Educational Research and Statistics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
This program equips students with advanced analytical and methodological expertise to address complex challenges in education through rigorous research. It emphasizes the integration of statistical theory with practical research design, enabling evidence-based decision-making across educational contexts.
- Mathematical Statistics: Core principles of probability, inference, and distribution theory applied to educational data analysis.
- Research Design: Strategic planning of studies to ensure validity, reliability, and ethical integrity in educational investigations.
- Computer Applications: Use of statistical software and data management tools to process, visualize, and interpret large-scale educational datasets.
- Instrument Design: Development and validation of surveys, assessments, and measurement tools tailored to educational research objectives.
- Research Methodologies: In-depth study of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches to inquiry in educational settings.
- Subject-Specific Applications: Practical application of research techniques to real-world problems in areas such as curriculum development, learning outcomes, and educational policy.
Educational Research and Statistics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Educational Research and Statistics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Educational Research and Statistics degrees, including Statisticians, Management Analysts and Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,019,760 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statisticians 15-2041 | $103,300 | $60,390 - $170,700 | 29,800 | $49.66 |
| Management Analysts 13-1111 | $101,190 | $59,720 - $174,140 | 893,900 | $48.65 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other 19-3099 | $100,340 | $62,570 - $160,810 | 36,970 | $48.24 |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1081 | $72,090 | $38,650 - $126,450 | 59,090 | N/A |
Educational Research and Statistics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $69,520 in Mississippi to $115,150 in District of Columbia—a 66% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Delaware, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,019,760 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Educational Research and Statistics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 41 institutions offering Educational Research and Statistics programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Educational Research and Statistics is found at Teachers College at Columbia University (TC) (52 graduates), University of Pennsylvania (Penn) (47 graduates), North Carolina State University (NC State), Raleigh (19 graduates), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) (18 graduates), and The University of Alabama (UA) (15 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 351 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teachers College at Columbia University (TC) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
52 | New York, New York | Private | tc.columbia.edu |
| University of Pennsylvania (Penn) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
47 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | upenn.edu |
| North Carolina State University (NC State) |
Postbac Cert.
|
19 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | ncsu.edu |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
18 | Champaign, Illinois | Public | illinois.edu |
| The University of Alabama (UA) |
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
15 | Tuscaloosa, Alabama | Public | ua.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
15 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| University of Florida (UF) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
13 | Gainesville, Florida | Public | ufl.edu |
| University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
12 | Greeley, Colorado | Public | unco.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
12 | College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
11 | Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Postbac Cert.
|
10 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| University of Denver (DU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
9 | Denver, Colorado | Private | du.edu |
| Washington State University (WSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
8 | Pullman, Washington | Public | wsu.edu |
| University of Arkansas (U of A) |
Post-Master's
|
7 | Fayetteville, Arkansas | Public | uark.edu |
| Georgia State University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
7 | Atlanta, Georgia | Public | gsu.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
7 | Greensboro, North Carolina | Public | uncg.edu |
| Florida State University (FSU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Tallahassee, Florida | Public | fsu.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| Texas Tech University (TTU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 | Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttu.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| Auburn University (AU) |
Master's
|
5 | Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Master's
|
5 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Florida International University (FIU) |
Master's
|
5 | Miami, Florida | Public | fiu.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
5 | Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 | Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| University of South Carolina (USC) |
Post-Master's
|
5 | Columbia, South Carolina | Public | sc.edu |
| Loyola University Chicago (LUC) |
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | luc.edu |
| Boston College (BC) |
Master's
|
4 | Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts | Private | bc.edu |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Temple University |
Master's
|
3 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| University of Delaware (UD) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Newark, Delaware | Public | udel.edu |
| University of North Dakota (UND) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Grand Forks, North Dakota | Public | und.edu |
| Kent State University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Kent, Ohio | Public | kent.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| University of Oregon (UO) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Eugene, Oregon | Public | uoregon.edu |
| California State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Fresno, California | Public | fresnostate.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (SRU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania | Public | sru.edu |
| George Mason University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Educational Research and Statistics programs
How much can I earn with a Educational Research and Statistics degree?
Salaries for Educational Research and Statistics graduates vary by role and location. Statisticians earn a median of $103,300 annually, while Management Analysts earn around $101,190. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $115,150 compared to $69,520 in Mississippi. Approximately 1,019,760 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Educational Research and Statistics programs?
Currently 41 accredited institutions offer Educational Research and Statistics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Teachers College at Columbia University (TC) (52 graduates), University of Pennsylvania (Penn) (47 graduates), and North Carolina State University (NC State), Raleigh (19 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Educational Research and Statistics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 63 in 2010 to 351 in 2023-24. This represents a 457% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Educational Research and Statistics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Statisticians, Management Analysts, and Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 1,019,760 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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