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$15,240
Tuition/yr
58%
Grad rate
67.2
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best artificial intelligence degree programs: Michigan Technological, Eastern Michigan, U of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,656 to $55,226/year
Monroe County Community C... offers the most affordable option at $6,638/yr
Artificial Intelligence degree programs available: 4 associate's, 8 master's, 2 doctoral in Michigan
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
8 online artificial intelligence degree programs in Michigan
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Michigan community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
4 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Ford, GM, Quicken Loans, Duo Security
Tech hubs in Detroit and Ann Arbor
Hakia Research 2026
Artificial Intelligence degree programs near 85+ cities across Michigan
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 26, 2026
How we ranked Michigan Artificial Intelligence programs
We rank 36 accredited artificial intelligence programs in Michigan using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodology$99,830
Are Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Michigan Worth It?
Yes. The best artificial intelligence degree programs in Michigan deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $99,830 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $24,730/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Artificial Intelligence Degree Rankings in Michigan
Compare the top-ranked Artificial Intelligence programs in Michigan by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Master's Artificial Intelligence Programs in Michigan
3
Programs ranked
$24,922
Avg tuition/yr
59%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Michigan offers 8 master's degree programs in artificial intelligence, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Central Michigan, U of Michigan-Dearborn, Michigan Technological, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Michigan earn a median salary of $99,830, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Ford, GM, Quicken Loans actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $23,320/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Michigan's artificial intelligence schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
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Lawrence Technological University
Southfield, MIPrivate nonprofit
$42,360
Tuition/yr
61%
Grad rate
65.8
Hakia Score
Artificial Intelligence Degree Costs & Tuition in Michigan
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $24,730/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $61,825/year |
| Community college tuition | $6,183/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $148,380 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $37,094 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Artificial Intelligence Students in Michigan
State Aid Programs
Michigan offers substantial financial aid opportunities for students pursuing artificial intelligence education, including state grants, federal aid, and specialized technology funding. Michigan State University reports that 79 percent of undergraduate students received aid that didn't have to be repaid, with 22.8 percent of first-year students paying zero tuition after aid and 55 percent graduating with zero loan debt (MSU Aid).
Key Programs & Amounts
These statistics demonstrate significant opportunities to reduce educational costs. Ferris State University's AI and cybersecurity programs benefit from research funding by the National Science Foundation, National Security Agency, and Department of Defense (Ferris Funding).
Institutional Scholarships
Students can pursue federal CyberCorps Scholarship for Service opportunities providing full tuition plus stipends for government employment commitments. Western Michigan University provides 99 percent of full-time undergraduate students with financial need receiving aid in 2024-25 (WMU Aid).
Graduate students should explore research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and industry-sponsored fellowships available through AI research centers. Technology companies increasingly offer tuition assistance and internship stipends for AI students.
Artificial Intelligence Degree ROI Calculator, Michigan
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a artificial intelligence degree in Michigan. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Artificial Intelligence Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a artificial intelligence degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+697%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,289,731
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$141,176
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,325,139
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Detroit, MI)$120,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.1%
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Artificial Intelligence Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Michigan metro areas
Detroit$110K
Ann Arbor$105K
Grand Rapids$100K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Detroit | $110K |
| Ann Arbor | $105K |
| Grand Rapids | $100K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Artificial Intelligence Graduates in Michigan
Find artificial intelligence jobs in Michigan. These major employers across Michigan metro areas are actively hiring artificial intelligence degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Artificial Intelligence Jobs in Detroit Metro
MIDetroit is the center of automotive innovation, leading in EV development and autonomous vehicle technology.
Nearby cities: Dearborn, Troy, Warren, Auburn Hills, Southfield
General Motors
Automotive/Mobility Tech
Ford Motor Company
Automotive/EV Tech
Stellantis
Automotive/Mobility
Waymo
Autonomous Vehicles
Cruise
Autonomous Vehicles
Rivian
Electric Vehicles
Quicken Loans (Rocket)
Fintech
StockX
E-commerce
Microsoft
Enterprise Software
Artificial Intelligence Jobs in Ann Arbor
MIAnn Arbor is anchored by University of Michigan, with strong tech research and startup ecosystem.
Nearby cities: Ypsilanti, Canton, Plymouth, Novi
Google
Search/Cloud/AI
Amazon
E-commerce/Cloud
Duo Security (Cisco)
Cybersecurity
Domino's
Restaurant Tech
Thomson Reuters
Legal/Financial Tech
Barracuda Networks
Cybersecurity
Transfer Pathways for Artificial Intelligence Degrees in Michigan
State Transfer System
Michigan's Transfer Agreement provides clear pathways for students pursuing artificial intelligence education at four-year universities. The Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) allows students to complete at least 30 semester hours of college-level credit at community colleges that fulfill lower-division general education requirements at participating institutions (MiTransfer).
How Transfers Work
Students must complete courses with at least a 2.0 grade in each course including English composition, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. AI programs have specific prerequisite requirements beyond the standard agreement, particularly in mathematics and programming. Students should complete calculus sequences, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, and introductory programming before transferring.
