In the face of a data-driven world, the demand for skilled professionals capable of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data has surged across industries.
The increasing demand for data-savvy professionals has prompted the development of associate degree programs that provide a solid foundation in data analytics principles and skills in a more accessible and efficient format compared to traditional four-year degrees.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 35 percent job growth rate for data scientists from 2022 to 2032. Additionally, various types of data analysts, including management analysts, market research analysts, and operations research analysts, are expected to experience job growth ranging from 10 percent to 23 percent during the same period.
Data Analytics vs Data Science
It should be noted that, while the terms data science and data analytics are often used almost interchangeably, there is one notable difference between the two fields. Data analysts tend to gather information and use that data to solve problems and draw conclusions without using algorithms and modeling, which data scientists utilize more.
Thus, the work of data analysts is more contextual, while data science leans more toward predictive and statistical means by which to evaluate data. While both results are the same, the standards by which the two professions arrive at their conclusion differ.
Since so few associate degree programs exist for either subject area, for the sake of this article, we will examine programs offered in both data analytics and data science.
Associate degree programs in data analytics and data science do exist. Though they are less common than more advanced degree programs, earning a two-year degree in these subject areas is possible.
For the most part, at least a bachelor’s degree in data analytics, data science, business data analytics, computer science, or statistics is required to begin working in this field.
In some cases, companies might even require a master’s degree for those starting in the data science field. To that end, many schools offer four-year undergraduate and graduate degree programs in these areas.
Best Associate in Data Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
Gateway Technical College
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Program: IT - Data Analytics Specialist associate degree
Credits: 61
Cost per credit: $152 in state | $227 out-of-state
Delivery Method: Campus
Total Tuition: $9,272 in state | $13,847 out of state
Learn more: Program detailsColorado Christian University
Lakewood, ColoradoProgram: Online Associate Degree in Data Analytics
Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $494
Delivery Method: Online
Total Tuition: $29,640
Learn more: Program detailsNashua Community College
Nashua, New HampshireProgram: Data Analytics Associates Degree
Credits: 61
Cost per credit: $215 in state | $490 out-of-state
Delivery Method: Campus
Total Tuition: $13,115 in state | $29,890 out of state
Learn more: Program detailsNorthwestern Connecticut Community College
Winsted, ConnecticutProgram: Associates In Data Science
Credits: 67
Cost per credit: $139 in state | $418 out-of-state
Delivery Method: Campus
Total Tuition: $9,313 in state | $28,006 out of state
Learn more: Program detailsBroward College
Fort Lauderdale, FloridaProgram: Associate of Science in Business Analytics
Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $118 in state | $373 out-of-state
Delivery Method: Campus
Total Tuition: $7,080 in state | $22,380 out of state
Learn more: Program detailsHocking College
Nelsonville, OhioProgram: Associate of Science in Data Analytics
Credits: 61
Cost per credit: $177 in state | $327 out-of-state
Delivery Method: Campus
Total Tuition: $10,797 in state | $19,947 out of state
Learn more: Program detailsGreat Bay Community College
Rochester, New HampshireProgram: Analytics Associate Degree
Credits: 65-66
Cost per credit: $215 in state | $490 out-of-state
Delivery Method: Campus
Total Tuition: $6,450 in state | $14,700 out of state
Learn more: Program detailsBrigham Young University - Idaho
Rexburg, IdahoProgram: Data Science (Major: Associate-Level)
Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $151
Delivery Method: Campus
Total Tuition: $9,060
Learn more: Program detailsAmerican Public University System | American Military University
Charles Town, West VirginiaProgram: Online Associate of Science in Data Science (AS)
Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $250
Delivery Method: Online
Total Tuition: $15,000
Learn more: Program detailsSinclair Community College
Dayton, OhioProgram: Associate of Applied Science in Data Analytics
Credits: 63
Cost per credit: $183 in state | $339 out-of-state
Delivery Method: Campus
Total Tuition: $11,529 in state | $21,357 out of state
Learn more: Program details
These rankings were compiled from data accessed in December 2023 from Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Navigator (both services National Center for Education Statistics). Tuition data was pulled from individual university websites and is current as of December 2023. If available, we also use additional criteria such as accreditation or designations by outside organizations or agencies.
Data Science Associate Degree Consideration
So, why pursue such an associate degree if many companies require at least a bachelor’s degree, even for entry-level positions in data science or analysis?
For one, you might prepare for bachelor’s level studies by completing an associate’s degree program in one of these areas. You could also earn credits toward a bachelor’s degree program; some programs allow for applying credits earned in a two-year program to a bachelor’s degree program in the same area.
An associate’s degree could be a more cost-effective approach to earning a degree in data analytics or science.
