- 1.Hakia's analysis of the best artificial intelligence bachelor's degree programs reveals that machine learning Engineers earn a median salary of $164,500 with 23% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Artificial Intelligence programs include Carnegie Mellon University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth offers artificial intelligence education at $14,533/year with 97% graduation rate
- 4.15 accredited Artificial Intelligence programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Artificial Intelligence Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley BAIR Lab is one of the most influential AI research centers globally. The program produced key figures in deep learning and maintains strong ties to Silicon Valley AI companies. CS 188 (Introduction to AI) and CS 189 (Machine Learning) are flagship courses.
University of California-Berkeley Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-Berkeley as the #1 bachelor's in artificial intelligence degree program.
University of California-Berkeley's undergraduate Artificial Intelligence program graduates 994 students annually with an impressive 96% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Center for Human-Compatible Artificial Intelligence and Berkeley Robot Learning Lab. Industry connections include partnerships with Vodafone, Skydio, Zipline. Silicon Valley proximity
Hakia Insight: With a 11% acceptance rate, University of California-Berkeley's artificial intelligence program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
human-compatible AI systems
robotics and machine learning
social group culture and cognition
workplace applications
Location Advantages
- •Silicon Valley proximity
- •World AI capital
- •Abundant internship opportunities
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Meta, Apple, OpenAI, Anthropic
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of California-Irvine
UCI ICS is only dedicated computing school in UC system. Strong data science and machine learning research with industry partnerships. Orange County tech hub provides career opportunities with local companies.
University of California-Irvine Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-Irvine as the #2 bachelor's in artificial intelligence degree program.
University of California-Irvine's undergraduate Artificial Intelligence program graduates 748 students annually with an impressive 96% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Center for Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems and Data Science Initiative. Industry connections include partnerships with Khan Academy, Discovery Education, ALEKS/McGraw Hill. Only dedicated ICS school in UC
Hakia Insight: With a 21% acceptance rate, University of California-Irvine's artificial intelligence program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
ML research
Applied data science
Location Advantages
- •Only dedicated ICS school in UC
- •Orange County tech hub
- •90% graduation rate
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Amazon, Blizzard, Apple, Microsoft
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
UW Allen School ranks in top 15 globally for AI research. Strong Amazon partnership includes $68M AI PhD fellowship program. Close ties to Allen Institute for AI (AI2). Faculty pioneering ethical AI and NLP research.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus as the #3 bachelor's in artificial intelligence degree program.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus's undergraduate Artificial Intelligence program graduates 838 students annually with an impressive 97% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Database Group and Sensor Systems Laboratory. Industry connections include partnerships with Amazon, Microsoft, NVIDIA. Seattle tech hub
Hakia Insight: Students at University of Washington-Seattle Campus benefit from active collaborations with Amazon and Microsoft, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
multimodal database management systems, generative AI and data management, complexity of query evaluation
sensor systems, bioelectronics, robotics, and ubiquitous computing
automated decision-making for cyber-physical systems, digital manufacturing analysis, predictive analytics
Location Advantages
- •Seattle tech hub
- •Amazon and Microsoft headquarters
- •Allen Institute for AI proximity
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta, Apple
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of California-Los Angeles
UCLA AI research spans theoretical foundations to applications. The department has pioneered work in statistical learning theory and computer vision. Students benefit from proximity to the entertainment industry for applied AI work in media and gaming.
University of California-Los Angeles Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-Los Angeles as the #4 bachelor's in artificial intelligence degree program.
University of California-Los Angeles's undergraduate Artificial Intelligence program graduates 402 students annually with an impressive 92% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Artificial General Intelligence Lab and Cognitive Systems Laboratory. Industry connections include partnerships with Netflix, Disney, Google. Los Angeles tech scene
Hakia Insight: With a 9% acceptance rate, University of California-Los Angeles's artificial intelligence program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Statistical machine learning and deep learning
Evidential reasoning and probabilistic inference
Logical and probabilistic automated reasoning
Probabilistic reasoning and statistical relational learning
Efficient, scalable, and robust machine learning
Efficient learning from massive datasets
Machine learning and AI
Computer vision and cognitive modeling
Visual computing and biomimetic simulation
Natural language understanding and processing
Language understanding and synthesis
Machine learning for health and medical imaging
Computer vision research
ML algorithms for medical images and neurovascular diseases
Statistical and computational methods for genomics
Location Advantages
- •Los Angeles tech scene
- •Entertainment industry AI applications
- •Strong startup ecosystem
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Silicon Beach tech companies
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of California-San Diego
UCSD offers one of the first standalone BS in AI degrees at a major US research university. The Halicioğlu Data Science Institute and CSE department collaborate on AI education. Students have access to the San Diego Supercomputer Center for computational resources.
University of California-San Diego Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-San Diego as the #5 bachelor's in artificial intelligence degree program.
University of California-San Diego's undergraduate Artificial Intelligence program graduates 763 students annually with an impressive 81% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the WIFIRE Lab and Contextual Robotics Institute. Industry connections include partnerships with Qualcomm, Illumina. San Diego biotech hub
Hakia Insight: With a 23% acceptance rate, University of California-San Diego's artificial intelligence program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
AI in tackling climate challenges like wildfire
Robotics and AI systems
Human-robot interaction and human-centered AI
AI optimization for large-scale engineering systems
AI for 5G and 6G networks
Scientific workflows and big data applications
AI hardware and software technologies evaluation
Novel memory and storage devices for AI computing
Location Advantages
- •San Diego biotech hub
- •Qualcomm headquarters for edge AI
- •Growing AI startup scene
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Qualcomm, Google, Amazon, Apple
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of Southern California
USC created one of the first dedicated Master's in AI programs in the nation and pioneered the innovative joint AI for Business undergraduate degree, positioning students at the intersection of technical expertise and business acumen in Los Angeles' thriving tech ecosystem.
