An online bachelor’s in data science prepares students to use statistics, programming, machine learning, databases, and visualization to solve data-driven problems.
These programs are designed for students who want a flexible path into data roles such as data analyst, business intelligence analyst, junior data scientist, machine learning assistant, database analyst, or analytics specialist.
The best online data science bachelor’s program depends on cost, transfer-credit policy, curriculum depth, internship or capstone opportunities, math requirements, programming tools, and career support.
Rankings can help narrow your search, but they should not replace a careful review of total tuition, course requirements, online format, transfer rules, and hands-on experience.
A bachelor’s degree can help students qualify for entry-level and early-career data roles. However, some data scientist, machine learning, AI, and research-heavy roles may prefer candidates with a master’s degree, graduate coursework, strong portfolios, internships, or substantial experience.
Tuition, fees, transfer-credit policies, delivery formats, and curriculum requirements can change by academic year. Verify with the university before applying.
Quick Facts: Online Bachelor’s in Data Science
| Category | Typical Details |
| Common degree names | BS in Data Science, BA in Data Science, BS in Data Science and Analytics, BS in Analytics, BS in Computer Science with data science concentration |
| Typical length | About 4 years for first-time students; 1–3 years for transfer students depending on credits accepted |
| Typical credits | Usually around 120 credits; some programs require slightly more |
| Common format | Fully online, asynchronous online, hybrid, part-time, accelerated, or transfer-friendly |
| Typical cost range | Varies widely; total cost depends heavily on transfer credits, residency, fees, and institutional tuition |
| Transfer-credit options | Many online bachelor’s programs accept transfer credits; some accept up to 90 credits |
| Common admissions requirements | High school diploma or GED, transcripts, minimum GPA, placement testing, transfer evaluation |
| Common prerequisites | Algebra, precalculus, calculus, statistics, programming, or college readiness coursework may be required |
| Best fit | First-time students, transfer students, working adults, military students, and career changers without a bachelor’s degree |
| Common tools taught | Python, R, SQL, Excel, Tableau, Power BI, databases, machine learning libraries, cloud tools |
| Common career paths | Data analyst, BI analyst, database analyst, junior data scientist, operations analyst, marketing analyst, research assistant |
| Hands-on experience | Capstone, internship, practicum, labs, portfolio projects, GitHub projects, or applied analytics coursework |
What Is an Online Bachelor’s in Data Science?
An online bachelor’s in data science is an undergraduate degree focused on using statistics, programming, databases, machine learning, and visualization to analyze data and support decision-making. Students typically learn how to collect, clean, model, interpret, and communicate data.
Bachelor’s-level data science programs usually cover:
- Programming
- Statistics
- Databases
- SQL
- Python or R
- Machine learning fundamentals
- Data visualization
- Data ethics
- Data cleaning
- Data mining
- Applied analytics projects
- Communication and data storytelling
A strong data science bachelor’s program should help students build both technical and applied skills. That means students should graduate with more than course credits. They should also have projects, code samples, dashboards, reports, or capstone work that show what they can actually do.
A bachelor’s degree can help students qualify for entry-level and early-career data roles, but advanced research, AI, machine learning engineering, and senior data scientist roles may require graduate study or significant experience.
Who Should Consider an Online Bachelor’s in Data Science?
An online bachelor’s in data science may be a good fit for students who want to:
- Earn a full undergraduate degree online
- Build a foundation in statistics, programming, and data analysis
- Prepare for entry-level data, analytics, BI, database, or technical roles
- Transfer prior college credits into a bachelor’s program
- Study part time while working
- Build a portfolio through projects, internships, or capstone work
- Prepare for graduate study in data science, AI, statistics, computer science, analytics, or related fields
It may not be the best fit for students who:
- Already have a bachelor’s degree and only need job-specific skills
- Want a faster non-degree path through a certificate or bootcamp
- Prefer deeper software engineering training, which may be better served by computer science
- Prefer dashboards and reporting over modeling, which may be better served by data analytics
- Want advanced machine learning research, which may require graduate study
- Need the lowest-cost path and cannot transfer credits
Tuition rates
Data from 56 campus-based Bachelor’s in Data Science programs reveals:
- Average total program cost: $167,846
- Cost range per credit: $105 (lowest) to $2,831 (highest)
In contrast, data from 15 online Bachelor’s in Data Science programs shows:
- Average total program cost: $76,726
- Cost range per credit: $152 (lowest) to $1,410 (highest)
Best Online Bachelor’s in Data Science Degree Programs for 2026
- Program: Bachelor's in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $73,600
2026 Cost per credit: $575
Credits: 128
Learn more: Program details - Program: BS Degree in Data Science and Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $14,088 in-state | $18,244 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $117.4 in-state | $152.03 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Science, BS
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $58,293
2026 Cost per credit: $459
Credits: 127
Learn more: Program details - Program: Online Bachelor of Science in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $42,000
2026 Cost per credit: $350
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: BS in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $71,310 in-state | $78,660 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $594.25 in-state | $655.50 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Science, BS
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $32,160 in-state | $56,280 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $268 in-state | $469 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Online Bachelor of Science in Data Science
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $69,600
2026 Cost per credit: $580
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $47,760
2026 Cost per credit: $398
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $48,568 in-state | $169,176 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $404.73 in-state | $1,409.8 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor's in data science
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $39,600 in-state | $59,880 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $330 in-state | $499 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $34,464 in-state | $92,888 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $287.2 in-state | $774.07 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Science, B.S.
