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 15 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 larger best online master’s in data science 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.
- A - Z
*Please note that not all schools offer this specific type of information.
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.
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| GRE 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.
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| GRE Required | No |
| Part Time | Yes |
1. University of Texas–Austin
Austin, TX| Acceptance rate | 58% |
| Graduation rate | 34% |
| Retention rate | 59% |
| Total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents | $10,000 |
2. Marshall University
Huntington, WV| Acceptance rate | 60% |
| Graduation rate | 98% |
| Retention rate | 95% |
| Total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents | $15,270 |
3. CUNY School of Professional Studies
New York, NY| Acceptance rate | 56% |
| Graduation rate | 42% |
| Retention rate | 64% |
| Total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents | $16,950 |
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.
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| GRE Required | No |
| Part Time | Yes |
4. Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OKOklahoma State University's online master's program in data science is structured to be completed in 33 credits, with each credit costing $530. Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation and either GRE or GMAT scores, though the program may waive this requirement for those with over five years of relevant work experience. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 79 or an IELTS score of 6.5. The class of 2023–2024 had an average of 7.75 years of work experience before enrolling. The deadline to apply for the fall term is June 1. Oklahoma State University ranked No. 15 on Fortune’s 2024 list of the best online master’s in data science programs.
| Acceptance rate | 92% |
| Graduation rate | 56% |
| Retention rate | 82% |
| Total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents | $17,490 |
5. Indiana University
Bloomington, IN| Acceptance rate | 70% |
| Graduation rate | 77% |
| Retention rate | DNP |
| Total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents | $23,934 |
6. University of Illinois at Urbana—Champaign
Champaign, IL| Acceptance rate | 63% |
| Graduation rate | 75% |
| Retention rate | 98% |
| Total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents | $24,128 |
7. Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TXTexas Tech University's MSDS program requires international students to submit English proficiency scores, though these can be waived for graduates of U.S. universities or universities in English proficiency-exempt countries. Accepted tests include Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, Cambridge CPE, and Cambridge CAE. GRE and GMAT scores are not required but may still be submitted. Tuition costs $676.33 per credit, and the program requires a minimum of 36 credits to graduate. The application deadline for the summer semester is May 1. Texas Tech University ranked No. 7 on Fortune’s 2024 list of the best online master’s in data science programs.
| Acceptance rate | 83% |
| Graduation rate | 94% |
| Retention rate | 87% |
| Total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents | $24,786 |
8. Bay Path University
Longmeadow, MA| Acceptance rate | 33% |
| Graduation rate | 95% |
| Retention rate | 98% |
| Total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents | $26,910 |
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.
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| GRE Required | No |
| Part_time | Yes |
9. Lewis University
Romeoville, IL| Acceptance rate | 65% |
| Graduation rate | 67% |
| Retention rate | 93% |
| Total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents | DNP |
10. University of San Diego
San Diego, CA| Acceptance rate | DNP |
| Graduation rate | DNP |
| Retention rate | DNP |
| Total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents | $28,950 |
11. University of Missouri—Columbia
Columbia, MO| Acceptance rate | 58% |
| Graduation rate | 86% |
| Retention rate | 93% |
| Total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents | $30,966 |
12. Loyola University Maryland
Baltimore, MD| Acceptance rate | 32% |
| Graduation rate | 40% |
| Retention rate | 70% |
| Total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents | $31,038 |
13. New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ| Acceptance rate | 51% |
| Graduation rate | 43% |
| Retention rate | 39% |
| Total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents | $34,290 |
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 More| GRE Required | No |
| Part Time | Yes |
14. University of California–Riverside
Riverside, CA| Acceptance rate | 75% |
| Graduation rate | 96% |
| Retention rate | 91% |
| Total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents | $34,668 |
15. Clemson University
Clemson, SC| Acceptance rate | 89% |
| Graduation rate | 93% |
| Retention rate | 78% |
| Total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents | $39,570 |
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 More| GRE Required | No |
| Part Time | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
What’s the cheapest online master’s in data science?
The University of Texas–Austin offers the cheapest online master’s in data science program—with a price of just $10,000.
How much does it cost to get a masters in data science?
The average cost for an online master’s in data science costs is about $37,000—according to data provided by schools to Fortune. However many top programs, including at UIUC, Marshall University, and UT–Austin cost far less.
What is the cheapest university for data science?
UT–Austin is the cheapest university for data science, with their online master’s program running for just $10,000.