University of Southern California Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of Southern California as the #6 bachelor's in artificial intelligence degree program.
University of Southern California's undergraduate Artificial Intelligence program graduates 367 students annually with an impressive 92% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Affective Computing Group and Automatic Coordination of Teams (ACT) Lab. Industry connections include partnerships with Amazon, Google, Uber. Los Angeles tech ecosystem access
Hakia Insight: Students at University of Southern California benefit from active collaborations with Amazon and Google, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Emotional AI and human-computer interaction
Multi-agent coordination and teamwork
Autonomous systems and artificial intelligence
Knowledge representation and graph-based reasoning
Cognitive modeling and architecture design
Visual learning and robotic cognition
Algorithmic techniques and AI methods
Social media analysis and computational social science
Interpretable AI and natural language processing
Knowledge discovery and information extraction
Human-robot interaction and collaborative robotics
Socially assistive robotics and human-robot interaction
Machine learning algorithms and data mining
Conversational AI and dialogue systems
AI applications for social good
AI applications in education and training
Location Advantages
- •Los Angeles tech ecosystem access
- •Proximity to entertainment industry AI applications
- •Strong startup and venture capital presence
- •Access to aerospace and defense contractors
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft, Uber, TikTok
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Columbia University in the City of New York
Columbia CS combines Ivy League prestige with NYC tech ecosystem. Leading research in AI, NLP, and data science. Strong connections to finance and media industries for unique career paths.
Columbia University in the City of New York Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Program Overview
Hakia ranks Columbia University in the City of New York as the #7 bachelor's in artificial intelligence degree program.
Columbia University in the City of New York's undergraduate Artificial Intelligence program graduates 425 students annually with an impressive 100% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Columbia AI Lab and NLP Group. Industry connections include partnerships with Google, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan. NYC tech and finance hub
Hakia Insight: With a 4% acceptance rate, Columbia University in the City of New York's artificial intelligence program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Machine learning
Natural language processing
Data science research
Location Advantages
- •NYC tech and finance hub
- •Ivy League prestige
- •Media industry access
- •Top 15 national ranking
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Meta, Amazon
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of California-Davis
UC Davis combines CS excellence with agricultural and environmental research leadership. Unique data science applications in precision agriculture, climate science, and biotech. Part of UC system with strong industry connections in Sacramento region.
University of California-Davis Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-Davis as the #8 bachelor's in artificial intelligence degree program.
University of California-Davis's undergraduate Artificial Intelligence program graduates 513 students annually with an impressive 91% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Center for Data Science and AI Research and Genome Center. Industry connections include partnerships with Intel, Apple, Google. Sacramento region
Hakia Insight: Students at University of California-Davis benefit from active collaborations with Intel and Apple, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
ML and data science
Bioinformatics
Location Advantages
- •Sacramento region
- •Agtech hub
- •Biotech research
- •94% graduation rate
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Intel, Apple, Google, Amazon, Meta
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of California-Santa Cruz
UCSC pioneered genomics browser used worldwide and maintains strong open source culture. AI and machine learning research in natural language processing and computer vision. Silicon Valley proximity enables internships and industry collaboration.
University of California-Santa Cruz Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Program Overview
Hakia ranks University of California-Santa Cruz as the #9 bachelor's in artificial intelligence degree program.
University of California-Santa Cruz's undergraduate Artificial Intelligence program graduates 813 students annually with an impressive 93% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the UCSC Genomics Institute and AI Research. Industry connections include partnerships with Google, Apple, Amazon. Silicon Valley proximity
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Google and Apple, University of California-Santa Cruz bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Bioinformatics
Machine learning
Location Advantages
- •Silicon Valley proximity
- •Genomics leadership
- •Open source culture
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Meta
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Cornell University
Cornell AI Initiative leads interdisciplinary AI research and ethics. The AI Minor is open to all majors. Cornell Tech in NYC campus features world-class AI faculty in computer vision and NLP. Strong collaboration between Ithaca and NYC campuses.
Cornell University Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Program Overview
Hakia ranks Cornell University as the #10 bachelor's in artificial intelligence degree program.
Cornell University's undergraduate Artificial Intelligence program graduates 507 students annually with an impressive 95% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Artificial Intelligence Research Lab and Business & Entrepreneurship Lab. Industry connections include partnerships with Google, Microsoft, Bloomberg. Ithaca research campus
Hakia Insight: With a 7% acceptance rate, Cornell University's artificial intelligence program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
artificial intelligence
business applications
data science
human-computer interaction
cybersecurity
ethical AI
Location Advantages
- •Ithaca research campus
- •Cornell Tech in NYC
- •Access to both academic and industry environments
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Meta, Amazon, Bloomberg, Microsoft
Admissions
Best Artificial Intelligence Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's — Complete Program Data
#1. University of California-Berkeley Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Program
Hakia ranks University of California-Berkeley as the #1 bachelor's in artificial intelligence degree program. Location: Berkeley, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 100.0
What makes University of California-Berkeley stand out: Berkeley BAIR Lab is one of the most influential AI research centers globally. The program produced key figures in deep learning and maintains strong ties to Silicon Valley AI companies. CS 188 (Introduction to AI) and CS 189 (Machine Learning) are flagship courses.
Hakia Insight: With a 11% acceptance rate, University of California-Berkeley's artificial intelligence program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Program Overview: UC Berkeley EECS offers world-class AI education through the BA and BS in Computer Science and EECS programs. Students access pioneering AI research through the Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research Lab (BAIR), which spans computer vision, NLP, robotics, and machine learning.
