Michigan university campus with Great Lakes backdrop and modern AI research facilities
Updated December 2025

Best AI Programs in Michigan 2025

Ranking 20+ artificial intelligence and machine learning programs across Michigan universities. University of Michigan leads with world-class AI research labs and direct connections to Detroit's automotive AI revolution.

Programs Ranked15
Total in State20+
Median Salary$118,240
Job Growth+21%

Top 3 AI Programs in Michigan 2025

🥇 #1

Michigan Technological University

Houghton, MIPublic

68 Artificial Intelligence graduates annually, 90% graduation rate

$19K
Tuition/yr
90%
Grad Rate
67.5
Score
🥈 #2

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MIPublic

9 Artificial Intelligence graduates annually, 92% graduation rate

$18K
Tuition/yr
92%
Grad Rate
63.5
Score
🥉 #3

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MIPublic

84 Artificial Intelligence graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$15K
Tuition/yr
62.1
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Michigan has 20+ accredited AI and machine learning programs across public and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
  • 2.University of Michigan ranks #1 in Michigan with 93% graduation rate and leading AI research facilities including the Michigan AI Lab
  • 3.In-state tuition at top Michigan AI programs averages $17,500—significantly below national private school costs
  • 4.Michigan AI professionals earn median $118,240 annually, driven by automotive AI and Detroit tech sector growth (BLS Michigan 2024)
  • 5.Major employers include Ford, General Motors, Quicken Loans, and growing Detroit tech startups focusing on autonomous vehicles and fintech AI

Artificial Intelligence Education in Michigan

Michigan has emerged as a significant player in AI education, leveraging its automotive industry heritage and growing tech sector. The state's universities offer comprehensive AI programs that combine traditional computer science fundamentals with cutting-edge machine learning and artificial intelligence specializations.

The University of Michigan leads the state with its world-renowned AI research labs and direct industry partnerships with automotive giants. For students considering national options, our best AI bachelor's programs provides comprehensive comparisons. Those interested in cost-effective options should review our most affordable AI programs guide. Career-focused students can explore our AI engineer salary guide for Michigan-specific compensation data.

Rank
1Michigan Technological UniversityHoughton, MIPublic$19,42990%—67.5
2University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor, MIPublic$17,97792%—63.5
3Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti, MIPublic$15,200——62.1
4Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo, MIPublic$15,198——58.7
5Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant, MIPublic$13,862——54.9
6University of Michigan-FlintFlint, MIPublic$12,942——52.8
7Kettering UniversityFlint, MIPrivate$45,380——52
8Calvin UniversityGrand Rapids, MIPrivate$38,370——51.5
9Davenport UniversityGrand Rapids, MIPrivate$22,272——49.7
10Lawrence Technological UniversitySouthfield, MIPrivate$40,672——47.3
11Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MIPublic$16,93087%—47.2
12Spring Arbor UniversitySpring Arbor, MIPrivate$31,940——46.6
13Alma CollegeAlma, MIPrivate$47,160——43.5
14Baker CollegeOwosso, MIPrivate$12,460——43.4
15Andrews UniversityBerrien Springs, MIPrivate$32,400——39.9

Showing 1–15 of 22

Top 5 Artificial Intelligence Programs in Michigan: Side-by-Side

SchoolMichigan TechnologicalEastern MichiganU of MichiganWestern MichiganCentral Michigan
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$19,429
$15,200
$17,977
$15,198
$13,862
Graduation Rate
90%
N/A%
92%
N/A%
N/A%
Annual Graduates
68
84
9
71
59
Acceptance Rate
88%
81%
18%
85%
91%
Type
Public
Public
Public
Public
Public
Score
70.9/100
65.2/100
63.5/100
61.6/100
57.6/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Artificial Intelligence in Michigan

Michigan offers 22 bachelor's-level artificial intelligence programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Michigan Technological University, Eastern Michigan University, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $69,881 in the Michigan 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 Michigan

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Michigan Technological
$19,429
90%
68
70.9
#2 Eastern Michigan
$15,200
N/A%
84
65.2
#3 U of Michigan
$17,977
92%
9
63.5

Top Artificial Intelligence Schools for Master's Degrees in Michigan

For graduate study, Michigan offers 8 master's-level artificial intelligence programs. Leading institutions include University of Michigan-Dearborn, Central Michigan University, Michigan Technological University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Michigan reaching $129,779 or more.

Top 3 Artificial Intelligence Master's Programs in Michigan

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 U of Michigan-Dearborn
$14,544
94%
6
53.9
#2 Central Michigan
$13,862
N/A%
45
51.5
#3 Michigan Technological
$19,429
90%
11
50.3

Most Affordable Artificial Intelligence Colleges in Michigan

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable artificial intelligence programs in Michigan are at Baker College ($12,460/year), University of Michigan-Flint ($12,942/year), Central Michigan University ($13,862/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Michigan's competitive tech salaries.

At Baker College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $49,840 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $69,881, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1.4 years.

Most Affordable Artificial Intelligence Programs in Michigan (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Baker College
$12,460
$49,840
1.4 years
Private
#2 U of Michigan-Flint
$12,942
$51,768
1.5 years
Public
#3 Central Michigan
$13,862
$55,448
1.6 years
Public
#1

Michigan Technological University

Houghton, MI • Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • • Annual Tuition: $19,429 (in-state)
  • • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
  • • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 68 annually
  • • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • • Ranking Score: 70.9 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 90% graduation rate
  • 68 artificial intelligence graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 70.9 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (68 graduates), state salary outcomes ($99,830), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#2

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MI • Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • • Annual Tuition: $15,200 (in-state)
  • • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 84 annually
  • • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • • Ranking Score: 65.2 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 84 artificial intelligence graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 65.2 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (84 graduates), state salary outcomes ($99,830), and selectivity (81% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

EMU's Computer Science program offers flexible course formats including online, evening, and hybrid offerings that allow both part-time and full-time completion. The program is STEM-designated and provides graduate assistantships to qualified students for financial aid and enhanced academic experiences.

