Quick Highlights:
- Our #1 ranking college for a business intelligence degree is Arizona State University, followed by Washington State University.
- These roles focus on technology and understanding business processes, leading to senior management opportunities.
- Business intelligence professionals are in high demand, with a 36% job outlook increase by 2031 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- The best college for a business intelligence degree will help you to secure roles that drive and shape the way that organizations do business.
Data analysts, particularly those working within large organizations, earn some of the highest salaries among support staff you’ll find. Based on figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) alone, you could be earning upwards of $100,000 with some experience under your belt.
These positions, which are highly focused upon the use of technology and understanding a business and its processes in-depth, can also pave the way for more senior roles in management.
Even better, business intelligence professionals are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 36% increase in the job outlook through 2031.
If you’re good with numbers, computers, and have a knack for business, check out the ten best colleges for business intelligence.
Related:
- Top Colleges for Business Administration
- Best Online Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources
- Top Business Law Schools
- Best Entrepreneur Colleges
What Are the Best Colleges for Business Intelligence?
At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@www.collegerank.net.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) has topped the U.S. News & World Report’s most innovative university ranking consecutively for more than half a decade. This institution has also been placed among the top 5 universities in the world for global impact in:
- Research
- Outreach
- Stewardship
ASU offers a Bachelor of Science in business data analytics, which will teach you the necessary skills to work in business analysis. These skills include:
- Data gathering and research
- Data visualization and modeling
- Data asset analysis
- Database management
Based at the W.P. Carey School of Business, the business intelligence program is available through face-to-face instruction or via online distance learning.
Undergraduate admission requirements for this bachelor’s degree include a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.4. Alternatively, a 1230 SAT Reasoning or 25 ACT score can be used.
On application, as a freshman, you’ll be advised to choose a second major. Other business majors—such as business administration—are good choices for future employability.
On average, an undergraduate at ASU will pay around $11,348 in tuition as a resident of Arizona, or $29,438 for out-of-state students. Students qualify for the in-state rates after living within Arizona for a period of at least one year.
For a more accurate approximation of your tuition and fees, you can check out the ASU tuition estimator.
Washington State University
Washington State University offers a range of programs at every level, taught both on-campus and through the eLearning Global Campus. As a student, you’ll be a Cougar, sharing facilities and having access to a vast number of student organizations. According to U.S. News & World Report, WSU is ranked highly among best value schools and national universities.
The data analytics bachelor’s program at WSU includes a core curriculum in:
- Mathematics
- Computer science
- Statistics
All students are required to also complete a specialization track. You can choose from a business track and actuarial track, each with its own curriculum.
In this bachelor’s degree program, you will gain a broad understanding of data analytics tools and techniques, allowing you to evaluate organizational performance and predict future needs. The program is available to both new freshmen and transferring students alike. You’ll need to submit official transcripts along with your application to ensure that you meet the program requirements.
Undergraduate tuition at Washington State University typically runs at around $12,417 annually for state residents or $27,733 for non-residents. The total costs including mandatory fees, housing, and dining are around $24,909 and $39,907 respectively. These figures are based on a student taking between 10 and 18 credits per semester.
Texas A & M University-Commerce
At Texas A&M Commerce, you’ll have a choice of over 100 academic programs and study within class sizes averaging 24 students. You’ll have access to direct, one-to-one mentoring from top faculty members, too. Outside of the classroom, other opportunities include:
- Internships
- Research opportunities
- Hands-on experiences
As an approved STEM program, the Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Analytics at Texas A&M will prepare you with all the relevant skills you’ll need to launch a career in business intelligence. Through this business analytics degree, you’ll cover the collection, organization, and analysis of data and learn how to use it to solve problems or make decisions.
Lasting for around four years, the business analytics degree is based at the Commerce, Frisco campus, though it is also available online via distance learning. The business analytics program comprises 120 credit hours and doesn’t require a thesis. It has been running for more than a decade, so you can be sure that you’re receiving tried and tested tuition.