Degree Programs: M.S.; Ph.D.; M.S./Ph.D.
Research Labs: Center for Human-Compatible Artificial Intelligence - human-compatible AI systems; Berkeley Robot Learning Lab - robotics and machine learning; Computational Culture Lab - social group culture and cognition; Berkeley Center for Workplace Culture and Innovation - workplace applications
Industry Partners: Vodafone, Skydio, Zipline, Covariant
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Google, Meta, Apple, OpenAI, Anthropic | Common Roles: ML Engineer, AI Research Scientist, Software Engineer
Notable Faculty: Prof. Pieter Abbeel (robotics and machine learning); Prof. Hany Farid (digital manipulation and misinformation); Prof. Sameer B. Srivastava (social group culture and cognition); Prof. Zsolt Katona (marketing and AI applications)
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 11%
Accreditations: ABET Accredited
#2. University of California-Irvine Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Program
Hakia ranks University of California-Irvine as the #2 bachelor's in artificial intelligence degree program. Location: Irvine, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 95.3
What makes University of California-Irvine stand out: UCI ICS is only dedicated computing school in UC system. Strong data science and machine learning research with industry partnerships. Orange County tech hub provides career opportunities with local companies.
Hakia Insight: With a 21% acceptance rate, University of California-Irvine's artificial intelligence program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Program Overview: UC Irvine Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences is the only dedicated ICS school in UC system. Strong programs in data science, cybersecurity, and software engineering with 90% graduation rate.
Degree Programs: Master of Education Sciences - AI & Learning Analytics (12 months); Master of Applied AI for Science (9 months); BS Computer Science - Intelligent Systems specialization (4 years)
Research Labs: Center for Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems - ML research; Data Science Initiative - Applied data science
Industry Partners: Khan Academy, Discovery Education, ALEKS/McGraw Hill, Google, Carnegie Learning
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Google, Amazon, Blizzard, Apple, Microsoft | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, ML Engineer
Notable Faculty: Mark Warschauer (Distinguished Professor - AI in Education); David Kirkby (Chancellor's Professor - Applied AI for Science); June Ahn (Professor - Learning Analytics); Shayan Doroudi (Assistant Professor - AI in Education)
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 21%
Accreditations: ABET Accredited
#3. University of Washington-Seattle Campus Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Program
Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus as the #3 bachelor's in artificial intelligence degree program. Location: Seattle, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,524/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Score: 93.2
What makes University of Washington-Seattle Campus stand out: UW Allen School ranks in top 15 globally for AI research. Strong Amazon partnership includes $68M AI PhD fellowship program. Close ties to Allen Institute for AI (AI2). Faculty pioneering ethical AI and NLP research.
Hakia Insight: Students at University of Washington-Seattle Campus benefit from active collaborations with Amazon and Microsoft, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: The Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering offers world-class AI education with research spanning machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. The program is rethinking curriculum for the AI era, allowing students to use AI tools in assignments.
Degree Programs: BS Computer Science (4 years); BS Computer Engineering (4 years)
Research Labs: Database Group - multimodal database management systems, generative AI and data management, complexity of query evaluation; Sensor Systems Laboratory - sensor systems, bioelectronics, robotics, and ubiquitous computing; SMARTS Lab - automated decision-making for cyber-physical systems, digital manufacturing analysis, predictive analytics
Industry Partners: Amazon, Microsoft, NVIDIA
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta, Apple | Common Roles: ML Engineer, AI Research Scientist, Software Engineer
Notable Faculty: Steve Brunton (dimensionality reduction, sparse sensing, machine learning for data-driven discovery and control of complex dynamical systems); Ashis Banerjee (automated decision-making for cyber-physical systems, optimization, machine learning, autonomous robotics); Taylor Kessler Faulkner (AI, human-robot interaction, assistive robotics); Natasha Jaques; Hannaneh Hajishirzi
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 48%
Accreditations: ABET Accredited
#4. University of California-Los Angeles Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Program
Hakia ranks University of California-Los Angeles as the #4 bachelor's in artificial intelligence degree program. Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 93.2
What makes University of California-Los Angeles stand out: UCLA AI research spans theoretical foundations to applications. The department has pioneered work in statistical learning theory and computer vision. Students benefit from proximity to the entertainment industry for applied AI work in media and gaming.
Hakia Insight: With a 9% acceptance rate, University of California-Los Angeles's artificial intelligence program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Program Overview: UCLA Computer Science offers comprehensive AI education through the Samueli School of Engineering. The department features strong AI and ML research groups, with courses covering deep learning, NLP, computer vision, and robotics. The Statistical Machine Learning Lab and Vision Lab are research hubs.
