Top 3 Data Science Programs in Pennsylvania 2025
Carnegie Mellon University
Elite computational data science program with direct recruiting from FAANG companies. 95% job placement rate with median starting salary of $125K
University of Pennsylvania
Ivy League data science program combining statistics, computer science, and domain expertise. Strong finance and healthcare analytics focus
Pennsylvania State University
Top value data science education at public university cost. Excellent research opportunities and industry partnerships across Pennsylvania
- 1.Pennsylvania has 35+ accredited data science and analytics bachelor's programs across public and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Carnegie Mellon University ranks #1 in Pennsylvania with 91% graduation rate and direct pipeline to tech giants like Google and Amazon
- 3.Penn State offers exceptional value at $18,898 in-state tuition for nationally-ranked data science education
- 4.Pennsylvania data scientists earn median $118,890 annually—13% above national median (BLS Pennsylvania 2024)
- 5.Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg metro areas provide 12,500+ data science jobs with companies like Comcast, UPMC, and Vanguard
Data Science Education Landscape in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers diverse data science educational opportunities, from world-renowned private institutions like Carnegie Mellon and UPenn to excellent public options through the Penn State system. The state's strong presence in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing provides abundant internship and career opportunities for data science graduates.
For national context, review our best data science bachelor's programs nationwide. Cost-conscious students should examine our most affordable data science programs guide. Career-focused students can explore detailed data scientist salary data to understand Pennsylvania's competitive compensation landscape.
Pennsylvania's data science programs benefit from proximity to major tech hubs in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, plus established industries requiring advanced analytics. The state's research universities provide exceptional opportunities for undergraduate research in machine learning, biostatistics, and business analytics.
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Pennsylvania May 2024, University Reports
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 data
Class size and faculty accessibility metrics
Pennsylvania-specific data scientist salaries from BLS OEWS
Acceptance rate indicating academic rigor and reputation
Pennsylvania Data Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh | Private | $63,829 | 91% | 13:1 | 97.8 |
| 2 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | Private | $63,452 | 95% | 6:1 | 96.2 |
| 3 | Pennsylvania State University | University Park | Public | $18,898 | 85% | 16:1 | 93.5 |
| 4 | Drexel University | Philadelphia | Private | $58,965 | 73% | 10:1 | 89.2 |
| 5 | Temple University | Philadelphia | Public | $17,722 | 72% | 14:1 | 86.8 |
| 6 | University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh | Public | $20,598 | 82% | 14:1 | 85.1 |
| 7 | Villanova University | Villanova | Private | $60,768 | 90% | 12:1 | 84.7 |
| 8 | Lehigh University | Bethlehem | Private | $58,930 | 91% | 9:1 | 82.9 |
| 9 | Duquesne University | Pittsburgh | Private | $45,376 | 79% | 14:1 | 80.5 |
| 10 | Penn State Harrisburg | Middletown | Public | $15,562 | 68% | 16:1 | 78.2 |
| 11 | West Chester University | West Chester | Public | $11,954 | 74% | 19:1 | 76.8 |
| 12 | Penn State Berks | Reading | Public | $15,072 | 71% | 17:1 | 75.3 |
| 13 | Robert Morris University | Moon Township | Private | $32,940 | 65% | 15:1 | 73.9 |
| 14 | Saint Joseph's University | Philadelphia | Private | $51,700 | 82% | 13:1 | 72.4 |
| 15 | Pennsylvania Western University | California | Public | $12,916 | 58% | 18:1 | 70.1 |
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • University
Program Highlights
- • 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention
- • 91% graduation rate demonstrates program quality and support
- • Located in Pittsburgh's growing tech ecosystem with companies like Uber and Duolingo
Program Strengths
- World-renowned faculty including Turing Award winners and machine learning pioneers
- Direct industry partnerships with Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta for internships
- 95% job placement rate with median starting salaries exceeding $125,000
- Access to cutting-edge research labs in AI, robotics, and computational biology
- Strong alumni network in Silicon Valley and financial services
Why Ranked #1
CMU's Machine Learning and Statistics programs consistently rank in the top 3 nationally. The interdisciplinary approach combines world-class computer science with rigorous statistical theory, producing graduates highly sought by tech giants and consulting firms.
