Best Online Master's Programs in Statistics
Our list of the best online statistics master’s degrees features accredited schools ranked by the number of graduates who earned this degree. In other words, we're showing the schools with the most successful statistics students.
Key Takeaways:
- Texas A&M University is #1 with 89 graduates in its online Master of Science in Statistics.
- The University of Florida has a 97% retention rate that ranks in the top 2% nationally.
- Arizona State University Online has more than 17,000 online learners across programs.
See our methodology for details about our process. Following our rankings list, we also spoke with an expert in the field to explain why an online statistics degree is a solid choice.
Best Online Master's Programs in Statistics
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M University - College Station | 89 | $24,090 | $101,704 | 96% | |
| Pennsylvania State University - World Campus | 66 | $15,405 | N/A | N/A | |
| North Carolina State University | 65 | $25,508 | N/A | 95% | |
| Michigan Technological University | 32 | $24,929 | N/A | 96% | |
| University of Florida | 26 | $17,100 | N/A | 92% | |
| Colorado State University - Fort Collins | 19 | $25,050 | N/A | 88% | |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | 17 | $21,045 | $104,267 | 97% | |
| University of Delaware | 13 | $21,380 | N/A | 98% | |
| Arizona State University, Online | 10 | $18,654 | N/A | 93% | |
| University of Kentucky | 9 | 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $11,872 | N/A | 90% | |
| Oklahoma State University - Main Campus | 7 | $8,480 | N/A | 96% |
Best Online Master's Programs in Statistics - Program Details
- Graduates: 89
- Annual Tuition: $24,090
- Median Salary: $95,823
- Recommendation: 96%
Why we like them: Ranked in first place on our list, TAMU awarded 89 online master’s degrees in statistics, which tells you the program sustains strong demand while also being the most successful. This degree does not require a thesis. Instead, you choose a formal project with a web-conferenced oral defense. Notably, TAMU graduates report strong earnings, with a median of $101,704.
- Graduates: 66
- Annual Tuition: $15,405
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: N/A
Why we like them: As part of the PSU World Campus, you complete a two-course Statistical Consulting Practicum with real client interactions and a capstone MAS project, so you translate methods into deliverables you can showcase. You can stack the Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics en route to the degree as well.
- Graduates: 65
- Annual Tuition: $25,508
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 95%
Why we like them: NC State's online master's program in statistics is self-paced and delivered through WolfWare. It emphasizes industry alignment, with named employer destinations such as SAS, the EPA, and Blue Cross. We also like that you can receive adjacent graduate certificates in Teaching and Learning Statistics and Data Science or Applied Statistics and Data Management.
What the Data Tells Us About The Best Online Master’s Degrees in Statistics
Our ranking highlights the very best online statistics master’s programs, measured by the number of recent graduates in this field. We decided to order them this way because it not only shows popularity but individual program success as well.
This lens matters in statistics because steady throughput often signals a stronger reputation with employers, healthy peer communities, and mature online delivery.
Below, we dive further into the data and break it down so you can make the best choice for you.
“Would You Choose It Again?”: Recommendation Rates as a Decision Filter
Range on our list: from a low 36% (Penn State World Campus) to a high 98% (the University of Delaware), with most schools clustered in the 88-97% band. In fact, here are the top 10:
We think that a high rec rate hints that students felt supported, challenged appropriately, and were able to apply what they learned.
Which Schools Keep Students on Track?
When weighing the online master’s in statistics programs on our list, two of the most telling indicators are retention and graduation rates.
- Retention measures how many students stay enrolled after their first year.
- Graduation rates reflect the percentage of students who ultimately complete the degree.
Together, these stats can help you decide which schools have the best track record of success.
What patterns stand out?
Flagship stability: UF, TAMU, and NC State combine high retention and high graduation, which are classic signs of clear pathways, predictable scheduling, and responsive instruction.
Small but steady: UD marries a smaller cohort with elite retention/graduation, suggesting tight mentoring and fast faculty response (UD promises 24-hour replies).
Why lower outcomes happen: PSU had an unusually low grad/ret mix (34% and 66%) that doesn’t square with its brand. Possible drivers include pacing fit in working-professional cohorts, tooling hurdles early on, or admissions breadth creating a wider preparation spread. This is exactly where onboarding bootcamps, bridges, and early advising matter.
In short, retention and graduation rates act as a reliability check by helping you separate programs that merely enroll a bunch of students from those that actually guide them across the finish line.
Statistic Master's Programs Each Have Features That Determine Your Day-to-Day
Consulting & capstones that mimic real work
Texas A&M offers a project with web-conferenced defense, where you practice stakeholder communication, not just model tuning.
Penn State runs a two-course consulting practicum with real clients plus a capstone MAS project (portfolio artifacts you can show in interviews).