Degree Programs: BS Computer Science (4 years); BS Computer Science and Engineering (4 years)
Research Labs: Artificial General Intelligence Lab - Statistical machine learning and deep learning; Cognitive Systems Laboratory - Evidential reasoning and probabilistic inference; Automated Reasoning Group - Logical and probabilistic automated reasoning; Statistical and Relational Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (StarAI) - Probabilistic reasoning and statistical relational learning; Computational Machine Learning Laboratory - Efficient, scalable, and robust machine learning; Large-Scale Machine Learning Group (BigML) - Efficient learning from massive datasets; Machine Intelligence Lab - Machine learning and AI; Center for Vision, Cognition, Learning, and Art - Computer vision and cognitive modeling; Computer Graphics and Vision Laboratory (GraViLab) - Visual computing and biomimetic simulation; Natural Language Processing Group - Natural language understanding and processing; Language Understanding & Synthesis (PLUS) Lab - Language understanding and synthesis; UCLA Biomedical Artificial Intelligence Research Lab - Machine learning for health and medical imaging; Vision Laboratory - Computer vision research; AI in Imaging and Neuroscience Research Laboratory - ML algorithms for medical images and neurovascular diseases; Machine Learning and Genomics Lab - Statistical and computational methods for genomics
Industry Partners: Netflix, Disney, Google
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 98% | Top Employers: Silicon Beach tech companies | Common Roles: Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, Business Analyst, Product Analyst, Research Analyst
Notable Faculty: Prof. Guy Van den Broeck (Area Director, Introduction to Artificial Intelligence); Prof. K. Chang (Natural Language Processing); Prof. V. Roychowdhury (Large Scale Networks, Data Mining); Prof. A. Darwiche (Automated Reasoning)
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 9%
Accreditations: ABET Accredited
#5. University of California-San Diego Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Program
Hakia ranks University of California-San Diego as the #5 bachelor's in artificial intelligence degree program. Location: La Jolla, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Score: 92.4
What makes University of California-San Diego stand out: UCSD offers one of the first standalone BS in AI degrees at a major US research university. The Halicioğlu Data Science Institute and CSE department collaborate on AI education. Students have access to the San Diego Supercomputer Center for computational resources.
Hakia Insight: With a 23% acceptance rate, University of California-San Diego's artificial intelligence program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Program Overview: UC San Diego launched a dedicated BS in Artificial Intelligence in Fall 2024 - one of the first undergraduate AI degrees at a major research university. The program covers ML, deep learning, robotics, computer vision, and NLP through a comprehensive curriculum designed for AI careers.
Degree Programs: BS (4 years); Professor of Data Science; Cognitive Science undergraduate degree (4 years)
Research Labs: WIFIRE Lab - AI in tackling climate challenges like wildfire; Contextual Robotics Institute - Robotics and AI systems; UC San Diego Healthcare Robotics Lab - Human-robot interaction and human-centered AI; Center for Machine-Integrated Computing and Security (MICS) - AI optimization for large-scale engineering systems; UC San Diego Center for Wireless Communications - AI for 5G and 6G networks; Workflows for Data Science Center of Excellence - Scientific workflows and big data applications; Advanced Technology Lab - AI hardware and software technologies evaluation; Processing with Intelligent Storage and Memory (PRISM) - Novel memory and storage devices for AI computing
Industry Partners: Qualcomm, Illumina
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Qualcomm, Google, Amazon, Apple | Common Roles: AI Engineer, ML Engineer, Robotics Engineer
Notable Faculty: Taylor Berg-Kirkpatrick (computer vision, natural language processing, AI systems that reason faithfully and integrate learning with structured knowledge); Mia Minnes (vice chair for Undergraduate Education, computer science foundations); Trevor Bonjour (AI education, machine learning concepts, evidence-based teaching practices); Steven Swanson (chair of Department of Computer Science and Engineering)
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 23%
Accreditations: ABET Accredited
#6. University of Southern California Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Program
Hakia ranks University of Southern California as the #6 bachelor's in artificial intelligence degree program. Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $66,640/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 89.3
What makes University of Southern California stand out: USC created one of the first dedicated Master's in AI programs in the nation and pioneered the innovative joint AI for Business undergraduate degree, positioning students at the intersection of technical expertise and business acumen in Los Angeles' thriving tech ecosystem.
Hakia Insight: Students at University of Southern California benefit from active collaborations with Amazon and Google, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: The University of Southern California stands as a national pioneer in artificial intelligence education, offering one of the first dedicated Master of Science in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) programs in the United States. This 32-unit program, housed within the prestigious Viterbi School of Engineering, provides rigorous training in deep learning theories and applications, covering machine learning, statistics, computer vision, natural language processing, and robotics. USC has gone beyond traditional offerings by creating innovative partnerships, including the groundbreaking joint BS in Artificial Intelligence for Business with the Marshall School of Business, demonstrating the university's commitment to interdisciplinary AI education. The program benefits from USC's robust research ecosystem, anchored by the Center for Artificial Intelligence in Society (CAIS), which focuses on AI for social good across environment, health and wellbeing, and homelessness initiatives. Students gain access to over 30 specialized research labs spanning artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, robotics, and human-computer interaction. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations with practical applications, requiring core courses in algorithms, AI foundations, deep learning, machine learning, and web technologies, complemented by specialized electives in areas like multimodal learning, knowledge graphs, and AI ethics.