For instance, you might find a company that accepts a two-year degree for an entry-level position, allowing you to gain entry into a company that might offer tuition reimbursement.
You can then take advantage of that benefit to pursue a bachelor’s and even a master’s degree to help you advance your data analysis or data science career.
The curriculum of a two-year degree program, awarding an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science degree in either data analytics or data science, contains mainly introductory and fundamental courses in statistics, data analysis or analytics, programming, data visualization, and big data.
Some programs have hands-on labs and opportunities to apply concepts and methods studied in the coursework. This hands-on experience could prove invaluable for preparing you for entry-level positions.
Hands-on learning could occur in courses using specific programs or applications. For instance, you might use the MySQL database management system when taking a database foundations course providing studies in the SQL programming language or Tableau or GIS software in a data visualization course.
Some courses could be project-based, with students applying software and other tools to create tables or models. Case studies could also be a part of associate’s degree studies, allowing students to understand how data analysis, modeling, and other methods can provide solutions in real-life environments.
As the curriculum of an associate degree program in data analytics or science covers fundamental topics, hands-on learning with specific software and applications is an important way for students to gain knowledge and skills in these areas; however, internships or field experiences do not tend to be offered at this level. These opportunities are more commonly found in four-year and even more so in master’s degree programs.
Online Associate Degree in Data Analytics and Data Science
Most are in-person programs of the handful of associate degree programs in either data analytics or data science. Given the nature of labs and hands-on opportunities, there appear to be no such associate degree programs that are offered 100% online; some might offer a hybrid study option wherein courses are offered online and in person.
In some cases, a school might provide general education or general studies courses online, while the major course of study will mainly be in an on-campus format.
Hybrid programs might offer the flexibility you need if you are, for example, working full-time and cannot put an entire semester or year of in-person classes into your schedule. In some cases, an online course could allow you to log in at various times to access studies.
Some specific courses you could expect to find in the curriculum of an Associate of Science in Data Analytics include:
- Data Analytics
- Predictive Analytics
- Database Foundations
- Introductory Statistics
- Big Data and Visualization
In an AS in data science program, you are more likely to take courses addressing database programming, programming languages, statistics and probability, and computing fundamentals that discuss algorithms, data structures, and software design.
Tuition for an Associate Degree in Data Analytics and Data Science
As expected, the tuition for a two-year degree program in either data analytics or data science varies from institution to institution. Fees, state residency, and other factors play a role in determining how much a program will cost.
Below are tuition costs at some post-secondary institutions offering an associate degree in data analytics or data science. One important variable in the price is whether the student will pay in-state or out-of-state tuition. The difference can add tens of thousands of dollars throughout a program.
Another thing to remember is that most associate degrees in data analytics or data science are charged by the credit hour. Since the standard credit-hour requirement is 60 hours, the easiest way to figure out tuition rates is to find the credit-hour cost and multiply by 60 (unless the program has different hours requirements).
Credit-hour costs can range from $46 a credit hour for in-state (at Coastline College, for example) up to $860 per credit hour for out-of-state at Northwestern Connecticut Community College.
Fees such as technical fees, student activity fees, and campus access fees typically apply and vary between schools. Note that some of the tuition figures listed above include fees, while others do not.
Most colleges and universities offer financial aid through grants, federal loans, and work-study options. Tuition payment plans or installment plans could also be an option at some institutions.
Academic scholarships are also offered at many of these schools; providing your academic status qualifies you for such an award, scholarships can help offset tuition costs.
Employment with an Associate Degree in Data Analytics and Data Science
While even entry-level job titles in data science or analytics can require a bachelor’s degree or higher, some companies will accept an associate’s degree for a junior position.
For example, some employers seeking a junior data analyst will accept candidates who hold at least a two-year degree; however, due to the nature of a data scientist’s job, which is more deeply involved in statistics, advanced modeling, and predictive analysis, at least a four-year and often a graduate degree is typically required to begin.
According to Salary.com, the average salary for a junior data analyst is between $70,742 to $85,493.
The BLS reports that the job growth rate for data analysts is 36 percent from 2023 to 2033.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some relevant associate’s degree programs might cover related subject materials and might be more common than data analytics/data science associate’s programs. Examples include an associate degree in computer science, an associate degree in information technology, an associate degree in computer information systems, an associate in arts with an emphasis in mathematics, and an associate in applied science in business analytics.
In most cases, yes. However, professional experience combined with a degree is often required. For example, suppose you wish to pursue the Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) certification. In that case, you need to show seven years of experience in the field if you do not hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Some certifications, such as Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate, do not have academic requirements.
