Affordable Master's in Business Intelligence in Florida

With one of the largest public university systems in the country and some of the lowest in-state tuition rates in the Southeast, Florida is a strong place to look for an affordable master's in business intelligence. From Florida International University's data-focused MBA to the University of North Florida's STEM-designated analytics degree, the state's public universities dominate this list, offering accredited programs that build real-world skills without the debt load of many private alternatives.

As with most states, you won't find many programs using the exact title "Business Intelligence," since most schools fold this specialization into an MBA or Master of Science in Business Analytics instead. Below, we'll cover 10 of the most affordable master's programs with a business intelligence focus in Florida, what drives their cost, and how to pay for one once you've narrowed down your options.

How Much Does a Master’s in Business Intelligence Cost in Florida?

Tuition for a business intelligence–focused master's degree in Florida varies by university, but the state's public institutions tend to keep costs relatively low for Florida residents, particularly compared to private universities and out-of-state tuition rates. Programs delivered through a school's standard graduate tuition rate, rather than a separately priced online or executive track, are typically the most affordable option.

Across the programs featured in this article, total program costs generally range from about $11,000 to $26,000, with Florida's public universities clustered toward the lower end of that range and private nonprofit schools toward the higher end. Because some universities offer the same program through multiple formats at different price points, it's worth confirming which specific track you're comparing before assuming a total cost.

What Makes a Master’s in Business Intelligence Affordable in Florida?

A few recurring factors help explain why some Florida programs cost significantly less than others.

• In-state, resident tuition rates: Florida public universities generally charge Florida residents substantially less than out-of-state students, making residency one of the most significant cost factors.
• Standard graduate tuition tracks: Programs billed through a university's standard per-credit-hour graduate rate tend to cost less than specialized executive or premium online tracks at the same school.
• STEM designation: Several Florida programs are STEM-designated, which can extend eligibility for additional visa and financial aid options for qualifying students.
• Program length and credit requirements: Programs requiring fewer total credit hours, or built for accelerated completion, tend to cost less overall even at a similar per-credit rate.
• Institutional and employer aid: Scholarships, graduate assistantships, and employer tuition assistance can significantly lower out-of-pocket costs regardless of a program's sticker price.

Most Affordable Master’s in Business Intelligence Programs in Florida

Every school featured below is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), so you can count on your credits, financial aid, and degree being recognized by employers and other institutions. Here's a closer look at 10 of the most affordable options for building business intelligence skills through a master's degree in Florida. 

1. Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University's (FAU) College of Business ranks among the 15 largest business schools accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Its traditional MBA offers a business analytics concentration, layering data-focused coursework onto the program's core management curriculum, and gives students exposure to the tools and techniques used to translate raw data into business strategy.

Based in Boca Raton, FAU also offers an online MBA with its own business analytics concentration for students who need a fully remote option, though it carries a notably higher price tag than the traditional track. Students can apply for federal financial aid, and FAU's status as a Hispanic-Serving Institution has helped it build a wide range of institutional scholarship opportunities.

2. Florida Gulf Coast University

A STEM-designated MBA in Business Analytics awaits students at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), whose Lutgert College of Business holds AACSB accreditation. The 36-credit program builds skills in data interpretation, predictive modeling, and analytics-driven decision-making, all central to business intelligence work, and its STEM designation can extend eligibility for additional visa and financial aid options for qualifying students.

FGCU's Fort Myers campus serves Southwest Florida's growing business community, and the program's relatively low overall cost makes it one of the more budget-friendly STEM-designated MBA options in the state. Students can apply for federal financial aid, along with any institutional scholarships available through the university.

3. Florida International University

At Florida International University (FIU), the Chapman Graduate School of Business offers a dedicated Business Analytics MBA, a STEM-designated program built specifically around the technologies and techniques that power business intelligence work, including predictive modeling, data mining, and data visualization. The Chapman School holds AACSB accreditation, a distinction earned by a small percentage of business programs worldwide.

Miami's status as a major hub for international business and finance gives FIU graduates access to a broad regional employer network. Students can apply for federal financial aid, and FIU's status as a Hispanic-Serving Institution has helped the university expand institutional scholarship offerings for graduate students.

4. Florida State University

An online MBA with a Business Analytics specialization is available through Florida State University's AACSB-accredited College of Business, giving students a management-focused foundation layered with coursework in data interpretation and analytics-driven decision-making. The program is delivered entirely online, making it accessible to students throughout the state and beyond.

FSU's Tallahassee campus is home to one of Florida's largest research universities, and the program's online format is designed with working professionals in mind. Students can apply for federal financial aid, along with institutional scholarships available through the College of Business.

5. Saint Leo University

As a private nonprofit institution, Saint Leo University's Tapia College of Business holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and its 36-credit MBA offers a Data Analytics concentration that combines core business administration coursework with technical training in data analysis. The program is available fully online, giving students flexibility to complete coursework around work and other commitments.

Located north of Tampa, Saint Leo serves students and alumni in more than 50 countries and offers military discounts alongside its standard tuition rate. Students can apply for federal financial aid, and the university's Next Level Grad Award scholarship covers tuition for the final nine credit hours of the program for newly enrolled MBA students.

