AI and machine learning specialist jobs are growing fast, and colleges are responding by launching new AI degree programs.
But in such a new field, how can you tell which programs are worth your time and money? The best AI degrees combine strong academics and affordability with unique, job-focused coursework, hands-on learning, and opportunities to gain experience through research and internships.
Check out our guide on how to choose the best AI degree for you and discover our top picks.
BestColleges' Top AI Degrees
Florida International University: Most Affordable Public University AI Degree
Northeastern University: Best AI Degree for Combined Majors
Purdue University: Liberal Arts-Focused AI Degree
The University of Tennessee (Knoxville): Best Online AI Degree
University of Pennsylvania: Best AI Engineering Degree
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Top Bachelor's in AI Degree Programs
How to Choose the Right AI Degree For You
To choose the AI program for you, consider the following factors:
Decide On Your Career Goals
Check each program's required courses, electives, concentrations, and capstone options to make sure they match your career goals.
AI programs can vary widely. Some are computer science programs focusing heavily on math and programming courses while others may focus more on ethics, business, or workplace applications.
For example, Penn's BSE in Artificial Intelligence has an engineering-focused curriculum that emphasizes the technical foundations used to build AI, so it may be a great fit if you want to develop machine learning systems and language models.
On the other hand, Purdue's BA in Artificial Intelligence includes more coursework on AI ethics and the human impact of technology, making it a better fit if you want to explore how AI affects society, policy, and decision-making.
Ultimately, the best AI degree program is the one with a curriculum that best prepares you for the type of AI work you want to do.
Compare Hands-On Learning Opportunities
Internships, co-ops, research projects, labs, and capstone courses can help you build experience before graduation. For AI students, that kind of experience can help turn coursework into real projects they can discuss with employers.
When comparing programs, look for details on whether hands-on learning is required, optional, or competitive to access. You can also ask an admissions counselor, program advisor, career services office, or faculty member whether AI students regularly complete experiential learning and which companies students have worked with in the past.
Compare Cost and Financial Aid
Don't compare programs solely by tuition. Instead, use each school's net price calculator. This tool uses your financial information to estimate what you might actually pay after grants and scholarships. That can give you a better sense of your out-of-pocket cost than tuition alone, since financial aid can significantly lower the final price.
Once you've narrowed down the programs you're interested in, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and list the schools you are seriously considering. Some private colleges may also require the CSS Profile or other financial aid forms.
After you are admitted, you may receive financial aid offers from each school. Compare what each school expects you to pay after grants and scholarships, not just the total amount of aid listed. Be especially careful with offers that include student loans, since you'll have to pay back that money, usually with interest.
How Much Does an AI Degree Cost?
| School Type | Average Tuition/Fees Among Programs on Our List |
|---|---|
| Public university, in-state | $5,210 per semester |
| Public university, out-of-state | $9,523 per semester |
| Private university | $35,817 per semester |
Among the schools we reviewed, tuition and fees for an AI degree program ranged from about $3,000 per semester to nearly $40,000 per semester. Over four years, that means the program could total roughly $24,000-$320,000 — without accounting for housing, food, books, and other expenses.
That said, what you actually pay depends on several factors, including whether you attend a public or private university, whether you qualify for in-state tuition, and how much financial aid you receive.
For example, FIU, our pick for most affordable public university AI degree, charges about $3,300 per semester in tuition and fees for Florida residents. On the other hand, out-of-state students pay about $10,100.
Penn, a private Ivy League university, has a much higher sticker price — around $37,000 per semester. But that does not mean every student pays that amount. Penn offers generous financial aid by calculating how much your family can afford and covers your demonstrated financial need without adding student loans to your aid package.
How We Ranked the Best AI Degrees
To identify the best AI degree programs, we started with the AI Landscape Map from the Center for Inclusive Computing at Northeastern University. Because the map tracks undergraduate AI programs housed in computer science departments, this ranking focuses on AI degrees with a strong computer science foundation.
That means our evaluation list didn't include every AI-related bachelor's program in the U.S. Some schools offer AI-focused degrees through departments like business or the humanities. That said, those programs may also be worth considering depending on your career goals.
We then evaluated schools using BestColleges' ranking methodology, along with factors specific to AI programs:
College Affordability: We consider average net price, the percentage of students who take out loans, and the average loan default rate to evaluate how affordable a school is. This helps us identify schools that are not only reasonably priced, but also give students a better chance of managing or repaying debt after graduation.
Academic Quality: We considered admission, enrollment, and full-time retention rates to assess academic quality. These measures help show how selective a school is, how many admitted students choose to enroll, and how well the school supports students after their first year.
AI Program Strength: After identifying the top 20 schools, we reviewed each AI program more closely. We looked at financial aid opportunities, concentration options, AI-related coursework, research activity, faculty expertise, internships, co-ops, and other hands-on learning opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About AI Degrees
With an AI degree, you may be able to qualify for roles such as machine learning engineer, AI engineer, data scientist, data analyst, software developer, robotics engineer, computer vision engineer, natural language processing specialist, or AI research assistant. Note that some roles may require internship experience, a strong project portfolio, or graduate education.
