Best Texas Universities For Data Science is the fastest-growing technical discipline in Texas’s job market — and one of the most practically valuable graduate degrees for international students specifically. Austin’s AI startup scene has accelerated substantially in 2026–2027, with Anthropic, OpenAI, and similar frontier AI labs adding operations in Austin.
Houston’s energy-DS market is distinctive — operational technology DS, geophysics ML, and predictive-maintenance applications create a DS career path that doesn’t really exist elsewhere at this scale.Capital One’s Plano campus is described as “one of the strongest U.S. destinations by per-student data science outcomes.”
Texas has no state income tax. And virtually every data science program in this guide is STEM-designated — qualifying graduates for 36 months of post-graduation work authorization. Here is the complete, honest ranking of the best Texas universities for data science in 2026.
Understanding Data Science Programs in Texas — Three Types
Before comparing programs, it’s important to understand that “data science” at Texas universities comes in three distinct flavors — each suited to different career targets:
| Program Type | Focus | Best For | Texas Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Data Science | Statistical modeling, ML, Python/R, research-oriented | Research roles, data science at tech companies, PhD pathway | UT Austin, Rice, Texas A&M TAMIDS |
| MS Business Analytics | Business decision-making with data, SQL, Tableau, analytics tools | Analytics in finance, consulting, energy, healthcare, retail | UTD BUAN, TAMU MS Analytics, UNT MS BA, McCombs MSBA |
| MS CS / AI Track | Deep learning, neural networks, advanced ML, systems | AI engineering, ML engineering, research scientist roles | UT Austin CS (AI #7), UTD CS, TAMU CS |
This guide covers all three — because the “best data science program in Texas” genuinely depends on which of these career trajectories you’re pursuing.
Quick Comparison — Best Texas Data Science Programs 2026
| University | Program | Duration | Tuition (Total) | Avg Starting Package | STEM OPT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rice University | MS Data Science / CS | 1.5–2 years | ~$65,475/yr | $89,718 median (10 yr) / $131,154 (1 yr CS) | ✅ 36 months |
| UT Austin | MSBA (McCombs) — 10 months | 10 months | ~$30,664/yr | $72,905–$108,380 | ✅ 36 months |
| Texas A&M | MS Analytics (Mays) | 5 semesters | $65,000 total | 96% get raise; 51% get $15K+ raise | ✅ 36 months |
| Texas A&M | MS Data Science (TAMIDS) | 1.5–2 years | ~$25,000–$35,000 total | Strong research/industry placement | ✅ 36 months |
| UT Dallas | MS Business Analytics & AI (BUAN) | 1.5–2 years | ~$14,644/yr (with AES) | $93,000 avg package; 83% placed in 90 days | ✅ 36 months |
| UNT | MS Business Analytics (Online) | 15 months (accelerated) | ~$22,900 total (in-state) | $70,000–$90,000 avg starting | ✅ 36 months |
| UH | MS Data Science / CS | 1.5–2 years | ~$13,506/yr (with waiver) | Houston avg DS salary: $115,110 | ✅ 36 months |
| SMU | MS Data Science / MS Business Analytics | 1.5–2 years | ~$67,040/yr | Dallas avg DS $120,866 | ✅ 36 months |
1. Rice University — Best Outcomes, Best Research
Rice University is ranked #1 in Texas for data science by CollegeRanker 2026. Rice University in Houston, TX ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Data Science Colleges in Texas ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $89,718 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 95% graduation rate.
Key Facts
- #1 data science in Texas (CollegeRanker 2026)
- $89,718 median earnings 10 years after enrollment — highest long-term outcome of any Texas data science program
- $131,154 median CS/DS salary 1 year after graduation — highest early-career salary in Texas
- 95% graduation rate — highest of any Texas data science program
- 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio — most intensive research mentorship in Texas
- Proximity to Texas Medical Center — biomedical data science applications unique to Rice
- NASA Johnson Space Center 25 miles away — aerospace data applications
- Ken Kennedy Institute — dedicated data science and AI research center on campus
Programs at Rice
- MS Data Science — interdisciplinary; statistics, ML, visualization, domain applications
- MS Computer Science (AI/ML track) — deep learning, NLP, computer vision specializations
- PhD Computer Science — fully funded (tuition waiver + stipend)
- MS Statistics — rigorous statistical foundations for data science careers
For International Students
Listed tuition: ~$65,475/year. Rice is need-aware for international applicants but meets 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students through institutional grants — making Rice potentially more affordable than it appears for students with demonstrated financial need. PhD programs are fully funded. The Eugene McDermott Scholars Program (open to international undergraduates) covers full COA. All DS/CS programs are STEM-designated for 36-month OPT.
