Data science is a degree that can be used in any field or area. As a data scientist or in any related occupation, you’ll notice the need for skills in communications, computer science, mathematics, and business. People in this career field need to be fast on their feet and have the capability to solve complicated questions.
Data science needs highly-skilled professionals who are disciplined. A few of these occupations consist of an enterprise architect, machine learning engineer, data scientist, and statistician.
If you want to advance or go into a career based on data science, you’ll need to gain a master’s degree. Below we’ve comprised a list of the top ten most affordable schools with the best online data science programs for earning a master’s in data science or data analytics. These programs aren’t just affordable but offer some of the best online data science courses in the nation. You’ll have deep learning with hands-on experiences, creating strategic data plans, and making networking connections with professionals in your community.
Online Data Science Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the schools below.In all of these programs, you’ll be taught by real professionals in the field of data science. These professionals want you to succeed. They won’t only train you in the most relevant skills but mentor you individually to help you find your career passion. You can graduate feeling confident in what you’ve chosen.
Methodology
All schools considered for these rankings
- Are regionally or nationally accredited
- Offer at least one fully online master’s in data science program (with no more than two weeks of required in-person work)
- Were collected from official accrediting agency websites.
Schools are ranked solely by the average net price as released in the most recent IPEDs database collected in 2022
2023 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Data Science Programs
| #1 | The University of West Florida | $7,089 |
| #2 | Kent State University at Salem | $8,349 |
| #3 | Western Governors University | $9,969 |
| #4 | Middle Georgia State University | $10,354 |
| #5 | University of Illinois at Springfield | $12,034 |
| #6 | University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | $13,092 |
| #7 | Arizona State University | $13,107 |
| #8 | Fort Hays State University | $13,189 |
| #9 | University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign | $14,321 |
| #10 | Georgia Institute of Technology | $14,974 |
| #11 | Southern Arkansas University | $15,321 |
| #12 | University of Maryland Global Campus | $15,395 |
| #13 | University of North Dakota | $16,966 |
| #14 | Bellevue University | $17,288 |
| #15 | Charleston Southern University | $17,671 |
| #16 | Davenport University | $18,264 |
| #17 | Notre Dame of Maryland University | $19,990 |
| #18 | University of Kansas | $20,257 |
| #19 | National University | $20,722 |
| #20 | Cabrini University | $21,020 |
| #21 | Utica College | $22,452 |
| #22 | The College of Saint Scholastica | $22,545 |
| #23 | Southern New Hampshire University Online | $42,645 |
10 Best Affordable Colleges for Online Master’s in Data Science Programs
1. The University of West Florida
Average Net Price: $7,089
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
The University of West Florida is an upstanding post-secondary school that values building a stronger community and teaching the next generation of world-changers. UWF upholds a standard of excellence as it keeps small class sizes and focuses attention on its students from some of the nation’s most intriguing professionals.
Achieving the best online Master’s in Data Science at The University of West Florida means personalizing your data science degree to your needs. You can choose from a multitude of MS degrees, including an MS in data science in analytics and modeling, an MS in data science in health analytics, and more. In any data science specialization program you choose, you’ll be trained in the skills and knowledge needed to interpret and manipulate the data pipeline. In each program, students get to work one-on-one with faculty and with graduate students in other areas so they can gain real-world experience.
2. Kent State University at Salem
Average Net Price: $8,349
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Kent State University at Salem was founded in 1965. The university wants to help create engaged individuals who challenge themselves and better who they are. Today it’s home to over 38,000 students and has an extraordinary faculty of researchers and mentors. Kent State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is recognized as a non-profit.
The data science master’s program at Kent State University at Salem was ranked #8 on the 2020 Most Affordable Online Master’s Data Science Degrees. Not only is this program affordable, but it’s specialized in your career field. You have the opportunity to learn about data science or digital sciences in a rigorous supervised learning environment. Some of the business intelligence you’ll gain consists of data engineering, artificial intelligence, data mining algorithms/programming, cluster computing, and advanced information systems design.
3. Western Governors University
Average Net Price: $9,969
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: NWCCU
Western Governors University was founded on the idea of offering an upstanding education to all students no matter where they’re located. Today, Western Governors University is home to over 130,000 students, with a student satisfaction rate of 95%. At WGU, you’ll have the freedom to expand your talents and find the career you’re passionate about.
Each graduate program at Western Governors University is designed with leading employers in the community. This partnership helps students attain traits that are exactly what employers want and need. In the Data Analytics master’s program at WGU, you’ll have the opportunity to use new technology, choose datasets around your desired industry, and customize your degree to your needs. 72% of students in this degree program complete the required credits and graduate within 18 months.
4. Middle Georgia State University
Average Net Price: $10,354
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
Middle Georgia State University is located in Macon, Georgia, and was established in 2015. Since its opening, it’s kept a reputation of excellence and affordability. This continues to be shown as the university has a recommendation rate of 100%. Those who graduate from Middle Georgia State University go on to be inspired leaders in their community.
