An online master’s degree in data science can unlock opportunities in both research-driven roles and executive leadership positions across various industries.
In the evolving landscape of data science education, master’s programs offered online are increasingly focusing on niche specializations to cater to diverse career paths.
Navigating through these options can be challenging. To assist in the search, the TechGuide research team has meticulously curated a list spotlighting the most cost-effective online master’s degrees in data science.
The following results are based on our analysis of 52 programs:
- Lowest Cost: City University of New York at $14,100
- Average: The average cost for an associate degree is $45,688
- Most Expensive: University of Pennsylvania costs $235,950
Cost-Effective DSCA-Certified Programs
This year’s analysis of affordability not only considers the total tuition fees but also evaluates the educational quality. A critical criterion for inclusion in our list is the program’s accreditation by the Data Science Council of America (DSCA).
Accreditation by DSCA is contingent upon meeting stringent criteria that cover comprehensive aspects of data science and analytics education, emphasizing both the learning outcomes and the career prospects post-completion.
Check out the full rankings for this year’s most economically accessible online master’s programs in data science.
Most Affordable Online Data Science Master’s Degree Programs for 2024
- Program: 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 Required: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
Tuition: $14,100
Cost per credit: $470
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Online
GRE Required: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program details - Program: 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 Required: Not required
DASCA Designation: Yes
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
Tuition: $16,992 in state | $32,364 out of state
Cost per credit: $472 in state | $899 out of state
Credits: 36
Delivery Method: Campus & online
GRE Required: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science & Analytics
Tuition: $17,970 in state | $43,170 out of state
Cost per credit: $599 in state | $1,439 out of state
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Hybrid & online
GRE Required: Required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
Tuition: $19,470
Cost per credit: $649
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Online
GRE Required: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
Tuition: $20,800
Cost per credit: $650
Credits: 32
Delivery Method: Online
GRE Required: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Applied Statistics, Analytics and Data Science
Tuition: $21,000
Cost per credit: $700
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Online
GRE Required: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
Tuition: $24,300
Cost per credit: $540
Credits: 45
Delivery Method: Online
GRE Required: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science and Data Analytics
Tuition: $25,000
Cost per credit: $625
Credits: 40
Delivery Method: Online
GRE Required: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science and Strategic Analytics
Tuition: $25,890 in state | $41,760 out of state
Cost per credit: $866 in state | $1,392 out of state
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Hybrid
GRE Required: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Applied Data Science
Tuition: $26,700
Cost per credit: $890
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Online
GRE Required: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science and Analytics
Tuition: $27,000
Cost per credit: $900
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Online
GRE Required: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
Tuition: $27,885 - $35,490 out of state
Cost per credit: $845
Credits: 33-42
Delivery Method: Campus & online
GRE Required: Required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
Tuition: $28,675 - $31,450
Cost per credit: $925
Credits: 31-34
Delivery Method: Online
GRE Required: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
Tuition: $28,800
Cost per credit: $800
Credits: 36
Delivery Method: Campus & online
GRE Required: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
Tuition: $31,500
Cost per credit: $875
Credits: 36
Delivery Method: Online
GRE Required: Not required
DASCA Designation: Yes
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science and Analytics
Tuition: $32,505
Cost per credit: $985
Credits: 33
Delivery Method: Online
GRE Required: Required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
Tuition: $32,760
Cost per credit: $910
Credits: 36
Delivery Method: Hybrid
GRE Required: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science and Analytics
Tuition: $33,422
Cost per credit: $983
Credits: 34
Delivery Method: Campus & online
GRE Required: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
Tuition: $34,500
Cost per credit: $1,150
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Online
GRE Required: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
Tuition: $35,100 Hybrid | $29,700 Online
Cost per credit: $975 Hybrid | $825 Online
Credits: 36
Delivery Method: Hybrid & online
GRE Required: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
Tuition: $35,136
Cost per credit: $976
Credits: 36
Delivery Method: Campus & online
GRE Required: Not required
DASCA Designation: No
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Data Science
Tuition: $35,760 in state | $45,960 out of state (Campus) | $15,750 Online
Cost per credit: $1,192 in state | $1,532 out of state (Campus) | $525 (Online)
Credits: 30
Delivery Method: Campus & online
GRE Required: Not required
DASCA Designation: Yes
Learn more: Program details - Program: M.S. in Applied Data Science
Tuition: $35,820
Cost per credit: $995
Credits: 36
Delivery Method: Campus & online
GRE Required: 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 |