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $77,375
2026 Cost per credit: $624
Credits: 124
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $96,300
2026 Cost per credit: $535
Credits: 180
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online, campus & hybrid
Total tuition: $122,160
2026 Cost per credit: $1,018
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $46,089.33 in-state | $88,675.62 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $374.71 in-state | $720.94 out-of-state
Credits: 123
Learn more: Program details
These rankings were compiled from data accessed in January 2026 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 January 2026. If available, we also use additional criteria such as accreditation or designations by outside organizations or agencies.
2025 Rankings
2024 Rankings
Best Campus Bachelor’s in Data Science Programs for 2026
- Program: Bachelor of Science degree in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $247,200
2026 Cost per credit: $2,060
Credits: $120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor's in Data Science
Delivery Method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $99,072
2026 Cost per credit: $774
Credits: $128
Learn more: Program details - Program: B.S. in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $135,480
2026 Cost per credit: $1,129
Credits: $120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Science Major
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $87,696
2026 Cost per credit: $696
Credits: $126
Learn more: Program details - Program: BS in Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $185,070
2026 Cost per credit: $995
Credits: $186
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $25,560 in-state | $123,600 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $213 in-state | $1,030 out-of-state
Credits: $120
Learn more: Program details - Program: BS Concentration in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $140,520
2026 Cost per credit: $1,171
Credits: $120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $227,880
2026 Cost per credit: $1,899
Credits: $120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $19,800 in-state | $84,000 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $165 in-state | $700 out-of-state
Credits: $120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Science, BS
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $48,720 in-state | $70,320 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $406 in-state | $586 out-of-state
Credits: $120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $187,648
2026 Cost per credit: $1,466
Credits: $128
Learn more: Program details - Program: Undergraduate Major in Information + Data Sciences
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $218,760
2026 Cost per credit: $1,823
Credits: $120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Statistics
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $60,636 in-state | $154,752 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $489 in-state | $1,248 out-of-state
Credits: $124
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $82,560 in-state | $167,160 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $688 in-state | $1,393 out-of-state
Credits: $120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $63,480 in-state | $158,040 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $529 in-state | $1,317 out-of-state
Credits: $120
Learn more: Program details - Program: B.A. in Statistics and Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $210,000
2026 Cost per credit: $1,750
Credits: $120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor’s in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $106,080
2026 Cost per credit: $884
Credits: $120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $46,440 in-state | $134,880 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $387 in-state | $1,124 out-of-state
Credits: $120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Major in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $286,688
2026 Cost per credit: $2,312
Credits: $124
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $74,520 in-state | $180,120 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $621 in-state | $1,501 out-of-state
Credits: $120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $12,600
2026 Cost per credit: $105
Credits: $120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $59,644 in-state | $89,404 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $481 in-state | $721 out-of-state
Credits: $124
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics
Delivery Method: Online, campus & hybrid
Total tuition: $122,160
2026 Cost per credit: $1,018
Credits: $120
Learn more: Program details - Program: B.S. in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $76,680 in-state | $179,520 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $639 in-state | $1,496 out-of-state
Credits: $120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $42,000 in-state | $150,840 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $350 in-state | $1,257 out-of-state
Credits: $120
Learn more: Program details
These rankings were compiled from data accessed in January 2026 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 January 2026. If available, we also use additional criteria such as accreditation or designations by outside organizations or agencies.
