15 Most Affordable Master’s in Data Science Online

By DSDP Staff

Data scientists are well-paid professionals who have the skills needed to collect and analyze various types and sizes of data. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for a data scientist is $98,230. Data scientists use advanced skills to capture, maintain, process, and analyze data, and communicate their findings to stakeholders. Data scientists with a master’s degree have advanced training and experience using industry-standard data analysis techniques. Earning a master’s in data science doesn’t have to be daunting…and it doesn’t have to break the bank! There are many excellent programs offered in a convenient online format that cost under $10,000 a year! We created this list of the most affordable online data science master’s programs from accredited universities in the U.S. Each of these programs offers a flexible online program with limited (if any!) residency requirements. All of these top affordable online master’s in data science have an average annual graduate tuition rate of less than $10,000 according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Your actual cost could vary depending on factors like residency, online discounts, and length of time to complete the degree-check with each program for details.

15. Eastern University – Saint Davids, Pennsylvania

MS in Data Science Online

Average Graduate Tuition: $9,900/year
Eastern University offers a low cost online master’s in data science through the College of Health and Sciences. Courses are self-paced within a seven-week schedule. Students can complete their degree in as little as 10 months. The program fits all types of learners from beginners to those with advanced skills. Students will learn industry standard tools like SQL and Qlik from expert faculty. Course offerings include:

• Data Analytics in R
• Principles of Python Programming
• Foundations of Machine Learning Models

Applicants should have a 3.0 GPA in their last two years of undergraduate study and provide a current resume to be considered for acceptance.

#14. Indiana University – Bloomington, Indiana

Online Master’s in Data Science

School Profile

Average Graduate Tuition: $9,786/year in-state; $31,932/year out-of-state
The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University offers one of the best values in data science education. Their affordable master’s in business analytics is a 30-credit hour program that can be completed in just 15-months. Courses include:

• Operations Management
• Data Warehousing and Visualization
• Simulation and Optimization for BA

Students will learn to make effective business decisions by conducting data analysis, think strategically, and develop analytical models. Graduates are well-positioned for roles like:

• web metrics analyst
• brand analytics manager
• e-commerce project manager.

#13. Iowa State University – Ames, Iowa

Online Master of Business Analytics

School Profile
Average Graduate Tuition: $9,758/year in-state; $24,720/year out-of-state
The Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business at Iowa State University offers a budget friendly online master’s in business analytics that takes just 15-21 months to complete. The program is designed for working professionals and is highly customizable. Students can focus their studies by choosing courses that align with their field. Courses are taught by internationally recognized faculty who share their experience with their students. Courses cover areas like:

• data wrangling
• data visualization and communication
• analytics leadership

Courses are offered online and use an asynchronous format. All students complete a data science capstone project during their last semester to allow for focused training.

#12. University of Missouri – Columbia, Missouri

Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics Online

School Profile
Average Graduate Tuition: $9,478/year in-state; $25,946/year out-of-state
The University of Missouri offers a budget friendly data science master’s online with a variety of emphasis areas to choose from. Students can choose from exciting options like:

• BioHealth Analytics
• Geospatial Analytics
• High-Performance Computing
• Human-Centered Science Design
• Strategic Communications and Data Journalism

Courses are completed online, and students come to campus in the spring for a one-week executive session. A unique capstone and case study experience takes place for eight weeks during the summer. Students collaborate with their peers and faculty to study and analyze large data sets using current technology.

#11. University of Maryland Global Campus – Adelphi, Maryland

Master’s in Data Analytics Online

School Profile

Average Graduate Tuition: $8,640/year in-state and $11,862/year out-of-state
The University of Maryland Global Campus features an affordable online master’s in data analytics created with input from leading employers in the industry. This 36-credit hour program is a great choice for students with a background in software programming or statistics. Core courses include:

• Machine Learning
• Big Data Analytics
• Data Management and Visualization

Graduates are well-positioned for exciting careers in predictive modeling and data mining.

#10. Cabrini University – Radnor, Pennsylvania

Master of Science in Data Science Online

Average Graduate Tuition: $8,220/year (information provided by the University)
Cabrini University is a Catholic institution that supports learners of all faiths and backgrounds. They offer a top value online data science master’s degree with working students in mind. Courses are offered online, and students can complete assignments and materials on their own schedule. Students will programming areas like SQL and Python. They will learn database administration management strategies and data warehousing. All students complete an internship or capstone project that gives them hands-on experience, preparing them for the workforce. Most students can earn their degree in just 24 months.

#9. University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Data Science Master’s Degree Online

Average Graduate Tuition: $8,027/year in-state and $18,061/year out-of-state
If your future lies in big data, the budget friendly online master’s in data science from the University of Wisconsin can get you there. The program is designed for working adults and there are no on-campus residency requirements. Students can access course content from almost any device and there are no set log-in times. Courses are taught by expert-level faculty who interact with their students through vibrant online discussion boards. Graduates have used this affordable online data science master’s as a launching point for exciting roles like:

• data modeler
• business intelligence analyst
• data mining engineer.

