Top 3 AI Programs in California 2025
University of California-Berkeley
994 Artificial Intelligence graduates annually, 96% graduation rate
University of California-Irvine
557 Artificial Intelligence graduates annually, 96% graduation rate
University of California-Los Angeles
428 Artificial Intelligence graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
- 1.California hosts 35+ artificial intelligence bachelor's programs across UC, CSU, and private institutions, representing 18% of all US AI programs (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Stanford University ranks #1 with 94% graduation rate and direct pipeline to Silicon Valley AI companies like OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Anthropic
- 3.UC Berkeley offers elite AI education at $14,312 in-state tuition—75% less than comparable private programs while maintaining top-5 national ranking
- 4.California AI engineers earn median $165,850 annually—31% above the national median of $126,830 (BLS California 2024)
- 5.Silicon Valley and Los Angeles metros provide 45,000+ AI/ML engineering jobs—the largest concentration globally
Artificial Intelligence Education Landscape in California
California leads the world in artificial intelligence education and research, hosting more AI programs than any other state. From Stanford's legendary AI Lab to Berkeley's Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR) laboratory, California universities have pioneered breakthrough technologies from neural networks to large language models.
The state's unique advantage lies in its proximity to Silicon Valley, where students gain direct access to internships and full-time positions at companies like OpenAI, Google DeepMind, Meta AI, and Nvidia. California's artificial intelligence degree programs range from theoretical computer science foundations to applied machine learning tracks.
For broader perspective, review our national AI bachelor's rankings comparing California programs to top schools nationwide. Students considering career outcomes should explore our AI/ML engineer salary guide for California-specific compensation trends and growth projections.
California AI Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 100 |
| 2 | University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 89.4 |
| 3 | University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | $11,834 | 92% | 88.3 |
| 4 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | 85.4 |
| 5 | University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | 84.7 |
| 6 | University of California-Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, CA | Public | $11,834 | 93% | 83 |
| 7 | University of California-Davis | Davis, CA | Public | $11,834 | 91% | 81.3 |
| 8 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo, CA | Public | $5,742 | 100% | 78.4 |
| 9 | University of California-Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara, CA | Public | $11,834 | 90% | 74.6 |
| 10 | Stanford University | Stanford, CA | Private | $61,731 | — | 74.2 |
| 11 | San Diego State University | San Diego, CA | Public | $5,742 | 83% | 73.5 |
| 12 | California State University-Long Beach | Long Beach, CA | Public | $5,742 | 73% | 71.7 |
| 13 | California Institute of Technology | Pasadena, CA | Private | $60,816 | 88% | 71.5 |
| 14 | University of California-Riverside | Riverside, CA | Public | $11,834 | 83% | 71.2 |
| 15 | San Jose State University | San Jose, CA | Public | $5,742 | 100% | 69.5 |
| 16 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | Pomona, CA | Public | $5,742 | 87% | 68.3 |
| 17 | California State University-Northridge | Northridge, CA | Public | $5,742 | 95% | 66 |
| 18 | California State University-Sacramento | Sacramento, CA | Public | $5,742 | 92% | 65.5 |
| 19 | California State University-Monterey Bay | Seaside, CA | Public | $5,742 | 99% | 64.9 |
| 20 | California State University-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | $5,742 | 99% | 63.7 |
| 21 | California State University-Fullerton | Fullerton, CA | Public | $5,742 | 65% | 63.2 |
| 22 | University of San Diego | San Diego, CA | Private | $55,690 | 97% | 62.2 |
| 23 | Pitzer College | Claremont, CA | Private | $62,392 | 96% | 62.1 |
| 24 | California State University-San Marcos | San Marcos, CA | Public | $5,742 | 96% | 61.5 |
| 25 | Chapman University | Orange, CA | Private | $62,400 | 93% | 60.5 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Top 5 Artificial Intelligence Programs in California: Side-by-Side
| School | USC | UC Berkeley | UC Irvine | UCLA | UC San Diego |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $66,640 | $11,834 | $11,834 | $11,834 | $11,834 |
| Graduation Rate | 92% | 96% | 96% | 92% | 81% |
| Annual Graduates | 1542 | 994 | 557 | 428 | 518 |
| Acceptance Rate | 10% | 12% | 26% | 9% | 25% |
| Type | Private | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 100.0/100 | 94.2/100 | 83.9/100 | 83.5/100 | 79.4/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Artificial Intelligence in California
California offers 54 bachelor's-level artificial intelligence programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of California-Berkeley, University of California-Irvine, University of California-Los Angeles. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $102,039 in the California market.
A bachelor's in artificial intelligence typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Artificial Intelligence Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Artificial Intelligence Bachelor's Programs in California
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UC Berkeley | $11,834 | 96% | 994 | 94.2 |
| #2 UC Irvine | $11,834 | 96% | 557 | 83.9 |
| #3 UCLA | $11,834 | 92% | 428 | 83.5 |
Top Artificial Intelligence Schools for Master's Degrees in California
For graduate study, California offers 38 master's-level artificial intelligence programs. Leading institutions include University of Southern California, University of California-San Diego, University of California-Los Angeles. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in California reaching $189,501 or more.
