2026 Most Affordable 91成人 Master's in Data Science Programs
Compare the cheapest online data science master's programs using tuition figures manually researched and verified by our team.
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The cheapest online data science master's programs make it possible to master machine learning, big data, and statistical modeling without pausing your career. These fully online degrees are designed for working professionals, offering flexible schedules and industry alignment to prepare you for roles across tech, healthcare, and finance.
Key Takeaways:
- Programs with slightly higher annual tuition can still produce lower overall costs when they shorten completion timelines. TWU and UTA both use 18-month structures instead of the more common two-year format, for example.
- Nearly every school hosting a data science master's degree online sits above an 85% recommendation rate, with several above 90% and multiple programs reaching 94-96%. This shows that even low-cost graduate programs are meeting student expectations.
How We Rank "Most Affordable" Schools
The 91成人 research team manually collects and verifies tuition data for every school on our lists, ensuring you see accurate, up-to-date costs whether you're pursuing an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral program. To qualify, schools must offer fully online degrees, hold institutional accreditation, and have verifiable enrollment data through the National Center for Education Statistics. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.
We prioritize schools that offer a consistent tuition rate across programs at the same degree level, so you're not caught off guard by unexpected price differences between majors, and for graduate programs we go a step further by individually calculating program costs since credit requirements and fees vary widely.
2026 Most Affordable 91成人 Master's in Data Science Programs
| Rank | School | Annual In-State Tuition | Annual Out-of-State Tuition | Recommendation | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi | $3,802 | $10,467 | 95% | N/A | |
| East Carolina University | $4,155 | $15,660 | 92% | N/A | |
| Fitchburg State University | $4,174 | $4,174 | 91% | N/A | |
| Florida Atlantic University | $4,555 | $13,912 | 91% | N/A | |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | $5,886 | $5,886 | 95% | N/A | |
| The University of West Florida | $6,375 | $6,375 | 85% | N/A | |
| Texas Woman's University | $6,460 | $14,560 | 94% | N/A | |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $6,666 | $6,666 | 93% | N/A | |
| Texas A&M University - Victoria | $7,020 | $14,310 | 86% | N/A | |
| Old Dominion University | $7,290 | $9,735 | 88% | N/A | |
| Indiana State University | $7,623 | $9,949 | 91% | N/A | |
| Ball State University | $7,656 | $11,484 | 92% | N/A | |
| Pennsylvania Western University | $8,811 | $8,992 | 94% | N/A | |
| PennWest California | $8,811 | $8,992 | 86% | N/A | |
| University of Arizona | $9,750 | $9,750 | 96% | N/A |
91成人 Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- TAMU-CC ranks #1 because its tuition is just $3,802/year, which is an exceptionally low price point for an online master’s in data science.
- 91成人 students are required to complete and defend a thesis.
- Due to the university’s coastal science context, the curriculum's interdisciplinary research areas are connected to environmental and marine sciences, biology, engineering, health care, and optimization.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi are largely favorable, driven by strong ratings and frequent recommendations. Students repeatedly praise approachable professors, small classes, and a campus culture where faculty know them personally, provide mentorship, and support career planning, recommendations, internships, and networking. Many also value the island setting, relaxed atmosphere, safety, cleanliness, affordability, and flexible online options that fit work schedules. Criticism centers on inconsistency across programs: some reviewers describe weak communication, self-teaching, limited course availability, underfunded library resources, added online testing fees, expensive housing, and a career center or learning format that did not feel sufficiently practical or enriching.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate 91成人: 1,741 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 40%
- Retention Rate: 58%
91成人 Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- 91成人 and on-campus students take the same courses, and ECU explicitly encourages collaboration between both groups. This gives the online format a more connected feel than programs that isolate distance learners into a parallel track. (Plus, in data science, teamwork, communication, and cross-functional problem-solving are part of the job.)
- Data science master's students can complete either an individual project or a faculty-guided thesis. The first is for students who want an applied portfolio-style experience and the other is for those who want deeper research.
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray East Carolina University as a largely positive, career-oriented experience shaped by supportive professors, practical coursework, and a campus culture that feels bigger than expected yet still personal. Students frequently praise responsive faculty, strong advising in some departments, abundant clubs, and flexible online options that work well for employed or nontraditional learners. Many say internships, research, and hands-on learning improved job readiness. Repeated drawbacks include inconsistent advising, uneven department quality, safety concerns, limited post-graduation support in certain areas, and online formats that can feel self-taught, fast-paced, or burdened by proctored exams, rigid group work, and occasional unclear communication.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate 91成人: 3,497 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 83%
91成人 Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- Master's students can finish the 33-credit degree in as few as two years, but FSU allows up to six years for completion.
