The 20 Most Affordable Online Master's in Data Science Degree Programs - Online Course Report (2023)

have been at this for too long and you are not getting paid enough for it. You know you need the degree to get what you deserve. Of course, time is also tight and you may need someone as skilled as you are to mentor you through the distance-learning process. The schools below meet these conditions as well as offer the necessary certifications to secure that your best interests are fully considered.
What content do you need to be prepared to study for? What kinds of coursework and applied study should you expect? We have noted that a background in programming is at least appreciated by the faculty at these programs. Where you do envision post graduation? After your cohort or via your accelerated program, you will note a fair abundance of opportunities: from cybersecurity to marketing analytics positions.
The schools in this list of top 20 affordable online master’s degree programs in data science have been chosen for their sensitivity to student concerns similar to yours. This may mean that we tend to favor those that use a cohort model or have weekend coursework or have more flexible scheduling. We, of course, prioritize cost in our analysis and rankings. We similarly value the responsiveness of each program’s attention to online student needs. These needs can be met via scholarship opportunities as well as through affordable tuition.
Cost per Credit Hour:

• $200 and under – 5 points
• $500 and under – 4 points
• $600 and under – 3 points
• $1,000 and under – 2 points
• $2,000 and under – 1 point

Payscale.com Salary Report Ranking

• Top 100 – 5 points
• Top 300 – 4 points
• Top 600 – 3 points
• Top 1,000 – 2 points
• Top 1,200 – 1 point

Featured Programs

Regional Accreditation: 5 points
Two or More Concentrations: 3 points

#20 – Cabrini University

Radnor, Pennsylvania

Online MS in Data Science

Hourly Tuition Rate: $665
Payscale Ranking: Not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Two or More Concentrations: No
Points: 7
Website
Cabrini University’s 100% online master of science in data science’s 36 credits can be completed, on average, in 24 months. Application calls for transcripts showing a minimum 2.75 GPA and a $20 fee. The program involves a capstone project or an internship to cement real-world skills. The Cabrini University MS in data science online requires undergraduate coursework in object-oriented programming and linear algebra as prerequisites for consideration for admission. Scholarship and grant opportunities at the school are bountiful. You will learn programming languages such as Python, SQL, and Java, and you’ll become proficient in Tableau, SAS, Hadoop, and Apache Spark.

#19 – Bellevue University

Bellevue, Nebraska

MS in Business Analytics Online

Hourly Tuition Rate: $585
Payscale Ranking: Not ranked
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Two or More Concentrations: No
Points: 8
Website
Bellevue University’s 36 credit, online master of science in business analytics degree allots 15 credit hours to Business Foundations courses, 12 to Business Analysis courses, and 9 to Information Systems courses. Sample courses include Human Capital and Organizational Performance, Business Analysis for Decision Making, and Managing Emerging Technologies. You will also be able to pursue industry analytics certification, such as SAS Base Programming. The admissions process to the MS in Business Analytics degree at Bellevue University calls for a minimum 2.5 GPA in your last 60 undergraduate hours, letters of recommendation, essays, and an application fee, which may be waived for Bellevue graduates.

#18 – University of Oklahoma

Norman, Oklahoma

Online MS in Data Science and Analytics

Hourly Tuition Rate: $985
Payscale Ranking: 292nd
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Two or More Concentrations: No
Points: 10
Website
The University of Oklahoma master of science in data science and analytics can be pursued on campus, through the web, or in a hybrid format. There is a 30 credit hour thesis option and a 33 credit hour, non-thesis option, which calls for extra electives and professional practice. The curriculum includes the following courses: Quasi-Experimental Methods in Econometrics; Introduction to R; and Advanced Analytics and Metaheuristics. The master of science in data science and analytics offered by the University of Oklahoma requires GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, resume, and at least two semesters of high-level programming from applicants.

#17 – Colorado State University

Greenwood Village, Colorado

Master of Applied Statistics, Data Science Specialization Online

Hourly Tuition Rate: $811
Payscale Ranking: 373rd
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Two or More Concentrations: No
Points: 10
Website
Colorado State University master of applied statistics, data science specialization degree is a 31 credit program and is not intended for those who aspire to earn a Ph.D. but for those who plan to pursue a career outside of academia. Two courses must be taken before enrollment: Math Skills for Data Analysis and Computing Skills for Statistical Analysis. The admissions process to Colorado State University’s master of applied statistics, data science specialization program requires transcripts showing three semesters of calculus plus one course in linear algebra and one in statistics, along with a nonrefundable application fee.

#16 – Emporia State University

Emporia, Kansas

MS in Informatics Online

Hourly Tuition Rate: $350.86
Payscale Ranking: 1179th
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Two or More Concentrations: No
Points: 10
Website
Emporia State University’s 36 credit hour online master of science in informatics pursues a more specialized application of data science than some other schools on this list. Requiring a background in economics, statistics, and calculus, this degree has more theoretical implications than more traditional “straight” data science programs. Sample courses include Econometrics I and II, Economics of Crime, Labor Economics, Regression Analysis, and Health Economics. The Emporia State University MS in informatics online has a $50 application fee and calls for transcripts. The school participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP).

#15 – University of Idaho

Moscow, Idaho

MS in Statistical Science Online

Hourly Tuition Rate: $520 (part time 1-8 hours)
Payscale Ranking: 385th
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Two or More Concentrations: No
Points: 11
Website
The University of Idaho features an online, 30 credit hour MS in statistical science with three options: thesis, non-thesis, or consulting. The curriculum includes Regression and Computer Intensive Statistics. The application process for the master of science in statistical science program at the University of Idaho calls for these prerequisites: Math 175; Analytic Geometry; Calculus II; six hours of statistics courses, including the equivalent of Stat 431; and knowledge of at least one higher-level programming language. In addition, submit transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA, resume, three letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, but no GRE scores, and application fee.

#14 – Slippery Rock University

Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania

Online MS in Data Analytics

Hourly Tuition Rate: $483
Payscale Ranking: 948th
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Two or More Concentrations: No
Points: 11
Website
The online master of science in data analytics degree designed by Slippery Rock University is a 33 credit hour program that can be completed in ten months full-time or two years part-time. Slippery Rock University has a long history as a teaching school, and they take justifiable pride in the preparation of students for taking the CAP (Certified Analytics Professional) Exam and for training they provide in Big Data Analytics, machine learning, and state-of-the-art technologies. To apply for their MS in data analytics degree, send transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA and $25 fee, but no GRE scores are required.

#13 – University of Maryland University College

Adelphi, Maryland

Online Master’s in Data Analytics

Hourly Tuition Rate: $694
Payscale Ranking: 76th
Regional Accreditation: Yes
Two or More Concentrations: No
Points: 12
Website
The University of Maryland University College’s master’s in data analytics degree is a 36 credit hour program, and the courses must be taken in order. Up to 6 credits may be transferred in. Coursework includes Decision Management Systems, Machine Learning, Predictive Modeling, Big Data Analytics, as well as a capstone project, and the school includes 24-hour tech support. Select courses may be available with a hybrid format. Admission to the master’s in data analytics degree from the University of Maryland University College requires GMAT or GRE scores, transcripts, a letter of recommendation, resume, and essay.