What to Expect from a 2-Year Data Analytics Associate Degree
A 2-year Associate Degree in Data Analytics provides foundational training for students interested in interpreting data to solve real-world problems. Offered by many colleges such as Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), Lone Star College, and Broward College, this degree focuses on practical data skills used across industries like healthcare, business, finance, and technology. Students graduate with the ability to analyze data sets, develop data visualizations, and communicate results clearly.
Program Length and Format
Most data analytics associate degrees require around 60 to 65 credit hours and take two years to complete for full-time students. Many schools offer fully online options with flexible scheduling. For example, SNHU delivers 8-week terms fully online, allowing students to complete 20 courses at their own pace.
Programs may lead to an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS), depending on whether the focus is academic transfer or career readiness. Schools like Colorado Christian University offer five-week course blocks, while others like Maricopa Community Colleges follow traditional semester schedules.
What You Will Study
Courses in a typical program cover technical, mathematical, and business aspects of data analytics. Common topics include:
- Intro to Python and Intro to R
- Data Mining and Predictive Analytics
- SQL and Database Design
- Data Visualization using tools like Power BI or Tableau
- Statistics and Probability
- Ethics and Data Governance
- Business Intelligence Concepts
For instance, SNHU includes courses like DAT 205 Role of Data Analysis in Organizations and DAT 250 Data Policy and Decision Making. Lone Star College focuses on using machine learning and data modeling to interpret structured and unstructured data.
Skills Gained
Graduates develop job-ready skills such as:
- Querying and managing databases
- Interpreting statistical results
- Creating visual data reports
- Using scripting languages (e.g., Python, R)
- Communicating findings to varied audiences
- Understanding data governance and ethics
These skills are valued in industries that rely on data for decision-making, from healthcare to logistics.
Admissions Requirements
Most programs require:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Online application (many with no fee)
- No SAT/ACT or essays
For example, SNHU’s application process includes a short form and optional document submission. Broward College and others may require proof of readiness for college-level English and math.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition varies by school and residency but generally ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 for the full degree. Here’s a breakdown from SNHU:
- $330 per credit
- $990 per course
- ~$19,800 for 60 credits
Military students receive discounted tuition. Many schools allow up to 45 transfer credits, reducing costs. Financial aid is available through FAFSA
Top Schools
Data Analytics has become an indispensable skill set across industries—from finance and healthcare to marketing and e‑commerce—and an associate degree can be your fast track into this dynamic field.
The programs profiled below span community colleges, technical institutes, and online universities, each offering a blend of hands‑on projects, industry tools (like Python, R, SQL, Tableau, and Power BI), and coursework in machine learning, data modeling, and visualization.
Whether you’re a first‑time student, a career changer, or a working professional, these 60–90 credit curricula provide flexible delivery formats (in‑person, online, or hybrid), stackable certificates, and pathways to both immediate employment and further academic advancement.
| School | Location | Degree | Credit Hours | Format | Unique / Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lone Star College | The Woodlands, TX | AAS in Data Analytics | 60 | In‑person (multiple campuses) | Hands‑on data mining, ML & NLP; EDUC 1300 required for FTIC students |
| Broward College | Davie, FL | AS in Data Analytics | ≈ 60 | Online & On‑campus | Real‑world labs; Tableau, Power BI, Python & R; clear AS → BS pathway |
| Pasadena City College | Pasadena, CA | AS in Business Data Analytics + Certificate of Achievement | ≈ 60 (AS)/≈ 18 (Cert) | In‑person | Business‑centered projects; portfolio building; C‑grade minimum for certificate |
| Rasmussen University | Multiple, Online | Bachelor’s in Data Analytics | N/A | Fully online | Accelerated 18‑month completion; industry cert prep (SAS, Tableau); career services |
| Sinclair College | Dayton, OH | AAS in Data Analytics | 65 | In‑person | Embedded certificates awarded automatically; emphasis on stakeholder communication |
| Colorado Christian University (CCU) | Lakewood, CO | AS in Data Analytics | 60 | 100% online (5‑week terms) | Faith‑based curriculum; small classes; generous transfer policy |
| Ivy Tech Community College | Anderson, IN | AAS & AS in Data Analytics | 60 | In‑person & online | NextLevel Jobs free‑tuition option; short‑ & long‑term certificate tracks |
| Maricopa Community Colleges | Tempe, AZ | AAS in Data Analytics | 62–70 | In‑person | Certification‑ready (Power BI, Tableau, MOS); 5‑year credit validity window |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, NH | AS in Data Analytics | 60 | Online (8‑week courses) | $330/credit; stackable to BS; 20-course self‑paced format |
| Lamar Institute of Technology | Beaumont, TX | AAS in Data Analytics | 60 | In‑person | 51 lecture & 24 lab hours; covers big data & ML; C‑grade minimum required |
Lone Star College
https://www.lonestar.edu/programs-of-study/Data-Analytics-AAS.htm
The Woodlands, Texas
Program Overview and Curriculum
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Data Analytics at Lone Star College is a two-year workforce-ready program offered at LSC-Tomball, LSC-University Park, and LSC-Creekside Center. This hands-on degree equips students with skills in data mining, modeling, machine learning, and natural language processing. The 60-credit curriculum covers programming languages, data visualization tools, and the ability to interpret large structured and unstructured datasets. First-time college students are required to take EDUC 1300 – Learning Framework, with additional support for those needing college-level readiness in reading and writing.