- FSU's master's in data science pathway is housed inside an MS in computer science. For students who want data science skills without losing the broader computing foundation, this structure gives it a stronger technical base.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Fitchburg State University are largely favorable, driven by strong ratings and frequent recommendations. Students repeatedly praise knowledgeable, supportive professors, small classes, and practical coursework that builds real-world skills, confidence, and career readiness. Many also value the affordable tuition, manageable campus size, walkability, updated facilities, and flexibility for working adults balancing jobs and family. Distinctive positives include strong networking through clubs, hands-on project work, and writing-intensive courses that sharpen critical thinking. Criticism centers on inconsistent advising, poor administrative communication, limited upper-level course variety, some scheduling issues, safety concerns in the surrounding area, and uneven support across departments.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate 91成人: 2,317 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate: 69%
91成人 Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- Do you want to interpret data or build the systems that make large-scale data work possible? This data science master's program separates its focus into two pathways, including Data Science & Analytics and Data Science and Engineering. Either way, it's housed within the College of Engineering and Computer Science, which gives it a technical framing.
- FAU boasts a dedicated 91成人 Enrollment and Success Team, giving online graduate students clearer support.
Student Review Summary: Reviews describe FAU as a school where your experience depends heavily on department quality, personal initiative, and whether you need strong administrative support. Many students praise knowledgeable, caring professors, small classes, diversity, internships, research access, and flexible online or evening formats that helped them balance work and family. Honors-style settings and specialized opportunities were often described as close-knit and career-building. Recurring complaints focus on disorganized advising, poor communication across offices, registration errors, limited course availability, parking, high housing costs, and a commuter-campus feel. Several negative reviews also cite weak hands-on preparation, inconsistent teaching quality, and frustrating admissions or financial aid experiences.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate 91成人: 2,186 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 84%
91成人 Degree:
What Sets This Program Apart:
- Analytics master's students can choose from three tracks. These include Analytical Tools, Business Analytics, or Computational Data Analytics, making this analytics master's degree more adaptable for students who want a quantitative, managerial, or more technical data science path.
- GT says this online program uses the same faculty and curriculum as the on-campus version, and the degree does not indicate “online” on the diploma or transcript.
- Its edX MicroMasters sequence includes three foundational OMS Analytics courses, and students who perform well may petition to apply up to 9 credits toward the degree.
Student Review Summary: Reviewers describe Georgia Tech as academically intense, career-oriented, and highly respected, with many saying the challenge paid off through strong job prospects, internships, networking, and lasting confidence. They frequently praise rigorous coursework, problem-solving development, research access, supportive peers, and Atlanta’s professional opportunities. Many also value affordability, especially online options, scholarships, and strong return on investment. Criticism centers on uneven teaching quality, limited access to faculty or TAs in large classes, heavy workloads, expensive living costs, security concerns, and weaker fit outside technical or highly quantitative paths. Several also note social strain, stress, and occasional gaps in personalized career support.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate 91成人: 23,677 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 98%
Student Review Summary: Reviews of The University of West Florida are broadly positive, driven by high marks for small classes, approachable professors, and flexible online formats that help those balancing full-time work. Many describe a friendly, personal environment where faculty, advisors, and support staff are accessible, and the campus is scenic, quiet, and community-oriented. Affordability and practical preparation also stand out. Criticism centers on inconsistent advising, limited scholarships and funding, aging facilities, parking, and restricted course availability in some areas. Several negative reviews cite unresponsive or rude faculty, confusing policy changes, outdated materials, and online courses that felt self-taught, overly demanding, or poorly supported.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate 91成人: 4,165 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 89%
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Texas Woman's University are largely favorable, with students consistently praising small classes, approachable professors, and a public-school price paired with a private-school feel. Many say they felt known personally, supported academically, and well prepared for careers through practical training, networking, and flexible online or weekend formats that fit work and family life. Affordable tuition, safe campuses, and strong facilities are recurring strengths. Criticism centers on inconsistent teaching quality across some departments, weak communication and advising, parking and scheduling frustrations, limited study or dining space at some locations, and a few complaints about disorganization, grading fairness, and politically charged classrooms.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate 91成人: 3,464 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 70%