Colorado State culminates in a six-week, client-style consulting capstone; its cadence trains you to scope, ship, and communicate under constraints.
OSU swaps a thesis for a “creative component” project that stresses applied deliverables over academic formality.
Toolchains and software access
UK (University of Kentucky) also highlights hands-on fluency in SAS and R, incorporating modern visualization.
UD includes a full JMP license at no extra cost and adds one-credit, pass/fail accelerators in Python and R, a low-friction skills ramp.
ASU teaches across R, SAS, Stata, and SPSS.
TAMU fronts R/Python explicitly from the start.
OSU requires both SAS and R in a dedicated programming course (especially useful if you straddle healthcare/manufacturing roles with legacy stacks).
Credential stacking and external validation
Penn State integrates paths toward SAS Base Programming and PStat — rare direct alignment to third-party credentials.
RIT embeds an Advanced Certificate in Applied Statistics en route to the MS
NC State lets you add graduate certificates (Teaching & Learning Statistics and Data Science as well as Applied Statistics & Data Management).
Data Skills Are No Longer Optional in Today’s Job Market — Alex Vasylenko on the Value of an Online Master’s in Statistics
Founder of Digital Business Card
"Over the years, I’ve seen how data-driven decision-making has become a critical part of nearly every industry. That’s why an online master’s in statistics is such a powerful degree — it opens doors to roles in high-demand fields like data analysis, data science, and research.
One of the best things about getting this degree online is that it gives you a lot of freedom. Students learn useful skills like probability, modeling, and reasoning while still balancing their work and personal lives. Graduates of this program will have the skills they need to do well in fields like tech, healthcare, finance, and marketing, where data is used a lot to make business decisions.
[An] online master’s in statistics is such a powerful degree — it opens doors to roles in high-demand fields like data analysis, data science, and research.
People who finish online statistics classes can get jobs as data analysts, statisticians, and data scientists. Most of the time, these jobs pay more, offer job security, and offer lots of chances to advance in your work. I have seen firsthand how these skills have opened new doors for professionals, letting them move up in their current careers or switch to jobs that pay more.
For students, the most important thing to remember is that data skills are no longer nice to have; they are necessary. If you want to make sure your job will still be relevant in the future, getting an online master's in statistics is a good idea."
FAQs About Statistics Master's Programs Online
What Can You Expect From an Online Master’s in Statistics Program?
An online master's in statistics is a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) program that studies the theories, methods, and applications used in professional analyst careers. Students learn to turn data into actions by utilizing quantitative tools and statistical software. Concentrations may be available for specific career paths, including biostatistics, theory and methods, and analytics.
An online statistics masters typically takes two years to complete for full-time students. These programs are designed for students with STEM degrees, such as a mathematics program or a statistics degree. There are even degrees from women's STEM schools that put an emphasis on supporting this underrepresented sector of the workforce. With a foundational understanding of scientific disciplines, bachelor's graduates are prepared to pursue advanced learning through a master's degree in statistics.
How Many Years Is a Master's in Statistics?
An online master's degree in statistics can be completed in approximately two years on a full-time schedule. This involves taking between 7 and 12 credits per semester. Alternatively, many graduate students study part-time to continue working during their degree. In this case, graduation may take longer — between three and five years.
Which Is Better, Statistics or Applied Statistics?
As the name suggests, a master's degree in applied statistics helps prepare graduates with practical, real-world skills through modeling, predictive analysis, and data mining. Coursework teaches solving problems, using tools, and turning data into useful information. This major can benefit career-minded students who wish to work in cybersecurity, finance, business, and information technology.
Statistics majors engage in more theoretical learning, which some may consider less valuable from a practical standpoint. It's also a broader exploration with more mathematical coursework covering statistical problems. Think of statistics as the "why" and applied statistics as the "how." However, students interested in continuing their education at the doctorate level may enjoy the research and theoretical studies that come with a master's in statistics online.
If you're undecided about pursuing a master's in statistics, check out similar programs, like the best online master's degrees in cybersecurity or online IT master's programs.
What Are Common Courses for a Master's in Statistics Curriculum?
Many of the best online master's in statistics feature courses on statistical concepts within advanced mathematical frameworks, allowing students to run simulations and hypothesis tests. Analysis courses also feature prominently, where students learn to gather and draw insights from large data sets.
Below are courses commonly found in statistics master's degrees:
- Introduction to Probability: In this course, students learn to predict outcomes using statistics. They use the laws of large numbers and the central limit theorem to identify variables, phenomena, and statistical regularity. Probability indicates the likelihood of events, such as weather, political polls, and disease correlation.
- Statistical Methods: Statistical methods are the tools used in data analysis. This course teaches how to design ways of collecting data, interpreting information, and reporting findings through graphical methods. Students also learn how to utilize statistical computing and prepare reports for clients in finance, business, and healthcare.