Texas A&M Commerce, like most universities, charges different tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. Residents of Texas pay around $10,026 in annual tuition, while out-of-state students pay considerably more at around $22,266. Fees of around $4,168 are charged at the same rate for both groups of students.
Webster University
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Webster University was established in 1915 and today provides study options across the USA, Europe, Africa, and Asia. It’s accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and offers programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Its programs have also featured highly in rankings by U.S. News & World Report, including America’s Best Colleges and the best study abroad programs.
Webster University offers a Bachelor of Science in data analytics program, which blends together 39 required credit hours with a range of electives. Required courses include titles such as:
- Descriptive Statistics
- Business Mathematics
- Information Analysis
- Data Analytics Methods
A minimum of 21 of these required 39 credit hours must be taken at Webster.
Students who enroll in this data analytics program will gain experience in skills that are essential in business analysis, including:
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- How to use data analysis software packages
You’ll demonstrate how to organize and analyze data and apply visualization techniques, while understanding how this data can influence business decisions.
The typical yearly cost of tuition is around $30,530 for undergraduate students; this is based on a schedule of around 13 to 18 credit hours per semester. Some programs charge on a per-credit basis, which varies based on campus; what’s more, military-affiliated students could see a discount in tuition.
Grand Canyon University
A private Christian university, Grand Canyon University offers degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, many of which can be studied online through distance learning.
According to the website, GCU ranks highly in areas such as:
- Housing affordability
- Wage growth
- Startup survival rates
While GCU is a Christian school, students of any faith and background are welcome to apply.
This Bachelor of Science in applied business analytics degree was designed with a specific set of skills in mind. These skills include:
- The ability to make strategic and tactical business decisions
- Data collection and analysis techniques
- Effective communication with stakeholders
- Project management techniques
- Applying predictive and prescriptive analytics techniques
You’ll take a total of around 120 credits, with an option of transferring up to 90 credits maximum from previous college courses. The business analytics curriculum includes:
- 34-40 credits of general education courses
- 40 credits of major courses
- 40-46 open elective credits
There are three learning styles at GCU:
- Traditional, campus-based learning
- Evening classes
- Online programs
Tuition can vary depending on the route taken, but a typical campus-based undergraduate will pay around $16,500 regardless of residency. Students also pay an average of around $7,700 for room and board and $1,600 in fees.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Undergraduates at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota can choose from more than 55 majors, while other options are available for graduates or as certificate programs. Founded in 1912, today the institution has a total enrollment of around 5,500 and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
To graduate from Saint Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Science in business intelligence and data analytics, you’ll need to satisfy 122 credits. This includes 24 credits of required business courses and 15 credits each for both required business intelligence and data analytics courses, and required communication courses. The remainder of the credits comprise electives and a capstone course.
Business intelligence course titles include topics such as:
- Economics for Managers
- Applied Leadership and Management
- Business Law
- Data Mining
Your specialist courses will include areas such as:
- Information Systems for Business Intelligence
- Data Mining for Decision Making
- Business Computer Applications
This program can also be taken as a Bachelor of Science double major in business administration and business intelligence.
Undergraduates enrolled at Saint Mary’s University can expect to pay approximately $37,650 in tuition, plus room costs of $5,390 and board at around $4,240. There are additional fees that include an activity fee of $170, technology fee of $380, and laundry fee of $80.
Bellevue College
Bellevue College offers degree programs for both undergraduates and graduates, with over 80 degree programs in various high-growth fields. Situated in beautiful, 46-acre grounds, the main campus is located in Nebraska and welcomes around 10,000 students each year, including many who choose to study online.
Bellevue offers a BAS (Bachelor of Applied Science) with a concentration in business intelligence, which covers areas such as:
- Data warehousing
- Multidimensional analysis
- ETL (extract, transform, load) strategies
Business intelligence courses are available in the evening, allowing working professionals to gain a bachelor’s degree without sacrificing their existing role or busy schedule.
While you have a choice of what major to pair with this concentration, many students opt for a BAS in information systems and technology or similar. Pairing your business intelligence concentration with a degree program focused upon IT, especially for business use, could help to advance your career more quickly after graduation.
Tuition at Bellevue College is $4,057 for in-state students and $9,594 for out-of-state students.
DeVry University
DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and has been welcoming students for over 85 years. Programs are offered both fully online and on-campus, at one of over 45 locations. You also get access to 24/7 on-demand tutoring and one-on-one faculty support, in addition to dedicated student support teams.
DeVry University offers several bachelor’s degree programs with a specialization in business intelligence and analytics management. You can pair this degree with three majors, including:
- Business administration
- Management
- Technical management
These business intelligence degrees lead to well-rounded graduates who have exceptional knowledge and skills in the areas of:
- Business analysis
- Business administration
- Management
- Technology
Your business intelligence curriculum will cover essential skills, such as:
- Critical thinking
- Analysis and implementation
- Management
- Complex problem solving
The program structure is varied and includes courses from a wide variety of disciplines. Undergraduate students at DeVry University will pay approximately $651 per credit hour in tuition. There is an additional discount for military, corporate, and government partners.
This university offers numerous scholarships and grants, including the Tech Essentials Grant, Business Edge Scholarship, and more. Additionally, financial aid is available.
Creighton University
Every new student at Creighton University will join the official orientation process, which has been running for more than 70 years. This process helps all New Jays to feel welcome and get familiar with campus, as well as to access the more than two hundred student clubs and organizations.
The business intelligence and analytics undergraduate degree program at Creighton University offers a minor in applied information technology. This minor is suitable for students who want to understand more about IT concepts and how they are applied in a business environment. You’ll cover topics like data management and data analysis.
You can also choose from three specializations, including:
- Business analytics
- Digital media and design
- Information technology
After graduation, you’ll be ready to work in a range of fields in the business intelligence industry. Creighton’s bachelor’s degree graduates are commonly employed in roles involving work with:
- Database or network administration
- Business analytics
- Consulting
- Web strategy
Students at Creighton University pay varying rates of tuition depending upon the major chosen. At the Heider College of Business, as an undergraduate you’ll pay around $41,176 in tuition (12 to 18 credit hours per semester). Fees include a $552 technology fee and $3,114 for student health insurance.
Clarkson University
Students at Clarkson University have plenty of opportunities to get involved outside of the classroom. There are more than 250 clubs, organizations, and teams to choose from, including the campus newspaper and radio station. Inside the classroom, more than 4,800 students study from a choice of over 90 programs.
This Bachelor of Science in business intelligence and data analytics (BIDA) comprises:
- 42 credit hours in foundation business knowledge
- 21 credit hours of specialized coursework
- 6 credit hours of electives
You’ll also dedicate 33 credit hours to the Clarkson Common Experience, a group of common courses required by all students, irrespective of major.
As part of the BIDA core requirements, you will take part in a project-based, hands-on experience. This could be an internship, community or research project, or other activity that is aligned with your career aspirations. As a Clarkson business student, you will also be expected to undertake a global experience, which could be a semester exchange program for example.
Undergraduate students at Clarkson University pay around $56,642 per year in tuition (around $28,321 per semester). Housing costs roughly $10,026 per year, while meal plans come in at around $7,776. There are additional fees, including an activity fee ($350), health, wellness, and recreation fee ($670), and other optional fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average undergraduate degree costs around $10,000 to $30,000 per year for tuition. The amount you pay depends on whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student, the type of school you attend (e.g., public or private), and how much financial aid you receive. Factoring in other expenses, like fees, books and supplies, and room and board, the average cost of college is nearly $36,500 per year, according to the Education Data Initiative.
Yes, studying business intelligence can be worth it from salary and job availability perspectives. As noted earlier, the median salary for business intelligence-related jobs is well above the national average. And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many related careers are expected to be in high demand in the coming years:
• Market research analysts (13 percent expected growth)
• Management analysts (10 percent expected growth)
• Computer systems analysts (10 percent expected growth)
Studying business intelligence online can also be cheaper as there is no cost to commute and no added room or board expenses. The flexibility of studying when you have time also makes online programs worth it because you can continue working full-time if you choose.
