In this article, we profile 10 best value colleges or universities for online statistics degree programs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reports a favorable job outlook for mathematicians and statisticians. In fact, the overall employment for these occupations should grow 33 percent through 2029. As businesses need workers to analyze the increasing volume of data within the organization, more qualified individuals will be hired. Colleges and universities are anticipating the employment growth and providing opportunities to earn statistics degrees online. We researched schools offering online stats degree programs to find the best value.
Featured Programs
Online Statistics Degree: 10 Best Values Methodology
We looked at approximately 50 colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered online stats degree programs. We narrowed our original pool of schools to locate the 10 best value programs. We applied the following criteria to narrow our list: accreditation (both regional and national), at least one master’s in statistics online or closely related discipline offered, institution or program rankings with at least one major publication like U.S. News and World Report, and graduate tuition and fees less than $21,000 per year. We then listed the top 10 best value online degree in statistics programs according to raw affordability.
Below is our list of the 10 best values for statistics degrees online.
- Michigan Technological University
- University of South Carolina
- University of Kentucky
- University of Louisville
- Colorado State University
- North Carolina State University
- University of Kansas
- University of Idaho
- University of Houston
- Oklahoma State University
#10 – Michigan Technological University
Online Master’s in Applied Statistics
Houghton, Michigan
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,759
Of the top online stats degree programs, the uniquely designed program at Michigan Technological University is highly flexible. With no GRE or GMAT required, applicants may transition seamlessly from work to school. And with online courses, the program is even more flexible for working students seeking an online degree in statistics. The accelerated format is ideal for busy students. Adding to the flexibility of the statistics degree online program, four areas of focus allow enrolled students to tailor their degree toward an interest area. Focus areas include advanced statistical methods, communication and leadership, programming and technology, and real-world problem-solving. In addition to being fully accredited, MTU ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 153rd best national university.
#9 – University of South Carolina
Online Master’s in Applied Statistics
Columbia, South Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,137
When it comes to flexibility, the University of South Carolina offers one of the top statistics degrees online for graduate students. With 100 percent online classes, opportunities for part-time study, and even a non-degree seeking “trial period” for indecisive students, USC’s program makes learning especially convenient. Coursework for the online statistics degree covers both statistical theory and computing, while concentrations are available in educational statistics, industrial statistics, or SAS certification. Also, of note, the institution ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report and is fully accredited. Rankings with U.S. News include #118 in best national universities and #178 in best value schools.
#8 – University of Kentucky
Online Master of Applied Statistics
Lexington, Kentucky
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,404
The University of Kentucky offers an accredited and affordable online stats degree designed for graduate students seeking advanced skills in statistics. Using the latest “lightboard technology,” students earn their online degree in statistics at UK. Courses are delivered online and weekly “chats with professors” allow students to interact with their instructors. Courses cover topics like computational theory and data visualization, regression modeling, and foundations of probability and inference. Also, of note, University of Kentucky is fully accredited and ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. These rankings include #133 in best national universities and #169 in best value schools.
#7 – University of Louisville
Online Master’s in Biostatistics
Louisville, Kentucky
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,196
Those seeking online statistics degree programs that are both affordable and accredited should consider the online master’s in biostatistics at University of Louisville. The online MSBST is designed for professionals with a bachelor’s degree who aspire to advanced their career or carve out a new one in biostatistics, data science, or statistics. Listed among the top online statistics programs on our list for affordability and value, University of Louisville’s program is also fully accredited. Courses are delivered online, adding to the program’s flexibility. These courses cover topics like categorical data analysis, clinical trials, mathematical statistics, public health in the U.S., and survival analysis.
#6 – Colorado State University
Online Master’s in Applied Statistics
Fort Collins, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,871
One of the top online statistics programs on our list is the master’s in applied statistics at Colorado State University. The program offers exactly the training you need to become a highly sought-after expert in the field of statistics and raw data translation. At CSU, students earning the accredited online degree in statistics use an asynchronous learning program that provides recorded lectures, reading assignments, downloadable notes, and interactive discussion boards. Online degree statistics students meet requirements in just one year, including one summer term. Also, of note, the program offers two specializations that allow students to further tailor their degree in data science and statistical science.
