The Best Colleges for Data Analytics in 2021
In this digital age, there is an emphasis on data analytics as firms produce and process large volumes of data every day. This explains why more colleges are adding data analytics as a core part of their computer science curricula. If you want a piece of the action, you should start by reading about the best schools for data analytics.
There are different ways to learn data science. You can opt for a data analytics degree, attend a data analytics or data science bootcamp, or take advantage of other online resources. In this article, we’ll tell you about the best schools for data analytics master’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and PhDs. We’ll also cover salary prospects for data analysts.
Top 10 Data Analytics Schools in 2021 at a Glance
The best data analytics schools in the table below rank among the best schools in the United States. The table contains details about the schools, available programs, locations, and tuition costs.
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The tuition information for each school was obtained from the official website. The tuition cost listed below doesn’t include mandatory fees and other expenses.
| School and Degrees | State | Tuition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Institute of Technology Introduction to Data Analytics Certificate Program Master of Science (MS) in Data Science |
(CA) | $2,850 total $54,570 per year |
Certificate program All MS students |
| Carnegie Mellon University Bachelor of Science (BS) in Statistics and Machine Learning Master of Science (MS) in Data Analytics for Science |
(PA) | $57,560 per year $46,000 per year |
All BS students All MS students |
| Columbia University Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Data Science Master of Science (MS) in Data Science Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): Specialization in Data Science |
(NY) | $29,460 per semester $2,196 per credit unit |
All undergraduate students All graduate students |
| Cornell University Data Analytics Certificate Program Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Applied Statistics |
(NY) | $3,600 total $19,733 per semester |
Certificate program MPS students |
| Georgia Institute of Technology Master of Science (MS) in Analytics Online Master of Science (OMS) in Analytics |
(GA) | $1,217 per credit $1,689 per credit $275 per credit hour |
In-state Out-of-state Online |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science |
(MA) | $55,510 per year $300 per course |
All undergraduate students All MicroMasters students |
| Princeton University Undergraduate Certificate Program in Statistics and Machine Learning Graduate Certificate Program in Statistics and Machine Learning |
(NJ) | $56,010 per year $53,890 per year |
All undergraduate students All graduate students |
| Stanford University Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mathematical and Computational Science Master of Science (MS) in Data Science |
(CA) | $18,491 per quarter $18,105 per quarter |
All BS students All MS students |
| University of California, Berkeley Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Data Science Designated Emphasis in Computational and Data Science and Engineering (DE-CDSE) Program |
(CA) | $14,312 per year $44,066 per year $14,246 per year $29,348 per year |
In-state BA students Out-of-state BA students In-state graduate students Out-of-state graduate students |
| University of Washington Certificate in Data Analytics: Techniques for Decision Making Master of Science (MS) in Data Science |
(WA) | $3,747 total $20,175 per year $35,064 per year |
Certificate program In-state MS students Out-of-state MS students |
Online vs In-Person Data Analytics Degrees
You can get your data analytics degree online without ever stepping foot on campus. This comes with a host of benefits, but the two most significant are flexibility and reduced cost. Getting an online degree in data analytics can be done from any part of the world. Since you will not need to spend money daily on transportation, you will save money in the long run.
Keep in mind, however, that online learning isn’t designed for everyone. There is an undeniable sense of community that comes with attending a traditional university. If you’ve always wanted to enjoy that fully integrated college experience, you may not be satisfied with online degree programs in data science or data analytics.
Choosing the Best School for You
How do you know which school is ideal for you? What are the key factors you should consider when you’re choosing a college or university? The first thing to consider is your personal goals. After clearly defining your path, start looking for universities and choose the one that will bring you closer to accomplishing your goals.
Curriculum
Find out which courses a school offers and if they are suitable for your career goals. A data analytics program should include core courses on machine learning, Python, linear algebra, SQL, and big data analysis.
Most universities offer undergraduate data analytics programs as a part of data science and not as a standalone degree. By going for a degree in data science and specializing in data analytics, you will be preparing for more job opportunities in the future.
Timeline
How much time are you willing to invest in your education? If you are fresh out of high school, attending a full-time university that combines data analytics with general education might be a good option. These schools allow you to enjoy interdisciplinary education without compromising on your specialization.
If you already have an undergraduate degree and are simply considering a career switch, a full-time undergraduate program might not be ideal. A more viable alternative would be a master’s degree or certificate program in data analytics, or a data science bootcamp covering data analytics.
Accreditation
Make sure the school you’re interested in attending has regional or national accreditation. If you intend to further your education with a master’s degree, make sure the school is regionally accredited. It’s easier to transfer credits across institutions when you attend a regionally accredited school.
The Best Data Analytics Schools in 2021
It’s time to dive into more details about the best data analytics schools in 2021. Each school offers a solid curriculum and they are all accredited by the required regulatory bodies. Hopefully, the list below will help you make an informed decision about where to study.
California Institute of Technology
Caltech is one of the leading universities for science and technology. It was founded in 1891, and its most common data analytics program is designed for working professionals.
The master’s degree, just like the certificate program, covers key data processing technologies like artificial intelligence, structured research methods, and machine learning. However, the master’s program has a longer timeline and covers a broader change of topics within data science.
Caltech Data Analytics Programs
- Introduction to Data Analytics Certificate Program
- MS in Data Science
Carnegie Mellon University
This is one of the most popular universities in the United States for science, including data science and analytics. CMU was founded in 1900, and it has an impressive graduation rate of 90 percent. It offers an interdisciplinary data science degree at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The bachelor’s program is part of the Department of Statistics and Data Science. So, you can opt for a BS in Statistics and Machine Learning. The graduate degree is more specific as it offers an interdisciplinary approach to data analytics. Some of the courses are machine learning, artificial intelligence, statistics, and other critical technologies for data analytics.