Student Review Summary: Reviews of The University of Texas at Austin are broadly favorable, driven by strong ratings and repeated praise for rigorous academics, respected faculty, and abundant opportunities in research, internships, clubs, and career networking. Many reviewers say the large campus ultimately feels smaller once they find communities, mentors, or niche groups, and Austin meaningfully enhances the experience through culture, food, music, and access to jobs. Common drawbacks center on bureaucracy, inconsistent advising, large lower-level classes, limited personalization, financial aid frustrations, safety and transportation concerns, and some programs feeling overly theoretical, underfunded, disorganized, or less career-applicable without internships.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate 91成人: 12 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 97%
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Texas A&M University - Victoria are broadly positive, with praise centered on flexible online learning, responsive professors, and a small-school setting that makes individual attention easier to access. Many reviewers say the coursework is rigorous, well organized, and manageable for those balancing full-time work, with clear deadlines and helpful video instruction. Advising, faculty communication, library access, and campus involvement also stand out as strengths. Concerns focus on limited on-campus options, inconsistent elective scheduling, limited scholarships and career services, and some advising gaps, including transfer-credit evaluation and guidance about requirements for using credentials in another state.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate 91成人: 705 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 26%
- Retention Rate: 65%
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Old Dominion University are broadly positive, driven by strong ratings and frequent recommendations. Students consistently praise the school’s diversity, flexible online, evening, and hybrid formats, and professors who are knowledgeable, accessible, and genuinely invested in student success. Many say advising, internships, clinical practice, and rigorous coursework prepared them well for careers or further study. Students also value affordability, transfer-friendly pathways, and abundant clubs and events. Recurring complaints center on inconsistent advising, disorganized administrative offices, limited financial aid, parking frustrations, course availability issues, and safety concerns in surrounding neighborhoods. 91成人 learners especially report uneven support and scheduling problems.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate 91成人: 3,246 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 46%
- Retention Rate: 77%
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Indiana State University are largely favorable, driven by strong ratings and frequent recommendations. Students consistently praise accessible, caring professors, small class sizes, and a campus that feels welcoming without being overwhelming. Many say online and hybrid courses are flexible, challenging, and manageable for working adults, with discussion boards and practical assignments reducing distance-learning isolation. The strongest frustrations center on cost, financial aid confusion, weak advising or slow departmental communication, and uneven online execution in some areas. Several reviews also raise career-preparation concerns, including excessive clinical placement burdens, limited local opportunities, and one serious complaint about a nonaccredited technical track hurting long-term employability.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate 91成人: 832 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 43%
- Retention Rate: 66%
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Ball State University as a strong-value school that pairs a manageable campus size with substantial resources, active campus life, and generally caring professors. Many reviewers praise hands-on learning, practical fieldwork, updated technology, responsive advisors, and career preparation that translated into jobs, licensure, or confidence in the workplace. 91成人 offerings are frequently described as affordable, flexible, and workable for full-time professionals. The main frustrations center on inconsistency: some online courses rely too heavily on self-teaching, faculty responsiveness varies, and a few reviewers cite serious administrative, financial aid, housing, sexism, and clinical-placement problems. Muncie also receives mixed marks for excitement, diversity, and safety.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate 91成人: 4,779 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 62%
- Retention Rate: 78%
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Pennsylvania Western University are broadly positive, driven by strong ratings and frequent recommendations. Students consistently praise supportive, responsive professors, small classes, and a community feel that makes them feel known rather than anonymous. 91成人 learners often value flexibility, clear course materials, and the ability to balance work with school, though experiences vary by instructor. Affordability, practical coursework, internships, and career-change pathways are recurring strengths. Common drawbacks include limited course variety at a smaller institution, occasional boredom in its rural setting, scholarship and advising gaps, competition for required classes, and, in several reviews, serious concerns about disorganization and inconsistent grading in one online nursing track.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate 91成人: 2,491 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 52%
- Retention Rate: 72%