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • University
Program Highlights
- • Located in Philadelphia with proximity to major employers like Comcast and Johnson & Johnson
- • Strong emphasis on ethical AI and responsible data science practices
- • Extensive alumni network in consulting, finance, and technology sectors
Program Strengths
- Integration with Wharton School for business analytics expertise
- Strong placement in finance sector including Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan
- Access to medical data through Penn Medicine partnerships
- Exceptional 6:1 student-faculty ratio in advanced courses
- 95% graduation rate reflecting strong academic support
Why Ranked #2
UPenn's data science program leverages the university's strengths in business (Wharton), medicine, and engineering to create well-rounded data scientists. The Ivy League pedigree opens doors across industries, particularly in finance and healthcare analytics.
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA • University
Program Highlights
- • 85% graduation rate with strong academic support services
- • 16:1 student-faculty ratio allowing meaningful faculty interaction
- • Access to high-performance computing resources for big data projects
Program Strengths
- Comprehensive curriculum covering statistics, machine learning, and domain applications
- Strong industry connections with Pennsylvania-based companies
- Active research opportunities in agricultural data, environmental science, and materials
- Excellent value at $18,898 in-state tuition for nationally-recognized program
- Large alumni network providing mentorship and career opportunities
Why Ranked #3
Penn State offers exceptional value for data science education, combining rigorous academics with affordable tuition. The program benefits from the university's research strength and extensive alumni network throughout Pennsylvania's industries.
Pennsylvania University Systems for Data Science
Pennsylvania's higher education landscape includes several university systems offering data science programs at different levels and price points.
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) includes 10 universities offering affordable data science and analytics programs. West Chester University and California University of Pennsylvania (now Pennsylvania Western University) provide quality programs at under $13,000 annual tuition for in-state students.
Penn State System operates multiple campuses beyond University Park. Penn State Harrisburg and Penn State Berks offer data science programs with smaller class sizes and lower costs while maintaining connection to the flagship research university.
Private Universities like Carnegie Mellon, UPenn, and Drexel offer premium data science education with extensive research opportunities and industry connections. While more expensive, these programs often provide better job placement rates and higher starting salaries.
Students interested in related programs should explore computer science programs in Pennsylvania or artificial intelligence degrees in Pennsylvania for additional options.
Career Paths
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets to extract business insights and build predictive models for Pennsylvania's healthcare, finance, and manufacturing sectors
Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1299Design and implement ML systems for companies like Comcast, UPMC, and emerging Pittsburgh tech startups
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-1299Transform data into actionable business insights for Pennsylvania's diverse economy including healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services
Quantitative Analyst
SOC 15-2099Apply statistical models to financial markets, particularly strong opportunities with Vanguard and other Philadelphia-area financial firms
Research Scientist
SOC 19-1042Conduct data-driven research in academia, healthcare systems like UPMC, or pharmaceutical companies concentrated in Pennsylvania
Data Science Programs in Other States
California
New York
Texas
Massachusetts
Illinois
Washington
Florida
Georgia
| Factor | Public In-State | Public Out-of-State | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Tuition | $16,200 | $32,800 | $54,300 |
| Typical Class Size | 35-50 students | 35-50 students | 20-25 students |
| Research Opportunities | Available | Available | Extensive |
| Industry Connections | Regional | Regional | National |
| Career Services | Standard | Standard | Premium |
| Alumni Network | Strong in PA | Strong in PA | National/Global |
| Financial Aid | Need-based | Limited | Merit + Need |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to top-tier programs like Carnegie Mellon and UPenn without California competition
- Strong job market in healthcare analytics (UPMC system), finance (Vanguard), and emerging tech
- Affordable public options through Penn State system with excellent value
- Proximity to major East Coast markets including New York and Washington DC
- Four-season climate with lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs
- Maximum program variety (California and Texas have 40+ programs vs Pennsylvania's 15)
- Guaranteed warm weather and outdoor lifestyle year-round
- Immediate access to Silicon Valley tech culture and startup ecosystem
- The absolute lowest cost programs (some Southern and Midwest states offer cheaper options)
- Major tech company headquarters (Google, Apple, Amazon are not headquartered in PA)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024
Pennsylvania Data Science Programs FAQ
Related Data Science Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment data, and institutional characteristics for 2023
Pennsylvania-specific salary data for data scientists and related occupations, May 2024
Program reputation and selectivity metrics for Pennsylvania universities
Employment outcomes and salary data from individual institution career placement offices
Alumni salary progression and return on investment calculations
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.