Degree Programs: BS (4 years); MS; B.S. Program; M.S. Program; Ph.D. Program; Data Science Program; Graduate Certificate
Research Labs: Affective Computing Group - Emotional AI and human-computer interaction; Automatic Coordination of Teams (ACT) Lab - Multi-agent coordination and teamwork; Center for Autonomy and AI - Autonomous systems and artificial intelligence; Center on Knowledge Graphs - Knowledge representation and graph-based reasoning; Cognitive Architecture - Cognitive modeling and architecture design; Cognitive Learning for Vision and Robotics Lab - Visual learning and robotic cognition; Collaboratory for Algorithmic Techniques and Artifical Intelligence (CATAI) - Algorithmic techniques and AI methods; Computational Social Science Laboratory - Social media analysis and computational social science; Data, Interpretability, Language and Learning (DILL) Lab - Interpretable AI and natural language processing; Intelligence and Knowledge Discovery (INK) Research Lab - Knowledge discovery and information extraction; Interactive and Collaborative Autonomous Robotic Systems (ICAROS) Lab - Human-robot interaction and collaborative robotics; Interaction Lab - Socially assistive robotics and human-robot interaction; Machine Learning and Data Mining Lab (Melady) - Machine learning algorithms and data mining; Natural Language Dialogue Group - Conversational AI and dialogue systems; USC Center for Artificial Intelligence in Society - AI applications for social good; AI Research Center of Excellence for Education (AIRCOEE) - AI applications in education and training
Industry Partners: Amazon, Google, Uber, Microsoft
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft, Uber, TikTok, Lucid Motors, Northern Lights, SAIC | Common Roles: Software Development Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, AI Scientist, Deep Learning Research Engineer
Notable Faculty: Maja Matarić (Socially assistive robotics and human-robot interaction); Gaurav Sukhatme (Robotics and autonomous systems); Yolanda Gil (Artificial intelligence and knowledge systems); Jonathan Gratch (Virtual humans and computational psychology); Craig Knoblock (Information integration and knowledge graphs); David Kempe (Algorithms and machine learning theory); Laurent Itti (Computer vision and computational neuroscience); Bistra Dilkina (AI for social good and computational sustainability); Bill Swartout (AI systems and virtual humans)
Admissions:
Accreditations: OPT STEM extension eligible for international students
#7. Columbia University in the City of New York Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Program
Hakia ranks Columbia University in the City of New York as the #7 bachelor's in artificial intelligence degree program. Location: New York, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $64,526/year | Graduation Rate: 100% | Score: 89.2
What makes Columbia University in the City of New York stand out: Columbia CS combines Ivy League prestige with NYC tech ecosystem. Leading research in AI, NLP, and data science. Strong connections to finance and media industries for unique career paths.
Hakia Insight: With a 4% acceptance rate, Columbia University in the City of New York's artificial intelligence program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Program Overview: Columbia CS is top 15 nationally with exceptional research in machine learning, NLP, and systems. NYC location provides unparalleled access to finance, media, and tech industries. Strong Ivy League network.
Degree Programs: MS; MS
Research Labs: Columbia AI Lab - Machine learning; NLP Group - Natural language processing; Data Science Institute - Data science research
Industry Partners: Google, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Meta
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Google, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Meta, Amazon | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Quantitative Developer
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 4%
Accreditations: ABET Accredited
#8. University of California-Davis Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Program
Hakia ranks University of California-Davis as the #8 bachelor's in artificial intelligence degree program. Location: Davis, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Score: 88.7
What makes University of California-Davis stand out: UC Davis combines CS excellence with agricultural and environmental research leadership. Unique data science applications in precision agriculture, climate science, and biotech. Part of UC system with strong industry connections in Sacramento region.
Hakia Insight: Students at University of California-Davis benefit from active collaborations with Intel and Apple, connecting classroom learning to the workforce.
Program Overview: UC Davis College of Engineering offers strong CS and data science programs with 94% graduation rate. Located in an agricultural research hub with unique applications in agtech, biotech, and environmental science. Strong interdisciplinary research opportunities.
Degree Programs: BS Computer Science (4 years); BS Statistics: Machine Learning Track (4 years)
Research Labs: Center for Data Science and AI Research - ML and data science; Genome Center - Bioinformatics
Industry Partners: Intel, Apple, Google
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Intel, Apple, Google, Amazon, Meta | Common Roles: Data Scientist, Software Engineer, ML Engineer
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 37%
Accreditations: ABET Accredited
#9. University of California-Santa Cruz Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Program
Hakia ranks University of California-Santa Cruz as the #9 bachelor's in artificial intelligence degree program. Location: Santa Cruz, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Score: 88.6
What makes University of California-Santa Cruz stand out: UCSC pioneered genomics browser used worldwide and maintains strong open source culture. AI and machine learning research in natural language processing and computer vision. Silicon Valley proximity enables internships and industry collaboration.
Hakia Insight: Through ties with Google and Apple, University of California-Santa Cruz bridges the gap between academic training and industry practice.
Program Overview: UC Santa Cruz Baskin School of Engineering offers innovative CS programs with strong AI and data science research. Known for pioneering work in open source software and genomics. Silicon Valley proximity provides strong industry connections.
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science with AI/ML concentration (4 years); MS in Computer Science (with AI emphasis) (2 years)
Research Labs: UCSC Genomics Institute - Bioinformatics; AI Research - Machine learning
Industry Partners: Google, Apple, Amazon
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Google, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Meta | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Research Scientist
Notable Faculty: Seshadhri Comandur (Algorithms, machine learning theory)
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 47%
Accreditations: ABET Accredited
#10. Cornell University Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Program
Hakia ranks Cornell University as the #10 bachelor's in artificial intelligence degree program. Location: Ithaca, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $65,204/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Score: 88.5
What makes Cornell University stand out: Cornell AI Initiative leads interdisciplinary AI research and ethics. The AI Minor is open to all majors. Cornell Tech in NYC campus features world-class AI faculty in computer vision and NLP. Strong collaboration between Ithaca and NYC campuses.
Hakia Insight: With a 7% acceptance rate, Cornell University's artificial intelligence program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Program Overview: Cornell offers AI education through the Computer Science department and the AI Minor program. The Cornell AI Initiative advances research in ML, NLP, computer vision, and computational sustainability. Cornell Tech provides applied AI education in NYC.