Outcomes and Career Preparation
Graduates of the program are prepared to enter the workforce as data analysts with the ability to analyze, process, and interpret large data sets using statistical software and dynamic data reporting tools. The curriculum emphasizes practical, job-oriented skills tailored to current employer demands. This program is ideal for students looking to quickly gain employment in data-related roles across various industries.
Broward College
https://catalog.broward.edu/programs-study/data-analytics-as/
Davie, FL
Skill-Focused Curriculum for Future Analysts
Broward College offers an Associate of Science in Data Analytics designed to equip students with a broad set of practical skills to launch a career in data analysis. The program is available fully online and at the A. Hugh Adams Central Campus. Students must have a high school diploma or GED to enroll. The curriculum covers essential areas such as data collection, storage, SQL database querying, data visualization using industry tools like Tableau and Power BI, basic statistics, and machine learning fundamentals. Programming languages like Python and R are also integrated into the coursework.
Career Preparation and Academic Advancement
Graduates of the program are prepared for entry-level roles such as data analyst, business intelligence specialist, or junior data scientist. The hands-on labs and real-world projects build technical skills and communication abilities, enabling students to translate complex data insights into actionable business strategies. This associate degree also serves as a foundation for Broward’s bachelor’s degree in Data Analytics, offering students a clear academic and professional pathway for advancement.
Pasadena City College
Business-Centered Data Analytics Training
Pasadena City College offers an Associate in Science Degree in Business Data Analytics, along with a Certificate of Achievement option. This program provides students with foundational knowledge of how data analytics is applied in business settings. Courses emphasize tools and techniques used to extract, model, and interpret large data sets, as well as present findings in formats suited for decision-making.
Practical Tools for Business Intelligence
Graduates will develop skills in Python, dashboard creation, data visualization, and statistical programming. They will learn how to apply predictive analytics and translate business goals into data-driven solutions. Students also build portfolios through real-world projects, preparing them for careers as data analysts, data scientists, or business intelligence professionals. The certificate is awarded upon completion of required courses with a grade of C or better.
Rasmussen University
https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/data-analytics/
FL, IL, KS, MN, ND, WI
Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degree Option
Rasmussen University’s online Bachelor’s Degree in Data Analytics can be completed in as few as 18 months. The program is tailored for those seeking to upskill or transition into data-focused roles, offering flexible online learning supported by interactive sessions, real-world projects, and access to tutoring and career services.
Industry-Relevant Tools and Certifications
Students learn to work with tools like Tableau, Microsoft Azure, and Excel, as well as programming languages including Python, R, and SQL. The curriculum supports preparation for industry certifications such as SAS Certified Base Programmer and Tableau Desktop Qualified Associate. With a focus on business and technical skills, the program prepares graduates for roles such as data analyst, business intelligence developer, and web analytics analyst.
Sinclair College
https://www.sinclair.edu/program/params/programCode/DATA-S-AAS/
Dayton, Ohio
Applied Learning in Data Analytics
Sinclair College offers a 65-credit hour Associate of Applied Science in Data Analytics. This program prepares students for entry-level roles in business intelligence and data analytics by developing skills in data extraction, visualization, SQL, data modeling, and project management. The coursework emphasizes communication and collaboration with stakeholders to deliver actionable insights.
Built-In Certifications and Career Opportunities
This degree includes embedded certificates that are automatically awarded upon completion, helping students build credentials as they progress. Graduates can pursue roles such as data analyst, business intelligence analyst, data engineer, or systems analyst. With practical skills in systems development and project documentation, students leave well-equipped for a career in the data-driven workforce.
Colorado Christian University (CCU)
https://www.ccu.edu/ccu/data-analytics/associate/
Lakewood, Colorado
Online, Faith-Based Data Analytics Degree
CCU’s Associate of Science in Data Analytics is a 100% online program designed for students interested in integrating data analysis skills with a Christian worldview. The program focuses on database design, data engineering, and business intelligence. Courses are delivered in five-week blocks to allow flexibility, with students taking one course at a time for better focus and comprehension.
Career Readiness with a Biblical Foundation
The 60-credit program can be completed in under two years and features small class sizes and direct access to faculty. Students develop skills in data processing, pattern recognition, and statistical analysis, preparing for roles such as data analyst, market research analyst, or business intelligence consultant. CCU’s generous credit transfer policy also allows for accelerated degree completion.