Best Online Data Science Degrees for Transfer Students
Transfer credit is one of the most important factors for online bachelor’s students. Many students reduce total cost and time to completion by transferring credits from community college, prior college coursework, military training, industry certifications, AP or IB exams, CLEP, or prior learning assessment.
| Transfer Factor | What to Ask |
| Maximum transfer credits | How many credits can I bring in? |
| Associate degree transfer | Does the program accept AA, AS, AAS, or transfer pathways? |
| Prior learning credit | Are work experience, military training, certifications, or exams accepted? |
| General education | How many gen-ed credits remain? |
| Major prerequisites | Do statistics, calculus, programming, and database courses transfer? |
| Residency requirement | How many credits must be completed at the university? |
| Articulation agreements | Does the school have transfer agreements with community colleges? |
| Transfer evaluation | Can I get a credit evaluation before enrolling? |
Transfer Advice by Student Type
Students with an associate degree: Ask whether the associate degree satisfies general education requirements. Also ask whether technical courses such as statistics, calculus, programming, and databases transfer into the major or only as electives.
Students with some college but no degree: Request a preliminary transfer-credit evaluation before committing. The number of transferable credits can vary by grade, course age, accreditation, and whether the courses match degree requirements.
Military students and veterans: Ask whether the school accepts Joint Services Transcript credits, military training, CLEP, DSST, or prior learning assessment.
Working adults: Ask whether certifications, professional training, or portfolio-based assessments can reduce credit requirements.
BA vs BS in Data Science
Some schools offer a Bachelor of Arts in Data Science, while others offer a Bachelor of Science. The right choice depends on your target role, math readiness, and interest in technical depth.
| Degree | Best For | Typical Emphasis | Common Next Step |
| BA in Data Science | Students combining data with social science, policy, business, humanities, or communication | Interdisciplinary analysis, applied data, communication, domain context | Analytics, policy, business intelligence, graduate study |
| BS in Data Science | Students targeting technical data roles, graduate school, machine learning, or analytics engineering | Math, statistics, computer science, programming, modeling | Data science, analytics engineering, graduate study, technical roles |
A BS may be stronger for students targeting technical roles or graduate study. A BA may be useful for students who want to combine data with business, social science, communication, public policy, healthcare, education, or another domain.
Data Science vs Data Analytics vs Computer Science vs Statistics
Students often compare data science with data analytics, computer science, statistics, and information technology. These fields overlap, but they are not the same.
| Degree | Best For | Technical Depth | Math/Statistics Depth | Common Careers |
| Data Science | Modeling, machine learning, data systems, applied statistics | High | High | Data analyst, junior data scientist, ML assistant, data engineer path |
| Data Analytics | Reporting, dashboards, applied analysis | Medium | Medium | Data analyst, BI analyst, reporting analyst |
| Computer Science | Software, algorithms, systems, computing | High | Medium to high | Software developer, data engineer, ML engineer path |
| Statistics | Inference, probability, experimental design | Medium | Very high | Statistician, analyst, research assistant, data scientist path |
| Information Technology | Systems, networks, databases, applied tech operations | Medium | Low to medium | Systems analyst, database analyst, IT analyst |
Choose based on your target role:
- Choose data science for modeling, machine learning, and applied data problems.
- Choose data analytics for reporting, dashboards, BI, and business analysis.
- Choose computer science for software, systems, algorithms, and technical depth.
- Choose statistics for inference, probability, research, and quantitative analysis.
- Choose IT for systems, infrastructure, databases, and applied technology operations.
Is an Online Bachelor’s in Data Science Worth It?
An online bachelor’s in data science may be worth it if:
- You want a flexible path into data, analytics, BI, database, or technical roles.
- You need a full bachelor’s credential, not just a certificate.
- You want structured training in math, statistics, programming, databases, and machine learning.
- You can transfer credits to reduce cost.
- The program includes projects, internships, career support, and current tools.
- You are comparing data science with computer science, statistics, or data analytics.
- You plan to pursue graduate study later.
It may not be worth it if:
- You already have a bachelor’s degree and only need job-specific skills.
- A certificate, bootcamp, or master’s program would be faster.
- The program lacks hands-on projects or career support.
- You want highly theoretical AI or machine learning research, which may require graduate study.
- The program cost is high and transfer-credit options are limited.
- You want a software engineering career and would be better served by computer science.