2. UT Austin McCombs MSBA — Best 10-Month Business Analytics Program
UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) is one of the most distinctive data science-adjacent programs in Texas — a 10-month accelerated program that blends applied mathematics, computer science, optimization, consumer behavior, decision theory, operations research, and risk management into a fast, career-focused credential from a top-18 business school.
Key Facts
- 10-month program — fastest MS pathway to analytics employment in Texas
- STEM-designated — qualifies for 36-month OPT
- The MSBA focuses on: Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Optimization, Consumer Behavior, Decision Theory, Operations Research, Risk Management.
- McCombs School of Business — #18 MBA nationally; AACSB-accredited
- UT Austin CS AI ranked #7 nationally — MSBA students benefit from cross-disciplinary access to top-ranked AI faculty
- Starting salary range: $72,905 to $108,380 annually within just a couple of years of experience
- 5,000+ NVIDIA GPUs on campus — largest academic AI computing cluster in the country
Admission and Cost
- Total first-year tuition: ~$30,664
- Application deadline: Rolling; early application strongly recommended
- GMAT/GRE required; strong quantitative background essential
- TOEFL iBT 80+ or IELTS 6.5+ for international students
- Strong Python/R/SQL background expected — applicants without should complete preparatory modules
Also Available: UT Austin MS Data Science (iSchool)
UT Austin’s iSchool (School of Information) — ranked #3 nationally for Information Studies — offers a data science track within the MSIS (Master of Science in Information Studies) program. This program is particularly strong for data engineering, data management, and analytics roles in the tech sector. STEM-designated; 36-month OPT eligible.
3. Texas A&M — Two Paths: MS Analytics (Business) or MS Data Science (Research)
Texas A&M offers two distinct data science pathways — each targeting a different career outcome. Understanding which one fits your goals is essential before applying.
Path A: MS Analytics — Mays Business School
The MS Analytics program at Mays Business School is Texas A&M’s business-focused analytics credential — AACSB-accredited, STEM-designated, and designed for students targeting analytics leadership roles across industries.
- Career outcomes: 96% receive a raise during or since completing the program; 92% receive a new role since completing the program; 51% of graduates report a raise of $15,000 or more.
- Dual degree option: Combine the Full-Time MBA with the MS Analytics to complete two master’s degrees in two years — bridging data science and business to equip leaders to use data to drive high-impact decisions.
- Total program cost: $65,000 (billed at $13,000/semester over 5 semesters).
- Application deadlines: Round 1 — December 3; Round 2 (scholarship consideration) — April 1
- STEM-designated: qualifies for 36-month OPT.
- Mays is ranked #1 Online MBA nationally (US News 2026) — the analytics program benefits fromthe same faculty and curriculum quality
Path B: MS Data Science — TAMIDS
Texas A&M Institute of Data Science (TAMIDS) offers a dedicated MS Data Science Graduate Program that prepares students for career options in consulting agencies, financial services firms, government agencies, healthcare and pharmaceutical companies, marketing services, and technology companies.
- Interdisciplinary — draws faculty from Statistics, CS, Engineering, and domain sciences.
- Research-oriented — ideal for students considering a PhD or research scientist role
- Lower total cost than Mays MS Analytics (~$25,000–$35,000 total estimated)
- STEM-designated; 36-month OPT eligible
- NSF R&D funding #14 nationally — strong research infrastructure
- Applications for Fall 2027 open September 1 — plan well in advance
4. UT Dallas BUAN — Best Value Data Science for International Students
UT Dallas’s MS in Business Analytics and AI (BUAN) from the Naveen Jindal School of Management (AACSB-accredited) is arguably the strongest cost-to-outcome data science program for international students in Texas.
