Data science and analytics professionals are enjoying an exploding demand for their expertise. A wide range of industries, from business to healthcare, seek them out, too.

But data science and analytics degree programs can be expensive. As a STEM degree, their tuition and fees are usually higher than non-STEM degrees. On average, tuition per credit ranges from $300 to $600 (excluding compulsory and other fees).

Fortunately, many programs offer quality yet affordable data science degrees. You’ll not only get quality education but also enjoy excellent career outcomes.

Here, we’ll focus on programs offered by public and nonprofit colleges for data analytics. We have a particular focus on online and hybrid programs, too. Students in these programs enjoy affordability, quality, and flexibility.

Related:

• Top Best Online Data Science Programs
• Best Data Science Master’s Programs
• Top Affordable Degrees with High Starting Salaries
• Best Value Degrees in Finance and Accounting

Why Choose a Degree in Data Science or Analytics?

Data science and data analytics are distinct, if related, disciplines. But both focus on extracting meaningful insights from data. Both fields have vital – and often overlapping – roles in modern organizations.

Here’s a simple table that outlines their differences.

Aspect	Data Science	Data Analytics
Scope	Broad and exploratory	More focused
Applications	Automation, AI development, and financial modeling	Customer analysis, business reporting, and operational efficiency
Goals	Predict future trends	Understand past events

Here are the best industries to establish high-paying careers in data science.

• Healthcare
• Finance
• Technology
• Education
• Government

Start your high-paying career by earning a data analytics degree with high ROI. Then, leverage it to achieve job security and career flexibility. A higher earning potential is the icing on the cake.

Of course, it’s possible to enter the field without a college degree (e.g.,  certifications). But academic credentials are a must in analytics leadership roles. Plus, a college degree is a competitive edge for entry-level roles.

Factors That Make a Data Science Degree Affordable

Earning a data science or analytics degree without breaking the bank is possible. Here are the factors to look for that make it affordable.

Tuition costs and cost per credit

For starters, low-cost data analytics degree programs offer lower per-credit tuition and fees. In-state and online tuition are also usually lower than out-of-state and on-campus tuition.

Availability of online programs

Flexibility isn’t the only benefit that online programs provide for students. Online programs are usually more cost-effective, too, thanks to:

• Reduced housing and transportation costs
• Opportunity costs (i.e., working professionals and students can earn while they learn)

Public and nonprofit institutions vs. for-profit colleges

Public and nonprofit institutions offer quality yet cheap data science bachelor’s degree programs.

Credit transfer options, accelerated formats, and tuition discounts

Look for these cost-saving strategies, too, when considering degree programs. Credit transfers and accelerated formats shorten time-to-completion.

Financial aid and scholarships for data-related STEM fields

Explore federal and state aid programs (e.g., Pell Grants and CalGrant) first. Then, use scholarship search engines to find local and national scholarships and grants. Think of them as free money, so you’ll be more motivated. 

Top Affordable Bachelor’s Degrees in Data Science & Analytics

University of Florida – Bachelor’s in Data Science

Gators enjoy one of the most affordable data science degrees, thanks to UF’s public status.

• Cost: About $6,380/year tuition (on-campus, in-state); $15,480 (online, in-state)
• Highlights:
  • Offered on campus and online with the same rigorous curriculum
  • Strong university reputation with its top-tier faculty
• Why It’s Affordable & Valuable:
  • In-state tuition and financial aid available (e.g., Bright Futures)
  • Strong job placement

Western Governors University – BS in Data Management & Data Analytics

WGU is among the best, if not the best, nonprofit colleges for data analytics programs.

• Cost: Flat rate of $3,625/6‑month term
• Highlights:
  • Built-in certifications (e.g., CompTIA and CIW)
  • Flexible schedules and anytime, anywhere access
• Why It’s Affordable and Valuable:
  • Competency-based learning model (i.e., graduate faster, earn more credentials)
  • Less than half the average national student loan debt

Indiana University – BS in Data Science (Online)

IU emphasizes a strong practical approach for learning data science.

• Cost: $290/credit (in-state); $390/credit (out-of-state)
• Highlights:
  • Capstone and practicum develop practical skills
  • Industry-standard tools used
• Why It’s Affordable & Valuable:
  • Flexible schedules and frequent start dates
  • Generous transfer credits
  • High job placement rates

Georgia Southern University – BS in Information Technology with Data Analytics track

GS offers a cheap data science bachelor’s degree program, too. But don’t dismiss it for being an inferior program either – it’s an ABET-accredited one. 