Bottom line: For many students, an online bachelor’s in data science is most valuable when it offers strong math and programming foundations, hands-on projects, transfer-credit flexibility, career support, and a total cost that fits the student’s goals.
Admissions Requirements
| Requirement | What Applicants Should Know |
| High school diploma or GED | Usually required for first-time students |
| Prior college credits | Transfer students may submit community college or previous university transcripts |
| GPA | Minimum GPA requirements vary by school and applicant type |
| Math readiness | Algebra, precalculus, calculus, or statistics placement may be required |
| Programming background | Usually helpful, but not always required |
| Placement tests | Some programs require math or English placement |
| Transfer evaluation | Important for students with prior credits |
| Personal statement | May be required by some universities |
| Letters of recommendation | Less common for bachelor’s programs but possible |
| International requirements | English proficiency and transcript evaluation may apply |
First-Time College Students
First-time students should focus on math readiness, academic support, tutoring, and whether the program starts with beginner-friendly programming and statistics courses.
Transfer Students
Transfer students should request a credit evaluation as early as possible. A program that looks affordable may become expensive if many prior credits do not transfer into degree requirements.
Students Without Programming Experience
Programming experience is helpful, but many bachelor’s programs start with introductory coursework. Students who are nervous about coding can prepare with basic Python, SQL, and statistics before enrolling.
Working Adults
Working adults should ask about asynchronous courses, part-time pacing, weekly workload, transfer credits, and whether courses require live attendance.
Data Science Bachelor’s Curriculum and Skills
A strong bachelor’s program should include both theory and applied projects. Students should graduate with evidence of what they can build, analyze, and explain.
| Skill Area | Courses or Topics to Look For | Why It Matters |
| Programming | Python, R, SQL, Java, scripting | Core data analysis and automation |
| Math | Calculus, linear algebra, discrete math | Foundation for ML and statistical modeling |
| Statistics | Probability, inference, regression, experimental design | Helps students reason from data |
| Databases | SQL, database design, data management | Supports real-world data access |
| Machine learning | Supervised learning, unsupervised learning, model evaluation | Supports predictive analytics and AI roles |
| Data engineering | ETL, pipelines, cloud data platforms, data warehousing | Helps students work with messy real-world data |
| Visualization | Dashboards, storytelling, Tableau, Power BI, D3 | Turns analysis into decisions |
| AI literacy | Generative AI, LLMs, prompt workflows, AI evaluation | Increasingly relevant for analysts and junior data roles |
| Ethics and governance | Privacy, bias, fairness, responsible AI, data security | Needed for trustworthy data work |
| Communication | Data storytelling, reports, presentations | Helps graduates explain insights |
| Capstone | Portfolio project, internship, research project | Demonstrates job readiness |
Data Science, AI, and Responsible Analytics Skills
Data science education now needs to prepare students for AI-enabled workflows, responsible model use, and trustworthy data practices. Students should learn not only how to build models, but also how to evaluate outputs, document assumptions, protect data, and communicate limitations.
Important 2026 skill areas include:
- Generative AI literacy
- LLM evaluation
- Prompt workflows
- Data privacy
- Bias and fairness
- Model explainability
- Data governance
- Cybersecurity basics
- Human-in-the-loop decision-making
- Documentation and reproducibility
- Responsible use of public datasets
- Portfolio ethics, including avoiding sensitive or scraped data misuse
Students should be cautious about using public or scraped datasets without understanding privacy, consent, licensing, and bias issues. A responsible portfolio should explain data sources, limitations, and ethical considerations.
Related Resources
Online Learning and Hands-On Experience
Online data science programs should still include hands-on coding, labs, projects, cloud tools, group work, instructor feedback, and career support.
| Format | Best For | Questions to Ask |
| Fully asynchronous | Working adults needing flexibility | Are deadlines weekly? Are lectures recorded? |
| Synchronous online | Students wanting live interaction | Are live sessions required? What time zone? |
| Hybrid | Students who can attend campus occasionally | How often are campus visits required? |
| Accelerated | Students with strong time management | What is the weekly workload? |
| Part-time | Working adults and caregivers | What is the maximum time to completion? |
| Competency-based | Students with prior experience | How is progress assessed? |
Before enrolling, ask how technical courses are delivered. Programming and statistics courses should include practice, feedback, office hours, tutoring, and project work.
Portfolio, Internships, and Capstone Projects
A portfolio can help bachelor’s graduates show employers what they can do, especially for entry-level roles. A degree proves academic completion, but a portfolio can demonstrate practical skills.