Key Facts
- 83% of all graduates (domestic and international) found a job within 90 days of graduation; the average compensation package was $93,000 USD.
- Three format options: MS BUAN Flex, MS BUAN Cohort, MS BUAN Online Cohort — maximum flexibility
- Curriculum covers: AI integration, machine learning, predictive analytics, Python, R, SQL, Tableau, Power BI, cloud analytics (AWS, Azure)
- AACSB-accredited (top 6% of business schools globally)
- Located inside the Telecom Corridor — Samsung, AT&T, Ericsson, Cisco, Capital One Plano all within commuting distance
- STEM-designated: 36-month OPT eligible
For International Students — AES Scholarship
The AES Scholarship — automatically considered for all applicants completing admission files by December 1 — unlocks in-state tuition of ~$14,644/year instead of ~$40,000+. For international BUAN students, the combination of AES scholarship + $93,000 average compensation package creates one of the best data science investment returns of any Texas program. Effective total 2-year cost with AES: approximately $40,000–$50,000.
Also Available: MS Information Technology Management (ITM)
UTD’s MS ITM is STEM-designated and covers data management, enterprise systems, and business intelligence alongside core data science tools — a strong alternative for students targeting data engineering, IT analytics, or enterprise analytics roles rather than pure data science positions.
5. University of North Texas — Best Affordable Online Data Science Option
UNT’s MS in Business Analytics is a 100% online, 33-hour STEM-approved program — one of the most accessible and affordable data science credentials in Texas, particularly for students who need to work during their studies or cannot relocate to a major Texas city.
Key Facts
- Estimated TX resident tuition: $22,900 total; Accelerated option available; Next start date: August 2026.
- Graduates have secured high-paying positions with an average starting salary of $70,000 to $90,000.
- 100% online — no campus relocation required
- Industry partnerships: endorsements from major employers like Toyota; corporate partnerships with Accenture, Deloitte, and JPMorgan Chase
- Curriculum: 18 core analytics hours + 15 elective hours; specialization tracks include Data Science, Operations Analytics
- STEM-designated: 36-month OPT eligible
- UNT COB scholarships include both general and departmental awards; the STEM Tuition Fellowship, open to full-time science and engineering graduate students, includes a monthly stipend, graduate assistantship, and in-state tuition rate.
For International Students
With the Excellence Scholarship (automatic by March 1), international students pay in-state tuition of ~$13,506/year. The STEM Tuition Fellowship — which includes a monthly stipend, graduate assistantship, and in-state tuition rate — is the most comprehensive funding package available for qualifying international data science students at UNT. The online format creates questions about F-1 enrollment requirements — verify with UNT ISSS before enrolling in a fully online program on an F-1 visa.
6. University of Houston — Best for Energy Data Science
University of Houston offers MS Data Science and MS Computer Science (with data science specialization) programs uniquely positioned for the energy sector. Houston’s energy-DS market is distinctive — operational technology DS, geophysics ML, and predictive-maintenance applications create a DS career path that doesn’t really exist elsewhere at this scale.
Key Facts
- R1 research university — strong ML and data science research in energy applications
- Houston average data science salary: $115,110
- Proximity to ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, Halliburton — energy DS internships and placements
- Texas Medical Center next door — healthcare analytics and bioinformatics applications
- Competitive scholarship waiver: $1,000+ institutional scholarship unlocks in-state tuition (~$13,506/year)
- STEM-designated programs: 36-month OPT eligible
7. SMU — Best Private Data Science Option in Dallas
SMU offers MS Data Science and MS Business Analytics programs from its Lyle School of Engineering and Cox School of Business — both benefiting from the university’s R1 classification (2026) and Dallas location. Dallas average data science salary: $120,866 — second highest of any Texas city.
