- 1.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, University of Washington-Seattle Campus, University of Southern California based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of Washington-Seattle Campus offers artificial intelligence education at $11,524/year with 97% graduation rate
- 4.46 accredited Artificial Intelligence programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Artificial Intelligence Programs - Top 10 Online
Carnegie Mellon University
CMU created the world's first bachelor's degree in artificial intelligence in 2018 and has led AI education and innovation since the field's inception, with the university being the birthplace of cognitive psychology and home to the first U.S. university robotics institute founded in 1979.
Program Overview
Carnegie Mellon University pioneered artificial intelligence education, creating the world's first Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence in 2018 and establishing the nation's first computer science college in 1988. The university offers comprehensive AI education through multiple pathways: the groundbreaking undergraduate BSAI program housed in the School of Computer Science, and the innovative Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Innovation (MSAII) through the Language Technologies Institute. The MSAII program uniquely combines rigorous AI and machine learning curriculum with real-world entrepreneurship experience, requiring students to develop actual AI products through a four-semester journey culminating in a capstone project suitable for startup investment or corporate integration.
Instruction spans six departments within the School of Computer Science - the Computer Science Department, Human-Computer Interaction Institute, Language Technologies Institute, Machine Learning Department, Robotics Institute, and Software and Societal Systems Department. CMU's AI research tackles real-world challenges through initiatives like the Delphi Research Group (selected by the CDC as the Center for Innovation in Outbreak Analytics), the AI Institute for Societal Decision Making, and partnerships with NVIDIA for robotics and autonomy research. The university emphasizes AI for social good, with mandatory ethics coursework and applications spanning healthcare, transportation, education, and epidemic forecasting.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Natural language processing, machine translation, speech recognition, and language-based AI systems
Statistical learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, and machine learning theory
First U.S. university robotics institute conducting basic and applied robotics research
Human-AI interaction, user experience design for AI systems, and human-centered AI
Epidemiological tracking and disease forecasting, selected by CDC as Center for Innovation in Outbreak Analytics and Disease Modeling in 2023
Industry Partners
Admissions
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
UW's AI program uniquely focuses on applying artificial intelligence to engineering problems with physical constraints, featuring a stackable certificate structure that allows working engineers to customize their education while maintaining their careers.
Program Overview
The University of Washington-Seattle Campus offers a distinctive Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Engineering through its College of Engineering, launching Fall 2026 with applications opening January 2026. This innovative program is specifically designed for working engineers who want to apply AI and ML methods to physical engineering problems like manufacturing, chemical processes, and robotics. The program features a unique stackable structure where students complete two graduate certificates plus an applied capstone project to earn their master's degree. Students begin with the required Graduate Certificate in AI & ML for Engineering, then choose from domain-specific certificates in areas like Data-Driven Dynamic Systems & Control, Modern AI Methods from the prestigious Paul G. Allen School, or Human Centered Artificial Intelligence. The program can be completed entirely online part-time or through a full-time option, making it exceptionally flexible for working professionals. The curriculum is bolstered by renowned faculty like Professor Steve Brunton, who directs the AI Center for Dynamics & Control and serves as a Data Science Fellow at the eScience Institute, and Professor Ashis Banerjee, who leads the SMARTS Lab and serves on the UW Amazon Science Hub advisory board.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Data-driven discovery and control of complex dynamical systems
Automated decision-making for cyber-physical systems
Foundational AI and Natural Language Processing for general-purpose AI algorithms
Virtual and augmented reality technologies and applications
Industry Partners
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.
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
Research Labs & Institutes
AI for social good across environment, health, and homelessness
Knowledge graphs and information extraction
Human-robot interaction and socially assistive robotics
Object detection, recognition, and video analysis
Advanced machine learning algorithms and applications
Multi-robot systems and autonomous navigation
Industry Partners
Admissions
University of Pennsylvania
Penn's AI program is distinguished by its unique emphasis on ethical AI training alongside technical excellence, housed within an Ivy League institution that pioneered breakthrough research like the first programmable chip for training neural networks using light and AI systems that discovered new antibiotics in ancient microbes.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT houses CSAIL, the world's largest university computer science laboratory, born from the merger of the original AI Lab where foundational AI research began in the 1960s under Marvin Minsky and John McCarthy, creators of the field of artificial intelligence itself.
Northwestern University
Northwestern pioneered the integration of AI with business leadership through the MBAi program and maintains one of the most comprehensive AI education ecosystems in higher education, spanning from undergraduate minors to executive education, with specialized research centers collaborating directly with Underwriters Laboratories and Argonne National Laboratory.
Northeastern University
Northeastern's AI program uniquely combines the nation's #1-ranked co-op system with the Institute for Experiential AI, positioning it as an institutional leader in human-centric and responsible AI development while offering the only interdisciplinary program that spans both computer science and engineering applications.
University of San Diego
USD's MS-AAI program is recognized as one of the nation's only 100% online master's in artificial intelligence programs, uniquely integrating ethics, social good, and moral responsibility across the entire curriculum while maintaining a balance between technical skills and practical business applications.
Brandeis University
Brandeis combines small program sizes that ensure individualized faculty mentoring with proximity to Boston's tech corridor, while offering unique interdisciplinary opportunities like computational linguistics and emerging research in AI bias and cybersecurity policy through specialized institutes.
University of North Texas
UNT offers Texas's only standalone Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence degree, combining cutting-edge research at the 300-acre Discovery Park facility with the career advantages of being located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex's massive tech corridor.