Suggested portfolio projects include:
- Exploratory data analysis project
- SQL/database project
- Machine learning classification or regression project
- Dashboard or visualization project
- Time-series forecasting project
- Data cleaning and documentation project
- Capstone or internship project
- Responsible AI or model evaluation write-up
- GitHub repository with clean documentation
- Business or social-impact data project with clear recommendations
A strong portfolio project should include:
- Clear research question or business problem
- Clean, documented code
- Data source and data limitations
- Explanation of methods
- Visualizations or dashboards
- Interpretation of results
- Ethical or privacy considerations
- Short written summary for nontechnical readers
Cost, Financial Aid, and ROI
Total cost depends on tuition, fees, transfer credits, time to completion, and financial aid. Do not compare programs by sticker price alone.
| Cost Factor | What Students Should Verify |
| Total tuition | Does the estimate assume all 120 credits are taken at that university? |
| Transfer credits | How many credits can be transferred from community college or prior college work? |
| Fees | Are online, technology, graduation, proctoring, and course fees included? |
| Software | Are Python, R, Tableau, Power BI, cloud credits, or textbook tools included? |
| Residency | Are online students charged in-state, out-of-state, or flat online tuition? |
| Financial aid | Are federal aid, scholarships, employer tuition assistance, or military benefits available? |
| Time to completion | Can accelerated or part-time pacing change total cost? |
ROI Checklist
- What is the full cost after fees?
- How many credits can I transfer?
- Can I use employer tuition assistance or military benefits?
- Does the program include career support?
- Will I graduate with a portfolio or capstone?
- Does the curriculum match my target role?
- Can I continue working while enrolled?
- What salary range is realistic for my location and experience?
- Would a lower-cost data analytics degree, certificate, or community college transfer path meet my goals?
Avoid programs or marketing claims that promise guaranteed jobs, guaranteed salaries, or effortless six-figure outcomes. ROI depends on prior credits, location, internships, portfolio strength, job market conditions, and total debt.
Career Paths With a Bachelor’s in Data Science
Bachelor’s graduates may qualify for entry-level or early-career roles in data, analytics, BI, databases, operations, marketing, research support, and technology. Some data scientist roles may prefer a master’s degree or substantial experience.
| Career Path | Typical Work | Why a Data Science Bachelor’s Helps |
| Data analyst | SQL, dashboards, analysis, reporting | Builds analysis, statistics, and data visualization skills |
| BI analyst | KPI reporting, dashboard development, business intelligence | Strong fit for visualization and business reporting |
| Junior data scientist | Modeling, experimentation, predictive analytics | Possible with strong Python, statistics, ML, and portfolio |
| Database analyst | Data management, querying, database support | Useful for students with SQL and database coursework |
| Operations analyst | Forecasting, process improvement, optimization | Applies analytics to efficiency and planning |
| Marketing analyst | Campaign measurement, segmentation, customer analytics | Uses data science skills in customer and market contexts |
| Research assistant | Data collection, cleaning, analysis, documentation | Useful for students considering graduate school |
| Machine learning assistant | Model testing, data prep, evaluation support | Possible with strong ML and programming preparation |
| Data engineer pathway | Pipelines, data warehouses, data infrastructure | May require additional CS, cloud, and engineering skills |
Salary and Job Outlook
BLS wage data describes broad occupations and may include workers with different education levels, experience levels, locations, and industries. It should not be read as a starting salary guarantee for bachelor’s graduates.
| Occupation | 2024 Median Pay | Projected Growth | Relevance to Bachelor’s Graduates |
| Data scientist | $112,590 | 34% from 2024 to 2034 | Relevant for graduates with strong statistics, programming, ML, and portfolio skills; some employers prefer graduate education |
| Database administrator | $104,620 | Verify current BLS outlook | Relevant for students with SQL, database, and data management coursework |
| Database architect | $135,980 | Verify current BLS outlook | Relevant for advanced database and data architecture paths, often with experience |
| Operations research analyst | $91,290 | 21% from 2024 to 2034 | Relevant for optimization, forecasting, analytics, and decision science |
| Market research analyst | $76,950 | 7% from 2024 to 2034 | Relevant for marketing analytics, customer insights, and research roles |
| Software developer | $133,080 | 15% for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers from 2024 to 2034 | Relevant for students with strong programming and computer science preparation |
Salary varies by role, industry, location, employer, technical skill level, portfolio strength, internships, and whether the graduate has advanced education.