Key Facts
- R1 Carnegie classification (2026) — growing DS research output
- Dallas location — Capital One Plano (major DS employer), AT&T, JPMorgan Chase, American Airlines all recruit from SMU
- 93% of SMU graduates employed within 2 years; highest 10-year median salary ($73,000) of any private Texas university
- STEM-designated DS programs: 36-month OPT eligible
- International students must demonstrate ability to contribute $40,000+/year (need-aware admissions)
Data Science Salary by Sector in Texas — 2026
| Industry Sector | Texas DS Salary Range | Best Texas University for This Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Technology (Austin) | $100,000–$150,000+ | UT Austin — Apple, Google, Tesla nearby |
| Finance (Dallas/Plano) | $95,000–$130,000 | UT Dallas BUAN — Capital One Plano 10 min away |
| Energy (Houston) | $90,000–$125,000 | UH / Rice — ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron |
| Consulting | $90,000–$120,000 | TAMU Mays — Deloitte, Accenture recruit heavily |
| Healthcare Analytics | $80,000–$110,000 | Rice — Texas Medical Center next door |
| Retail/E-commerce | $75,000–$100,000 | UNT — Toyota, Target, H-E-B recruit from UNT |
| Government/Defense | $75,000–$105,000 | Texas A&M — NSF funding, defense connections |
Key Scholarships for Data Science Students in Texas
| University | Scholarship | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| UT Dallas | AES Scholarship | Unlocks in-state tuition ~$14,644/yr for any international recipient; apply by December 1. |
| UNT | STEM Tuition Fellowship | Monthly stipend + graduate assistantship + in-state tuition rate for full-time engineering/science grad students. |
| UNT | COB Departmental Scholarships | General and departmental awards through G. Brint Ryan College of Business for MS Business Analytics students. |
| UTD | CyberCorps SFS Scholarship | Open to CS graduate students (MS or PhD); covers tuition and fees for qualifying cybersecurity/data-focused programs. |
| Texas A&M | MS Analytics Round 2 Scholarship | Scholarship consideration for MS Analytics applicants who apply by the April 1 deadline. |
| Rice University | Need-based institutional grants | Meets 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students; PhD programs fully funded. |
Which Texas Data Science Program Should You Choose?
| If Your Goal Is… | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Highest long-term salary + best outcomes | Rice University — $89,718 median 10-yr; $131,154 early career |
| Fastest path to employment (10 months) | UT Austin McCombs MSBA — 10-month program; top-18 business school |
| Best value for international students | UT Dallas BUAN — $93K avg package; ~$14,644/yr with AES; 83% placed in 90 days |
| Best business analytics + MBA dual degree | TAMU Mays MS Analytics — 96% get a raise; MBA+MS in 2 years |
| Best research/PhD pathway | Rice or TAMU TAMIDS MS Data Science |
| Energy sector data science | University of Houston — unique energy-DS market access |
| Most affordable online option | UNT MS Business Analytics — $22,900 total; 100% online; STEM-designated |
| Best private option in Dallas | SMU — R1; $120,866 Dallas DS avg salary; Capital One/AT&T access |
| Prestige + Austin tech ecosystem | UT Austin — #7 AI nationally; 5,000+ NVIDIA GPUs; Apple/Google/Tesla |
Final Thoughts
Texas’s data science job market is genuinely world-class — and becoming more so. Capital One Plano is one of the strongest U.S. destinations by per-student data science outcomes. Austin’s AI startup scene has accelerated substantially with frontier AI labs adding Austin operations.
The diversity of Texas’s economy — tech, energy, finance, healthcare, retail — means data science graduates can specialize in virtually any industry vertical without leaving the state. For most international students, UT Dallas BUAN offers the strongest combination of placement outcomes ($93K average), accessibility (AES scholarship to in-state rates), and industry proximity (Telecom Corridor).
For students prioritizing prestige and long-term earnings, Rice leads. For the fastest possible time-to-employment, UT Austin’s 10-month MSBA is unmatched. And for students who need flexibility and affordability, UNT’s online MS Business Analytics at $22,900 total is one of the best STEM-designated data science values in the country.
For more guides on Texas universities, see:
- Best Texas Universities for Computer Science 2026
- Best Texas Universities for MBA 2026
- How to Get a Scholarship at a Texas University — Step by Step
- Best Texas Universities for Indian Students 2026–27
- F-1 Student Visa Guide for Texas Universities 2026
Have questions about Texas data science programs or which one fits your profile? Drop your background, career target, and budget in the comments — we’ll give you our honest take.
Leave a Reply