Yes, AA or AAS in data analytics or science are typically classified as STEM programs.
There are no specific course requirements to be met before enrolling in an associate’s degree program in either data analytics or data science. A solid academic background in computer science, mathematics, and statistics would be beneficial.
Some institutions will offer financial aid opportunities for part-time students. However, the amount of assistance may be adjusted for part-time attendance.
Associate Degrees in Analytics School Listings
Allegany College of Maryland
Cumberland, MarylandProgram: Associate of Applied Science degree in Data Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $10,260 in-state | $25,620 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $171 in-state | $427 out-of-state
Credits: 60
Learn more: Program detailsBismarck State College
Bismarck, South DakotaProgram: Associate in Applied Science: Data Analytics Technician
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $10,788 in-state | $16,120 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $174 in-state | $260 out-of-state
Credits: 62
Learn more: Program detailsBrigham Young University
Rexburg, IdahoProgram: Data Science (Major: Associate-Level)
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $3,298 LDS | $6,596 Non-LDS
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $194 LDS | $388 Non-LDS
Credits: 17
Learn more: Program detailsBroward College
Fort Lauderdale, FloridaProgram: Associate of Science in Business Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $7,080 in-state | $22,380 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $118 in-state | $373 out-of-state
Credits: 60
Learn more: Program detailsBunker Hill Community College
Boston, MassachusettsProgram: Associate in Science, Data Analytics Option
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $1,584 in-state | $15,180 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $24 in-state | $230 out-of-state
Credits: 66
Learn more: Program detailsCoastline College
Fountain Valley, CaliforniaProgram: Associate of Science in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $2,760 in-state | $22,860 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $46 in-state | $381 out-of-state
Credits: 60
Learn more: Program detailsGreat Bay Community College
Rochester, New HampshireProgram: Analytics Associate Degree
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $6,450 in-state | $14,700 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $215 in-state | $490 out-of-state
Credits: 30
Learn more: Program detailsHocking College
Nelsonville, OhioProgram: Associate of Science in Data Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $10,004
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $164
Credits: 61
Learn more: Program detailsIvy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IndianaProgram: Associate of Applied Science in Data Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $12,900 in-state | $24,840 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $215 in-state | $414 out-of-state
Credits: 60
Learn more: Program detailsNashua Community College
Nashua, New HampshireProgram: Data Analytics Associates Degree
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $13,115 in-state | $29,890 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $215 in-state | $490 out-of-state
Credits: 61
Learn more: Program detailsNormandale Community College
Bloomington, MinnesotaProgram: Data Analytics AS
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $10,680
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $178
Credits: 60
Learn more: Program detailsNorthcentral Technical College
Wausau, WisconsinProgram: Data Analytics Associate Degree
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $9,982 in-state | $14,756 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $161 in-state | $238 out-of-state
Credits: 62
Learn more: Program detailsNortheast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, WisconsinProgram: Business Analyst Associate Degree
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $11,152 in-state | $16,048 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $164 in-state | $236 out-of-state
Credits: 68
Learn more: Program detailsNorthwestern Connecticut Community College
Winsted, ConnecticutProgram: Associates in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $12,864 in-state | $38,726 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $192 in-state | $578 out-of-state
Credits: 67
Learn more: Program detailsPierce College
Puyallup, WashingtonProgram: Data Management and Analytics (AAS)
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $11,532 in-state | $29,574 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $124 in-state | $318 out-of-state
Credits: 93
Learn more: Program detailsSinclair Community College
Dayton, OhioProgram: Associate of Applied Science in Data Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $9,490 in-state | $22,685 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $146 in-state | $349 out-of-state
Credits: 65
Learn more: Program detailsSouthern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, New HampshireProgram: Online Data Analytics Associate degree
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $19,800
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $330
Credits: 60
Learn more: Program detailsState College of Florida - Manatee- Sarasota
Bradenton, FloridaProgram: AS Degree in Business Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Campus
Total tuition: $6,120 in-state | $23,220 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $102 in-state | $387 out-of-state
Credits: 60
Learn more: Program detailsUnited States Naval Community College
Quantico, VirginiaProgram: A.S. in Data Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: No cost
2024/2025 Cost per credit: No cost
Credits: 61
Learn more: Program detailsWake Technical Community College
Raleigh, North CarolinaProgram: Business Analytics Degree
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online, campus & hybrid
Total tuition: $4,864 in-state | $17,152 out-of-state
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $76 in-state | $268 out-of-state
Credits: 64
Learn more: Program detailsWilmington University
New Castle, DelawareProgram: Online Associate of Science in Data Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $25,140
2024/2025 Cost per credit: $419
Credits: 60
Learn more: Program details