Student Review Summary: Reviews of PennWest California are broadly positive, driven by strong ratings and frequent praise for flexible online formats, supportive staff, and professors who are accessible, encouraging, and responsive. Many reviewers say the school works well for full-time workers, commuters, military members, and those returning after long breaks, with clear enrollment help and manageable course structures. Students also value small classes, practical assignments, networking, and career preparation. Negative reviews focus on serious inconsistencies: delayed grading, weak communication, disorganized administration, hidden fees, poor planning, limited interaction, busywork, and some programs that felt underdeveloped, overpriced, or insufficiently rigorous.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate 91成人: N/A
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: N/A
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray the University of Arizona as a large, opportunity-rich campus where many found strong professors, abundant research access, hands-on learning, and a powerful alumni and school-spirit culture. Students repeatedly praised supportive faculty, approachable advisers in some departments, internships, study abroad, and career-building experiences that led to jobs, graduate school, or professional confidence. Several noted that the school feels smaller once they found their niche through clubs, cohorts, or upper-level classes. Common frustrations centered on inconsistent advising, disorganized registration or financial aid, rising tuition, large introductory courses, party culture, and uneven department quality, especially around career guidance and administrative follow-through.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Graduate 91成人: 3,522 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 83%
Stories Behind the Cheapest 91成人 Data Science Master's Programs: An Editorial Analysis
馃弳 Where Data Science Starts Crossing Into Other Disciplines
TAMU-V, TWU, UWF
Some master's in data science programs on this list appear to be reacting to the changing reality that employers increasingly expect data professionals to understand adjacent systems, domains, and operational environments.
- TAMU-V blends analytics, AI, and cybersecurity into a single curriculum while emphasizing exposure to technologies associated with companies like Amazon and Google.
- TWU pushes in a different direction by framing data science through informatics fields like community informatics, sports informatics, and clinical applications.
- UWF merges analytics with cybersecurity infrastructure and data protection.
These data science master's programs acknowledge that modern data work increasingly intersects with domain specialization.
馃弳 Affordable Data Science Master's Degrees With Elite-Level Expectations
GT, UT Austin
One of the more interesting stories in this ranking is that some of the cheapest programs are also among the most academically demanding.
- GT pairs below $6,000 annual tuition with a 92% graduation rate and a 98% retention rate, but still, student reviews warn about intense workloads, difficult coursework, and heavy self-teaching expectations.
- UT Austin similarly combines very low published tuition rates with a curriculum built around advanced machine learning, causal inference, and reproducibility.
These programs are not inexpensive because they are watered down; if anything, the opposite appears true. Students looking for a lighter or more guided technical experience may find the rigor surprising.
馃弳 Data Science for Future Researchers
TAMU-CC, ECU
The most affordable online data science master's programs lean heavily toward coursework and applied analytics in general, but TAMU-CC and ECU preserve more traditional graduate-school research structures.
- TAMU-CC requires a thesis in a field where many peer programs rely only on capstones.
- ECU gives students the option between a faculty-guided thesis and an applied project.
For students considering eventual doctoral work, research-heavy industry roles, or technical leadership paths where methodological depth is important, these options both have strong research identities. And importantly, both schools do this while keeping annual tuition the lowest in the ranking at $3,802 and $4,155 respectively.
Why Affordable 91成人 Data Science Master's Degrees Offer Strong Career Value: An Expert Perspective
"I am a Data Science and AI executive. I have done a masters degree in person, another masters degree and a PhD in Data Science and AI online. So, I think I have a unique vantage point of having done both, and being in the field."
What skills should students have before starting an affordable online master鈥檚 in data science?
"For a master's in data science program, fundamentals of statistics and programming (preferably Python) are a prerequisite. One doesn't need to be an expert."
Are affordable online data science master's degrees still worth it in the AI era?
"Now that Large Language Models largely solve the issue of need to remember syntaxes. Pattern recognition, probabilities and data analysis necessary, but they can be taught in the program itself. AI tools can now handle writing code and running data science/ML models. So, it's fair to ask if a degree is still worth it.
"Evaluating model outputs critically, understanding statistical validity, translating real-world business problems into analytical questions, and managing stakeholders are skills that are still human-dependent."
Evaluating model outputs critically, understanding statistical validity, translating real-world business problems into analytical questions, and managing stakeholders are skills that are still human-dependent. So a strong master's program can build data science professionals who bring these valuable skills to the table."
How does an affordable online master鈥檚 in data science compare to statistics and computer science degrees?