Degree Programs: AI Minor (18 credits minimum); Online AI Certificates (2-16 months); Master of Engineering in Computer Science; Master of Engineering in Data Science and Decision Analytics; PhD Studies
Research Labs: Artificial Intelligence Research Lab - artificial intelligence; Business & Entrepreneurship Lab - business applications; Data & Modeling Lab - data science; Human-Centered Computing Lab - human-computer interaction; Security & Privacy Lab - cybersecurity; Technology, Society, & Ethics Lab - ethical AI
Industry Partners: Google, Microsoft, Bloomberg
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Google, Meta, Amazon, Bloomberg, Microsoft | Common Roles: ML Engineer, AI Research Scientist, Data Scientist
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 7%
Best Artificial Intelligence Programs - Compare Top 5 Bachelor's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 100.0/100 |
| #2 University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 95.3/100 |
| #3 University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | 93.2/100 |
| #4 University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | $11,834 | 92% | 93.2/100 |
| #5 University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | 92.4/100 |
Online Programs
Flexibility & Lower Cost
On-Campus Programs
Networking & Experience
Online Programs
Flexibility & Lower Cost
On-Campus Programs
Networking & Experience
Top 50 AI & Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs 2026
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | — | 100 |
| 2 | University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | — | 95.3 |
| 3 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | — | 93.2 |
| 4 | University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | $11,834 | 92% | — | 93.2 |
| 5 | University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | — | 92.4 |
| 6 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | — | 89.3 |
| 7 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | $64,526 | 100% | — | 89.2 |
| 8 | University of California-Davis | Davis, CA | Public | $11,834 | 91% | — | 88.7 |
| 9 | University of California-Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, CA | Public | $11,834 | 93% | — | 88.6 |
| 10 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | — | 88.5 |
| 11 | University of California-Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara, CA | Public | $11,834 | 90% | — | 86.6 |
| 12 | University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | Public | $9,889 | 84% | — | 86.2 |
| 13 | San Diego State University | San Diego, CA | Public | $5,742 | 83% | — | 85.9 |
| 14 | University of California-Merced | Merced, CA | Public | $11,834 | 95% | — | 85.8 |
| 15 | California Institute of Technology | Pasadena, CA | Private | $60,816 | 88% | — | 83.6 |
| 16 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | Public | $7,019 | 93% | — | 83.3 |
| 17 | Princeton University | Princeton, NJ | Private | $59,710 | 96% | — | 83 |
| 18 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst, MA | Public | $16,591 | 90% | — | 82 |
| 19 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | Public | $14,768 | 90% | — | 82 |
| 20 | University of California-Riverside | Riverside, CA | Public | $11,834 | 83% | — | 81.3 |
| 21 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Blacksburg, VA | Public | $12,698 | 95% | — | 81.1 |
| 22 | Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY | Public | $7,070 | 89% | — | 80.9 |
| 23 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | — | 80.8 |
| 24 | Tufts University | Medford, MA | Private | $66,358 | 81% | — | 80.5 |
| 25 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | Private | $61,618 | 99% | — | 80.1 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
How Much Does a Artificial Intelligence Bachelors Degree Cost?
The total cost of a bachelors's degree in Artificial Intelligence ranges from $49,424 at public universities to over $260,000 at elite private institutions. Financial aid, scholarships, and in-state tuition significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs (CollegeTuitionCompare 2025, Research.com).
- Public University (In-State): $12,356/year × 4 years = $49,424 total
- Public University (Out-of-State): $31,846/year × 4 years = $127,384 total
- Private University: $65,000/year × 4 years = $260,000 total
- Online Programs: $20,000/year × 4 years = $80,000 total
With median starting salaries of $145,080, most graduates achieve positive ROI within 3-5 years. Financial aid recipients often pay 30-50% less than sticker price.
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2023. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Bachelor of Arts vs Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence
| Factor | Bachelor of Arts (BA) | Bachelor of Science (BS) |
|---|---|---|
| Math Requirements | Calculus I-II, Linear Algebra, Statistics (rarely offered for AI) | Calculus I-III, Linear Algebra, Probability Theory, Differential Equations, Optimization |
| Science Requirements | CS fundamentals (programming, algorithms) | Advanced CS (algorithms, data structures, ML theory), physics recommended |
| Core Credits | Broader curriculum with interdisciplinary focus (rarely offered) | Heavy technical core: 60-80 credits in CS/AI/ML |
| Liberal Arts | Ethics, policy, business applications of AI | Research methodology, advanced mathematics, systems design |
| Career Focus | AI Product Manager, AI Ethics Specialist, Tech Policy Analyst | ML Engineer, Research Scientist, Robotics Engineer, AI Architect |
Source: CMU, Stanford, MIT curriculum analysis
AI Bachelor's Degree Programs Overview: What You'll Learn
Artificial intelligence bachelor's degree programs have emerged as the fastest-growing technology specialization, with enrollment increasing 340% since 2019 (IPEDS 2023). These interdisciplinary programs combine computer science fundamentals with advanced mathematics, statistics, and domain-specific applications in machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.
The curriculum typically includes core CS courses (data structures, algorithms, software engineering), advanced mathematics (calculus, linear algebra, statistics), and specialized AI courses covering machine learning algorithms, neural networks, deep learning, and ethical AI. Many programs now require capstone projects using real-world datasets from industry partners like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI.
Career outcomes are exceptional: find employment within 6 months, with (BLS May 2024). Popular career paths include AI/ML engineer roles, data scientist positions, and research scientist opportunities at tech companies and national laboratories.
For students considering alternative pathways, our guides on bootcamps vs master's degrees and AI/ML certifications provide comprehensive comparisons of different educational routes into artificial intelligence careers.
Getting Started: No Prior Experience Needed
A Artificial Intelligence bachelor's degree requires no prior programming or technical experience. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 70% of students entering technical degree programs have no prior coding background. Programs are designed to take complete beginners to job-ready professionals over four years.
