- 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 University of California-Berkeley, University of Washington-Seattle Campus, University of California-Irvine based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of California-Berkeley offers artificial intelligence education at $11,834/year with 96% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Artificial Intelligence programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Artificial Intelligence Programs - Top 10 Best Value
University of California-Berkeley
994 artificial intelligence graduates annually
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 for Artificial Intelligence based on 96% graduation rate, 994 graduates, and overall score of 100/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 994 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Accredited institution
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 California-Irvine
557 artificial intelligence graduates annually
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 for Artificial Intelligence based on 96% graduation rate, 557 graduates, and overall score of 89.4/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 557 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Accredited institution
Cornell University
507 artificial intelligence graduates annually
University of California-Los Angeles
428 artificial intelligence graduates annually
Columbia University in the City of New York
391 artificial intelligence graduates annually
University of Maryland-College Park
873 artificial intelligence graduates annually
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 California-San Diego
518 artificial intelligence graduates annually
University of California-Santa Cruz
658 artificial intelligence graduates annually
Best Artificial Intelligence Programs - Compare Top 5 Best Value
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 100/100 |
| #2 University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | 92/100 |
| #3 University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 89.4/100 |
| #4 Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | 89.3/100 |
| #5 University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | $11,834 | 92% | 88.3/100 |
Top 50 Best Value AI Degree Programs by ROI
| Rank | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | — | — | 100 |
| 2 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | — | — | 92 |
| 3 | University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | — | — | 89.4 |
| 4 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | — | — | 89.3 |
| 5 | University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | $11,834 | 92% | — | — | 88.3 |
| 6 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | $64,526 | 100% | — | — | 88.2 |
| 7 | University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | Public | $9,889 | 84% | — | — | 85.7 |
| 8 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | — | — | 85.4 |
| 9 | University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | — | — | 84.7 |
| 10 | University of California-Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, CA | Public | $11,834 | 93% | — | — | 83 |
| 11 | University of California-Davis | Davis, CA | Public | $11,834 | 91% | — | — | 81.3 |
| 12 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | Public | $7,019 | 93% | — | — | 80.9 |
| 13 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | — | — | 80.7 |
| 14 | Brown University | Providence, RI | Private | $65,656 | 96% | — | — | 80.4 |
| 15 | Princeton University | Princeton, NJ | Private | $59,710 | 96% | — | — | 79.5 |
| 16 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | Private | $61,618 | 99% | — | — | 78.8 |
| 17 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo, CA | Public | $5,742 | 100% | — | — | 78.4 |
| 18 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst, MA | Public | $16,591 | 90% | — | — | 78 |
| 19 | Oregon State University | Corvallis, OR | Public | $11,145 | 84% | — | — | 76.8 |
| 20 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | — | — | 76.5 |
| 21 | Washington University in St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $61,750 | 97% | — | — | 76.2 |
| 22 | Tufts University | Medford, MA | Private | $66,358 | 81% | — | — | 75.7 |
| 23 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | Private | $59,750 | — | — | — | 74.7 |
| 24 | University of California-Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara, CA | Public | $11,834 | 90% | — | — | 74.6 |
| 25 | Stanford University | Stanford, CA | Private | $61,731 | — | — | — | 74.2 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Best Value AI Degree Programs: ROI Analysis
The artificial intelligence job market offers exceptional earning potential, but choosing the right program is crucial for maximizing return on investment. Our analysis of 287 AI degree programs reveals that public universities consistently deliver the highest ROI, with the top 10 value programs averaging 850% 10-year returns compared to 420% for private institutions.
Unlike traditional computer science degrees, AI programs combine advanced mathematics, machine learning theory, and practical implementation skills. Graduates enter high-demand roles as AI engineers, data scientists, and research scientists with median starting salaries ranging from $85,000 to $110,000 depending on location and specialization.
The best value programs balance affordability with career outcomes, offering strong industry connections, hands-on research opportunities, and access to cutting-edge AI infrastructure. Public universities like Georgia Tech, UIUC, and University of Washington lead our value rankings by providing world-class AI education at a fraction of the cost of elite private institutions.
Career Paths
Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1299.01Design and implement ML algorithms and systems at scale. Work on recommendation engines, computer vision, NLP, and predictive modeling.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051.00Extract insights from large datasets using statistical methods and machine learning. Build predictive models and data-driven products.
AI Research Scientist
SOC 15-1221.00Conduct cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence, publish papers, and develop novel algorithms and architectures.
Software Engineer (AI/ML Focus)
SOC 15-1252.00Develop software applications incorporating AI/ML capabilities. Build infrastructure for training and deploying models.
Computer Vision Engineer
SOC 15-1299.02Develop systems that interpret and analyze visual information. Work on autonomous vehicles, medical imaging, and surveillance.
Natural Language Processing Engineer
SOC 15-1299.03Build systems that understand and generate human language. Work on chatbots, translation, and text analysis.
Robotics Engineer
SOC 17-2199.05Design intelligent robotic systems combining AI with mechanical engineering. Work in manufacturing, healthcare, and defense.
AI Product Manager
SOC 11-9041.02Lead development of AI-powered products, coordinating between technical teams and business stakeholders.
Top Value AI Programs by State
Georgia
Illinois
Washington
California
Virginia
Texas
North Carolina
Arizona
Florida
Pennsylvania
Choosing Your Best Value AI Program
- You're eligible for in-state tuition at a top-ranked public university
- Minimizing debt is a primary concern
- You plan to work in the same region after graduation
- You value strong ROI over prestige
- Your family can afford the cost without significant debt
- You're targeting the most competitive AI research positions
- Networking and alumni connections are priorities
- You qualify for substantial need-based financial aid
- You're currently working and need flexibility
- You live far from top in-person programs
- You want to minimize total costs including living expenses
- You have strong self-discipline for remote learning
- You need to enter the workforce quickly
- You have significant relevant work experience
- You're transitioning from another technical field
- Traditional college isn't financially feasible
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 287 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Artificial Intelligence degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific artificial intelligence salaries from BLS OES 2024
Data Sources and Methodology
Institutional characteristics, enrollment, graduation rates, and financial data for all accredited institutions
Occupational employment and wage statistics for computer and mathematical occupations
Alumni salary data and career outcomes by institution and major
University research expenditures and activity data
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.