed at helping to educate a new generation of information professionals capable of taking the leadership role through connecting the dots and using data to support strategic initiatives within the organization.”
Ball State University
Location: Muncie, Indiana (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Data Science
Cost Per Credit: $566 (in-state), $781 (out-of-state)
Number of Required Credits: 32
Total Tuition: $18,112 (in-state), $24,992 (out-of-state)
Ball State University is one of the largest schools in Indiana, but they still make the individual student experience one of their priorities. That’s why, even in an online learning environment, Ball State places an emphasis on smaller class sizes, and greater personal attention from faculty.
In order to set their students up for success in building a data science career, graduates from Ball State’s program will also prepare to earn relevant industry certifications upon graduating. These include but are not limited to SAS® Certified Specialist, SAS® Certified Professional, SAS® Certified Big Data Professional, and SAS® Certified Clinical Trials Programmer Using SAS® 9. Coming out of a data science program with these credentials will give any job seeker a leg up.
Bellevue University
Location: Bellevue, Nebraska (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Data Science
Cost Per Credit: $610
Number of Required Credits: 30
Total Tuition: $18,300
Established in 1966, Bellevue University has been a trusted name in adult and continuing education since the very beginning, with approximately 80% of their student body population being aged 25 and older. This means a university experience that is explicitly tailored to those who have already been out in the workforce and may be continuing to work while earning their degree. Through instruction from an experienced faculty and the use of practical coursework, the MS in data science program exposes students to the most cutting-edge data science tools available and helps them develop skills such as data analysis and visualization.
California State University, Fullerton
Location: Fullerton, California (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Information Technology (Data Science Concentration)
Cost Per Semester*: $3,702 (in-state), $6,078 (out-of-state)
Number of Required Credits: 30
Total Tuition**: $18,510 (in-state), $30,390 (out-of-state)
Cal State Fullerton’s (CSUF) Information Technology graduate degree is ranked 17th in the country among online programs according to U.S. News and World Report, and a Data Science track is one of the two concentrations offered. CSUF’s program is only offered for part-time students and can be completed in just 20 months, and operates as a cohort, with students going through the same classes and material as a group throughout the entirety of the program. This will give each student the opportunity to collaborate with other working professionals and establish a network at the very beginning of their career in data science.
* Based on students earning six credit units per semester.
** Based on students completing the program in five semesters.
University of Kansas
Location: Edwards, Kansas (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Applied Statistics, Analytics & Data Science
Cost Per Credit: $700
Number of Required Credits: 30
Total Tuition: $21,000
The University of Kansas (KU) is one of only 34 public university members of the Association of American Universities, a prestigious, exclusive network of American research universities that includes the likes of Columbia, Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Stanford, and Yale. KU’s MS in Applied Statistics, Analytics & Data Science features three degree tracks taught by experienced, credentialed faculty. As befits one of the most rigorous academic institutions in the Midwest, all students are expected to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in order to graduate.
Grand Canyon University
Location: Phoenix, Arizona (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Data Science
Cost Per Credit: $557
Number of Required Credits: 38
Total Tuition: $21,166
Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers an online MS in Data Science program designed to meet the needs of adult students and working professionals. GCU’s program features an innovative digital learning platform and focus areas that include predictive analytics and modeling, computing, statistics, business intelligence, machine learning and software tools.
One highlight of the GCU program is their capstone project “that provides an opportunity for students to develop an evidence-based practice project proposal that addresses a current problem, issue or concern in data science. Students identify a problem amenable to research-based intervention, search literature, propose a solution and develop a plan to implement the solution, evaluate its outcome(s) and disseminate the findings.”
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Location: Urbana and Champaign, Illinois (Online)
Program: Master of Computer Science in Data Science
Cost Per Credit: $670
Number of Required Credits: 32
Total Tuition: $21,440
The Master of Computer Science in Data Science from the University of Illinois is an elite online data science degree that has been consistently ranked in the top 5 nationally. Students will gain expertise in four core areas of computer science: data visualization, machine learning, data mining and cloud computing. Plus, they will study statistics and information science with courses taught in collaboration with the University’s Department of Statistics and the School of Information Sciences.
Thanks to their reputation as one of the most highly regarded public universities in the country (often considered a so-called “Public Ivy”), the school’s graduates can look forward to a bright career.
Central Connecticut State University
Location: New Britain, Connecticut (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Data Science
Cost Per Credit: $714 (in-state), $728 (out-of-state)
Number of Required Credits: 31
Total Tuition: $22,134 (in-state), $22,568 (out-of-state)
Founded in 1849, Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) was the first public university in the state. In face, it’s been first in a lot of things — CCSU debuted the first ever online data mining program in 2001.
