Top 3 AI & Machine Learning Programs in Massachusetts 2025
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
534 Artificial Intelligence graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
393 Artificial Intelligence graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Tufts University
211 Artificial Intelligence graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
- 1.Massachusetts has 25+ universities offering AI, ML, and data science programs with 12 ranked as top-tier nationally (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.MIT ranks #1 globally for AI research with CSAIL laboratory pioneering machine learning breakthroughs since 1959
- 3.AI engineers in Massachusetts earn median $153,240 annually—22% above national median (BLS Massachusetts 2024)
- 4.Boston area hosts 400+ AI companies including iRobot, DataRobot, and major Google/Amazon AI research labs
- 5.Harvard, MIT, and Northeastern combine for 89% average graduation rate with direct pipeline to tech giants
Artificial Intelligence Education in Massachusetts
Massachusetts stands as the global epicenter of artificial intelligence education and research, home to MIT's pioneering Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and Harvard's ethics-focused AI programs. The state's concentration of world-class universities, combined with Boston's thriving tech ecosystem, creates unparalleled opportunities for AI students.
For national perspective, see our best AI bachelor's programs nationwide ranking. Students considering cost should review our most affordable AI programs guide. Career-focused students should examine our AI/ML engineer salary guide for Massachusetts-specific compensation trends.
The state's AI education landscape spans from theoretical computer science at MIT to applied machine learning at UMass Amherst. Boston's Route 128 technology corridor and Cambridge innovation district provide abundant internship and research opportunities for students across all program types.
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst, MA | Public | $16,591 | 90% | — | 87.8 |
| 2 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | Private | $59,750 | — | — | 83.1 |
| 3 | Tufts University | Medford, MA | Private | $66,358 | 81% | — | 81.9 |
| 4 | Boston University | Boston, MA | Private | $63,798 | — | — | 79.5 |
| 5 | Harvard University | Cambridge, MA | Private | $54,269 | — | — | 73.5 |
| 6 | Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Worcester, MA | Private | $57,960 | 83% | — | 72.8 |
| 7 | Amherst College | Amherst, MA | Private | $66,650 | 97% | — | 71 |
| 8 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell | Lowell, MA | Public | $15,850 | 98% | — | 70.9 |
| 9 | Brandeis University | Waltham, MA | Private | $64,348 | 99% | — | 70 |
| 10 | Boston College | Chestnut Hill, MA | Private | $66,410 | — | — | 68.4 |
| 11 | Smith College | Northampton, MA | Private | $61,260 | 98% | — | 67.9 |
| 12 | College of the Holy Cross | Worcester, MA | Private | $60,050 | 99% | — | 64.2 |
| 13 | Wentworth Institute of Technology | Boston, MA | Private | $40,410 | 99% | — | 63.6 |
| 14 | Mount Holyoke College | South Hadley, MA | Private | $63,904 | 90% | — | 61.3 |
| 15 | Clark University | Worcester, MA | Private | $54,760 | 98% | — | 61 |
Showing 1–15 of 35
Top 5 Artificial Intelligence Programs in Massachusetts: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Massachusetts-Amherst | Tufts | MIT | Boston | Amherst College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $16,591 | $66,358 | $59,750 | $63,798 | $66,650 |
| Graduation Rate | 90% | 81% | N/A% | N/A% | 97% |
| Annual Graduates | 534 | 211 | 265 | 249 | 55 |
| Acceptance Rate | 58% | 10% | 5% | 11% | 10% |
| Type | Public | Private | Private | Private | Private |
| Score | 87.8/100 | 81.9/100 | 77.5/100 | 75.4/100 | 74.6/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Artificial Intelligence in Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers 35 bachelor's-level artificial intelligence programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tufts University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $90,048 in the Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Massachusetts-Amherst | $16,591 | 90% | 534 | 87.8 |
| #2 MIT | $59,750 | N/A% | 393 | 83.1 |
| #3 Tufts | $66,358 | 81% | 211 | 81.9 |
Top Artificial Intelligence Schools for Master's Degrees in Massachusetts
For graduate study, Massachusetts offers 16 master's-level artificial intelligence programs. Leading institutions include University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Massachusetts reaching $167,232 or more.
Top 3 Artificial Intelligence Master's Programs in Massachusetts
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Massachusetts-Amherst | $16,591 | 90% | 291 | 87.8 |
| #2 MIT | $59,750 | N/A% | 265 | 77.5 |
| #3 Boston | $63,798 | N/A% | 249 | 75.4 |
Most Affordable Artificial Intelligence Colleges in Massachusetts
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable artificial intelligence programs in Massachusetts are at Bridgewater State University ($910/year), Fitchburg State University ($970/year), Westfield State University ($970/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Massachusetts's competitive tech salaries.