#8. Western Governors University – Salt Lake City, Utah

Online Master of Science in Data Analytics

Average Graduate Tuition: $7,500/year
Western Governors University features a top value online master’s in data analytics with career advancement in mind. The curriculum focuses on both theory and application in data science. The innovative education model makes it possible for students to work full-time while earning their degrees. Courses cover areas like:

• data visualization
• data management
• data analytics

The competency-based learning format allows students to move faster through familiar material and spend more time on areas that are new. All students complete a data science capstone project that synthesizes all the knowledge and skills students gained from the program.

#7. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology – Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Online Master of Science in Analytics

School Profile
Average Graduate Tuition: $7,200/year
The affordable online master’s in analytics from Harrisburg University is a 36-credit hour program with three specialized concentrations. Students can create an individualized program track or choose between:

• Healthcare Informatics
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

The first year of the program gives students an in-depth look at analytics. During the second year, students learn how to apply analytics in their specific discipline. Courses include:

• Data Visualization
• Exploratory Data Analysis
• Analytical Methods

#6. The University of West Florida – Pensacola, Florida

Master of Science in Data Science Online

Average Graduate Tuition: $7,088/year in-state and $22,166/year out-of-state
The University of West Florida offers the only online data science master’s degree in the state. This top affordable master’s in data science offers asynchronous coursework, ideal for working professionals. Several program tracks are available including:

• Analytics and Modeling
• Analytics of Business Decisions
• Health Analytics

This 30-credit hour program takes 24 months to complete. Courses are between eight and 16 weeks long. Graduates are ready for doctoral study or use their data science skills in areas like business, finance, or academia.

#5. Texas A&M University – College Station, Texas

Master of Science in Analytics Online

School Profile
Average Graduate Tuition: $6,775/year in-state; $19,048/year out-of-state
The Mays Business School at Texas A&M University offers a flexible online master’s in analytics through live video streaming. Students can complete their degree part-time over five semesters. Courses are taught by distinguished Texas A&M University faculty. Courses include:

• Marketing Engineering
• Business Database Systems
• Regression Analysis

Applicants should have at least three years of full-time work experience and a strong academic background.

#4. Emporia State University – Emporia, Kansas

Master of Science in Informatics Online

School Profile
Average Graduate Tuition: $6,547/year in-state and $20,365/year out-of-state
Emporia State University is the third-oldest public university in Kansas. They offer an affordable online master’s in informatics online with a concentration in quantitative economics. Students will gain valuable skills in economic research and data science. Courses are delivered in a convenient online format although some courses may be completed in a hybrid setting if students desire. This unique concentration is mathematically intensive and focuses on econometric analyses and programming. Graduates can consider careers in:

• legal informatics
• competitive intelligence
• market research.

#3. Dakota State University – Madison, South Dakota

Master of Science in Analytics

School Profile

Average Graduate Tuition: $5,939/year in-state; $11,088/year out-of-state
To transform the world with analytics, you need a comprehensive master’s in data science that offers advanced training. Dakota State University offers a high value online master’s in analytics that prepares students to solve critical issues and help make informed decisions through data analysis. Students will explore the newest technology like Python and R and use Hadoop and Spark to analyze big data. Specializations are available in:

• business
• health care analytics
• information systems

Students can also choose a general track. New students are admitted during the fall, spring, and summer.

#2. University of Oklahoma – Norman, Oklahoma

Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics Online

School Profile

Average Graduate Tuition: $6,943/year in-state and $21,602/year out-of-state
The Gallogly College of Engineering at the University of Oklahoma is home to the Data Science and Analytics Institute which offers an affordable online master’s in data science. Students can earn their degree in just 24 months. This 33-credit hour program is comprised of 24 credit hours of core courses and nine credits of electives. Required courses include:

• Database Management Systems
• Intelligent Data Analytics
• Computing Structures

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Graduates have skills that are applicable across multiple industries, opening the door to expanded career opportunities.

#1. Oklahoma State University – Stillwater, Oklahoma

MS in Business Analytics and Data Science

School Profile

Average Graduate Tuition: $5,531/year in-state and $21,034/year out-of-state
Oklahoma State University offers our cheapest online master’s in data science. This high-quality STEM-designated program is designed for working professionals. Students collaborate through virtual activities and stay engaged with multimedia content. Hands-on training with enterprise-level analytics from vendors like Tableau, Snowflake, and SAS gives students an edge in the job market. Graduates are ready to pursue careers as:

• data scientists
• data/business analysts
• statistical analysts.

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