Available Scholarships
$Graduate Assistantships are available to qualified students
Admissions
  • Min GPA: 2.7
  • Transfer Friendly
Program Details
  • Credits: 33 credit hours
#3

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI • Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • • Annual Tuition: $17,977 (in-state)
  • • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
  • • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 9 annually
  • • Acceptance Rate: 18%
  • • Ranking Score: 63.5 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 92% graduation rate
  • 9 artificial intelligence graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 63.5 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (9 graduates), state salary outcomes ($99,830), and selectivity (18% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#4

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI • Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • • Annual Tuition: $15,198 (in-state)
  • • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 71 annually
  • • Acceptance Rate: 85%
  • • Ranking Score: 61.6 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 71 artificial intelligence graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 61.6 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (71 graduates), state salary outcomes ($99,830), and selectivity (85% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

Western Michigan University's Master of Science in Computer Science offers an accelerated option allowing students to complete B.S. and M.S. degrees in just 140 credit hours, with extensive specialization areas including artificial intelligence and data analytics. The program boasts exceptional outcomes with 97% of graduates working or continuing education and 100% employment rate in degree-related positions.

Program Details
  • Credits: 140 combined undergraduate/graduate credit hours
Career Outcomes
  • Starting Salary: $80K - $90K median starting salary
  • Job Placement: 97% of graduate students are working or continuing their education after graduation
Available Specializations / Concentrations
algorithmic complexity theoryartificial intelligencebioinformaticscloud computingcompiler optimizationcomputational sciencecomputer architecturecomputer networkingcomputer securitycyber-physical systemsdata analyticsdata driven security analyticsdata warehousing and miningdistributed and mobile data basesembedded systemshuman-computer interaction and visualizationhigh-performance computingknowledge-based systemslanguage and automata theorymathematical and computer modelingmultimedia databases and systemsneural networksparallel and distributed algorithmspattern recognition and image processingscientific computing and numerical analysissimulationsmart connected communitiessoftware engineeringweb applications
#5

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI • Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • • Annual Tuition: $13,862 (in-state)
  • • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 59 annually
  • • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • • Ranking Score: 57.6 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 59 artificial intelligence graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 57.6 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (59 graduates), state salary outcomes ($99,830), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

CMU offers both an applied artificial intelligence minor available to all degree types starting Fall 2025 and an accelerated master's program that allows students to complete their master's degree within 12 months of finishing their bachelor's while paying undergraduate rates for select courses. Students gain hands-on experience with meaningful research projects and work closely with professors in areas like machine learning, AI, and cloud computing.

Admission Prerequisites
  • •Programming Language Concepts
  • •Introduction to Operating Systems
Admissions
  • Min GPA: 3.25
Program Details
  • Credits: 30
Available Specializations / Concentrations
artificial intelligencemachine learningcloud computingsoftware developmentdata mining
$85,000
Starting Salary
$135,000
Mid-Career
+0.21%
Job Growth
2,400
Annual Openings

Career Paths

AI/ML Engineer

SOC 15-1299
+0.21%

Design and implement artificial intelligence systems for automotive, fintech, and manufacturing applications

Median Salary:$125,000

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051
+0.35%

Analyze complex datasets to derive insights for business decisions, particularly in automotive and healthcare sectors

Median Salary:$118,240
+0.25%

Develop software applications with AI/ML components for automotive systems, fintech platforms, and enterprise solutions

Median Salary:$110,530

Research Scientist

SOC 19-1099
+0.19%

Conduct AI research in academic institutions, automotive R&D centers, and technology companies

Median Salary:$135,000

Michigan University Systems and AI Education

Michigan's public university system provides multiple pathways for AI education, with the University of Michigan system leading the way. The flagship Ann Arbor campus offers the most comprehensive AI research opportunities, while regional campuses in Dearborn and Flint provide more accessible options for students in southeastern Michigan.

Michigan State University serves as the state's land-grant institution with a strong engineering focus that extends to AI education. The remaining public universities, including Michigan Tech, Wayne State, Western Michigan, and others, offer specialized programs that cater to different student needs and career goals.

For students interested in broader technology education options, Michigan also offers strong programs in computer science, data science, and cybersecurity. Those considering career transitions can explore our guide on transitioning to tech from other fields.

Other Tech Degree Programs in Michigan

AI Programs in Other States

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Michigan If:
  • You want access to automotive AI and autonomous vehicle research opportunities
  • You prefer affordable in-state tuition at high-quality public universities
  • You're interested in practical, industry-connected AI education
  • You want to work in the Detroit tech ecosystem or automotive industry
  • You value strong research universities like University of Michigan
Consider Other States If:
  • You want access to larger tech hubs like Silicon Valley or Seattle
  • You prefer warmer climates and don't mind higher living costs
  • You're focused on pure AI research rather than automotive applications
  • You want more venture capital funding and startup opportunities
  • You need more diverse AI specialization options

Michigan AI Program FAQ

Ranking Methodology

Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Artificial Intelligence degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

State-specific artificial intelligence salaries from BLS OES 2024

Related AI and Tech Education Resources

Data Sources and Methodology

Federal database providing comprehensive higher education statistics including graduation rates, tuition costs, and enrollment data

State-specific occupational employment and wage estimates for computer and mathematical occupations

State economic data and tech industry growth statistics for Michigan

Academic Research Databases

Peer-reviewed publications and research output metrics from Michigan universities

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