Best colleges for Applied Statistics
A program that focuses on the application of statistics to the solution of functional problems in fields such as business, engineering, medicine, and the applied sciences.
38 U.S. institutions graduated 562 Applied Statistics students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 27.0601, a specialization of Applied Statistics (CIP 27.06), and leads most directly to the Statisticians occupation (BLS SOC 15-2041).
About Applied Statistics programs
A program that focuses on the application of statistics to the solution of functional problems in fields such as business, engineering, medicine, and the applied sciences. Includes instruction in the principles in inference, probability theory, regression analysis, descriptive statistics, stochastic processes, Monte Carlo method, Bayesian statistics, non-parametric statistics, sampling theory, statistical computing, and statistical techniques.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Applied Statistics program focuses on leveraging statistical methods to solve practical problems across various fields, including business, engineering, medicine, and the applied sciences. This program is designed for students who are interested in applying mathematical principles to real-world situations, making it ideal for those aiming to impact data-driven decision-making processes.
Students in the Applied Statistics program gain essential skills in mathematics, statistical computing, and data analysis. Coursework typically covers topics such as probability theory, regression analysis, Bayesian statistics, and sampling theory, equipping graduates with the knowledge needed to interpret and analyze complex data sets.
Credentials awarded
What Applied Statistics graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree351 graduates / yr · 23 institutions63%
- Bachelor's degree111 graduates / yr · 8 institutions20%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate80 graduates / yr · 12 institutions14%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship17 graduates / yr · 4 institutions3.0%
- Associate's degree2 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.4%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.2%
Graduates over time
Applied Statistics completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 183 |
| 2021 | 498 |
| 2022 | 529 |
| 2023 | 526 |
| 2024 | 553 |
| 2025 | 562 |
CIP 27.0601 was introduced in CIP 2020, so the series starts when institutions began reporting under the new code.
Top 38 institutions for Applied Statistics, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale, AZPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 63 | 0% | — |
| 2 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MIPublicMaster's | 58 | 93% | — |
| 3 | Michigan Technological University Houghton, MIPublicPost-degree cert.Master's | 58 | 68% | — |
| 4 | Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MDPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 49 | 94% | $11,888 |
| 5 | Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 38 | 70% | $28,133 |
| 6 | Colorado State University - Fort Collins Fort Collins, COPublicMaster's | 30 | 67% | — |
| 7 | Brigham Young University - Idaho Rexburg, IDPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 30 | 55% | $6,760 |
| 8 | Dartmouth College Hanover, NHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 30 | 96% | $14,689 |
| 9 | University of Kansas Lawrence, KSPublicMaster's | 28 | 69% | — |
| 10 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VAPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 24 | 86% | — |
| 11 | Baylor University Waco, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 22 | 80% | $35,682 |
| 12 | University of Delaware Newark, DEPublicMaster's | 14 | 81% | — |
| 13 | The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, ALPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 13 | 73% | — |
| 14 | Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, NCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 12 | 89% | $20,914 |
| 15 | Villanova University Villanova, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 11 | 92% | $33,774 |
| 16 | Bowling Green State University Bowling Green, OHPublicMaster's | 10 | 64% | — |
| 17 | DePaul University Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 9 | 68% | $28,141 |
| 18 | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, WIPublicMaster's | 8 | 71% | — |
| 19 | University of Kentucky Lexington, KYPublicPost-degree cert.Master's | 7 | 71% | — |
| 20 | Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MIPublicMaster's | 6 | 46% | — |
| 21 | Marquette University Milwaukee, WIPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 6 | 83% | $25,376 |
| 22 | Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZPublicPost-degree cert. | 4 | 61% | — |
| 23 | Harvard University Cambridge, MAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 4 | 98% | $15,013 |
| 24 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman, OKPublicMaster's | 4 | 75% | — |
| 25 | University of Houston-Downtown Houston, TXPublicBachelor's | 3 | 33% | — |
| 26 | The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TXPublicDoctoral | 3 | 53% | — |
| 27 | University of South Alabama Mobile, ALPublicPost-degree cert. | 2 | 53% | — |