Application Timeline
6–12 Months Before Applying
- Compare data science, data analytics, computer science, statistics, and IT degrees.
- Review program formats.
- Estimate budget and financial aid.
- Request unofficial transcripts if transferring.
- Build basic math and programming readiness.
- Research admissions requirements.
3–6 Months Before Applying
- Request official transcripts.
- Complete transfer-credit evaluation.
- Prepare application materials.
- Apply for financial aid.
- Review scholarship deadlines.
- Ask about online course scheduling.
1–3 Months Before Applying
- Confirm tuition and fees.
- Review degree plan.
- Confirm transfer credits.
- Check technology requirements.
- Plan first-term course load.
- Ask about tutoring and career services.
After Admission
- Complete orientation.
- Review math or programming placement.
- Set up coding tools.
- Create a study schedule.
- Map courses to career goals.
- Start planning portfolio projects early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Data analytics often focuses on reporting, dashboards, business questions, and applied analysis. Data science usually includes more modeling, statistics, programming, machine learning, and data systems.
Statistics focuses heavily on probability, inference, experimental design, and mathematical modeling. Data science combines statistics with programming, databases, machine learning, visualization, and applied computing.
A BS may be better for students seeking more technical roles or graduate study. A BA may be better for students who want to combine data with social science, business, communication, policy, or another domain.
Python, SQL, and R are especially useful for data science. Some programs may also teach Java, C++, JavaScript, or cloud-based tools.
Employers usually care about the school, accreditation, curriculum, skills, projects, internships, and portfolio. Many online degrees come from established universities, but students should verify accreditation and career support.
Many online bachelor’s programs accept transfer credits. Some may accept up to 90 credits, though the exact number depends on prior coursework, grades, accreditation, and degree requirements.
Some do, but not all. Online students should ask whether internships, practicums, capstones, labs, or applied projects are required or optional.
A strong portfolio may include SQL projects, dashboards, machine learning models, exploratory data analysis, data cleaning, forecasting, capstone work, and written explanations of results and limitations.
Choose data science if you want to analyze data, build models, and solve applied data problems. Choose computer science if you want deeper software engineering, systems, algorithms, or computing foundations.
Bachelor’s in Data Science Program Listings
Online Program Listings
- Program: Online Bachelor of Science in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $42,000
2026 Cost per credit: $350
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Online Bachelor of Science in Data Science
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $69,600
2026 Cost per credit: $580
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Science, BS
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $58,293
2026 Cost per credit: $459
Credits: 127
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $96,300
2026 Cost per credit: $535
Credits: 180
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online, campus & hybrid
Total tuition: $122,160
2026 Cost per credit: $1,018
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $48,568 in-state | $169,176 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $404.73 in-state | $1,409.8 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $34,464 in-state | $92,888 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $287.2 in-state | $774.07 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor's in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $73,600
2026 Cost per credit: $575
Credits: 128
Learn more: Program details - Program: BS Degree in Data Science and Analytics
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $14,088 in-state | $18,244 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $117.4 in-state | $152.03 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Science, BS
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $32,160 in-state | $56,280 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $268 in-state | $469 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor's in data science
DASCA designation: Yes
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $39,600 in-state | $59,880 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $330 in-state | $499 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: BS in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $71,310 in-state | $78,660 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $594.25 in-state | $655.50 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Science, B.S.