Best Artificial Intelligence Programs - Compare Top 5 Online
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | 91.1/100 |
| #2 University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | 85.5/100 |
| #3 University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | 80/100 |
| #4 University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | Private | $58,620 | 1% | 79.1/100 |
| #5 Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | Private | $59,750 | N/A | 72.7/100 |
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | — | 91.1 |
| 2 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | — | 85.5 |
| 3 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | — | 80 |
| 4 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | Private | $58,620 | 100% | — | 79.1 |
| 5 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | Private | $59,750 | — | — | 72.7 |
| 6 | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | Private | $64,887 | 90% | — | 71 |
| 7 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | Private | $62,000 | — | — | 69.5 |
| 8 | University of San Diego | San Diego, CA | Private | $55,690 | 97% | — | 68.4 |
| 9 | Brandeis University | Waltham, MA | Private | $64,348 | 99% | — | 67.8 |
| 10 | University of North Texas | Denton, TX | Public | $8,319 | 70% | — | 65 |
| 11 | San Jose State University | San Jose, CA | Public | $5,742 | 100% | — | 64.8 |
| 12 | University of California-Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, CA | Public | $11,834 | 93% | — | 64.5 |
| 13 | University of Georgia | Athens, GA | Public | $9,790 | 95% | — | 62.8 |
| 14 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | Private | $62,840 | — | — | 62.7 |
| 15 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | Public | $4,478 | 93% | — | 62.2 |
| 16 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | — | 59.8 |
| 17 | Boston University | Boston, MA | Private | $63,798 | — | — | 58.9 |
| 18 | Oregon State University | Corvallis, OR | Public | $11,145 | 84% | — | 58.9 |
| 19 | University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | Public | $11,546 | 68% | — | 57.7 |
| 20 | Illinois Institute of Technology | Chicago, IL | Private | $49,607 | 89% | — | 57.2 |
| 21 | University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | Public | $13,910 | 87% | — | 57.2 |
| 22 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | Pittsburgh, PA | Public | $20,154 | 88% | — | 57.1 |
| 23 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | Public | $2,522 | 77% | — | 56.1 |
| 24 | Yeshiva University | New York, NY | Private | $46,000 | 91% | — | 56.1 |
| 25 | Saint Louis University | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $52,260 | 92% | — | 55.4 |
Showing 1–25 of 46
Online AI Degree Programs Overview
Online artificial intelligence degree programs have rapidly evolved to meet growing industry demand, with 164 accredited programs now offering flexible pathways to AI careers. These programs combine core computer science fundamentals with specialized coursework in machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and computer vision.
The best AI programs maintain rigorous academic standards while providing the flexibility working professionals need. Top-ranked online programs like Georgia Tech's OMSCS achieve 88% graduation rates while costing significantly less than on-campus alternatives. Students can pursue concentrations in machine learning, robotics, or data science while maintaining full-time employment.
Career outcomes for online AI graduates mirror those of traditional programs, with s and (BLS OEWS May 2024). The growing demand for AI engineers creates excellent opportunities for graduates of quality online programs to enter high-growth fields like autonomous systems, healthcare AI, and financial technology.
Career Paths
AI/Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1299Design and implement machine learning models, neural networks, and AI systems. Work with large datasets to train algorithms and optimize model performance.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets using statistical methods and machine learning to derive business insights and predictive models.
Software Engineer (AI/ML)
SOC 15-1252Develop software applications integrating artificial intelligence capabilities, including natural language processing and computer vision systems.
Research Scientist
SOC 15-1221Conduct applied research in artificial intelligence, developing new algorithms and methodologies for machine learning applications.
AI Product Manager
SOC 11-3021Lead product development for AI-powered applications, bridging technical capabilities with market requirements and user needs.
Computer Vision Engineer
SOC 15-1299Develop systems that interpret and analyze visual information from images and videos using deep learning and neural networks.
Natural Language Processing Engineer
SOC 15-1299Build systems that understand and generate human language, working on chatbots, translation systems, and text analysis applications.
Robotics Engineer
SOC 17-2199Design and develop robotic systems incorporating AI for autonomous navigation, decision-making, and human interaction.
Top States for Online AI Degree Programs
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Pennsylvania
Illinois
Virginia
North Carolina
Massachusetts
Georgia
Financial Aid and Funding for Online AI Degrees
Online AI degree programs are eligible for the same federal financial aid as traditional programs, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study programs. Students should complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for need-based aid, with many programs offering additional scholarships for STEM students.
Employer tuition assistance programs cover online AI degrees at many technology companies. Companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and IBM offer tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 annually for eligible employees pursuing AI-related education. Employer tuition reimbursement can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for working professionals.
Graduate assistantships and research opportunities, while less common in online programs, are available at some institutions. Georgia Tech and UIUC offer limited remote research assistant positions for exceptional online students, providing both financial support and valuable research experience in AI fields.
Top 5 Online AI Programs Analysis
The top 5 online AI degree programs demonstrate clear differences in approach, cost, and target demographics. Georgia Tech's OMSCS leads with exceptional value at $7,238 total program cost while maintaining 88% graduation rates. The program attracts working professionals seeking advanced AI skills without career interruption.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers comprehensive Master of Computer Science with AI specialization, balancing academic rigor with practical application. At $15,792 tuition, it provides excellent value for a top-5 ranked CS program. Arizona State University's online program serves the largest student population with robust support systems and flexible scheduling options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 164 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
Institution type (R1/R2 research bonus)
CAE-CD designation, curator bonuses
Data completeness proxy
Reporting completeness
Data Sources and References
Institutional characteristics, completion data, graduation rates, and tuition information
Employment and salary data for AI, ML, and related technology occupations
Job growth projections and labor market trends for AI-related careers
Verified reviews from Reddit, Google Reviews, Niche.com, and institutional surveys (2,847 total reviews)
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.