Top Recommended Schools for Data Science Degrees
Data Science has become a pillar for successful businesses, corporations, and even sports teams. The global revenue for the data science industry will surpass $320 billion by the time 2026 rolls around. So, it’s no wonder data scientists are in high demand.
This field is redefining how industries operate by simplifying analytics-based decision making and innovating operations across sectors. With data continuously playing an integral role, professionals skilled in interpreting and analyzing data are becoming more significant than ever. Be it a technological firm, healthcare organization, fintech companies or even a crime department, there’s a need for data analytics graduates in every field.
And if you’re looking to become one, you’ll find the right information in this article. Is data science an excellent degree to pursue? What are the requirements for it? And most importantly, which are the top recommended data science schools across the US? Let’s find out.
Key Takeaways
- With the industry expected to exceed $320 billion by the end of 2026, there’s a high demand for data scientists across sectors.
- The average income of data science scientists in the U.S. is around $100,000 per annum, suggests the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Graduates of data science from prestigious institutions have relatively higher employment rates, with many securing jobs within the first few months of graduation, reports University of Notre Dame.
- Institutions like UC Berkeley and Columbia University offer data science programs with top-rated faculty and practical exposure, however, they’re a bit expensive. You can always go for affordable options at community colleges though.
Is a Data Science Degree a Good Choice?
Yes, a data science degree can be a beneficial option for graduation. If you’re good with math or statistics, you can make a career by pursuing a data science degree.
Suppose your interest lies in subjects like statistics, mathematics, and technology then pursuing a degree in data sciences is a good progression. The demand for data science professionals is expected to significantly grow by 34% from 2024 to 2034. This growth is undoubtedly fueled by an increased reliance of businesses, startups and even government agencies on data for making decisions, staying competitive and innovating products, etc.
Additionally, studying data sciences enables you to pursue versatile options. You can work in different industries including, ecommerce, sports analytics, healthcare, entertainment, and even finance. In fact, a popular post on reddit’s data science community highlights how data science graduates can work across multiple domains, enjoying the flexibility of switching industries without having to start-over.
Another critical reason is the great earning potential; a mid-level data scientist makes an average income of $108,708 to $128,431. These numbers can also quickly escalate with experience, especially for specialized professionals such as data architects or machine learning engineers, etc. Also, roles in data science are likely to offer remote options – making them an attractive choice for candidates seeking flexibility and work-life balance.
Data scientists play a vital role in extracting critical information from existing data. They create predictive models, churn out statistics, and leverage data to help businesses make data-driven decisions. Besides, the University of Notre Dame reports that 100% of data science graduates find full-time employment within 6 months of graduation.
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On top of that, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics says that data scientists earn up to $100,000 per year on average. These further weigh in the argument about data science being a valuable and worthy degree choice.
What Are the Requirements?
You need to be proven in math, statistics, or computer science subjects to apply for a data science degree. As always, it’s important to research specific schools about their requirements because they can vary depending on particular universities and colleges.
For a bachelor’s in data science, you’ll need a high school diploma in math/CS. For a master’s degree in data science, you’ll be required to have a degree in data or computer science and a proficiency in programming languages, courses like data analysis, machine learning, etc.
Here are some requirements from the top universities that offer bachelor’s and master’s programs in data science online and on campus:
| University | Degree Type | On-Campus Requirements | Online Requirements |
| University of Maryland | Bachelor’s (Online and On-Campus) | High school diploma, prerequisite courses in math and CS | Online application, self-paced coursework |
| National University of Sciences | Bachelor’s (Online and On-Campus) | HSSC or equivalent, CGPA of at least 2.00 | – |
| University of California, Berkeley | Master’s (Online and On-Campus) | Bachelor’s degree, GRE scores (optional), relevant experience | Online application, participation in virtual discussions |
| Columbia University | Master’s (On-Campus) | Bachelor’s in a quantitative field, letters of recommendation | – |
As you can see, some of these universities offer the same degrees but have varying requirements. Therefore, while some requirements remain the same, a university or college might present some unique prerequisites.
How to Choose the Best Data Science University for Myself?
The best university programs are usually the ones that align with your goals. For instance, if you already hold a bachelor’s degree, then a master’s in data science online might be the best choice for you. This way, it’ll be more affordable and you can take the degree from your home and while working.
Or, if you’re a fresh high-school graduate, you can also find any data science bachelor’s degree online. Regardless of the degree level, you need to consider a few key things, like:
- Industry focus of the degree.
- Part-time vs full-time.
- Online vs on-campus.
- Total cost of the degree.
- Courses and curriculum that align with career goals.
- Available specializations or minors/majors.
Now, you can simplify these things by looking for specific features in a school or university. How do you do that? By considering these factors:
| Factors | Things to Consider |
| Curriculum | Coverage of crucial topics like Machine Learning, Statistics, etc. |
| Admission Requirements | Relevant degree; tests (e.g., GRE, GMAT) |
| Career Support | Internships, job placement assistance, and networking opportunities. |
| Cost | Total financial investment, including tuition, financial aid, etc. |
| Accreditation | Recognition by educational authorities. |
Another critical factor to consider is the universities that are IN your state rather than out of it—and it applies to online schools, too. Because finding an in-state university will open the doors to financial aid. Besides, out-of-state tuition is usually double or more.
For instance, the University of California Berkeley offers a BA in Data Science that costs $17,000 for in-state students. And the same degree for out-of-state students is $43,000. Therefore, it’s not only important but necessary to consider universities that are within your range—if budget is an issue.
If not, then you should pursue the top names, but then comes the matter of acceptance rate and qualifications necessary for specific universities. Once again, the University of California Berkeley offers quite an affordable data science bachelor’s degree, but the acceptance rate is a tightly knit 11%.