- Applied Statistics: Applied statistics explores conceptual tools, software, and practices used in data analysis. Programs such as Python and R will be deployed for predictive modeling in the biological and social sciences, two standard fields where applied statistics are most useful. Students also engage in topics such as correlated errors, regression, and transformations.
- Statistical Software:
Software plays a vital role in statistical analysis, so this foundational course looks closely at the principles and concepts of these professional tools. Coursework revolves around the import and export of numbers and the software procedures used in data analysis. Students also learn programming principles and languages.
What Can You Do With an Online Master's Degree in Statistics?
By completing all the master's in statistics requirements, students can apply for a PhD in statistics. This is the highest academic level in the field, allowing graduates to pursue positions as statistics professors and researchers. Students who don't want to pursue another full degree can look to graduate certificates in statistics that provide additional training in areas such as applied statistics, data management, and biostatistics. You can also choose to pursue a master's in data science, specifically, if you want to focus on this niche instead.
Other students may want to start work immediately after graduation. Fortunately, there are plenty of employment opportunities in various industries, where graduates can pursue careers based on multiple factors, from their interests to earnings and job growth.
Here are some career options for statistics graduates:
Statisticians
work to collect, analyze, interpret, and report data to improve their organization. They can work for government agencies, tech companies, scientific organizations, or in the business world. Their day-to-day job typically involves utilizing software programs to create statistical models, inputting raw data, and projecting outcomes.
Biostatisticians
have similar responsibilities as statisticians, except they work exclusively in life sciences. They use statistical analyses to predict outcomes and provide valuable data sets related to clinical studies in pharmacology, biology, agriculture, and public health. Their work is crucial to research in these fields.
Business Intelligence Analysts
The role of is to use statistical software to analyze data related to finance, communication, and marketing. They're tasked with increasing organizational efficiency by developing forecasts and making suggestions for areas of improvement. Once their analyses are complete, they generate reports for executives, clients, and managers to make data-driven business decisions.
Financial Quantitative Analysts
, known informally as "quants," specialize in mathematical and statistical problem solving. They also assess risks, optimize asset management, and measure performance. As with many statistics-related careers, they work closely with statistical software and tools to process and analyze raw data before preparing financial reports such as budgets and pricing models.
Can You Get a Master's in Statistics Online?
Yes, there are many master's degrees in statistics available online. Students can study remotely on part-time schedules that fit their needs as working professionals. Full-time degrees are also available but require students to take up to 12 credits each semester.
How Do You Choose the Best Online Master's in Statistics Program?
Picking a college is a complex decision best made using students' circumstances and goals. Some students choose an affordable mathematics college to save money on tuition. In contrast, others base their decision on the school's reputation, concentration offerings, resources for online students, or their potential earnings after graduation.
Is a Master's in Statistics Useful?
Statistics degrees are practical by nature. They're designed to teach applications that are used in real-world jobs in a variety of industries. Statistics master's students will find their skills useful immediately after graduation as the job growth rate for statisticians continues to rise.
Is a Master’s Degree in Statistics Worth It?
A master's degree in statistics is considered worth it for several reasons. Statistics graduates earn high wages and have ample career opportunities. However, women and minorities may struggle to make as much success as their white colleagues.
Consider some of the pros and cons before applying to college:
Benefits
- One clear benefit of getting an online master’s in statistics is strong career potential in STEM fields, which the (BLS) projects to grow 10.4% all the way through at least 2033, which is more than double the rate for non-STEM jobs.
- The BLS also states that the median annual wage is $103,580 in STEM occupations. This means that graduates with advanced training in statistics are positioned for high-paying, in-demand roles across industries.
Drawbacks
- Women tend to earn less than men. According to a 2021 report from , women in STEM earn 74% of men's median annual salaries — $66,200 compared to $90,000.
- STEM fields lack diversity. The same Pew report shows Black and Hispanic workers only make up 8-9% of mathematics jobs, while 64% are white.
A master's degree in statistics is a challenging academic path that requires strong mathematical thinking, problem-solving, and logic. Coursework blends theory and practice, with students employing their own research and developing their own hypotheses using practical tools. All while a heavy emphasis is placed on mathematical concepts and formulas.
Rewards for graduating with a statistics master's are high-paying careers and job opportunities in a wide range of industries. Or, research can continue with affordable doctoral degrees, allowing students to explore the vast world of statistical theory.