The graduate program at Middle Georgia State University is one of the most affordable and reliable programs in the nation. In the Master of Science in Information Technology degree, you’ll be challenged and pushed to think at a higher level. The program offers emphasis in several areas, including Software Development, Critical Infrastructure Management, Cyber Security and Forensics, Social Media, and Health Informatics. After graduating with an MS in Information Technology, you’ll be a leader in information systems, data engineering, data visualization, and more.
5. University of Illinois at Springfield
Average Net Price: $12,034
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
The University of Illinois at Springfield is a very student-focused college that has each individual’s success as a priority. You’ll feel welcomed as you’re encouraged to share your work with professors and contribute to research that relates to your field of study. Students have opportunities for paid internships with partners in the community and are more likely to graduate with a job of their choice.
In this unique data analytics master’s degree program, you’ll become an expert in both the mathematical aspect of data science and the computational tools needed to analyze and interpret. Many of the data science courses in the program are hands-on and use advanced technology that allows student’s a better understanding of what they’re learning. Graduates have gone on to be statisticians, big data developers, neural networks researchers, and social networking data analysts.
6. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Average Net Price: $14.487
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a public university in Green Bay, Wisconsin, established in 1965. The university is one of thirteen universities in the University of Wisconsin System. The university also offers graduate programs for students who want to continue their education after they have completed their undergraduate studies. The university also offers programs in business administration, education and human services, engineering and applied sciences, health professions and nursing, social work, and graduate studies.
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a public university with a diverse student body. They also offer one of the most innovative Master’s of Data Science programs. The program is designed to give students a broad knowledge base in data science, with a focus on using real-world data to help their employers serve customers and clients effectively. The program’s curriculum includes courses in data analytics, machine learning, and data mining, each with relevance varying based on your preferred specialty.
7. Arizona State University
Average Net Price: $13,107
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
This top-tier post-secondary educational institute is known for helping individuals find their drive in life. Today it’s home to over 119,000 students, all of which have found a place they feel valued. As an online university, students have the control to choose their own schedules and graduate on their time. Arizona State University teaches excellence and leadership, and it’s led through the modeling of prestigious faculty.
Arizona State University offers over 450 graduate programs and accepts 21,361 students a year. Of these programs, some of their most popular include their MCS in Big Data, MS in Business Analytics, and MS in Program Evaluation and Data Analytics. In each of these programs, students will get a deeper understanding of data science and data analyst techniques. Arizona State University designed its online data science program so students can get hands-on experience even from a distance.
8. Fort Hays State University
Average Net Price: $13,189
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
Since its founding in 1902, Fort Hays State University has been dedicated to helping students achieve their highest potential, both academically and professionally. Students attend Fort Hays State University across the globe, each individual wanting to participate in the best online data science programs and research. As a student, you won’t find more dedicated faculty who are there for your success. The school also holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
At Fort Hays State University, their MS in Computer Science expands individuals’ intellect and prepare them to evaluate work in any field. Their Master of Liberal Studies in Information Analysis and Communications degree is one of their most desired programs to pursue. Both 100% online master programs will give you the skills to master complicated questions and understand data analysis, data visualization, and big data analytics strategies that you can utilize in any field chosen.
9. University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign
Average Net Price: $17,302
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: HLC
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public research university in Champaign, Illinois, and is the flagship campus of the University of Illinois system. Since its founding in 1867, it has been a major center for teaching and research in engineering, social sciences, natural sciences, and various other disciplines. With this heritage and its broad array of resources, the U of I prepares alumni that change the world.
As one of the most innovative higher education schools in America, the University offers a master’s degree in data science online that covers a variety of topics like modeling, data visualization, and statistical analysis. The degree is designed for people who want to become a data architect, data engineer, or who are already working in entry-level positions as data analysts or statisticians and want to advance their data analytic skills and knowledge. The required credits of this program are designed to provide you with the computer science skills and data analysis knowledge necessary to succeed in a high-level applied data science career.
10. Georgia Institute of Technology
Average Net Price: $14,927
School Type: Non-Profit
School Accreditation: SACS COC
The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university founded in 1885 in Atlanta, Georgia, that offers degrees in over 100 fields of study, including engineering, computing, sciences, design, and architecture. The university has a strong focus on engineering and cutting-edge technology. With U.S. News and World Report ranking the school as #4 in most innovative schools and #5 in computer engineering, GIT is poised to jumpstart your career to a new level of expertise.
The Georgia Institute of Technology is one of the best universities in the US for a master’s degree in data science, as exemplified in their ranking. The program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to use data in order to solve problems, create opportunities, and improve lives. This program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to succeed as data scientists in high-level roles. The curriculum is focused on the application of data science in different industries, including business intelligence, marketing, finance, healthcare, and more.
