A master’s in data science is useful to level up a career or pivot into new positions. One thing is for sure, qualified data scientists are in high demand.
The educational offerings for data science are becoming increasingly nuanced, with Master’s of Data Science programs offering specialization paths tailored to various professional outcomes.
The growing number of choices complicates the decision-making process. To assist, the TechGuide research team has curated a new list showcasing the most cost-effective Master’s of Data Science programs.
Cost analysis of 74 master’s degree programs shows a significant range:
- South Dakota State University offers the lowest-cost program ($14,100).
- The average cost across all programs is $56,072.
- Carnegie Mellon University has the highest-cost program at $334,800.
A Complete List of Affordable DSCA-Certified Programs
The affordability rankings for this year incorporate considerations of both overall tuition fees and the quality of the educational experience. For inclusion in our rankings, each Master’s of Data Science program needed to secure accreditation from the Data Science Council of America (DSCA).
To achieve DSCA accreditation, programs are required to meet stringent educational standards in data science and analytics, emphasizing outcomes for students and their employability post-graduation.
Check out this year’s list of the most budget-friendly master’s of data science programs.
Most Affordable Data Science Master’s Degree Programs for 2024
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
Program: M.S. in Data Science
Tuition: $9,972 in state | $40,320 out of state
Cost per credit: $277 in state | $1,120 out of state
Credits: 36
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program detailsKennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GeorgiaProgram: Master in Data Science and Analytics (MSDSA)
Tuition: $10,656 in state | $38,376 out of state
Cost per credit: $296 in state | $1,066 out of state
Credits: 36
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of West Florida
Pensacola, FloridaProgram: M.S. in Data Science
Tuition: $11,340 in state | $31,110 out of state | $14,490 Alabama resident
Cost per credit: $378 in state | $1,037 out of state | $483 Alabama resident
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program detailsSouth Dakota State University
Brookings, South DakotaProgram: M.S. in Data Science
Tuition: $14,100
Cost per credit: $470
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program detailsUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AlabamaProgram: M.S. in Data Science
Tuition: $14,040 in state | $34,260 out of state
Cost per credit: $468 in state | $1,142 out of state
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Campus & online
GRE: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program detailsIndiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IndianaProgram: M.S. in Data Science
Tuition: $14,700 in state | $24,390 out of state
Cost per credit: $490 in state | $813 out of state
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Campus & online
GRE: Not required
DASCA Designation: Yes
Learn more: Program detailsTexas Tech University
Lubbock, TexasProgram: M.S. in Data Science
Tuition: $16,992 in state | $26,970 out of state
Cost per credit: $472 in state | $899 out of state
Credits: 36
Delivery Method: Campus & online
GRE: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program detailsMichigan Technological University
Houghton, MichiganProgram: M.S. in Data Science
Tuition: $17,310 in state | $39,270 out of state
Cost per credit: $577 in state | $1,309 out of state
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program detailsFlorida International University
Miami, FloridaProgram: M.S. in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Tuition: $18,030
Cost per credit: $601
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Campus
GRE: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program details
Data Science Scholarships
| Account SPARK STEM Scholarship Fund The Account SPARK STEM Scholarship Fund provides financial support to students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It aims to encourage innovation and academic excellence in STEM fields. Amount: $2,500 – $10,000 Deadline: August 2025 Awards Available: Multiple More information |
| ACM SIGHPC Computational and Data Science Fellowship The ACM SIGHPC Fellowship supports graduate students specializing in high-performance computing (HPC) and data science. This fellowship provides funding to help advance research in computational science and engineering. Amount: $15,000 annually for up to 2 years Deadline: April 2025 Awards Available: Varies More information |
| ASA Pride Scholarship The ASA Pride Scholarship, offered by the American Statistical Association, supports LGBTQ+ students pursuing statistics or data science degrees. It promotes diversity and inclusion in the field of statistics. Amount: Varies Deadline: March 2025 Awards Available: 1 More information |
| BMO Capital Markets Lime Connect Equity Through Education Scholarship The BMO Capital Markets Lime Connect Equity Through Education Scholarship provides financial aid to students with disabilities pursuing business, finance, or STEM degrees. It aims to create equal educational opportunities for students with disabilities. Amount: $10,000 Deadline: April 2025 Awards Available: Multiple More information |
| Career Development Grants The Career Development Grants, provided by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), support women who are advancing their education to re-enter the workforce or change careers. These grants focus on empowering women in fields where they are underrepresented. Amount: $2,000 – $20,000 Deadline: November 2025 Awards Available: Multiple More information |
| Great Minds in STEM Scholarship The Great Minds in STEM (GMiS) Scholarship provides financial support to underrepresented students in STEM disciplines. It encourages academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to the STEM community. Amount: $500–$5,000 Deadline: April 2025 Awards Available: Multiple More information |
| Invenergy Women’s Network Scholarship The Invenergy Women’s Network Scholarship supports women pursuing degrees in renewable energy, engineering, or other STEM fields. It promotes gender diversity and leadership in the clean energy industry. Amount: $3,500 Deadline: January 2026 Awards Available: 1 More information |
| Kellie Cannon Memorial Scholarship The Kellie Cannon Memorial Scholarship honors the memory of Kellie Cannon by providing financial assistance to students pursuing careers in healthcare or STEM fields. This scholarship recognizes academic achievement and community involvement. Amount: $2,000 – $7,500 Deadline: Feb 14, 2025 Awards Available: 1 More information |
| MinneAnalytics Data Science Scholarship The MinneAnalytics Data Science Scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in data science, analytics, or related fields. It aims to foster innovation and professional growth in data-driven careers. Amount: $1,000 Deadline: March 2025 Awards Available: 1 More information |
| Orchard Scholarship for Women of Color in STEM The Orchard Scholarship for Women of Color in STEM provides financial aid to women from underrepresented backgrounds pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It promotes diversity and inclusion in STEM industries. Amount: $2,500 Deadline: December 2025 Awards Available: 1 More information |