Lakeland, FL – Florida Polytechnic University’s undergraduate data science program has been ranked No. 9 in the nation for 2026 by TechGuide.org, placing it in the top 10 alongside Stanford, MIT, and Duke—and ahead of Caltech, Penn State, Northwestern, and Yale.
The ranking, from TechGuide.org’s Best Campus Bachelor’s in Data Science Programs for 2026, highlights Florida Poly’s rising national reputation in high-demand STEM fields.
Provost Dr. Brad Thiessen said the program provides students with essential analytical and technical skills for the technology-driven economy. The curriculum combines applied mathematics, computer science, statistics, optimization, data mining, and machine learning.
Graduates pursue roles as data analysts, data engineers, data scientists, or research analysts. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2024 median wage of $112,590 for data scientists, with 34% job growth projected through 2034.
Dr. Paul Hettler, chair of the Department of Data Science and Business Analytics, noted the program’s emphasis on hands-on learning, faculty mentorship, real-world applications, and translating data into actionable insights.
Among the top 20 programs, Florida Poly’s is the most affordable, with four-year in-state tuition and fees at $19,760.
Andy Oguntola, assistant vice president for enrollment management, emphasized that affordability supports the university’s mission to deliver world-class STEM education accessible to all students.
TechGuide.org evaluated programs using U.S. Department of Education data, including admissions selectivity, class size, financial aid, graduation outcomes, and enrollment.
SOURCE: FLORIDA POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
