- 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 North Carolina at Charlotte, Florida Polytechnic University, North Carolina A & T State University based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers artificial intelligence education at $3,812/year with 76% graduation rate
- 4.25 accredited Artificial Intelligence programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Artificial Intelligence Programs - Top 10 Most Affordable
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
N/A artificial intelligence graduates annually
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 for Artificial Intelligence based on 76% graduation rate, strong graduates, and overall score of undefined/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 76% graduation rate
- Accredited institution
Florida Polytechnic University
N/A artificial intelligence graduates annually
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 for Artificial Intelligence based on 81% graduation rate, strong graduates, and overall score of undefined/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- Accredited institution
North Carolina A & T State University
N/A artificial intelligence graduates annually
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 for Artificial Intelligence based on 84% graduation rate, strong graduates, and overall score of undefined/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- Accredited institution
University of North Florida
N/A artificial intelligence graduates annually
University of West Florida
N/A artificial intelligence graduates annually
Kennesaw State University
N/A artificial intelligence graduates annually
Bellevue College
N/A artificial intelligence graduates annually
University of North Carolina Wilmington
N/A artificial intelligence graduates annually
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
N/A artificial intelligence graduates annually
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
N/A artificial intelligence graduates annually
Best Artificial Intelligence Programs - Compare Top 5 Most Affordable
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | Public | $3,812 | 76% | N/A |
| #2 Florida Polytechnic University | Lakeland, FL | Public | $3,152 | 81% | N/A |
| #3 North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro, NC | Public | $3,540 | 84% | N/A |
| #4 University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | Public | $3,996 | 82% | N/A |
| #5 University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | Public | $3,735 | 84% | N/A |
Top 25 Most Affordable Artificial Intelligence Programs 2026
| Rank | Institution | Location | Tuition | Value Score | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | $3,812 | 187.7 | 76% |
| 2 | Florida Polytechnic University | Lakeland, FL | $3,152 | 186.5 | 81% |
| 3 | North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro, NC | $3,540 | 183.9 | 84% |
| 4 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | $3,996 | 148 | 82% |
| 5 | University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | $3,735 | 146.2 | 84% |
| 6 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA | $4,450 | 143.3 | 66% |
| 7 | Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | $4,074 | 138.1 | 96% |
| 8 | University of North Carolina Wilmington | Wilmington, NC | $4,443 | 134.9 | 79% |
| 9 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | $7,019 | 130.8 | 93% |
| 10 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo, CA | $5,742 | 130.2 | 100% |
| 11 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | Norman, OK | $5,070 | 130.2 | 88% |
| 12 | San Diego State University | San Diego, CA | $5,742 | 129.6 | 83% |
| 13 | Florida Gulf Coast University | Fort Myers, FL | $4,191 | 124.6 | 95% |
| 14 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Raleigh, NC | $6,535 | 123.4 | 85% |
| 15 | Grambling State University | Grambling, LA | $5,140 | 123.4 | 99% |
| 16 | University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Lafayette, LA | $5,407 | 118.8 | 98% |
| 17 | Appalachian State University | Boone, NC | $4,242 | 117.7 | 78% |
| 18 | San Jose State University | San Jose, CA | $5,742 | 115.5 | 100% |
| 19 | California State University-Long Beach | Long Beach, CA | $5,742 | 114.5 | 73% |
| 20 | Georgia State University | Atlanta, GA | $7,158 | 114 | 94% |
| 21 | Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY | $7,070 | 111.9 | 89% |
| 22 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | Pomona, CA | $5,742 | 111.3 | 87% |
| 23 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | $5,471 | 111.1 | 92% |
| 24 | University at Albany | Albany, NY | $7,070 | 110.6 | 99% |
| 25 | University at Buffalo | Buffalo, NY | $7,070 | 109.3 | 95% |
Affordable Artificial Intelligence Degrees: Quality Education Without the Debt
Artificial Intelligence education doesn't require six-figure debt. Our analysis of accredited programs reveals exceptional value opportunities, with the most affordable in-state programs delivering quality education at a fraction of private school costs.
Public universities in Southern and Western states lead our affordable rankings, offering strong academics with affordable tuition. These programs maintain competitive graduation rates, industry partnerships, and excellent job placement—proving that cost doesn't determine quality in artificial intelligence education.
Our methodology prioritizes total value by calculating a Value Score that divides academic quality metrics by tuition cost. This ensures we're recommending programs that deliver the best education for your dollar, not just the cheapest options regardless of quality. See our full ranking methodology for details on how we calculate Value Scores.
Career Paths
AI/Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1299Design and implement AI systems, develop machine learning models, and optimize algorithms for production environments.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets, build predictive models, and derive business insights using statistical methods and machine learning.
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Develop software applications with AI capabilities, implement algorithms, and build scalable systems for AI-powered products.
Research Scientist
SOC 15-1221Conduct advanced research in AI and machine learning, publish papers, and develop new algorithms and methodologies.
Computer Vision Engineer
SOC 15-1299Develop systems that can interpret and understand visual information, work with image processing and pattern recognition.
Natural Language Processing Engineer
SOC 15-1299Build systems that can understand and process human language, work on chatbots, translation, and text analysis.
Most Affordable States for Artificial Intelligence Education
Florida
North Carolina
Louisiana
California
Idaho
Utah
Montana
New York
Wisconsin
Texas
Tennessee
Iowa
Maryland
Indiana
Financial Aid and Funding Strategies
Financial aid significantly reduces the cost of AI education at public universities. The average aid package at top affordable programs covers 65% of tuition costs, bringing net prices down to $7,800 annually. Federal Pell Grants cover up to $7,395 per year for eligible students, while many states offer additional need-based and merit aid.
STEM-specific scholarships provide additional funding opportunities. The National Science Foundation offers graduate fellowships worth $37,000 annually, while many tech companies sponsor undergraduate scholarships. Students should also explore employer tuition reimbursement programs if pursuing degrees while working.
Work-study programs and research assistantships offer valuable experience while offsetting costs. Many AI programs employ undergraduates as research assistants, providing both income and hands-on experience with cutting-edge projects. Graduate students can often secure teaching or research assistantships that cover tuition plus provide stipends.
Most Affordable AI Programs: Detailed Analysis
The following five programs represent the best combination of affordability and quality in AI education. Each offers unique strengths while maintaining low tuition costs and strong career outcomes for graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable AI Programs
Based on 145 programs from IPEDS 2023 (tuition $2K-$35K, 40%+ grad rate, 10+ graduates)
Our Best Value algorithm calculates Value Score = Quality Score / (Tuition / $10,000). This rewards schools delivering quality education at reasonable prices.
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023, weighted at 35% of the Quality Score
Number of Artificial Intelligence graduates indicating program resources and faculty (IPEDS 2023)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
R1 research universities receive bonus points for institutional quality
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.