"A master's in statistics is primarily Math-heavy. The core of it being probability theory, statistical inference, linear models and Bayesian methods. You spend serious time on why methods are valid.
In a data science degree, you learn about the methodologies, but the primary focus is on applying it in the real world. It also adds a layer of data fundamentals, data wrangling, visualization, working with messy real-world data, communicating findings to non-technical audiences.
A computer science master's degree is the broadest of the three. A CS degree with AI/ML concentration could cover similar things such as statistics and data fundamentals. But it focuses more on algorithms, efficiency of systems and how to build models vs using them to solve business problems."
Can fully online data science master's programs prepare students for remote jobs?
"More data science jobs are becoming remote and online. So, it's not unbelievable to think that an online program couldn't help build these skills. One could argue online programs train students more for the increasingly available remote roles which require slightly more active collaboration, communication and direct talk."
FAQs About The Cheapest 91成人 Data Science Master's Programs
What Do Students Learn in Affordable 91成人 Data Science Master鈥檚 Programs?
An online master's in data science is designed to teach students how to process and analyze large data sets and use them to make data-driven decisions. Data science is an interdisciplinary field of study that combines aspects of computer science and programming and statistics which are often used to help make decisions in business to increase efficiency and revenue.
Graduate-level data science degree programs typically include classes on data mining and analytics, machine learning, natural language processing, statistical methods, big data processing, data visualization, predictive modeling, and computer programming with languages such as R and Python.
Some programs offer specializations for students who want to tailor their education to their specific career goals. Depending on what they plan to do with their degree, students might look for concentrations in areas such as applied data science, business analytics, artificial intelligence, data engineering, spatial analytics, cybersecurity, machine learning, bioinformatics, or big data analytics.
91成人 programs usually offer more flexibility for students than enrolling on-campus, especially those who need to fit classes in around work, family, and other responsibilities. Working adults with busy schedules might prefer asynchronous classes where they can complete classwork when it's convenient for them rather than logging in at a set time. Students who need more structure or face-to-face interactions might benefit from synchronous classes, where students meet with their class on a set schedule.
Do 91成人 Data Science Master鈥檚 Programs Require a STEM Background?
Students applying to a master's in data science program will need a bachelor's degree, often in a related field such as computer science, statistics, or mathematics. While it's not necessary to have a bachelor's degree in a STEM field, students may need to take prerequisites or gain some programming experience through online courses or a bootcamp before they enroll.
Colleges will likely expect students to have experience with calculus, linear algebra, and programming before they start their program. Some schools may also require GRE or GMAT scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, or a resume.
What Financial Aid Options Are Available for 91成人 Data Science Master鈥檚 Programs?
Most students use financial aid to help pay for their college degree. For graduate students, the most common types of financial aid are grants and scholarships, graduate assistantships, student loans, and employer tuition assistance programs. Most schools offer payment plans, and many online students work through college or use personal savings to cover costs and reduce the amount they need to borrow.
The first step in getting funding to help pay for college is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). When you fill out the FAFSA, you send your financial aid application to any college you're interested in attending. They assess your financial need and typically award you any grants, scholarships, assistantships, and student loans you qualify for. Once you get your financial aid award, talk with each school you're interested in to see if there are other scholarships or funding opportunities you can apply for separately.
What Are the Best Ways To Reduce Student Debt in an 91成人 Master鈥檚 in Data Science Program?
Grants and scholarships are one of the best ways to pay for school because it's money for college that doesn't need to be repaid. Grants and scholarships come from federal and state governments, colleges, nonprofits, businesses, and other organizations. Your school might also offer you an assistantship, where you work as a research assistant, a teaching assistant, or another position in exchange for a stipend and sometimes a tuition discount.
There are many scholarships available for students in data science and analytics programs, especially for women and students of color who are underrepresented in the technology industry. Once you receive your financial aid offer from your school, look for additional scholarships from nonprofits, trade and professional associations, businesses, and other organizations to help bridge the gap.
Using employer-funded tuition benefits is a common way for graduate students to pay for a master's degree, and nearly half of employers in the U.S. offer tuition assistance, according to data from the . For many companies, the benefit of having more highly educated employees is worth the investment in their education, especially for professionals going to graduate school in business and tech-related fields such as data science. There are a wide range of companies that will pay for graduate school, including Boeing, T-Mobile, Discover, and Chipotle.