Another program that allows you to tailor your studies to serve your individual interests and needs with a specialized track, CCSU’s data science degree lets you specialize in (1) bioinformatics, (2) text analytics, (3) computational methods, and (4) advanced methods in data science.
Colorado State University
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Applied Statistics (Data Science Specialization)
Cost Per Credit: $811
Number of Required Credits: 30
Total Tuition: $24,330
The data science specialization of Colorado State University’s online Master of Applied Statistics program will teach students the most up-to-date information in industry trends and statistical techniques from faculty who incorporate their active research projects and industry expertise into the curriculum.
Data science instruction from CSU relies on rigorous coursework, but it’s also hands-on. Through a six-week capstone consulting course, students will apply techniques learned in the online classroom environment directly to the workplace. As a result of this practical experience, students will achieve a well-rounded education that will prepare them to solve real problems in science or any industry.
Utica College
Location: Utica, New York (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Data Science
Cost Per Credit: $830
Number of Required Credits: 30
Total Tuition: $24,900
As with CCSU and other schools on this list, Utica College offers an MS in data science in four different tracks: (1) cybersecurity, (2) business analytics, (3) social science analytics, (4) financial crime.
While those first two are specializations you’ve seen before on this list, the focus of the latter two on using data to affect social change or fight for economic justice helps makes Utica College’s program fairly unique, and a great choice for prospective students looking to make a difference.
Saint Mary’s College
Location: Notre Dame, Indiana (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Data Science
Cost Per Credit: $699
Number of Required Credits: 36
Total Tuition: $25,164
Although St. Mary’s College is a historic women’s college that shares history with Notre Dame, rest assured that the online data science program is open to men and women alike. Saint’s Mary’s MS program fuses the study of mathematics like applied statistics with workplace skills like communication and project management, the combination of which students will need to succeed in a data science role. Graduates will engage in a real-world practicum that involves developing data analysis tools and then applying them to a pressing need within a real organization.
Cabrini University
Location: Radnor, Pennsylvania (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Data Science
Cost Per Credit: $705
Number of Required Credits: 36
Total Tuition: $25,380
Cabrini University’s Master of Science in Data Science is a technology-centric degree program that covers four distinct areas of the field: software and programming, business and management, data warehousing, and data visualization.
At Cabrini, fully online courses are designed to fit around a working schedule, allowing students to build a network of support from peers and professors as they work to advance their education and careers. Despite being an online program, class sizes are still kept small for extra support, and students will finish the program by completing an internship or capstone project for real-world data application.
University of North Dakota
Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Data Science
Cost Per Credit: $853.86
Number of Required Credits: 30
Total Tuition: $25,615.80
The University of North Dakota (UND) defines their advanced data science curriculum as “an ideal marriage of computer science, data science and business analytics for well-rounded expertise in one of the fastest growing areas in the realm of computing.” UND’s online program is identical to their on-campus offering and fully accredited by the Higher-Learning Commission (HLC), meaning that students never need to feel like they’re receiving a lesser education than those attending face-to-face classes. Students of this program can receive free tutoring and unlimited academic coaching.
Elmhurst University
Location: Elmhurst, Illinois (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics
Cost Per Credit: $885
Number of Required Credits: 30
Total Tuition: $26,500
A private liberal arts college in the growing suburb of the same name, Elmhurst University was founded in 1871 and has built its strongest selling point on its location: a short ride from downtown Chicago, America’s “Second City” and the de-facto capital of the Midwest with a major business and tech industry.
Elmhurst offers a STEM-dedicated data science program that fuses theory and practice, which serves to gear students up for the demands and realities of starting a career in data science. The online MS is available only part-time, perfect for working professionals, and students will still be able to earn their degree in only two years.
Lewis University
Location: Romeoville, Illinois (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Data Science
Cost Per Course: $820
Number of Required Credits: 33
Total Tuition: $27,060
Lewis University’s MS in Data Science program is no slouch when it comes to theory, but like many of these programs, the real focus is real-world application. Students cover everything — machine learning, statistical programming, data mining and analytics, large-scale data storage systems, data visualization, artificial intelligence, natural language processing and cybersecurity.
Led by faculty who are leading data science experts, Lewis’ industry-leading curriculum is totally customizable, featuring a variety of specific tracks: (1) cognitive and prescriptive analysis, (2) data engineering, (3) cybersecurity data science, (4) data science research, and (5) computational biology and bioinformatics.