Transfer Planning Tips
Community colleges participating in the MTA include Oakland Community College, Washtenaw Community College, Grand Rapids Community College, and Lansing Community College, all of which offer foundational STEM coursework (Macomb MTA). All 15 Michigan public universities accept the MTA, including the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Michigan Tech.
Students should work closely with advisors to ensure completion of calculus, statistics, and programming prerequisites that align with target AI program requirements.
Why Pursue an Artificial Intelligence Degree in Michigan?
Industry & Workforce
Michigan has positioned itself at the forefront of artificial intelligence education, leveraging its strong automotive and manufacturing heritage to pioneer AI applications in industrial settings. Ferris State University offers the first AI program in the United States accredited by the National Security Agency as a Center of Academic Excellence in Secure Artificial Intelligence, the only program of its kind in Michigan (Ferris AI).
Salary Outlook
This groundbreaking designation addresses the critical security implications of AI development, preparing students to create trustworthy AI systems. The University of Michigan's computer science programs integrate AI and machine learning throughout the curriculum, connecting students with research opportunities in autonomous vehicles, natural language processing, and robotics.
Regional Tech Hubs
Michigan Tech's engineering programs combine AI with traditional manufacturing expertise, creating graduates who understand both theoretical foundations and practical industrial applications. With Detroit's automotive industry investing billions in autonomous vehicle development and AI-powered manufacturing systems, Michigan students have unprecedented access to real-world AI deployment opportunities.
The state's combination of universities, major technology employers, and industrial innovation makes it an exceptional choice for AI education.
15%
Artificial Intelligence Job Growth in Michigan
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% growth for artificial intelligence occupations in Michigan through 2024-2034. The median salary stands at $99,830 with 26 accredited programs statewide.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook
Artificial Intelligence Job Market & Salary Data in Michigan
Employment Outlook
Michigan's artificial intelligence job market offers exceptional growth opportunities driven by automotive industry transformation and manufacturing modernization. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of software developers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2024 to 2034, with median annual wages of $133,080, while AI-focused data scientist positions offer median wages of $112,590 (BLS Software).
Salaries by Metro
The Detroit metropolitan area leads AI adoption for autonomous vehicles, with major employers including Ford, General Motors, and numerous technology startups. Michigan State University reports a 93 percent placement rate for recent graduates, with top employers conducting more than 15,000 interviews annually including technology and automotive companies (MSU Careers).
High-Growth Sectors
AI specializations command salary premiums across industries, with machine learning engineers and AI researchers earning above median technology salaries. Career paths include AI researcher, machine learning engineer, data scientist, autonomous systems developer, natural language processing specialist, computer vision engineer, and robotics programmer.
Michigan's unique position connecting traditional manufacturing with advanced AI development creates opportunities for graduates to lead industrial transformation initiatives across the Great Lakes region.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Michigan$64,890$144,754
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Artificial Intelligence Programs in Michigan
Online Programs
8 available in Michigan
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$22,257/yr$24,730/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Artificial Intelligence Programs in Other States
Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Indiana
- Total Programs
- 37
- Median Tuition
- $9,700
Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Ohio
- Total Programs
- 49
- Median Tuition
- $31,200
Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Wisconsin
- Total Programs
- 19
- Median Tuition
- $33,800
Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Illinois
- Total Programs
- 64
- Median Tuition
- $32,700
Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 177
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 38
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 62
- Median Tuition
- $8,600
Best Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 112
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Michigan: FAQ
What are the best artificial intelligence degree programs in Michigan?
The best artificial intelligence degree programs in Michigan based on our methodology are: 1) Michigan Technological University (90% graduation rate), 2) Eastern Michigan University, and 3) University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Michigan offers 26 total accredited programs across 12 public and 14 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 22 bachelor's programs.
How much do artificial intelligence degree programs cost in Michigan?
Artificial Intelligence degree program costs in Michigan vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $24,730/year, while private institutions average $54,406/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $6,183/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $98,920 at public schools to $217,624 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can artificial intelligence degree graduates earn in Michigan?
Artificial Intelligence professionals in Michigan earn a median salary of $99,830, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $64,890, while senior roles exceed $144,754. Salaries vary by metro area: Detroit ($109,813), Ann Arbor ($104,822) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online artificial intelligence degree programs in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan offers 8 accredited online Artificial Intelligence programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from University of Michigan-Flint and Calvin University. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire artificial intelligence degree graduates in Michigan?
Major Artificial Intelligence employers in Michigan include Ford, GM, Quicken Loans, Duo Security, Rivian. The Detroit and Ann Arbor metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Michigan universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Michigan's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is an artificial intelligence degree program worth it in Michigan?
An artificial intelligence degree program in Michigan offers strong ROI with a $99,830 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $24,730/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($112,808), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do artificial intelligence degree programs take in Michigan?
Standard completion times for artificial intelligence degree programs in Michigan are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Michigan community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Michigan university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for artificial intelligence degree students in Michigan?
Michigan artificial intelligence degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Michigan state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Michigan's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Michigan salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.