Top 3 AI & Machine Learning Programs in Ohio 2025
The Ohio State University
Leading AI research university with specialized AI track in Computer Science, strong industry partnerships with Intel and Amazon
Case Western Reserve University
Premier private research university with dedicated AI and Data Science programs, 8:1 student-faculty ratio
University of Cincinnati
Strong cooperative education program with AI focus, excellent industry connections in Cincinnati tech corridor
- 1.Ohio has 15+ artificial intelligence and machine learning programs across major research universities and technical colleges
- 2.The Ohio State University ranks #1 in Ohio with comprehensive AI research facilities and strong industry partnerships
- 3.In-state tuition at public universities averages $12,900—significantly below national average for AI programs
- 4.Ohio AI/ML professionals earn median $118,450 annually—competitive with national averages in lower cost-of-living areas
- 5.Major employers include Nationwide, Procter & Gamble, GE Aviation, and growing Columbus and Cincinnati tech sectors
Artificial Intelligence Education in Ohio
Ohio offers a growing collection of artificial intelligence and machine learning programs across its major research universities. While not as concentrated as California or Massachusetts, Ohio provides excellent value with strong research opportunities, industry partnerships, and significantly lower costs of living and tuition.
The state's AI education landscape spans from The Ohio State University's comprehensive research programs to specialized tracks at Case Western Reserve and emerging programs at regional universities. For national context, see our best AI bachelor's programs ranking. Students considering costs should review our most affordable AI programs guide. Those planning careers should explore our AI/ML engineer salary guide for Ohio-specific compensation data.
Ohio's tech sector, centered in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland, offers growing opportunities for AI professionals. Major corporations like Nationwide Insurance, Procter & Gamble, and GE Aviation are investing heavily in AI initiatives, creating demand for local talent.
Based on 12 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Ohio May 2024, NSF 2023
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Class size and research accessibility
Ohio-specific AI/ML salaries from BLS OEWS
AI publications and funding from NSF data
Ohio AI & Machine Learning Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Ohio State University | Columbus | Public | $12,859 | 84% | 19:1 | 92.5 |
| 2 | Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland | Private | $64,778 | 82% | 8:1 | 90.8 |
| 3 | University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati | Public | $12,950 | 71% | 17:1 | 87.2 |
| 4 | Miami University | Oxford | Public | $16,964 | 81% | 17:1 | 84.6 |
| 5 | Wright State University | Dayton | Public | $10,656 | 54% | 18:1 | 82.1 |
| 6 | University of Dayton | Dayton | Private | $47,400 | 78% | 14:1 | 81.3 |
| 7 | Kent State University | Kent | Public | $11,766 | 65% | 20:1 | 79.8 |
| 8 | Ohio University | Athens | Public | $12,612 | 66% | 17:1 | 78.5 |
| 9 | University of Akron | Akron | Public | $11,658 | 49% | 19:1 | 76.2 |
| 10 | Bowling Green State University | Bowling Green | Public | $11,056 | 61% | 18:1 | 75.4 |
| 11 | Cleveland State University | Cleveland | Public | $11,632 | 43% | 16:1 | 73.9 |
| 12 | Youngstown State University | Youngstown | Public | $9,195 | 42% | 15:1 | 72.1 |
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH • University
Program Highlights
- • 84% graduation rate—highest among Ohio public universities
- • $85,000 average starting salary for AI graduates
- • 19:1 student-faculty ratio allows for research opportunities
- • Active AI student organizations and hackathons
Program Strengths
- Dedicated AI and Machine Learning specialization track
- Strong research in computer vision, NLP, and robotics
- Industry partnerships with Intel, Amazon, and JPMorgan Chase
- Columbus tech corridor provides abundant internships
- Excellent value at $12,859 in-state tuition
Why Ranked #1
Ohio State leads the state in AI education with comprehensive research facilities, strong industry partnerships, and a dedicated AI specialization track within Computer Science and Engineering. The university's proximity to Columbus's growing tech sector provides excellent internship and job opportunities.
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH • University
Program Highlights
- • 82% graduation rate with strong research focus
- • $90,000 average starting salary—highest in Ohio
- • Significant research funding from NIH and NSF
- • Strong alumni network in tech and healthcare
Program Strengths
- Dedicated Bachelor of Science in AI and Data Science
- 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention
- Strong research in medical AI and healthcare applications
- Cleveland Clinic partnership for health AI research
- Excellent graduate school placement rates
Why Ranked #2
Case Western stands out as Ohio's premier private research university for AI education. With an 8:1 student-faculty ratio and dedicated AI and Data Science programs, students receive personalized attention and extensive research opportunities.
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH • University
Program Highlights
- • 95% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- • $82,000 average starting salary
- • Students graduate with 1.5 years of paid work experience
- • Strong industry partnerships in Cincinnati metro
Program Strengths
- Mandatory co-op program with AI industry placements
- Strong connections to P&G, GE Aviation, and Kroger AI teams
- Computer Science with AI concentration option
- Growing research in autonomous systems and IoT
- Affordable tuition at $12,950 in-state
Why Ranked #3
UC's strength lies in its renowned cooperative education program, providing students with real-world AI experience through paid internships. The program's industry connections in Cincinnati's tech corridor offer excellent career preparation.
Ohio University Systems and AI Education
Ohio's public university system provides accessible AI education through several pathways. The Ohio State University system leads with comprehensive research programs, while regional universities like Miami University and Wright State offer specialized tracks in computer science with AI concentrations.
Private institutions, particularly Case Western Reserve University, provide smaller class sizes and intensive research opportunities. The University of Dayton also offers strong engineering programs with AI applications, particularly in aerospace and defense sectors.
- Ohio State University System: Flagship research programs with dedicated AI tracks
- Ohio Board of Regents Universities: Regional options with affordable tuition
- Private Research Universities: Case Western, Dayton for intensive programs
- Community College Pathways: Transfer agreements for affordable entry into AI programs
Career Paths
Design and implement AI systems for companies like Nationwide, P&G, and growing startups
Analyze data and build predictive models for Ohio's insurance, retail, and healthcare sectors
Develop AI-powered applications and systems for Ohio's tech companies
Research Scientist
Conduct AI research at universities, national labs, or corporate R&D centers
AI Product Manager
Guide AI product development at tech companies and startups
AI Programs in Other States
California
Massachusetts
Texas
New York
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Ohio In-State vs Out-of-State AI Program Costs
| Factor | In-State Resident | Out-of-State Student | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition (Public) | $12,500 | $28,500 | |
| Living Costs | $12,000 | $12,000 | |
| Total Annual Cost | $24,500 | $40,500 | |
| 4-Year Total | $98,000 | $162,000 | |
| Job Market Access | Immediate | Immediate | |
| Residency Requirements | None | 12 months |
Which Should You Choose?
- Affordable, high-quality AI education at public universities
- Strong industry connections with Fortune 500 companies
- Lower cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs
- Access to cooperative education and internship programs
- Research opportunities at major public universities
- The highest concentration of AI startups and venture capital
- Access to the most cutting-edge AI research facilities
- Immediate entry into Silicon Valley or other major tech hubs
- The largest selection of specialized AI programs
- Maximum prestige and name recognition
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio AI Programs
Related AI Education Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment data, and tuition information for 2023
Ohio-specific salary data for AI and software professionals, May 2024
Graduate student and research funding data for AI programs, 2023
State university system information and transfer policies
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.