6. University of Central Florida

The Barry S. Miller College of Business at the University of Central Florida (UCF) holds AACSB accreditation, and its MBA offers a business analytics concentration that builds skills in data interpretation, statistical modeling, and analytics-driven decision-making on top of the program's core management curriculum. The concentration is designed to prepare graduates for data-focused roles across a range of industries.

UCF's Orlando campus is one of the largest universities in the country by enrollment, giving students access to an extensive alumni and employer network throughout Central Florida. Students can apply for federal financial aid, along with any institutional scholarships available through the college.

7. University of North Florida

A STEM-designated Master of Science in Business Analytics is offered through the University of North Florida's Coggin College of Business, which holds AACSB accreditation, a distinction held by fewer than 5% of business programs worldwide. The 30-credit hour program covers key business intelligence skills, including data visualization, statistical modeling, and predictive analytics, using tools like Python, R, SQL, and Tableau.

Students in the program work on real-world projects in collaboration with industry partners as part of the curriculum, giving them hands-on experience before graduation. UNF's Jacksonville campus has built strong regional employer connections, and students can apply for federal financial aid to help cover program costs.

8. University of South Florida

University of South Florida’s (USF) Muma College of Business, AACSB-accredited and nationally ranked in several business specialties, offers a Professional MBA with a Business Analytics concentration through evening and weekend formats in Tampa and St. Petersburg. The concentration builds analytical skills through hands-on coursework with data tools and software, preparing graduates for data-focused roles across industries.

USF also offers a separate Online MBA with its own Data Analytics concentration for students who need a fully remote option, though it's priced differently than the in-state Professional MBA track. Students can apply for federal financial aid, and USF has been recognized among the top schools in the nation for veterans, with extensive Post-9/11 GI Bill support.

9. University of Tampa

Data science and business converge in the University of Tampa's STEM-designated Master of Science in Business Analytics, housed within the AACSB-accredited John H. Sykes College of Business. The 32-credit program focuses on building technical and analytical skills, including statistical modeling, data visualization, and predictive analytics, that translate directly into business intelligence work.

As a private university in the heart of downtown Tampa, the school gives students access to a dense network of regional employers across finance, healthcare, and technology. Students can apply for federal financial aid, along with any institutional scholarships available through the Sykes College of Business.

10. University of West Florida

The University of West Florida's (UWF) College of Business holds AACSB accreditation, and its MBA offers a business analytics emphasis that builds skills in data interpretation and analytics-driven decision-making alongside the program's core management curriculum. The emphasis is designed to prepare graduates for data-focused roles without requiring a separate, standalone analytics degree.

UWF's Pensacola campus serves the Florida Panhandle region, and the university's online delivery format extends access to students well beyond the immediate area. Students can apply for federal financial aid, along with any institutional scholarships available through the College of Business.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. For the programs listed above, we also considered:

• Accreditation: We confirm each school holds regional accreditation, and note any program-specific business accreditation, such as AACSB or ACBSP, since these signal a higher standard of curriculum and faculty quality.
• Affordability and financial aid: We compare total program costs, including per-credit-hour pricing, along with the availability of federal, state, and institutional financial aid.
• Student outcomes: We consider factors like industry hiring partnerships, graduation rates, and career preparation where available, to gauge how well a program prepares graduates for business intelligence roles.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What Will You Learn in a Master’s in Business Intelligence Program?

A business intelligence–focused master's program typically starts with foundational coursework in statistics and quantitative analysis before building into the specialized skills that define the field. Core topics generally include:

• Data mining and warehousing: Extracting, organizing, and storing large volumes of business data for analysis
• Predictive and prescriptive analytics: Building statistical models that forecast trends and recommend business actions
• Data visualization and reporting: Turning complex datasets into dashboards and visuals that support decision-making
• Database management: Working with the systems and platforms used to store and query organizational data
• Machine learning fundamentals: Applying algorithms that identify patterns and automate insights from data

Many programs also include a capstone project, practicum, or internship component, giving students the chance to apply these skills to a real or simulated business problem before graduating.

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Master’s Degree in Business Intelligence in Florida?

Most business intelligence and business analytics master's programs in Florida require between 30 and 36 credit hours, which full-time students can typically complete in one to two years. Several Florida programs, including a number featured above, are structured to accommodate accelerated timelines or evening and weekend formats that fit around a working professional's schedule.

Actual completion time depends heavily on enrollment status and program format. Part-time students often take longer to finish, while some fully online programs offer flexible scheduling that lets students speed up or slow down their progress based on their circumstances.

Financial Aid for Master’s Degrees in Business Intelligence in Florida 

Covering the cost of a business intelligence master's degree in Florida usually involves combining more than one type of aid. Here's a breakdown of the most common options.

Federal Financial Aid

Most graduate students begin by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for federal student loans such as Direct Unsubsidized Loans and, for eligible students, Grad PLUS Loans. Every school featured in this article participates in federal financial aid programs, so students can apply regardless of which university they choose.