At Bridgewater State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $3,640 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $90,048, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.1 years.
Most Affordable Artificial Intelligence Programs in Massachusetts (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Bridgewater State | $910 | $3,640 | 0.1 years | Public |
| #2 Fitchburg State | $970 | $3,880 | 0.1 years | Public |
| #3 Westfield State | $970 | $3,880 | 0.1 years | Public |
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $16,591 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 534 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 58%
- • Ranking Score: 87.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 534 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 87.8 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (534 graduates), state salary outcomes ($128,640), and selectivity (58% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UMass offers AI programs ranging from undergraduate concentrations to graduate certificates for business, with strong employment outcomes including $100,000+ starting salaries and 92% career goal achievement within six months. The programs combine technical AI training with practical business applications and are available both on-campus and online.
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $100,000 - $104,150
- Job Placement: 92% of Isenberg graduates report achieving their career goals within six months
- Top Employers: Amazon, CLA, Deloitte, EY, Grant Thornton, KPMG, Liberty Mutual, MassMutual, PwC, RSM
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Tufts University
Medford, MA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $66,358 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 211 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 10%
- • Ranking Score: 81.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 211 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 81.9 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (211 graduates), state salary outcomes ($128,640), and selectivity (10% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The MS in Artificial Intelligence is jointly offered by Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments, providing comprehensive coverage of AI concepts including machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and knowledge representation. The program emphasizes both technical foundations and ethics with a required ethics course for AI, robotics, and human-robot interaction.
Admission Prerequisites
- •background in computer science, mathematics, or a related technical field
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $59,750 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 265 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 5%
- • Ranking Score: 77.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 265 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 77.5 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (265 graduates), state salary outcomes ($128,640), and selectivity (5% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
MIT's AI programs offer the largest computing majors at the institution with rigorous, hands-on curriculum led by world-class faculty. The program demonstrates exceptional industry connections with graduates placed at 115+ leading companies worldwide, achieving 98% job placement rates within six months.
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $122,000
- Job Placement: 98% of job-seeking Class of 2024 graduates accepting an offer within six months of graduation
- Top Employers: Balyasny Asset Management, Bank of America, Barclays, BlackRock, Boston Consulting Group, Citadel, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase & Co., McKinsey & Company, Morgan Stanley
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $63,798 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 249 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 11%
- • Ranking Score: 75.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 249 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 75.4 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (249 graduates), state salary outcomes ($128,640), and selectivity (11% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Amherst College
Amherst, MA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $66,650 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 55 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 10%
- • Ranking Score: 74.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 55 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 74.6 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (55 graduates), state salary outcomes ($128,640), and selectivity (10% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
AI/Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1299Design and implement machine learning systems for companies like Google, Amazon, and Boston's numerous AI startups
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets using AI/ML techniques for financial firms, healthcare companies, and tech startups in Boston
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Develop AI-powered applications and systems at major tech companies with offices in Cambridge and Boston
Research Scientist
SOC 19-1099Conduct cutting-edge AI research at universities, research labs, or corporate R&D divisions
Massachusetts University Systems for AI Education
Massachusetts universities offer diverse pathways into artificial intelligence education, from world-renowned private research institutions to affordable public universities with strong technical programs.
Private Research Universities dominate the state's AI landscape. MIT and Harvard lead globally in AI research, while Northeastern University offers practical co-op experience. Boston University and Tufts provide strong CS programs with AI concentrations at slightly lower selectivity levels.
University of Massachusetts System provides affordable alternatives without sacrificing quality. UMass Amherst ranks in the top 20 nationally for computer science and offers excellent AI research opportunities at in-state tuition rates. UMass Boston and UMass Lowell provide additional options for students seeking urban campus experiences.
Specialized Technical Institutions like Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) emphasize hands-on project work and industry collaboration. These schools often have smaller classes and more direct faculty interaction than larger research universities.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Massachusetts
Compare AI Programs in Other States
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to world's top AI research labs and faculty at MIT/Harvard
- Proximity to Boston's thriving AI startup ecosystem
- Networking opportunities with AI industry leaders
- Strong job market with 400+ AI companies in Greater Boston
- Combination of theoretical depth and practical application
- Lower cost of living (Massachusetts ranks 3rd highest nationally)
- Warmer weather and outdoor recreation opportunities
- Less competitive admission requirements
- Larger program sizes with more course variety
- In-state tuition benefits unavailable in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts AI Programs
Based on 12 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 Education Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment data, and institutional characteristics
Occupational employment and wage statistics for Massachusetts
Faculty research output and citation analysis
Employment outcomes and salary data from individual institutions
Taylor Rupe
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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.