| 28 | California Baptist University Riverside, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 62% | $26,940 |
| 29 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NCPublicMaster's | 2 | 56% | — |
| 30 | University of North Dakota Grand Forks, NDPublicMaster's | 2 | 60% | — |
| 31 | Portland State University Portland, ORPublicPost-degree cert. | 2 | 53% | — |
| 32 | University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia, SCPublicPost-degree cert. | 2 | 79% | — |
| 33 | Claremont Graduate University Claremont, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 1 | — | — |
| 34 | Western Colorado University Gunnison, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 50% | — |
| 35 | Fairfield University Fairfield, CTPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 1 | 84% | $36,845 |
| 36 | Emporia State University Emporia, KSPublicPost-degree cert. | 1 | 56% | — |
| 37 | University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth North Dartmouth, MAPublicBachelor's | 1 | 52% | — |
| 38 | University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 1 | 97% | $22,055 |
Offered in 25 states
Where Applied Statistics graduates come from. Each state links to all Applied Statistics programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 15-2041, Statisticians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Applied Statistics program can pursue careers as statisticians, data scientists, and management analysts, among others. With an expected job growth rate of 8.5% and approximately 2,000 annual openings, the field offers competitive opportunities. The median wage for statisticians is around $103,300, with a typical education requirement of a master's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 27.0601
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Statisticiansprimary SOC 15-2041 | $105,650 | +8.5% Much faster than average | ~2,000 | Master's degree |
Management Analysts SOC 13-1111 | $101,860 | +8.8% Much faster than average | ~98,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Data Scientists SOC 15-2051 | $120,230 | +33.5% Much faster than average | ~23,400 | Bachelor's degree |
Natural Sciences Managers SOC 11-9121 | $167,220 | +3.7% About as fast as average | ~8,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1022 | $79,940 | +2.3% About as fast as average | ~4,400 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Actuaries SOC 15-2011 | $130,000 | +21.8% Much faster than average | ~2,400 | Bachelor's degree |
Survey Researchers SOC 19-3022 | $69,460 | -5.2% Decline | ~700 | Master's degree |
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Applied Statistics programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Analyze and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information.
- Evaluate the statistical methods and procedures used to obtain data to ensure validity, applicability, efficiency, and accuracy.
- Report results of statistical analyses, including information in the form of graphs, charts, and tables.
- Determine whether statistical methods are appropriate, based on user needs or research questions of interest.
- Prepare data for processing by organizing information, checking for inaccuracies, and adjusting and weighting the raw data.
- Develop and test experimental designs, sampling techniques, and analytical methods.
Tools and technology used
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in Applied Statistics?+
You can earn a bachelor's degree, master's degree, postbaccalaureate certificate, or a doctor's degree in Applied Statistics.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in mathematics, critical thinking, data analysis, and statistical computing.
What careers can I pursue with a degree in Applied Statistics?+
You can work as a statistician, data scientist, management analyst, or in other related fields.
What is the job outlook for statisticians?+
The job outlook for statisticians is much faster than average, with an expected growth rate of 8.5%.
What is the CIP code for Applied Statistics?+
Applied Statistics is CIP 27.0601 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Applied Statistics (CIP 27.06). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the application of statistics to the solution of functional problems in fields such as business, engineering, medicine, and the applied sciences. Includes instruction in the principles in inference, probability theory, regression analysis, descriptive statistics, stochastic processes, Monte Carlo method, Bayesian statistics, non-parametric statistics, sampling theory, statistical computing, and statistical techniques.
How many institutions offer Applied Statistics programs?+
38 U.S. institutions reported Applied Statistics graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 25 states, awarding 562 credentials in the year. That is 100.0% of all Applied Statistics graduates.
How much do Applied Statistics graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Statisticians occupation, which Applied Statistics most directly leads to, pays a median of $105,650 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license. This specialization accounts for nearly all Applied Statistics graduates, so its figures match the Applied Statistics program page.
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