• Cost: $199/credit
• Highlights:
  • Internship and lab experiences develop job-ready skills
  • Industry partnerships shape the curriculum
• Why It’s Affordable & Valuable:
  • Low per-credit pricing and financial aid available
  • More than $100,00 average entry-level salaries

Dakota State University – BS in Analytics

DSU’s program emphasizes technology, cybersecurity, and data analytics.

• Cost: $9,086/year (in-state)
• Highlights:
  • CyberCorps full-ride scholarships available
  • Strong STEM emphasis in a cybersecurity-focused environment
• Why It’s Affordable & Valuable:
  • Graduates hold an industry-recognized degree
  • Competitive tuition and a wide range of financial aid

Top Affordable Master’s Degrees in Data Science & Analytics

Georgia Institute of Technology – Online MS in Analytics

Georgia Tech offers one of the best affordable data analytics master’s programs. Get world-class education without paying for it with student loans.

• Format: 100% online, self-paced
• Cost: $275/credit
• Highlights
  • An interdisciplinary curriculum that combines computing, statistics, and business
  • Capstone requirement
• Why It’s a Smart Investment:
  • Graduates enjoy strong job placement, returns, and industry mobility

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – MS in Computer Science with Data Science

Get top-tier computer science and data science education from UIUC’s program.

• Format: 100% online, part-time
• Cost: About $695/credit
• Highlights:
  • Machine learning, cloud computing, and data mining core courses
  • Applied projects
• Why It’s a Smart Investment:
  • Recognized STEM degree from a nationally ranked university

Bellevue University – MS in Data Science

Bellevue offers a career-focused program designed for working professionals.

• Format: 100% online
• Cost: $680/credit
• Highlights:
  • Real-world applications develop job-ready skills
  • No GRE requirement
  • Business integration practices (e.g., final capstone)
• Why It’s a Smart Investment:
  • Designed for professionals seeking career advancement or change

Texas A&M University – Master’s in Analytics (Online Option)

TAMU’s program enables professionals to deepen their data analytics and leadership skills.

• Format: Hybrid, part-time
• Cost: ~$1,150/credit
• Highlights:
  • Capstone team project
  • Curriculum combines data analytics and business analytics
• Why It’s a Smart Investment:
  • High job placement outcomes, especially for leadership roles

Eastern University – MS in Data Science (Competency-Based)

EU offers among the best inexpensive data science degrees online programs, too.

• Format: 100% online, self-paced
• Cost: ~$500 per credit, 30 credits ~$15,000 total
• Highlights:
  • Competency-based model, no exams
  • Real-world projects for applied learning
• Why It’s a Smart Investment:
  • Affordable cost and strong university reputation

Career Outlook and ROI for Data Science Degrees

Again, it’s your responsibility to leverage your data science or analytics degree. Doing so means improving your career outlook and return on investment (ROI).

If you have a data analytics degree with high ROI, you can earn a six-figure salary. Look at these three high-paying jobs and their average annual salaries.

• Data analysts earn $70,000-$90,000 depending on experience and employer
• Data scientists earn $100,000-$120,000 with experience. (BLS says it’s $112,590/year in median wages with the highest earners raking in $194,410+)
• Machine learning engineers earn $120,000-$150,000

Furthermore, there’s a high demand for these high-paying careers in data science. Projected job growth for data scientists is 36% (BLS, 2023-2033).

If you want to enjoy a high ROI, choose an affordable program. You’ll not only graduate with little student loan debt but also have a competitive edge.

But don’t stop with a bachelor’s degree either. You must also consider gaining applied skills through internships and certifications. Job-ready skills signal your commitment to professional development, too.

Tips for Choosing the Right Affordable Program

Every one of the featured programs above is an excellent choice. But you must choose only one based on your interests, goals, and budget.

• Confirm regional (e.g., SACSCOC) programmatic accreditation (e.g., ABET). The best budget data science degrees have both, and thus, valued by employers.
• Compare tuition transparency and hidden fees. Look beyond the sticker price – ask about additional fees, too. Use tuition calculators and comparison tools.
• Review the program’s curriculum. Check if it includes core topics like machine learning, SQL, Python, and statistics.
• Check the faculty credentials and industry connections. The professors must have advanced degrees and industry experience. The program itself should have strong employer partnerships and connections.
• Look for career services, employer partnerships, and portfolio-building opportunities. The best programs offering online data science degrees offer them, too.

Conclusion

Indeed, affordable degrees in data science and analytics can lead to successful careers. You can earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the field with little student loan debt. Then, earn professional certifications for undergraduates, too, to boost your competitiveness.

Once you’re in the industry, you’ll enjoy job security and a strong ROI. You’ll also enjoy diverse applications across industries. These are among the reasons why it’s one of the best fields today.

Take the first step toward your successful data science and analytics career now. Explore public and nonprofit colleges for data analytics and science today.