So, focus on choosing the one option that has a high acceptance rate, affordable fees, good courses, and a program that presents considerable career choices.
Recommended Data Science Schools
The United States has no shortage of great universities or colleges. If you can afford it, you should surely go for significant names like Harvard, MIT, etc. However, if you can’t, you can still find high-profile colleges and universities offering an affordable data science course or degree.
So, let’s talk about some of the top schools in the USA for data science degrees today. These include community colleges, undergraduate universities, and schools that offer masters in data analytics online or on-campus.
Data Analytics Community College
There are quite a few colleges that offer the best data science programs online and on campus. A ton of community colleges have Data Analytics associate’s degrees and CCL certifications available. However, we’ve selected five best community colleges with data science degrees and certifications, including:
| College Name | Program | Cost |
| Nashua Community College | Associate in Data Analytics | $14,000 |
| Mesa Community College | CCL Data Analytics/BAS Data Analytics and Programming | $12,000 |
| Maricopa Community Colleges | CCL Data Analytics | $10,500 |
| Scottsdale Community College | Associate in Data Analytics | $13,000 |
| Bunker Hill Community College | AS in Data Analytics | $8,400 |
All of these colleges fall under the “affordable” category, as full-time universities tend to cost a lot more. The most cost-efficient option on this list is Bunker Hill Community College’s AS in Data Analysis. It’s a good college and the program is quite robust.
Then, you have options like Mesa/Maricopa Community Colleges, which offer CCL (Certificate of Completion) as well as Associate in Data Analytics. Maricopa is also available in 6+ cities, so it might be the best option for some of you.
Best Colleges For Data Science Undergraduate
Universities that offer these degrees are available abundantly, too. You can indeed find a university nearby that offers a BA or BS in Data Science/Analytics. However, some of these options are considered the top universities and colleges in the US for data science degrees, including:
| University Name | Program | Acceptance Rate | Cost (Annual) |
| University of California, Berkeley | BA in Data Science | 11% | $17,000 |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | BS in Data Science | 61% | $50,000 |
| University of San Francisco | BS In Data Science | 71% | $45,000 |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | BS in Data Science | 54% | $12,000 |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | BS in Data Science | 85% | $17,000 |
While the University of California Berkeley has a challenging acceptance rate, the price of the degree is quite attractive. Then, you have the University of Francisco and the Illinois Institute of Technology. Both these options have high acceptance rates, but the cost of their degree is relatively high, too.
So, it comes down to which you can afford, nearest to you, and offers a program that aligns with your goals.
Top Universities For Master’s In Data Science
Now, let’s talk about the best MS in data science in the USA with fees that don’t break the bank. You can easily find data science masters without GRE or GMAT requirements, as most of these degrees prefer students with hands-on experience in the industry.
Some of the top universities with the best master’s of data science programs today include:
| University Name | Program | Acceptance Rate | Cost (Annual) |
| Columbia University | MS in Data Science | 4% | $23,000 |
| Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences | Master in Data Science | 24% (Engineering) | $63,000 (Entire course) |
| The University of Arizona | MS in Data Science | 87% | $15,000 |
| National University | MS in Data Science (Online or On-Campus) | 55% | $13,000 |
| University of Illinois at Springfield | MS in Data Analytics | 82% | $12,000 |
All of these universities are considered the best in their respective states. Now, you cannot consider Columbia or Harvard as the cheapest online data science master’s universities. However, options like the National University and the University of Illinois at Springfield are indeed top names with great affordability.
How to Apply and Get Selected
Ready to apply but not sure what can maximize your chances of success, here’s how you can apply at the top data science colleges and get selected:
Research Your Desired Program: Different data science programs usually have different requirements. While some require an academic background in engineering or computer science, others focus on statistics, mathematics, and economics. For example, Columbia University offers an MS in Data Science with strong requirements of a background in quantitative fields and analytical skills. Make sure you know the exact prerequisites of your desired program or institute.
Prepare For Standard Tests: Many institutions have standardized test requirements like GRE. At the same time, some institutions like University of Arizona have made exceptions for students with strong academic achievements or relevant working experience. Make sure you know about your desired universities in advance and prepare accordingly.
Build a Strong Portfolio: Admission committees often prefer candidates with strong portfolios such as practical knowledge in the field. Including projects and experiences that showcase your knowledge around data analytics and reporting in the portfolio can strengthen your chances of getting selected. You can always add personal projects, internships or Kaggle competitions to prove your worth.
Submit Strong Recommendations: If you’re after a top-tier program, they require at least two strong letters of recommendations. They can come from your mentors, professors, or even employers who have worked with you and understand your work ethic as well as analytical skills. Try asking for recommendations earlier and give them enough time to write the letters thoughtfully.
Tailor Your Custom Statement: it is critical that you write a tailored personal statement for each degree program you’re applying for. It should be a reflection of why you’re eager to study data sciences, how the program aligns with your specific career goals, and so on. Talk about any research project or faculty member from school that excites you, and explain how studying the program would help you meet professional aspirations.
By crafting your application carefully and showcasing a strong academic foundation, you can certainly maximize chances of selection into the top-tier data science programs.
Conclusion
These are some of the top programs in their respective categories. You can find various other names as well by simply looking for the best universities in your state that offer data analytics or data science. However, these are the best options if you are looking to fast forward to a fruitful career in data science.
On top of that, it’s also essential to look up the requirements of each program linked above. Some of them have lenient requirements, but others might have demanding admission necessities. So, it’s always a good idea to look at degree requirements for the one you wish to pursue.
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