Student Reviews of Online Statistics Programs
The Analytics and Applied Statistics program at the University of Kansas Medical Center is extremely convenient. All of the classes are online, making it easy to continue to work while attending school. Tuition is more affordable than most online M.S. Statistics programs in the US; the total cost of tuition for the degree is around $21,000. So far the professors seem very good, although I am only 1 month into my first semester. Overall, I would highly recommend this program primarily for it's affordability... Read More
Review Date: 9/20/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I'm about to graduate from Northwestern University with a Masters of Science in Predictive Analytics. It's a distance learning (online) program, but I did get to go to campus (the Chicago Campus) during one class for a week. I originally had a B.S. in Statistics, so a lot of the classes for my degree were familiar. I have to take 12 courses in order to graduate. 8 core classes, 2 electives, a leadership or project management class and a capstone project or thesis. I enjoyed the online program, because... Read More
Review Date: 1/8/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The applied statistics program is offered completely online if the student chooses it. The lecture delivery is top notch. The video is clear, virtual whiteboards support the instruction and content materials are posted to the course website. Overall, this is a valuable program in "Data Science". It utilizes programming and technology as well as traditional statistics instruction.
Review Date: 5/28/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The environment was hostile and adversarial. I was disappointed by the number of students and professors who engaged in gossiping, smearing others, not working well together (not sharing work or credit), etc. There were clear favorites (usually the sycophants and charmers). Most of the students are from 1 country/region (not the U.S.) and unfortunately a lot of them have an "us vs. them" mentality. At least the courses were challenging and interesting, although the program cannot teach you everything... Read More
Review Date: 1/3/2023
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Overall, the program is okay but the biggest cons are the lack of career networking/preparation, diversity in staff, and the curriculum (a former applied math professor of mine had concerns about the program). Again, the program has room for improvement but it's still a decent program overall.
Review Date: 2/12/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Rochester Institute of Technology is a great school that really emphasizes the importance of STEM subjects. The professors care about their students and are truly experts in the subjects that they teach. Many professors have worked in the industry, so they can offer a unique perspective on the subject they teach and give valuable information to prepare students for their future careers. In particular, the Applied Statistics Master's program is incredibly useful in preparing students for entering... Read More
Review Date: 4/9/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
In my discussions with graduates from other universities and those in industry, I've come to learn that CSUEB's Statistics graduate program is more like an associate's degree. An easy masters can be earned here but you won't be impressing employers. The professors mean well but they have tailored the program to Data Science, which they have no experience in, at the expense of rigor and depth.
Review Date: 8/3/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
As someone who loves statistics and research this program is the perfect combination of applied statistics. The professors are all very knowledgable and helpful, and the courses are intriguing and thought provoking. Although, I am still in my first year of the program I feel that this degree will help me in pursuing my future career.
Review Date: 2/5/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Not too much of a course selection. Half the professors so far are pretty good and the other half are pretty bad. Not a lot of resources to help the students. Barely any classes have TA's. Overall, it's an fine college for the location and it's price.
Review Date: 2/1/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
- 5 year Bachelor/Master program in Mathematics/Applied Statistics - reduced tuition cost for an integrated program - exceptionally intelligent and helpful professors who want to see you succeed - Applied Statistics masters degree is a great transition from a mathematics degree into real world applications
Review Date: 6/28/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Baruch is a great school to go and pursue a graduate degree. If attending this school, or other CUNYs, you absolutely have to be on top of the school for everything. Registrar, bursar, all of these offices do not give you a heads up when it comes to dropping your classes or adding on additional payments to your school bill. This is extremely frustrating especially to a a first year student. This is my only issue with the school
Review Date: 2/6/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
MS in Applied Statistics offered by RIT attracts me as one of its concentrations is Data Mining/Machine Learning. That's exactly what I am interested in! Here I build algorithms that touch the cutting edge of machine learning and carry out more accurate forecast of trends to extract meaningful statistics from data. I can gain practical experience in possible independent project opportunities and professional insights from conferences and lectures given by experts. I hope to bring my passion and vitality... Read More
Review Date: 2/2/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
When I first arrived, the department had some problems with a lack of emphasis on completing necessary paperwork to progress toward graduation. In my second year, they discovered the issues and began work to improve this. Now everything is set out clearly from the beginning of what needs to be done and by when. As to the quality of the instruction, the professors are incredibly helpful. The key is that, as a student, you have to put in the effort. The things I learned all tied together well without... Read More
Review Date: 2/1/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Small school with a limited number of Graduate Assistants who, especially those in the PhD path, do not discouraged from cheating. This lead to a strange environment where those who were part of the in-crowd had the competitive edge. Unqualified instructors were sometimes put in charge of graduate-level courses, namely one who made a 'no-questions' rule on the first day of class in Mathematical Theory of Statistics.
Review Date: 8/16/2017
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: Yes
It's a small program, which means we have sufficient time to contact professors. The courses we learned here are more theoretical based and, to be honest, is not that applied to find a job in statistics area. However, if you want to pursue a phd degree in the future, you can gain a deep mathematics basics in the department since the program of master of statistics belongs to the department of mathematics. Every year, the program admits more than 10 students, among which are mainly from China.
Review Date: 9/15/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No