Florida State and Institutional Aid

Florida doesn't offer a dedicated statewide grant program for graduate students comparable to its undergraduate Bright Futures Scholarship, but many public universities in the state offer their own institutional scholarships, graduate assistantships, and tuition waivers that help offset costs. It's worth checking directly with each school's financial aid or graduate admissions office, since award amounts and eligibility criteria can vary significantly by institution.

Employer Tuition Assistance

Many employers in Florida, particularly larger companies in the state's finance, healthcare, and tourism sectors, offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs for employees pursuing a relevant graduate degree, including business analytics or business intelligence-focused programs. These benefits can cover a significant portion of tuition, and some employers also have existing partnerships with specific universities that offer discounted rates for their staff, so it's worth asking your employer directly before enrolling.

Military and Veteran Benefits

Florida is home to one of the largest populations of veterans and active-duty service members in the country, many of whom can apply GI Bill benefits, the Yellow Ribbon Program, or other military tuition benefits toward a business intelligence master's degree. Several schools featured in this article, including the University of South Florida, have been recognized nationally for their veteran support services, and many others participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program to help cover costs beyond standard GI Bill benefits.

How To Choose the Right Affordable Master’s in Business Intelligence

Cost is an important factor, but it shouldn't be the only one guiding your decision. Consider these criteria as you compare programs:

• Accreditation: Confirm the school holds regional accreditation, and look for program-specific business accreditation like AACSB or ACBSP.
• Total cost after aid: Look at per-credit-hour pricing, available financial aid, and any employer or military benefits, rather than judging a program by tuition alone.
• Curriculum focus: Prioritize coursework that directly builds business intelligence skills, such as data visualization, predictive analytics, and data warehousing, over a general management or IT-focused track.
• Format and flexibility: Weigh whether a program's online, hybrid, or in-person format realistically fits your schedule, especially if you're balancing work or family responsibilities.
• Program length: Check whether a program can be completed on an accelerated timeline or requires a longer, part-time schedule, since this affects both total cost and how quickly you'll finish.
• Industry connections: Research a program's ties to local employers, internship opportunities, and career services, particularly if you're targeting a specific industry or region within Florida.

Career Outlook With a Master’s Degree in Business Intelligence in Florida

A master's degree in business intelligence opens the door to several related career paths, and national demand for these roles remains strong. Employment of operations research analysts is projected to grow 21 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Management analysts are projected to see 9 percent growth over the same period, with about 98,100 openings each year, per the BLS.

Florida's large finance, healthcare, and tourism industries may create additional opportunities for graduates in these fields. Since pay and demand can vary by industry and metro area, it's worth researching conditions specific to your target field and location within the state.

FAQs About Affordable Master’s Degrees in Business Intelligence in Florida

Here are answers to some common questions people have when researching an affordable master's in business intelligence. 

Is a Master’s in Business Intelligence Worth It?

A master's in business intelligence builds specialized, in-demand skills in data analysis, visualization, and predictive modeling that apply across nearly every industry, along with a strong job outlook for related analytics roles. Whether it's "worth it" ultimately depends on your career goals, current background, and the total cost of your program, which is why choosing an affordable, accredited option can make a real difference in your return on investment. 

Is an Online Master’s in Business Intelligence Less Expensive Than an On-Campus Degree?

Online programs often end up being less expensive in practice. Many schools charge the same tuition rate for online and on-campus students, but online students typically save on commuting, relocation, and other campus-related costs. That said, some Florida schools price their online MBA tracks higher than their in-person or professional formats, so it's worth comparing specific programs rather than assuming online is always cheaper. 

Who Should Consider a Master’s in Business Intelligence Program?

A master's in business intelligence is a good fit for students interested in data analysis, strategic decision-making, or technology-focused business roles, as well as working professionals looking to move into an analytics-focused career or advance within their current industry. Because these programs build broadly applicable skills like data visualization, statistical modeling, and database management, they can also work well for career-changers coming from fields like finance, marketing, or information technology. 

Do You Need a Technical Background for a Master's in Business Intelligence?

Most programs don't require a technical undergraduate degree, though some prefer or require prior coursework in statistics, mathematics, or a related quantitative subject. Many schools, including several featured above, welcome applicants from diverse academic backgrounds and offer foundational or "leveling" coursework to help students without a technical degree build the skills needed for advanced material.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Master's in Business Intelligence?

Graduates commonly pursue roles such as business intelligence analyst, data analyst, operations research analyst, management analyst, and data scientist, among other data-focused positions. Because business intelligence skills apply across nearly every industry, graduates can find opportunities in fields ranging from finance and healthcare to tourism and technology, particularly in a state with as diverse an economy as Florida.

Find Affordable Master’s Degrees in Business Intelligence

Between its extensive public university system and a handful of budget-friendly private options, Florida offers no shortage of accredited, affordable paths to a master's in business intelligence. Browse more business intelligence and analytics degree resources on Learn.org, and reach out to individual schools directly with questions about admissions, curriculum, or financial aid.