Ivy Tech Community College
https://www.ivytech.edu/programs/all-academic-programs/school-of-information-technology/data-analytics/
Anderson, IN
Affordable and Accessible Data Analytics Degrees
Ivy Tech offers both an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Associate of Science (AS) in Data Analytics, each requiring 60 credit hours over four semesters. With tuition starting at $10,703 and options for free tuition through NextLevel Jobs, the program is accessible and workforce-ready. Ivy Tech also offers short-term and long-term certificates for those seeking upskilling or specialization.
In-Demand Skills with Diverse Career Paths
Students receive hands-on training in data organization, database management, business reporting, data visualization, and analytics tools. The curriculum includes foundational analytics approaches—descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive. Career paths range from business analyst to healthcare data analyst, with job opportunities in private, public, and remote sectors. The program is available at multiple Indiana campuses and fully online.
Maricopa Community Colleges
Practical Curriculum for Business Decision-Making
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Data Analytics from Maricopa Community Colleges is a 62–70 credit program designed to teach students how to analyze, model, and visualize large data sets for effective business decision-making. Offered under the Computer and Information Technology field, the curriculum emphasizes the use of software development techniques and modern computer applications such as Python, Excel, Access, and Power BI. Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses, and some course credits must be completed within five years of graduation. This hands-on learning environment prepares students to apply database management, statistical techniques, and machine learning to solve real-world problems.
Certification-Ready and Career-Focused
Graduates of the program are equipped for industry certifications including Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst, Tableau Certified Analyst, and Microsoft Office Specialist. Outcomes of the program include the ability to build relational databases, perform statistical analysis, use data modeling for visualization, and communicate results to stakeholders across disciplines. The program supports career paths in roles such as data analyst or operations research analyst, with local salaries for these positions averaging around $78,330 in Arizona. Students are encouraged to meet with advisors to personalize their course sequence and explore potential transfer options.
Southern New Hampshire University
https://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/associate/as-in-data-analytics
Manchester, NH
Flexible and Career-Aligned Online Learning
Southern New Hampshire University’s online Associate of Science in Data Analytics is designed for flexibility and workforce relevance. This 60-credit program consists of 20 courses, each delivered in 8-week terms, allowing students to progress at their own pace. At $330 per credit, the program provides an affordable entry point into the data field. Students learn how to apply both quantitative and qualitative analytics methods, use data to solve organizational problems, and effectively communicate findings to various audiences.
Stackable Credentials for Career Growth
The curriculum explores topics such as data policy, emerging technologies, data validation, and decision-making using Big Data. Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles across multiple industries or can transfer all 60 credits toward SNHU’s BS in Data Analytics program. Skills learned are applicable in areas like business management, cybersecurity, and software development. This program is ideal for learners new to data analytics or those looking to build a solid foundation before moving into more specialized bachelor’s-level studies.
Lamar Institute of Technology
https://www.lit.edu/programs/business/data-analytics/aas
Beaumont, TX
Technical and Business Analytics Training
The Associate of Applied Science in Data Analytics at Lamar Institute of Technology is a 60-credit program designed to prepare students for entry-level careers in data analytics, business intelligence, and related fields. With 51 lecture hours and 24 lab hours, the program combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students explore data visualization, programming languages, statistical analysis, and database management, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the analytics field.
Adaptable Skills for Evolving Industries
Graduates will be equipped to enter diverse sectors such as healthcare, finance, marketing, and e-commerce. The program supports career flexibility by covering high-demand topics like machine learning, big data, and industry-specific applications. Students must earn a minimum grade of “C” in all recommended courses. The program emphasizes practical tools and methodologies, offering learners a foundation in analytics with the potential to specialize in various professional pathways depending on their interests and career goals.
Estimating Student Loan Repayment for a Data Analytics Associate Degree
Pursuing an associate degree in Data Analytics is an investment that can pay off with strong job prospects and competitive salaries. On average, tuition for these programs ranges from $10,000 to $14,000, so let’s use $12,000 as a reasonable estimate for total tuition costs.
According to national data, the average starting salary for data analytics roles at the associate degree level is approximately $52,000 per year.
If you dedicate a portion of your annual salary toward repaying your student loan, here’s how long it would take to pay off a $12,000 loan:
- 5% of salary ($2,600/year): Approximately 4.6 years
- 10% of salary ($5,200/year): Approximately 2.3 years
- 15% of salary ($7,800/year): Approximately 1.5 years
- 20% of salary ($10,400/year): Approximately 1.2 years
These estimates assume no interest accrual for simplicity. While actual repayment terms will vary based on loan terms and interest rates, these projections highlight how quickly this educational investment could be recouped with a modest income commitment. With relatively low tuition and a growing demand for data professionals, earning an associate degree in data analytics offers a practical and financially manageable pathway into the tech-driven workforce.