What to Expect Your First Year:
- Introduction to programming fundamentals (typically Python or Java)
- Mathematics foundations including calculus, discrete math, and linear algebra
- Computer systems basics and computational thinking
- Problem-solving methodologies and algorithmic thinking
Research from Computing Research Association shows that students who engage with tutoring services and study groups in their first year have 23% higher retention rates. Most universities offer dedicated support including office hours, peer tutoring, and programming labs. Success comes from consistent practice—not prior experience.
General Education Requirements
Bachelor's programs typically require 40-60 credit hours of general education courses alongside your Artificial Intelligence major. These requirements, mandated by regional accreditation bodies, ensure graduates develop well-rounded communication and critical thinking skills valued by employers.
Common General Education Requirements:
- English Composition (6 credits) — Technical writing skills are essential; 89% of developers write documentation weekly (Stack Overflow Survey 2024)
- Mathematics (6-12 credits) — Calculus I & II, plus statistics for data-focused roles
- Natural Sciences (6-8 credits) — Physics is particularly relevant for hardware-adjacent specializations
- Social Sciences/Humanities (6-12 credits) — Ethics courses increasingly important given AI regulation
- Communication (3 credits) — Presentation skills for technical demos and stakeholder meetings
Pro tip: Many schools allow AP/IB credits or CLEP exams to satisfy gen-ed requirements, potentially saving $3,000-$10,000 in tuition. Check your target school's transfer credit policies before enrolling.
Campus Resources for Students
Top Artificial Intelligence programs provide extensive support infrastructure to help students succeed. According to EDUCAUSE research, students who utilize campus resources are 34% more likely to graduate on time.
Essential Campus Resources:
- Computer Labs — 24/7 access to high-performance workstations, often with specialized software (MATLAB, AWS credits, GPU clusters)
- Career Services — Resume reviews, mock interviews, and direct recruiter connections; top programs host 50+ tech companies annually
- Tutoring Centers — Free peer tutoring for programming, math, and core courses; many offer drop-in hours
- Student Organizations — ACM chapters, hackathon teams, and Women in Computing groups provide networking and project experience
- Research Opportunities — Undergraduate research positions with faculty can lead to publications and graduate school recommendations
When evaluating programs, ask about student-to-advisor ratios. The NACADA recommends no more than 300:1 for effective academic advising, though top tech programs often achieve 150:1 or better.
Internships & Co-op Programs
Artificial Intelligence internships offer the highest compensation of any undergraduate major, with an average hourly wage of $24.76 according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2024 Report. Top-tier companies pay significantly more—often 3-5x the average rate.
Top Employers for Artificial Intelligence Interns:
- OpenAI — $8,000-$10,000/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
- DeepMind — $7,500-$9,500/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
- Google AI — $7,000-$9,000/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
- Meta AI — $6,500-$8,500/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
- NVIDIA — $6,000-$8,000/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
53% of interns receive full-time job offers from their internship employers (NACE 2024). For paid internships specifically, the conversion rate jumps to 70-75%. Most applications open August-October for the following summer—start preparing early.
For salary expectations after graduation, see our AI engineer salary guide.
Career Paths
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design and implement machine learning models and AI systems for production environments. Work on computer vision, NLP, and deep learning applications.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Extract insights from complex datasets using statistical analysis and machine learning. Focus on predictive modeling and business intelligence.
Software Engineer (AI Systems)
SOC 15-1252Develop software applications incorporating AI and ML capabilities. Build scalable systems for AI model deployment and inference.
Computer Vision Engineer
SOC 15-1252Specialize in image and video analysis systems. Work on autonomous vehicles, medical imaging, and surveillance applications.
Natural Language Processing Engineer
SOC 15-1252Develop systems that understand and generate human language. Work on chatbots, language models, and text analysis systems.
Research Scientist
SOC 15-1221Conduct advanced AI research in academic or industrial settings. Publish papers and develop new algorithms and methodologies.
Robotics Engineer
SOC 17-2199Design and program intelligent robotic systems. Combine AI with mechanical and electrical engineering principles.
AI Product Manager
SOC 11-2022Guide development of AI-powered products and features. Bridge technical teams with business stakeholders and market requirements.
Top States for AI Bachelor's Programs
Financial Aid for AI Students: Scholarships and Funding Options
The average Artificial Intelligence bachelor's degree costs $40,000-$160,000 over four years depending on institution type. However, strategic use of financial aid can reduce out-of-pocket costs by 50-100%. According to Federal Student Aid, 85% of full-time undergraduates receive some form of financial assistance.
Federal Aid Options (Complete FAFSA by State Deadline):
- Pell Grants — Up to $7,395/year (2024-25) for students with financial need; never requires repayment
- Direct Subsidized Loans — Up to $3,500-$5,500/year; government pays interest while enrolled
- Federal Work-Study — Part-time campus jobs, often in IT departments or research labs
- TEACH Grant — $4,000/year if you commit to teaching in high-need schools post-graduation
Artificial Intelligence-Specific Scholarships:
- Computing Research Association scholarships — $10,000-$25,000 for underrepresented students
- Corporate scholarships (Google, Microsoft, Intel) — $10,000-$50,000; many include internship guarantees
- Professional association awards (ACM, IEEE) — $1,000-$10,000 based on merit and involvement
- 529 Plan contributions — Tax-advantaged savings; some states offer deductions up to $10,000/year
Bachelor's vs Associate's vs Bootcamp
Choosing between a bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or coding bootcamp depends on your career goals, timeline, and budget. Each path offers distinct advantages for entering the Artificial Intelligence field.
