Most Affordable Online Master’s in Data Science Programs for 2024
A data-driven strategy is the name of the game in today’s business landscape and savvy professionals who can extract insights from datasets are in high demand. For those seeking to get their master’s in data science, but are concerned about the hefty investment that often comes with pursuing a graduate degree, we’ve put together a list of the 10 most affordable online master’s degree programs in data science on the market. Tuition amounts were compiled using cost data provided by schools for our Best Online Master’s in Data Science Degrees ranking. If schools did not provide the total tuition cost of the program, we multiplied the cost per credit amount by the minimum credit hours required to graduate. Cost per credit amounts were either provided by schools or taken from the program webpage. This ranking was last updated November 2022.
Maryville University Master of Science in Data Science | Online
Model the future. Then make it your own with Maryville's Data Science program.
Earn your Master of Science in Data Science online from Maryville University in as few as two years. Prepare to collect and analyze data, manage teams, and create data-driven strategies.
Learn MoreGRE Required | No |
Part Time | Yes |
UC Berkeley’s Master’s in Data Science — Online
Master Key Skills in Data Mining, Machine Learning, Research Design & More
The online Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) program is preparing the next generation of experts and leaders in the data science field and providing students with a UC Berkeley education without having to relocate. Students graduate with connections to UC Berkeley’s extensive alumni network in the Bay Area and across the world. All international applicants will be required to submit official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores.
Learn MoreGRE Required | No |
Part Time | Yes |
1. CUNY School of Professional Studies
New York, NYCUNY School of Professional Studies ranked No. 9 on Fortune’s 2022 list of the best online master’s in data science programs. The online data science program does not accept GMAT or GRE scores for admission and instead requires applicants to take its own assessment test. Students accepted into this program last year had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.49. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores and two letters of recommendation are required. The acceptance rate for the program was 84% for the 2020-2021 year.
Acceptance Rate | 84% |
Average number of years of work experience | DNP |
Credits required to graduate | 30 |
Tuition | $14,100.00 |
2. Bellevue University
Bellevue, NEBellevue University ranked No. 15 on Fortune’s 2022 list of the best online master’s in data science programs. The online data science program does not require GMAT or GRE scores from applicants. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores and no letters of recommendation are required. The acceptance rate for the program was 99% for the 2020-2021 year.
Acceptance Rate | 99% |
Average number of years of work experience | DNP |
Credits required to graduate | 30 |
Tuition | $18,900.00 |
3. Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OKOklahoma State University ranked No. 11 on Fortune’s 2022 list of the best online master’s in data science programs. This program requires applicants to submit GMAT or GRE scores to be considered for admission. Waivers may be granted to online applicants with five or more years of work experience in the field. Last year, students accepted to this program had an average of 3.45 undergraduate GPA.Three letters of recommendation are required and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores unless collegiate instruction in their degree granting country is in English. The acceptance rate for the program was 100% for the 2020-2021 year.
Acceptance Rate | 100% |
Average number of years of work experience | DNP |
Credits required to graduate | 33 |
Tuition | $20,174.55 |
Syracuse University MS in Applied Data Science Online
Our Updated Curriculum at Syracuse University Prepares You to Be a Leader in Data Science
Don't get left behind as the data science industry evolves. In as few as 18 months, earn your MS in Applied Data Science from Syracuse University, ranked #25 in Best Online Graduate Computer Information Technology Programs. Apply today to gain the analytical, technical and managerial expertise required to stand out in a competitive job market. No GRE required.
Learn MoreGRE Required | No |
Part Time | Yes |
4. University of Illinois at Urbana—Champaign
Champaign, ILThe University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign ranked No. 1 on Fortune’s 2022 list of the best online master’s in data science programs. The program does not require applicants to submit GMAT or GRE scores to qualify for admission. Last year, admitted students had a 3.5 undergraduate GPA on average. No letters of recommendation are required and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. The acceptance rate for the program was 39% for the 2020-2021 year.
