A data science bachelor degree online allows students to align coursework with professional goals; imagine taking a course in software engineering or linear models and directly applying new, innovative knowledge to your industry. And, in today’s age, the leading data science programs are just as commonly found online as on-campus. Moving into analyst, directing, management, and engineering roles has never been more accessible. Wanting an online data science bachelor’s is step one, now it’s time to figure out the cost. Looking at this career long-term, one can expect a lucrative salary and a well projected job outlook. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 33% rate of job growth for mathematicians and statisticians throughout 2029. Computer systems analysts saw a median annual salary of $90,920 in 2019, states the BLS. While these numbers are exciting, aspiring students must consider their current budget before submitting to a college market where the difference in tuition between the cheapest online data science bachelor’s and the most expensive can hit over $59,000.
In the quest to provide consumers with reliable cost rankings, GetEducated has compared 31 data science bachelor degrees from 25 regionally accredited online schools to create this “Best Buy” list. Our rankings reveal the most affordable options in the United States—online data science bachelor degrees at a reasonable price as compared with the quality of their programs.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$53,100
Least Expensive: Western Governors University ~ $28,160
Most Expensive: University of Advancing Technology ~ $88,000
Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings. There are no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest data science bachelor degree online. The online data science and analytics degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official 2020 “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
Most Affordable Data Science Bachelor Degree Online
Eastern Oregon University 
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |  Western Governors University | (UT) | $28,160.00 | All Students |
2 | Indiana University Online | (IN) | $30,000.00 $42,000.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | University of the Potomac | (DC) | $33,500.00 | All Students |
4 | University of Maine at Augusta | (ME) | $35,670.00 $42,990.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 |  Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $38,550.00 $27,150.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
6 | Washington State University | (WA) | $42,468.00 $47,316.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Wilmington University | (DE) | $46,020.00 $30,300.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
8 | Husson University | (ME) | $48,355.00 | All Students |
9 | South College | (TN) | $50,000.00 | All Students |
10 | Ohio Christian University | (OH) | $50,960.00 $33,200.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
11 | Salem University | (WV) | $51,800.00 $66,800.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University of the Sciences (Merged into Saint Joseph's University) Bachelor of Science in Data Science & Analytics 14 | (PA) | $54,000.00 | All Students | |
Bellevue University | (NE) | $55,875.00 $33,650.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Golden Gate University | (CA) | $57,606.00 $31,530.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Cincinnati | (OH) | $60,600.00 $62,400.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Colorado Christian University | (CO) | $62,040.00 $35,760.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Point Park University | (PA) | $64,009.00 | All Students | |
Maryville University | (MO) | $67,000.00 | All Students | |
ECPI University | (VA) | $70,376.00 | All Students | |
University of North Dakota | (ND) | $82,704.00 | All Students | |
University of Advancing Technology | (AZ) | $88,000.00 | All Students |
14 Options for this program have changed since publication.
Accreditation Note
To qualify for a ranking, a program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table.
ABET Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
Rankings Note
These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Fall 2020 review of regionally accredited data science bachelor degrees online. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online bachelor degree programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online degree including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note
Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a bachelor degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online schools for data science may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the best data science bachelor degree online for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Career Guide: Data Science Bachelor Degree Online
A data science bachelor’s degree online prepares you for a wide range of careers. The education may be challenging, but if you have the right skills and talents, you’ll be ready for high-paying careers in one of the most exciting industries on the planet!
Online Data Science Degree: Program Overview
The specifics of online data science programs will vary, but when you enroll in a bachelor’s degree for data science and analytics, you’ll be given an education that combines multiple disciplines to achieve a specific goal: the collection and use of information. Students will learn about computer science, statistics, project management, and more.
Principles of mathematics will be used heavily in a data science bachelor degree online. You can expect to take classes that include calculus, statistics, and discrete mathematic, among other math-based classes. You will also complete courses directly related to computers, including computer science, database management, and data mining. You may even complete theory-based courses, such as ethics in data collection or critical thinking with information.
A data science bachelor degree online prepares you for many exciting careers; careers that are both high-paying and expected to grow at a rapid pace.
Best Careers for Data Science Graduates
Once you complete one of the many online data science programs, you’ll be prepared for numerous high-paying, high-growth jobs, including…
Operations Research Analyst
- Salary: $84,810
- Education: Bachelor’s
- Experience: None
- Growth: 25%
An operations research analyst uses their education and experience in data and analytics to solve complex problems for a wide variety of companies and organizations. Usually the job starts with identifying a problem, collecting and organizing information, examining the numbers, and using statistical analysis techniques to recommend solutions. Often, they don’t implement changes, but provide expert guidance to management and leaders.
Their work can help organizations allocate resources, cut costs, develop schedules, manage supply chains, or set the most effective prices for a product or service. The median pay and career growth is outstanding, but the top 10% can expect salaries over $140,000 a year!
Market Research Analyst
- Salary: $63,790
- Education: Bachelor’s
- Experience: None
- Growth: 18%
What will people buy? How much will they pay for it? How often will they come back for more? The answers to these questions are better than gold for most companies, so they hire market research analyst to help them mine the truth. Market research analysts monitor current market conditions, including consumer demand, and use their training in data analysis to forecast sales trends. They may measure potential sales, or identify potential marketing programs that can be utilized by companies.
With only a bachelor’s degree and no prior experience, you can move into the field that has a median annual income of $63,760, while the top 10% earn over $122,000 a year. The job growth is outstanding, far outpacing the expected national average of 18%.
Economist
- Salary: $105,020
- Education: Master’s
- Experience: None
- Growth: 14%
The economy is complex and ever-changing. It’s the job of an economist to study the economy and give accurate information on market activity. They may also be asked to make predictions for the future or guide decisions by lawmakers and businesses. Using a wide set of data and a large inventory of skills, economist can apply their skills to choices involving education, health, development, energy use, and more.
Most economist earn an outstanding salary, but a master’s degree is usually required. However, an online data science degree is a great start towards this fascinating career. Not only can you expect high salaries (the top 10% earn more than $185,000 annually), but the career growth is high as well.
Continued Education after a Data Science Bachelor Degree Online
If you have the right data analytics skills, you can apply your education to a long list of careers without needing licenses or certifications. Unlike a psychologist or a lawyer, you don’t need to maintain specific certifications to work in data science and analytics.
However, you may need skills that go beyond data collection, computer sciences, and other technical abilities. For many of these careers, writing, speaking, and general communication skills are essential. It’s not enough to understand the data yourself, you need to communicate why you are making specific recommendations. For this reason, you should consider further education in writing, public speaking, interpersonal communication, and other soft skills that make you a more effective communicator.
You may not need formal classes, but staying current with this ever-changing industry is essential. You need to keep your “finger on the pulse” of the industry, so to speak, so you can maintain a cutting-edge proficiency. For this reason, trade publications, seminars, and professional conferences can help you stay at the top of your career.