Top 3 Artificial Intelligence Master's Programs in California
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 USC | $66,640 | 92% | 1542 | 100.0 |
| #2 UC San Diego | $11,834 | 81% | 499 | 79.0 |
| #3 UCLA | $11,834 | 92% | 153 | 75.7 |
Most Affordable Artificial Intelligence Colleges in California
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable artificial intelligence programs in California are at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($5,742/year), San Diego State University ($5,742/year), California State University-Long Beach ($5,742/year). These programs offer strong ROI given California's competitive tech salaries.
At California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, a 4-year degree costs approximately $22,968 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $102,039, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.3 years.
Most Affordable Artificial Intelligence Programs in California (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 California Polytechnic... | $5,742 | $22,968 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #2 San Diego State | $5,742 | $22,968 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #3 California State... | $5,742 | $22,968 | 0.3 years | Public |
California's AI Education Ecosystem
California's artificial intelligence programs span three major university systems, each offering distinct advantages for aspiring AI engineers and researchers.
University of California System: The UC system leads in AI research output, with Berkeley, UCLA, San Diego, and Irvine hosting world-class AI laboratories. UC schools offer exceptional value with in-state tuition under $15,000 while maintaining research quality comparable to top private institutions. Students benefit from the UC system's extensive industry partnerships and graduate school pathways.
California State University System: CSU campuses like San Jose State and San Diego State provide career-focused AI education with strong industry connections. Located in major tech hubs, these programs emphasize practical skills and internship opportunities. CSU tuition remains under $8,000 annually, making AI education accessible to a broader population.
Private Universities: Stanford and Caltech lead private AI education with unmatched research resources and Silicon Valley access. While tuition exceeds $60,000 annually, these programs offer the highest career outcomes and networking opportunities. USC provides a middle ground with strong industry connections and Los Angeles tech scene access.
Students should also consider online AI degree programs for flexibility, or explore AI bootcamps for accelerated learning paths.
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $66,640 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 1,542 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 10%
- • Ranking Score: 100.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 1,542 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 100.0 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (1,542 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (10% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
USC's MS in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) is recognized as one of the first programs of its type in the nation, providing rigorous training in theories and applications of deep learning and artificial intelligence including machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and robotics. The program offers extensive research opportunities with labs actively recruiting students and is eligible for OPT STEM extension for international students.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Computer Science coursework
- •Math coursework
Program Details
- Credits: 32 units
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Uber
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,834 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 994 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 12%
- • Ranking Score: 94.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 994 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 94.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (994 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (12% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UC Berkeley is ranked #4/3 in undergraduate and graduate artificial intelligence programs and is home to the Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research Lab (BAIR) which brings together researchers across computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing, planning, control, and robotics. The university offers over 200 graduate programs and consistently ranks among the top for doctoral programs nationwide.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,834 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 557 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 26%
- • Ranking Score: 83.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 557 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 83.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (557 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (26% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UCI offers a highly flexible Computer Science degree with nine specialized tracks including emerging fields like Bioinformatics and Visual Computing, providing strong foundational education for both graduate study and industry careers. The program emphasizes principles of computing that underlie our modern world with coverage from low-level architecture to algorithms and mathematical foundations.
Admission Prerequisites
- •two courses in English composition
- •one course in mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning
- •four courses in at least two of the following subject areas: arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, or physical and biological sciences
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.4 for California residents, 2.8 for non-California residents
- Transfer Friendly
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,834 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 428 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 9%
- • Ranking Score: 83.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 428 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 83.5 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (428 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (9% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,834 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 518 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 25%
- • Ranking Score: 79.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 518 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 79.4 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (518 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (25% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UC San Diego offers a BS in Artificial Intelligence through the Computer Science and Engineering department with strong industry connections and research opportunities at prestigious centers like the San Diego Supercomputer Center. The program provides broad curriculum options with internship opportunities that allow students to apply academic knowledge toward commercial technologies.
Admission Prerequisites
- •mathematics courses so that students can take first-year calculus in their first quarter
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 124 units
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $180,774
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Design and implement machine learning systems, neural networks, and AI algorithms for tech companies and startups.
Extract insights from large datasets using statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization techniques.
Develop AI-powered applications, integrate machine learning models into production systems, and build scalable AI infrastructure.
Research Scientist
Conduct advanced AI research at technology companies, developing new algorithms and publishing breakthrough findings.
Computer Vision Engineer
Develop image and video analysis systems for autonomous vehicles, medical imaging, and augmented reality applications.
Robotics Engineer
Design intelligent robotic systems combining AI, mechanical engineering, and sensor technology for industrial and consumer applications.
Other Tech Degree Programs in California
AI Programs by State
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Massachusetts
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to the world's largest concentration of AI companies and startups
- Proximity to Silicon Valley for internships and networking
- World-class research opportunities at Stanford, Berkeley, or UCLA
- Highest AI engineer salaries in the United States
- Direct recruitment from tech giants like Google, Meta, Apple, and OpenAI
- Lower cost of living (California housing costs are 2-3x national average)
- Less competitive admission requirements
- Smaller, more intimate learning environments
- Geographic diversity in your network and opportunities
- State residency benefits in other states
Frequently Asked Questions About California AI Programs
Based on 22 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
Related AI Resources and Programs
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database providing official statistics on US higher education institutions including enrollment, graduation rates, and tuition costs
California-specific salary data for AI and machine learning engineers, updated May 2024
Comprehensive analysis of AI research output, industry trends, and academic program rankings
Official admission statistics, graduation rates, and career outcomes for UC campuses
California State University enrollment and employment data for computer science and AI graduates
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics California, 2024
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.