#5 – North Carolina State University
Online Master’s in Statistics
Raleigh, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,673
The online statistics degree program at North Carolina State University prepares graduates for careers as statisticians. The fully accredited online master’s in statistics degree is designed for working professionals looking to further their study or move into a new phase in their professional life. The statistics degree online program requires the completion of 30 semester hours, which includes coursework in fundamentals of linear models and regression, statistical practice, and statistical programming. The program boasts placement of recent graduates at various organizations like Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Environmental Protection Agency, and the SAS Institute. According to U.S. News and World Report, NC State ranks #80 in best national universities.
#4 – University of Kansas
Online Master’s in Applied Statistics
Lawrence, Kansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,045
The KU Edwards Campus at the University of Kansas offers an online stats degree for graduate students seeking advanced skills and a promising career trajectory. The affordable statistics degree online program also offers three areas of emphasis that allow students to tailor their degree toward interests and goals. Emphasis areas include analytics, data science, and statistics. Admission requirements ask for a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. In addition to offering a quality online degree statistics program, KU ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, KU’s rankings include #124 in best national universities and #112 in best value schools.
#3 – University of Idaho
Online Master’s in Statistical Science
Moscow, Idaho
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,876
The University of Idaho offers an accredited and affordable online statistics degree designed for graduate students seeking advanced statistics skills. Like most statistics degrees online, U of I’s program prepares students through the completion of coursework, a thesis, or internship. Students may elect to complete a thesis or follow the non-thesis track, which requires an internship. Courses are delivered online and cover topics like computer intensive statistics, experimental design, multivariate analysis, and sample survey methods. The University of Idaho ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 170th best national university and 37th best value school.
#2 – University of Houston
Online Master’s in Statistics and Data Science
Houston, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,372
University of Houston’s online statistics programs include the MS in statistics and data science hybrid degree. While not fully a statistics degree online program, many classes are delivered in a flexible online format. Required courses cover topics like applied statistics and multivariate analysis, deep learning and artificial neural networks, linear models and design of experiments, and probability models and statistical computing. What makes the UH online degree statistics program unique is the summer internship program that allows students to explore interests in the field. Also, of note, UH ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Rankings include #176 in best national universities and #106 in best value schools.
#1 – Oklahoma State University
Online Master’s in Applied Statistics
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,460
The highly affordable online stats degree at Oklahoma State University is a graduate program that consists of 32 credits of online study. For less than $8,500 per year, students may partake in the online statistics programs like the master’s in applied statistics. Core courses cover topics like analytics, experimental data analysis, mathematical statistics, and statistical programming with SAS and R. All classes are delivered online and taught by OSU’s esteemed and experienced faculty. Admission requirements are standard; however, the GRE is required with no minimum score. Oklahoma State ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, rankings include #187 in best national universities and #150 in best value schools.
Other Top Value Statistics Degree Online Programs
Bay Path University
Bellevue University
Columbia University
Johns Hopkins University
Maryville University
Northern Illinois University
Northwestern University
Oregon State University
Pennsylvania State University World Campus
Rochester Institute of Technology
Slippery Rock University
Southern Methodist University
Southern New Hampshire University
Stanford University
University of Delaware
University of Houston
University of Illinois Springfield
University of Southern California
University of West Florida
University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do after earning a statistics degree online?
The role of the statistician in any industry or organization is to analyze data and apply statistical techniques to help solve real-world challenges faced in business, healthcare, and other industries. With a statistics degree online, you will be able to pursue employment in a wide number of fields.
Statisticians work in varies industries. We broke down the top industries employing statisticians and listed them below.
Colleges and universities: Statisticians work in postsecondary education. Job activities include the study of theoretical concepts, research to resolve unexplained issues in statistics, and exploration of statistical theories to increase knowledge of the field. To work as a professor, most colleges and universities require a PhD in statistics.
Government: Statisticians working in government agencies often develop and analyze data collected from surveys. These might include wage reports, unemployment rates, and other figures that impact a wide population of people.
Healthcare: Statisticians in health care are often referred to as biostatisticians. This specialized group of statisticians works in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and public health agencies. They are often part of the group that creates studies to test the effectiveness of drugs to treat disease or medical conditions.