Once you've exhausted all other financial aid options, you can use student loans to bridge the gap between aid and cost of attendance. In general, federal student loans are a better option than private loans.
Graduate students are only eligible for direct unsubsidized loans or graduate PLUS loans from the federal government. Direct unsubsidized loans tend to be the more affordable option because they offer lower interest rates and origination fees than PLUS loans. The best way to keep student loan debt down is to only borrow what you need to pay for school, even if you're offered more money. Our student loan guide can help you borrow responsibly and answer common questions about student loans.
What Careers Are Common After Earning an 91成人 Master鈥檚 in Data Science?
Graduates of data science programs might pursue careers in a wide variety of fields such as business, healthcare, education, and social services. The following are a few career options for data science professionals, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
are responsible for designing and implementing data-driven systems for organizations. They use statistical tools and machine learning algorithms to analyze and interpret complex digital data. They also present their findings, create images and graphics, and draw insights from the data to advise stakeholders on different business decisions.
- Median Annual Salary: $112,590
- Job Growth: 34% (much faster than the 3% average)
use data analytics to help improve operations, solve problems, and make data-driven decisions in business. They might gather data from a variety of sources, such as sales and revenue, social media engagement, customer demographics, or budgets and overhead costs. They then use statistical analysis to improve operations, increase revenue, and maximize efficiency.
- Median Annual Salary: $91,290 per year
- Job Growth: 21%
apply their mathematical and statistical knowledge to the design of surveys and experiments; the collection, processing, and analysis of data; and the interpretation of the results. The top industry for statisticians is computer systems design and related services, where they earn even more 鈥� $140,850.
- Median Annual Salary: $104,350
- Job Growth: 8%
A master's in data science programs can open the door to a variety of careers, including roles in data science, data analytics, machine learning engineering, data engineering, business intelligence analytics, and research. Most careers open to graduates of master's in data science programs tend to be in the tech and business fields and often net high salaries.
Is an Affordable 91成人 Master鈥檚 in Data Science Worth It?
Whether or not an online master's in data science will be worth it depends on your strengths as a student, your career goals, and other personal circumstances. Generally speaking, a master's in data science will likely be financially worth the investment. Many students enroll online to save time and money on their degree, and the jobs you can get with a master's in data science tend to net high salaries compared to other master's degrees.
That being said, many students find STEM degrees to be challenging, and may struggle to learn science and math concepts in an online environment. It also will likely be difficult to balance work and school for those who plan on working during their education.
Students who enjoy the combination of math, science, and business concepts will likely enjoy the career paths available to them after their program and find a master's in data science is worth it. While many of the data science jobs available to graduates after their program will be focused on maximizing profits for businesses, there are also careers available at nonprofits, healthcare companies, and in research for those who don't want to work in business.
Students can maximize their investment in higher education and get the most bang for their buck by choosing more affordable degrees like the ones on this list, fast-tracking their degree through accelerated programs, and finding other ways to save money in college.
Student Reviews of 91成人 Data Science Programs
I really appreciate the quality of the online classes and the flexibility they give me for working on my degree. Illinois Tech does half semesters which works great for allowing me to take classes when I'm not busy with work or life. I've learned a lot in every class I've taken so far and the online platform is easy to use unlike some I've had to deal with.
Review Date: 12/7/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Earning my Master of Science in Data Science was a valuable and rewarding experience. The program helped me strengthen my skills in data analytics, statistics, machine learning, and data visualization while also giving me hands-on experience with real-world business problems. I appreciated how the coursework combined technical knowledge with practical applications that can be used in today鈥檚 data-driven industries.
One of the best parts of the program was learning tools and technologies such as Python,... Read More
The instructors were supportive, knowledgeable, and encouraged collaboration throughout the program. I also enjoyed the flexibility of the online learning environment, which allowed me to balance school, work, and personal responsibilities effectively.
Overall, the Master of Science in Data Science program helped me grow both academically and professionally. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in analytics, technology, and using data to make informed business decisions.
Review Date: 5/13/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Earning my Master of Science in Data Science was a valuable and rewarding experience. The program helped me strengthen my skills in data analytics, statistics, machine learning, and data visualization while also giving me hands-on experience with real-world business problems. I appreciated how the coursework combined technical knowledge with practical applications that can be used in today鈥檚 data-driven industries.