Acceptance Rate | 39% |
Average number of years of work experience | DNP |
Credits required to graduate | 32 |
Tuition | $23,232.00 |
5. Loyola University Maryland
Baltimore, MDLoyola University Maryland ranked No. 6 on Fortune’s 2022 list of the best online master’s in data science programs. Applicants do not need to submit GMAT or GRE scores to be considered for admission into the program. Last year, students accepted to this program had a 3.36 undergraduate GPA, on average. One letter of recommendation is required and international applicants may be required to submit TOEFL scores. The acceptance rate for the program was 42% for the 2020-2021 year.
Acceptance Rate | 42% |
Average number of years of work experience | 3.42 |
Credits required to graduate | 31 |
Tuition | $27,745.00 |
6. Bay Path University
Longmeadow, MABay Path University ranked No. 4 on Fortune’s 2022 list of the best online master’s in data science programs. The school does not require applicants to submit GMAT or GRE scores to qualify for admission in its online master of science in applied data science program, but the school prefers applicants that have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Last year, the students accepted to this program had a 3.3 undergraduate GPA, on average. Two letters of recommendation are required and international applicants are not required to submit TOEFL scores. The acceptance rate for the program was 40% for the 2020-2021 year.
Acceptance Rate | 40% |
Average number of years of work experience | 5 |
Credits required to graduate | 36 |
Tuition | $31,680.00 |
7. New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJNew Jersey Institute of Technology ranked No. 8 on Fortune’s 2022 list of the best online master’s in data science programs. The program does require applicants to submit a GRE score to qualify for admission in its online master of science in data science program.
Acceptance Rate | 70% |
Average number of years of work experience | DNP |
Credits required to graduate | 30 |
Tuition | $33,360.00 |
8. Clemson University
Clemson, SCClemson University ranked No. 14 on Fortune’s 2022 list of the best online master’s in data science programs. Applicants do not need to submit GMAT or GRE scores to be considered for admission into the program. Last year, students accepted to this program had a 3.07 undergraduate GPA, on average. Two letters of recommendation are required and international applicants must submit TOEFL scores. The acceptance rate for the program was about 91% for the 2020-2021 year.
Acceptance Rate | 91% |
Average number of years of work experience | DNP |
Credits required to graduate | 30 |
Tuition | $37,920.00 |
Affordable. Quality. Rigor. Online. Earn a MS in Data Science @ UT Austin
Pursue Your Goals In A Flexible & Affordable Format With A UT Austin MS In Data Science.
With an Master of Science in Data Science from the University of Texas at Austin’s, you’ll gain in-demand skills in data visualization, data mining, data analysis, machine learning, and more.
Learn MoreGRE Required | No |
Part_time | Yes |
9. Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TXTexas Tech University ranked No. 3 on Fortune’s 2022 list of the best online master’s in data science programs. Applicants do not need to submit GMAT or GRE scores to be considered for admission into the online program. Last year, students accepted to this program had a 3.3 undergraduate GPA, on average. No letters of recommendation are required and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. The acceptance rate for the program was 53% for the 2020-2021 year.
Acceptance Rate | 53% |
Average number of years of work experience | 7.9 |
Credits required to graduate | 36 |
Tuition | $40,000.00 |
10. University of Missouri—Columbia
Columbia, MOThe University of Missouri–Columbia ranked No. 7 on Fortune’s 2022 list of the best online master’s in data science programs. Applicants do not need to submit GMAT or GRE scores to be considered for admission into the online program. Last year, students accepted to this program had a 3.5 undergraduate GPA, on average. No letters of recommendation are required and international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores. The acceptance rate for the program was 75% for the 2020-2021 year.
Acceptance Rate | 75% |
Average number of years of work experience | 4.46 |
Credits required to graduate | 34 |
Tuition | $41,218.20 |
UC Berkeley’s Master’s in Data Science — Online
Master Key Skills in Data Mining, Machine Learning, Research Design & More
The online Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) program is preparing the next generation of experts and leaders in the data science field and providing students with a UC Berkeley education without having to relocate. Students graduate with connections to UC Berkeley’s extensive alumni network in the Bay Area and across the world. All international applicants will be required to submit official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores.
Learn MoreGRE Required | No |
Part Time | Yes |