Bachelor's Degree (4 years, $40K-$160K)
- Comprehensive theoretical foundation plus hands-on skills
- Required for most senior/management positions and graduate school
- Median starting salary: $75,000 (NACE 2024)
- Best for: Students seeking long-term career growth and research opportunities
Associate's Degree (2 years, $10K-$30K)
- Faster entry into entry-level positions
- Many credits transfer to 4-year programs (2+2 pathway)
- Median starting salary: $50,000-$60,000
- Best for: Career changers or those testing interest before committing to 4 years
Coding Bootcamp (12-24 weeks, $10K-$20K)
- Intensive, job-focused training on current industry tools
- Many offer income share agreements (ISAs) or deferred tuition
- Median starting salary: $65,000-$80,000 for graduates with strong portfolios
- Best for: Career changers with self-discipline; see our Artificial Intelligence bootcamp rankings
For a detailed ROI comparison, read our analysis: Bootcamp vs Master's Degree: Which Has Better ROI?
Preparing for Graduate School
A bachelor's in Artificial Intelligence provides an excellent foundation for graduate study. According to the Computing Research Association, 25% of CS bachelor's graduates pursue advanced degrees within five years of graduation, with master's holders earning 20-30% more than bachelor's-only peers.
Preparing for Graduate School During Your Bachelor's:
- Maintain GPA above 3.5 — Most competitive programs require 3.3+ minimum; top-10 programs average 3.7+
- Secure research experience — 2+ semesters with faculty dramatically improves PhD admission chances
- Build faculty relationships — You will need 3 strong recommendation letters; start early
- Take graduate-level courses — Many programs allow undergrads to enroll; demonstrates readiness
- Prepare for GRE (if required) — Quantitative scores above 165 expected for top programs
Graduate Degree Options:
- Master's (1-2 years) — Career-focused; average salary boost of $15,000-$25,000; see our best Artificial Intelligence master's programs
- PhD (4-6 years) — Research-focused; typically fully funded with $30,000-$45,000 stipend; required for professorships and research scientist roles
- Professional Master's — Industry-sponsored programs (Google, Facebook) combine coursework with company projects
Choose Your AI Program Based on Your Profile
- You want to pursue AI research or PhD programs
- You have strong academic credentials (3.8+ GPA, high test scores)
- Cost is not a primary concern (or you qualify for need-based aid)
- You value prestigious alumni networks and brand recognition
- You want excellent education with strong ROI
- You qualify for in-state tuition benefits
- You prefer collaborative over competitive environments
- You value practical industry connections alongside academic rigor
- You want to stay in a specific geographic region
- You value strong local industry connections
- You prefer medium-sized programs with good faculty access
- You want solid preparation without extreme academic pressure
- You're working full-time while studying
- You need maximum schedule flexibility
- You're changing careers from a non-technical field
- You want to minimize total program costs
Coding Bootcamps: An Alternative to a Artificial Intelligence Degree
Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated pathway into tech careers, typically lasting 3-6 months. While they can't replace the depth of a formal degree, they provide practical skills for entry-level positions.
What is a Coding Bootcamp?
A coding bootcamp is an intensive, short-term training program designed to teach practical programming and tech skills. Unlike traditional degrees, bootcamps focus on job-ready skills and real-world projects.
Who Bootcamps Are Best For
- Career changers looking for a fast entry into tech
- Professionals wanting to add coding skills
- Those who prefer hands-on learning over academics
- Budget-conscious learners
What People Love
Based on discussions from r/codingbootcamp, r/cscareerquestions, and r/learnprogramming
- AI literacy is increasingly valuable across all tech roles
- Learn to work with LLMs, RAG, and modern AI tools
- AI bootcamps are newer, often more current than university courses
- Companies need people who can apply AI, not just research it
- Good stepping stone to AI product or AI engineering roles
Common Concerns
Honest feedback from bootcamp graduates and industry professionals
- True AI research roles still require advanced degrees
- Field moving so fast, curriculum may lag behind state-of-art
- 'AI Engineer' title is poorly defined—roles vary wildly
- Many AI roles are actually software engineering + API calls
- Hype cycle makes it hard to separate real value from marketing
Explore Bootcamps with Springboard
Springboard offers career-focused bootcamps with 1-on-1 mentorship from industry professionals. Their programs include a job guarantee—complete all requirements, and if you don't land a qualifying role, you may be eligible for a full tuition refund.
Programs for Artificial Intelligence careers:
- Software Engineering Career Track
- Data Science Career Track
- Cybersecurity Career Track
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Machine Learning & AI Career Track
+$25K avg salary increase·9 months
- University of Arizona graduate certificate included
- 1-on-1 mentorship from industry professionals
- Money-back job guarantee
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Frequently Asked Questions About Artificial Intelligence Degrees
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database providing graduation rates, tuition costs, and institutional characteristics
Occupational employment and wage statistics for AI-related careers
University research expenditures and faculty publication data
Federal data on graduate earnings and employment outcomes
Top 5 AI Programs Analysis: What Sets Them Apart
The top 5 AI bachelor's programs share common characteristics that distinguish them from other computer science programs: dedicated AI research labs, specialized faculty with industry experience, and curriculum designed around hands-on machine learning projects. MIT's CSAIL (Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory) leads with 380+ faculty and $75M in annual research funding focused on AI applications.
Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science houses the world's first Robotics Institute, established in 1979, giving students unprecedented access to AI hardware and real-world applications. Stanford's proximity to Silicon Valley provides unmatched internship opportunities, with 78% of AI students completing internships at Google, Meta, or OpenAI during their undergraduate years.
Public universities like UC Berkeley and Georgia Tech offer exceptional value, combining top-tier research with in-state tuition under $15,000. Berkeley's AI research spans 7 different labs, while Georgia Tech's emphasis on industry partnerships provides students with access to real datasets from Fortune 500 companies for capstone projects.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.