Loyola University Maryland
Location: Baltimore, Maryland (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Data Science
Cost Per Credit: $875
Number of Required Credits: 31
Total Tuition: $27,125
The Loyola University Maryland Master of Science in Data Science blends computer science, business, and statistics courses to render students adaptable to any domain with rigorous statistical and computational skills. In addition, all students complete both a one-credit design course and a capstone research project that is conducted with a partner in local industry/government/non-profit.
Students in the program choose one of two specializations, business analytics or technical, and are encouraged to customize the curriculum by aligning course choice with personal interests and career goals.
As a Jesuit university, Loyola’s program also places an emphasis on the importance of ethics in data science—a critical, and increasingly important issue to both the field and society.
Nova Southeastern University
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Data Science
Cost Per Credit: $905
Number of Required Credits: 30
Total Tuition: $27,150
Nova Southeastern University (NSU Florida) offers an MS degree in Data Science as one of six specializations of their Master of Computer Science, alongside Software Engineering, Computer Systems, Cybersecurity, Real-World Computing, and Artificial Intelligence. One of the best parts of NSU Florida’s program is expediency — with just 10 eight-week courses students can earn your M.S. in only one year, allowing them to hit the ground running starting their career.
Fontbonne University
Location: St. Louis, Missouri (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Computer Science
Cost Per Credit: $800
Number of Required Credits: 34
Total Tuition: $27,200
Fontbonne University’s Master’s degree in Computer Science is focused on one of three practical specializations: cybersecurity, software engineering, and, of course, data science. Their online program features small class sizes and is taught by faculty with industry and research knowledge and features practical courses based on theoretical foundations. The MS program is appropriate for professionals with a technology-related degree as well as those who find themselves in a career that demands data science knowledge or are looking to transition into one that does.
Maryville University
Location: St. Louis, Missouri (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Data Science
Cost Per Credit: $765
Number of Required Credits: 36
Total Tuition: $27,540
Maryville University’s MS in data science program was designed with input from employers and partners that use big data across industries, so you can build proficiency in the most in-demand areas of the modern data science world. With no entrance fees or exams, Maryville’s MS program was designed to make the experience as stream-lined as possible.
Select electives that support your unique goals and interests, build your advanced skill set with project-based curriculum and gain practical experience with field work. At Maryville, you will develop critical, in-demand coding skills in Python, SQL, R, and SAS while building proficiencies in machine learning, data mining, big data, and deep learning, preparing you for a challenging career in data science.
University of San Diego
Location: San Diego, California (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Applied Data Science
Tuition Per Course: $925
Number of Required Credits: 30
Total Tuition: $27,750
The applied data science program from University of San Diego was developed by data science experts in close collaboration with key industry and government stakeholders to provide in-depth practical and technical training designed to position graduates for career success in this vitally important and fast-growing field.
The program is perfect not only for Bachelor-prepared science, mathematics, engineering, information technology or computer science graduates but also mid-career computer science professionals looking to advance their knowledge and skills or even those looking to transition into data science from other fields.
The MS in applied data science is designed to be completed in just 20 months over 5 semesters and culminates in a Capstone experience that pairs them potential industry partners on an in-depth project that hones their ability to apply their skills in a workplace environment.
National University
Location: San Diego, California (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Data Science
Cost Per Credit: $442
Number of Required Credits: 63
Total Tuition: $27,846
One of the most exciting aspects of the MS in Data Science program from San Diego’s National University (NU) is that it can be completed in as few as 14 months. Designed for adult learners, the fact that a Master’s degree can be achieved in just over a year means that working professionals can get the education they need quickly and be on their way to building their careers. Plus, NU has $30 million in scholarships available.
Solving real-world challenges through statistical methods is the core of NU’s program. They offer three specializations are to choose from — (1) business analytics, (2) database analytics, and (3) health analytics.
Mercy College
Location: Dobbs Ferry, New York (Online)
Program: Master of Science in Computer Science
Cost Per Credit: $943
Number of Required Credits: 30
Total Tuition: $28,290
Founded in 1950, Mercy College has become a lynch pin of New York academia with campuses not just in suburban Westchester County but Manhattan and the Bronx as well. Graduates of the MS in computer science program from Mercy College with a concentration in data science with acquire cutting-edge skills in the mathematical methods of data science, computational data analysis, machine learning, deep learning and applications in big data.
Continue exploring your Data Science career options with our Data Science Career Guide.
