Top 3 AI Programs in Pennsylvania 2025
Carnegie Mellon University
313 Artificial Intelligence graduates annually, 98% graduation rate
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
217 Artificial Intelligence graduates annually, 88% graduation rate
Lehigh University
147 Artificial Intelligence graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
- 1.Pennsylvania has 20+ accredited AI and machine learning bachelor's programs with Carnegie Mellon ranking #1 globally (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Carnegie Mellon University leads with 95% graduation rate and alumni who founded OpenAI, lead Google DeepMind, and pioneer autonomous vehicles
- 3.AI engineers in Pennsylvania earn median $128,340 annually—18% above national average—driven by Pittsburgh robotics and Philadelphia fintech sectors (BLS Pennsylvania 2024)
- 4.Pennsylvania's AI job market shows 22% projected growth through 2032, with 12,000+ annual openings across Pittsburgh and Philadelphia metros
- 5.Major AI employers include Carnegie Robotics, Duolingo, Comcast, Johnson & Johnson, and growing autonomous vehicle companies in Pittsburgh
Artificial Intelligence Education in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania stands among the top states for artificial intelligence education, anchored by Carnegie Mellon University's world-leading AI program. The state offers diverse pathways from elite research universities to practical industry-focused programs, with strong connections to Pittsburgh's robotics ecosystem and Philadelphia's growing tech sector.
For national context, see our best AI bachelor's programs ranking to compare Pennsylvania schools against top programs nationwide. Students considering costs should review our most affordable AI programs, while career-focused learners will benefit from our AI engineer salary guide with Pennsylvania-specific data.
Pennsylvania's AI landscape is uniquely positioned between academic excellence and industry application. Pittsburgh's transformation from steel city to robotics hub, combined with Philadelphia's emergence as an East Coast tech center, creates exceptional opportunities for AI graduates. The state's programs emphasize both theoretical foundations and practical applications, preparing students for careers in autonomous systems, healthcare AI, and financial technology.
Pennsylvania AI Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | — | 96.9 |
| 2 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | Pittsburgh, PA | Public | $20,154 | 88% | — | 79.9 |
| 3 | Lehigh University | Bethlehem, PA | Private | $61,180 | 81% | — | 76.9 |
| 4 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | Private | $58,620 | 100% | — | 76.7 |
| 5 | Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA | Private | $58,293 | — | — | 64.8 |
| 6 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | Public | $19,672 | 87% | — | 63.1 |
| 7 | Bryn Mawr College | Bryn Mawr, PA | Private | $61,190 | 98% | — | 61.9 |
| 8 | Haverford College | Haverford, PA | Private | $67,522 | 94% | — | 58.5 |
| 9 | Villanova University | Villanova, PA | Private | $63,806 | — | — | 55.6 |
| 10 | Moravian University | Bethlehem, PA | Private | $50,069 | 93% | — | 55.1 |
| 11 | Ursinus College | Collegeville, PA | Private | $59,196 | 99% | — | 51 |
| 12 | Juniata College | Huntingdon, PA | Private | $55,322 | 87% | — | 49.5 |
| 13 | Widener University | Chester, PA | Private | $52,598 | 86% | — | 48.8 |
| 14 | Central Penn College | Summerdale, PA | For-Profit | $18,324 | — | — | 48.8 |
| 15 | University of Scranton | