Masters in Data Science Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank: Full Scholarship Options

Data science is one of the fastest growing and highest paying careers, but graduate programs can be costly. Good news – many schools offer full-ride scholarships to attract top talent.

This guide compiles full funding opportunities for a Masters in Data Science. You’ll learn about competitive national awards plus scholarships unique to certain schools and backgrounds.

By the end, you’ll feel empowered to strategically target the right options and craft stand-out applications to fund your degree without debt. Let’s explore your funding potential!

Why Pursue Fully-Funded Data Science Education?

Major scholarships spare the substantial costs of advanced study in this field:

• Alleviate financial burden, focus fully on academics rather than working through a program.
• Graduate with zero loans, allowing fast career starts instead of repayment stresses.
• Prestige of acceptance facilitates valuable industry connections and job placement.
• Some include stipends for living expenses on top of tuition/fees coverage.

Landing full support maximizes career launch and earning potential long-term.

Competitive National Scholarship Programs

The most coveted awards offer funding at top schools nationwide:

• National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship ($34k/year for 3 years)
• Ford Foundation Fellowship ($25k/year plus $10k research costs)
• Gates Cambridge Scholarship (covers education costs at University of Cambridge)
• Rhodes Scholarship (2 years at University of Oxford, all expenses paid)
• Mitchell Scholarship (up to 2 years master’s study at any Irish university)

Careful preparation yields exceptional candidates.

School-Specific Awards

Target funding unique to your target universities:

• Georgia Tech Presidential Fellowship (tuition + $20k stipend)
• University of Michigan Ford School Mastercard Fellowship (full tuition)
• Carnegie Mellon Tartan Research Fellowship ($50k stipend for 2 years)
• Northeastern Presidential Fellowship (tuition waiver + stipend)

Leverage specialized scholarships matching favored programs.

Fellowships for Underrepresented Groups

Build diversity in the field through programs like:

• Intel PhD Fellowship (full tuition + $34k/year)
• IBM PhD Fellowship (tuition + $92k stipend over 5 years)
• Microsoft Research PhD Scholarship (full costs + internships)
• Anthropic.com Women in AI Scholarship (up to $50k for degrees)

Target backgrounds enriching the data talent pipeline.

Military & Veteran Scholarship Resources

Generous benefits assist in transitioning careers, like:

• Yellow Ribbon Program (pays remaining tuition after GI Bill)
• Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act funds
• SVA Fellowship for ‘Most Valuable Student’ Veteran Candidates
• Stewart/RAND Corporation National Security Graduate Fellowships

Leverage honorable service background for masters funding.

STEM Scholarships & Research Awards

Additional sources fit those already in science fields:

• Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship ($32k/year for 5 years)
• DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship Program
• NDSEG Graduate Fellowship ($34k/year + tuition for 3 years)
• Computing Research Association Graduate Fellowship
• Siebel Scholars Program (tuition + $34k living stipend)

Build upon existing strengths and passions.

Applying Strategically

Follow guidelines and consider:

• Time submissions well before university deadlines
• Request letters highlighting research interests/potential
• Highlight relevant coursework, projects, internships
• Emphasize factors making you stand out from others
• Tailor essays/statements to each scholarship’s specific criteria
• Polish presentation, avoid errors throughout applications

Proactively position as an attractive candidate for selection.

Alternative Masters in Data Science Funding

If partial or no awards, explore:

• Graduate Research or Teaching Assistantships (tuition waivers)
• Employer Tuition Reimbursement Programs
• Federal Student and Private Loans (less desirable options)
• Online/Part-Time Programs (flexible, more affordable routes)

Maximize all cost-saving paths for financially viable degree paths.

In Summary

Rigorous evaluation and selective acceptance requirements pose challenges. But targeted scholarships, fellowships and on-campus funding sources exist to cover costs fully for a data science master’s at top-ranked schools across diverse interests and backgrounds.

This guide sparks awareness of major opportunities often overlooked. With diligent preparation, many candidates can earn advanced training debt-free and maximize career potential through impactful programs. Now you’re equipped to start crafting competitive applications.