Research and development: Statisticians working in R&D design experiments used for product testing and development.
What is the job outlook for individuals with a statistics degree online?
The overall employment of statisticians, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), is expected to grow 34 percent through 2026. This highly favorable job growth is much better than the average for all other occupations.
Approximately 12,600 new jobs are expected to be added to the discipline as industries continue to strive to make more informed business, healthcare, and policy decisions. The large increase in jobs will open up new areas for analysis, which will call on the expertise of statisticians.
In addition, statisticians will be needed in areas of research and development. Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industries will likely hire many statisticians for their growing R&D. Growth in these industries is likely due to the aging population and development of new treatments and medical technologies. Specifically, biostatisticians will be required to conduct extensive research on clinical trials. Biostatisticians are an integral part of a company’s ability to gain approval for their products from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
As the demand for jobs increases, individuals with high levels of mathematical and statistical knowledge will be needed. Job opportunities are expected to be highly favorable for candidates with specialized skills in programming, data analysis, and quantitative study. By earning a statistics degree online, you will set yourself apart from competition for jobs.
How much will I earn with a statistics degree online?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual pay for statisticians was $87,780 in May 2018. Industry and experience impact pay, but BLS reports a favorable salary for statisticians. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $55,000 per year, and the highest 10 percent of earners made more than $139,350.
Also, BLS’s most recent report examined the top industries, by earnings, in which statisticians were employed. According to the research, the federal government paid the highest wage for statisticians. Individuals working as statisticians for the government earned $106,670 in median annual wages. The next top-paying industry was research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. This industry paid statisticians an average median wage of $96,290. Next, insurance carriers and related activities paid statisticians $81,660 on average. The healthcare and social assistance industry was the next top-paying industry where statisticians earned $79,370 per year. The fifth top industry was colleges, universities, and professional schools, which paid statisticians $73,360.
Most statisticians work full-time, and most of the top-paying careers require a master’s degree in mathematics, statistics, or a closely related discipline. Also, employers often view education as experience, so individuals with a statistics degree online master’s have a higher earnings potential than those with only a bachelor’s.
What are the admissions requirements for master’s-level statistics degree online programs?
Admission requirements vary among statistics degree online programs. However, typical requirements exist and can be found among the vast majority of master’s in statistics online programs. The first standard requirement is undergraduate work. Most programs on our list require at least a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. In most cases, academic performance will be showcased in the submission of official transcripts, and GPA requirements may be stipulated.
For many top-tier statistics degree online programs, undergraduate GPA should exceed 3.0. Top programs may ask for an undergraduate GPA of 3.5, while other programs will accept an undergraduate GPA of 2.75. In addition, some of the nation’s top programs may ask for a 3.5 GPA on the last two years of undergraduate work. GPA requirements vary by program, so it is important to review admission criteria of your intended school prior to completing your undergraduate work.
In some cases, GRE or GMAT scores are required for admission. Top-ranked programs may ask for qualifying scores, while others may waive the graduate exam if the undergraduate GPA is above a certain level, such as 3.5 or 3.0. Not all programs ask for the GRE or GMAT. If you want to avoid the testing requirement, look for institutions that do not require graduate testing for admission.
How long does it take to earn a statistics degree online?
To earn a statistics degree online, you should expect to spend at least two years in school. However, program length depends on enrollment, as well as other factors.
The typical master’s in statistics online degree program requires two years on average, though some programs may require less time. Enrollment status impacts completion time. For instance, if you enroll as a part-time student, you can expect to spend more time completing your degree. But if you enroll as a full-time student, your completion time can be cut shorter. Part-time statistics degree online programs may take two to four years to complete, while full-time programs take 12-18 months.
One caveat for part-time programs is the longer completion time. However, part-time programs offer flexibility and convenience, which is especially important for working students who want to finish a degree at their own pace. Part-time programs allow you to take one or two classes per term and move at a slower pace toward degree completion. On the flip side, full-time programs provide a quick pace that leads to a degree in a shorter amount of time. Once you have your degree, you will be eligible to negotiate with your employer for advancement and higher earnings.
Sources:
College Navigator
By CVO Staff
February 2021
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