One of the best parts of the program was learning tools and technologies such as Python,... Read More
The instructors were supportive, knowledgeable, and encouraged collaboration throughout the program. I also enjoyed the flexibility of the online learning environment, which allowed me to balance school, work, and personal responsibilities effectively.
Overall, the Master of Science in Data Science program helped me grow both academically and professionally. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in analytics, technology, and using data to make informed business decisions.
Review Date: 5/13/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Penn State - World Campus has given me the opportunity to do more and be more but on my time. As a military spouse moving can make it difficult to have consistency with educational and career goals. Through the Penn State Data Analytics degree I can continue my degree studies from wherever the military takes us and I'm learning a skill set that I can use anywhere we end up.
Review Date: 12/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Clarkson staff is helpful and responsive to all inquiries. Professors genuinely care about your education and applicability of the degree to your potential job. There is a strong focus on being able to use your degree immediately, always applying new skills directly to the workforce, even while currently taking classes.
Review Date: 8/29/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I read a lot of bad reviews online as well as a lot of great ones. I did not know what to expect and almost did not attend. I am glad I chose to attend though. Here are the reasons why I would recommend this school: 1. Their online flexibility is what I was looking for. 2. I am smart, but hate taking tests, so no GMAT or GRE was what I wanted. 3. Some professors can be bad, but most professor I had for my masters were great. Very knowledgeable and helpful. Only detail here is, you have to reach out... Read More
Review Date: 7/8/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
If you are looking for a great data science program, the University of Wisconsin La Crosse has a great one to check out! This program is completely online so it is very convenient for those that have a busy work/home life. Being online does not take away from the credibility of this degree. The courses are challenging and prepare you well for the real world. The professors are great and willing to help with any and all needs.
Review Date: 6/21/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I completed the MS in Data Analytics August, 2018. This was a very comprehensive and challenging program that covered Data Analytics from ETL through predictive modelling. The courses build off each other and the course work is challenging. As an online program student interaction is contrived, however most instructors make efforts to encourage collaboration. Grading was fair and the instructors generally followed the syllabus. The instructors and assistants were responsive and helpful when I had... Read More
Review Date: 12/2/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Extremely happy with my experience at SNHU. I learned a tremendous amount from the program, which has helped me to find a new job making 15% more annually. It was an excellent investment. Like most programs, you will get out of it what you put into it. There were some students in my classes that obviously were just trying to get a piece of paper. Others were very engaged. The Professors were great. Only one did I feel was not engaged, which out of 7 different Professors is pretty good. My student... Read More
Review Date: 6/10/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The Data Analytics program at SNHU is outstanding. The professors (specifically, Professor Camac) are seasoned veterans in the field. Professor Camac shared his expertise and experience in the class discussion. The assignments are real world scenarios and the professors help with the R code.
Review Date: 4/26/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I have spent about 6 years attending the University of North Texas- my experience is full of mostly ups rather than downs. I pursued a music performance/education degree for my first bachelor's and had about the best experience I feel like most other music degree plans could not offer elsewhere.
Review Date: 2/10/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
the university of minnesota offers top tier research and great career ties in the twin cities. The campus is huge so you must be proactive and also manageable. it's a high value education for self motivated students who love urban life and also it is open for to join sports
Review Date: 3/11/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
the university of minnesota offers top tier research and great career ties in the twin cities. The campus is huge so you must be proactive and also manageable. it's a high value education for self motivated students who love urban life and also it is open for to join sports
Review Date: 3/11/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I really love DeVry. The Professors are super awesome and smart. They really care about students. I have learned a lot from my previous courses. The class can be tough though. You have to put a lot of work and time into it. Not EASY to get a good grade if you are lazy.
Review Date: 2/17/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Dont got here for masters if you need a degree . if you need knowledge you should go here . but for a good degree you can do job+masters here . they teach you here like bachelors i think course schema are same as bachelor .teacher do compansat on the grads they mostly like to cut the numbers .
Review Date: 3/4/2020
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
The Center for Urban Science and Progress (CUSP) is a unique public-private research center that uses New York City as its laboratory and classroom to help cities around the world become more productive, livable, equitable, and resilient. CUSP observes, analyzes, and models cities to optimize outcomes, prototype new solutions, formalize new tools and processes, and develop new expertise/experts. These activities will make CUSP the worlds leading authority in the emerging field of "Urban Informatics"... Read More
Review Date: 12/9/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No