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $77,375
2026 Cost per credit: $624
Credits: 124
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $47,760
2026 Cost per credit: $398
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
DASCA designation: No
Delivery method: Online
Total tuition: $46,089.33 in-state | $88,675.62 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $374.71 in-state | $720.94 out-of-state
Credits: 123
Learn more: Program details
Campus Program Listings
- Program: BS Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $241,080
2026 Cost per credit: $2,009
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Undergraduate Major in Information + Data Sciences
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $218,760
2026 Cost per credit: $1,823
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: B.S. Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $62,640 in-state | $191,880 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $522 in-state | $1,599 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics
Delivery Method: Online, campus & hybrid
Total tuition: $122,160
2026 Cost per credit: $1,018
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: BS Concentration in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $140,520
2026 Cost per credit: $1,171
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science with major in Data Science and Analytics
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $24,360 in-state | $95,880 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $203 in-state | $799 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $19,800 in-state | $84,000 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $165 in-state | $700 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: BS Industrial Engineering - Analytics and Data Science Concentration
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $66,688 in-state | $212,608 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $521 in-state | $1,661 out-of-state
Credits: 128
Learn more: Program details - Program: BS in Data Science
Delivery Method: Hybrid
Total tuition: $210,000
2026 Cost per credit: $1,750
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor's Degree in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $62,520 in-state | $169,200 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $521 in-state | $1,410 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $22,800 in-state | $84,120 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $190 in-state | $701 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor's in Data Science
Delivery Method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $99,072
2026 Cost per credit: $774
Credits: 128
Learn more: Program details - Program: BS in Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $185,070
2026 Cost per credit: $995
Credits: 186
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Statistics
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $60,636 in-state | $154,752 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $489 in-state | $1,248 out-of-state
Credits: 124
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $42,000 in-state | $150,840 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $350 in-state | $1,257 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Arts in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $271,152
2026 Cost per credit: $1,614
Credits: 168
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Arts in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $262,528
2026 Cost per credit: $2,051
Credits: 128
Learn more: Program details - Program: Major in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $286,688
2026 Cost per credit: $2,312
Credits: 124
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $82,560 in-state | $167,160 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $688 in-state | $1,393 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor’s in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $106,080
2026 Cost per credit: $884
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $57,840 in-state | $139,440 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $482 in-state | $1,162 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $227,880
2026 Cost per credit: $1,899
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $187,648
2026 Cost per credit: $1,466
Credits: 128
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Science, B.S.
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $247,560
2026 Cost per credit: $2,063
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: B.S. in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $135,480
2026 Cost per credit: $1,129
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $122,262 in-state | $202,335 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $994 in-state | $1,645 out-of-state
Credits: 123
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor's degree in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $45,960 in-state | $171,600 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $383 in-state | $1,430 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $43,440 in-state | $154,560 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $362 in-state | $1,288 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $23,640 in-state | $63,360 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $197 in-state | $528 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Science B.A.
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $27,200 in-state | $102,400 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $272 in-state | $1,024 out-of-state
Credits: 100
Learn more: Program details - Program: Major in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $59,696 in-state | $210,112 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $533 in-state | $1,876 out-of-state
Credits: 112
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $12,600
2026 Cost per credit: $105
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Science Major
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $87,696
2026 Cost per credit: $696
Credits: 126
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $25,560 in-state | $123,600 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $213 in-state | $1,030 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: BS in Data Science with Business Analytics Concentration
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $154,080
2026 Cost per credit: $1,284
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: BS in Information Sciences + Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $308,730
2026 Cost per credit: $2,510
Credits: 123
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $46,440 in-state | $134,880 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $387 in-state | $1,124 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $55,680 in-state | $140,640 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $464 in-state | $1,172 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $32,160 in-state | $86,880 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $268 in-state | $724 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Social Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $52,440 in-state | $201,360 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $437 in-state | $1,678 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $71,280 in-state | $136,440 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $594 in-state | $1,137 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $74,520 in-state | $180,120 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $621 in-state | $1,501 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $63,480 in-state | $158,040 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $529 in-state | $1,317 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: B.S. in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $19,080 in-state | $100,080 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $159 in-state | $834 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Online & campus
Total tuition: $59,644 in-state | $89,404 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $481 in-state | $721 out-of-state
Credits: 124
Learn more: Program details - Program: Statistics and Data Science, BS
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $277,611
2026 Cost per credit: $2,257
Credits: 122-123
Learn more: Program details - Program: B.S. in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $61,440 in-state | $184,920 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $512 in-state | $1,541 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $63,684 in-state | $111,264 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $522 in-state | $912 out-of-state
Credits: 120-122
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $83,040 in-state | $223,200 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $692 in-state | $1,860 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: B.S. in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $65,040 in-state | $221,760 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $542 in-state | $1,848 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Science, BS
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $48,720 in-state | $70,320 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $406 in-state | $586 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Data Science Minor
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $339,720
2026 Cost per credit: $2,831
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: B.S. in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $76,680 in-state | $179,520 out-of-state
2026 Cost per credit: $639 in-state | $1,496 out-of-state
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: Bachelor of Science degree in Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $247,200
2026 Cost per credit: $2,060
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details - Program: B.A. in Statistics and Data Science
Delivery Method: Campus
Total tuition: $210,000
2026 Cost per credit: $1,750
Credits: 120
Learn more: Program details