CMU Data Analytics Programs
- BS in Statistics and Machine Learning
- MS in Data Analytics for Science
Columbia University
Columbia University was founded in 1754 and its Ivy League status holds prestige. The school has a graduation rate of 95 percent and an admissions rate of just five percent. It has a BA in Data Science which was formerly known as computer statistics.
Some courses in the BA program include machine learning, statistical, and linear regression models. There are also advanced degrees in data science that make room for a data analytics specialization.
Columbia Data Analytics Programs
- BA in Data Science in Science
- MS in Data Science
- PhD: Specialization in Data Science
Cornell University
This is another popular Ivy League University in New York with an impressive graduation rate of 94 percent. The school has been around since 1865, and it has been recognized globally as one of the best options for computing and engineering.
The school offers an online Data Analytics Certificate Program that is relatively affordable and awarded by the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business. You may also pursue a degree path in the Department of Statistics and Data Science. There is a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) that covers data science and analytics subjects.
Cornell Data Analytics Programs
- Data Analytics Certificate Program
- MPS in Applied Statistics
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Tech initially started as an engineering school when it was founded in 1885. However, it currently has more than 31 different departments spread across six collegiate divisions. It has an 86 percent graduation rate. Georgia Tech only offers a Master’s Degree in Data Analytics.
The Master’s in Data Science program is interdisciplinary, focusing on the most in-demand analytics technologies in the industry. You can opt for an on-campus or online degree, depending on your preference.
Georgia Tech Data Analytics Programs
- MS in Analytics
- Online MS in Analytics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Founded in 1861, MIT is a pioneer of modern technology and innovation. Significant contributors to innovation have nurtured their talents at MIT over the years. The bachelor’s program is an interdisciplinary combination of economics, computer science, and data science.
On the graduate level, students can opt for a MicroMasters in Statistics and Data Science. Some specializations in the MicroMasters program include probability, data analysis, statistics, and machine learning.
MIT Data Analytics Programs
- BS in Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science
- MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science
Princeton University
This private Ivy League university was founded in 1746, and it has an incredible graduation rate of 98 percent. It is located in New Jersey, and it has an exclusive admissions process. The data analytics department offers hands-on experiences, including projects for students to work with real-world data.
The Graduate Certificate Program in Statistics and Machine Learning is designed for graduate students who want to pick up data analytics skills. There is also an undergraduate certificate program on the same topics.
Princeton Data Analytics Programs
- Undergraduate Certificate Program in Statistics and Machine Learning
- Graduate Certificate Program in Statistics and Machine Learning
Stanford University
Stanford University was founded in 1891 and is another excellent option for someone who wants a career in data analytics. The current graduation rate at Stanford is 94 percent. Unfortunately, there is no direct undergraduate degree in data analytics.
Stanford encourages students to major in mathematical and computational science if they want to chase an advanced degree in data analytics or data science. Students from other departments can also take a data science minor. The Master of Science in Data Science is available for anyone who wants to advance their knowledge.
Stanford Data Analytics Programs
- BS in Mathematical and Computational Science
- MS in Data Science
University of California, Berkeley
UC Berkeley was established in 1868, and it has a graduation rate of nearly 92 percent. The school has an intensive data science and analytics department that allows you to major or minor in data science.
The data science Bachelor of Arts is awarded by the College of Letters and Science, and it covers data analytics and machine learning. The school also offers certificate programs in data science for graduate students across disciplines.
UC Berkeley Data Analytics Programs
- BA in Data Science
- DE-CDSE Program
University of Washington
If you want to go to school on the west coast, the University of Washington might be a good option for you. It was founded in 1861, has a graduation rate of 84, and an admissions rate of 52 percent. While the admissions process isn’t as exclusive as other schools on this list, UW offers high-quality education.
In terms of data analytics, the University of Washington has an accelerated undergraduate certificate program and a master’s program. The master’s degree covers data visualization, statistical modeling, data management, machine learning, software engineering, UX design, and data ethics.
University of Washington Data Analytics Programs
- Certificate in Data Analytics: Techniques for Decision Making
- MS in Data Science
What Can You Do With a
Data Analytics Degree?
With a data analytics degree, you can become a data analyst, data scientist, big data engineer, business intelligence analyst, quantitative analyst, or data analytics consultant. These are some of the highest-paying jobs in the United States tech industry.
A degree in data analytics could also help you land a job as an operations analyst, product manager, transportation and logistics specialist, information technology systems analyst, or marketing analyst.
How Much Can I Expect to Earn With a Degree in Data Analytics?
According to ZipRecruiter, a properly credentialed data analyst can expect to earn $67,294 per year in the United States. This works out to $32.35 per hour and $1,294 per week. The majority of salaries fall between $47,500 and $81,000.
The amount you will earn depends on your level of experience, credentials, job title, and, most importantly, your location. Data analysts based in Silicon Valley are among the top earners in the United States.
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Average salary
Top salary
Top Data Analytics Degree Careers
Does It Matter What College I Go to for Data Analytics?
Yes, it always matters what college you attend. The college must have a data-centered degree or a department like computer science and information technology that offers a specialization in data analytics. It makes more sense to attend an accredited university with a strong computer science department and an excellent reputation in the tech industry.
Should You Pursue a Degree in Data Analytics?
Yes, you should get a degree in data analytics if you don’t have any other undergraduate degrees. A data analytics undergraduate degree runs for four years. So, it requires a significant time commitment that is well worth it in the end. You can also opt for an accelerated data analytics degree that can take three years or less.
Master’s degree and doctorate programs are great for professionals who already have undergraduate degrees but want to upskill and improve their earning potential. Undergraduate and graduate certificate programs are also excellent options for people who want to pick up data analysis skills.
