A master’s degree in data science is useful for advancing a career or transitioning 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 92 master’s degree programs shows a significant range:
- South Dakota State University offers the lowest-cost program ($19,620).
- The average cost across all programs is $54,647.
- The University of Pennsylvania has the highest-cost program at $245,250.
Most Affordable Data Science Master’s Degree Programs for 2025
- Program: M.S. in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $19,620
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $340 in-state | $654 out-of-state
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science and Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $20,880
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $599 Campus | $580 Online
Credits: 36
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Master of Data Science
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $21,936
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $457
Credits: 48
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $25,080
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $700 Military | $836 Civilian
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $25,170
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $839
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science and Engineering
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $25,650
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $739 in-state | $855 out-of-state
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Optional
Learn more: Program details - Program: Masters of Science in Data Science and Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $26,190
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $660 in-state | $873 out-of-state
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $28,380
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $860
Credits: 33
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $29,700
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $825
Credits: 36
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science and Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $29,730
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $471 in-state | $991 out-of-state
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Science and Analytics, M.S.
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $29,736
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $826
Credits: 36
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $30,060
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $456 in-state | $1,002 out-of-state
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $30,348
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $423 in-state | $843 out-of-state
Credits: 36
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $31,110
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $378 in-state | $1,037 out-of-state
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $33,924
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,028
Credits: 33
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Science and Analytics (MS)
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $34,353
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $471 in-state | $1,041 out-of-state
Credits: 33
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $34,815
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,055
Credits: 33
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: MS in Data Science and Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $34,830
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $770 in-state | $1,161 out-of-state
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Applied Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $34,890
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,163
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Hybrid, Online
Total tuition: $35,100
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $975
Credits: 36
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $35,136
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $976
Credits: 36
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $35,280
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $480 in-state | $1,176 out-of-state
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Not required
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Applied Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $35,820
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $995
Credits: 36
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science and Business Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $36,003
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $256 in-state | $1,091 out-of-state
Credits: 33
GRE requirement: Required
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $36,300
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $1,210
Credits: 30
GRE requirement: Not required
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 |
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 |