Many bachelor’s in business intelligence graduates become business intelligence analysts. These professionals collect and analyze data for a business to determine the best ways the business can grow. Specifically, this includes:
• Collecting business intelligence data
• Storing the data in a company’s database
• Analyzing the data to identify trends
• Using the analysis results to make recommendations for the business
Some business intelligence graduates also become business intelligence developers who combine the skills of a business analyst and a software developer. For example, these professionals write code and develop software for various network applications.
Most business intelligence degrees are either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in business intelligence. Other popular options include Applied Science, Computer Science, and Information Technology. Management, Technical Management, and Business Analytics are other common options. These degree programs require about four years of full-time studies to complete. This works out to about 12-15 credits per semester.
Yes, you can earn an online business intelligence degree from various universities. A good online program offers the same bachelor’s in business intelligence degree as its on-campus counterpart. When considering an online business intelligence degree, keep the following things in mind:
• Accreditation: Make sure the university offering the online program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body.
• Curriculum: Review the business intelligence curriculum to ensure it covers topics such as data analysis, visualization, and warehousing. Business analytics and courses on relevant software tools are also important.
• Technology and support: Check to see what type of online learning platform the institution uses. Ensure you get the technical support you need to succeed in an online learning environment.
Remember that the quality of online programs varies, so do your research before applying to a business intelligence degree online. Look for online programs that align with your career goals and that will help you develop the tools to succeed.
Business intelligence and business analytics are similar, but a few key differences set them apart. For example, business intelligence typically collects, organizes, and presents data to support business decision-making. It covers topics related to:
• Data warehousing
• Data integration
• Reporting
• Dashboard creation
Additionally, business intelligence degree graduates are well-equipped to work with tools that help organizations and businesses monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and track trends in real time.
On the other hand, a business analytics degree emphasizes using data to:
• Make predictions
• Identify patterns
• Provide insights for strategic decision-making
Business analytics graduates are often employed in roles where they analyze data to provide insights that guide long-term business strategies. Depending on your career goals and interests, you can choose the degree that aligns with the level of data analysis and interpretation in which you wish to specialize.
A business intelligence degree can lead to many analytical and data-driven careers, including the following:
• Cost estimator
• Business intelligence analyst
• Business intelligence developer
• Market research analyst
• Management analyst
• Financial analyst
• Computer systems analyst
Management positions are a possibility if you have a master’s degree in business intelligence. Many employers do not require this for entry-level or even more advanced roles. However, a master’s or doctoral degree can give you a competitive advantage over other candidates when trying to rise to a management role.
Obtaining certification in your area of specialization is another way to potentially advance your career to a management position. For example, if you’re a financial analyst, you could work towards the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) certification, which is awarded by the CFA Institute.
Business intelligence graduates can make anywhere from $38,000 to $132,000 per year as market research analysts. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for this position is $68,230. You might also pursue a career as a management analyst, where the median annual salary is $95,290. Other options include the following:
• Computer systems analyst (median yearly salary of $102,240)
• Financial analyst (median yearly salary of $95,080)
• Cost estimator (median yearly salary of $71,200)
Aside from your specific job, your particular degree and degree level, training and certifications, and experience will affect how much money you make.
Yes. Aside from excellent income potential, business intelligence jobs are widely varied. You can choose from a number of different career paths, and there are many opportunities to advance your career. There are also many opportunities to learn new skills and technologies. This helps you perform your job better and prepares you for career advancement in a different role. This is a good career because of job security, too. Business intelligence isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. If anything, the career opportunities in this field will significantly increase in the coming years.
Yes, there are many different types of scholarships for business intelligence. You can use scholarship search sites to find business intelligence scholarships based on need and merit. There are also specialized scholarships for women and people of color. Your school’s financial aid office can provide assistance to find funding that offsets the cost of your degree.