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:
- Georgia Institute of Technology ranks #1 for affordability, offering a master’s in analytics for just $5,346 annually.
- Utica University has an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- Western Governors University leads in remote degree accessibility, with over 44,000 graduate students studying 100% online.
All programs are fully online from accredited institutions and ranked using manually calculated and verified tuition rates. Learn more in our methodology.
2025 Most Affordable Online Master's in Data Science Programs
| Rank | School | Location | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta (GA) | $5,346 | |
| The University of West Florida | Pensacola (FL) | $6,375 | |
| The University of Texas at Austin | Austin (TX) | $6,666 | |
| Fitchburg State University | Fitchburg (MA) | $6,682 | |
| Kansas State University | Manhattan (KS) | $8,175 | |
| Purdue Global | Indianapolis (IN) | $8,400 | |
| Western Governors University | Salt Lake City (UT) | $9,040 | |
| Graceland University | Lamoni (IA) | $9,240 | |
| Old Dominion University | Norfolk (VA) | $9,630 | |
| Arizona State University, Online | Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others) | $9,680 | |
| University of Arizona | Tucson (AZ) (and 1 other) | $9,750 | |
| Bellevue University | Bellevue (NE) | $9,900 | |
| Indiana State University | Terre Haute (IN) | $9,916 | |
| Regent University Online | Virginia Beach (VA) | $10,425 | |
| University of Kansas | Lawrence (KS) | $10,500 | |
| Henderson State University | Arkadelphia (AR) | $10,692 | |
| Eastern University | Saint Davids (PA) | $10,800 | |
| University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg (KY) | $11,005 | |
| Ball State University | Muncie (IN) | $11,484 | |
| Thomas Edison State University | Trenton (NJ) | $12,150 | |
| Utica University | Utica (NY) | $12,450 | |
| University of Phoenix | Nationwide | $12,564 | |
| Texas Woman's University | Denton (TX) | $13,014 | |
| University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point | Stevens Point (WI) | $13,125 | |
| UMass Global | Multiple Locations | $13,140 | |
| Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton (FL) | $13,912 | |
| Pennsylvania Western University | Clarion (PA) (and 2 others) | $13,932 | |
| University of Southern Indiana | Evansville (IN) | $13,950 | |
| George Mason University | Fairfax (VA) | $13,950 | |
| Purdue University - Main Campus | West Lafayette (IN) | $13,999 |
Overview of Online Master's in Data Science Degrees
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.
Online 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.
Admissions Requirements
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.
How To Pay for a Master's In Data Science
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.
Financial Aid
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.
Grants and Scholarships
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.
Employer-Funded Tuition Assistance Programs
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.
Student Loans
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 Can You Do With a Master's in Data Science?
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.
Data Science Careers
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:
Data Scientists
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.
Operations Research Analysts
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.
Statisticians
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 — $140,850.
Looking to maximize your return on investment? Our list of the best online master's degrees in data science can help you find the top programs for salary.
Is an Online Master's 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 Online Data Science Programs
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 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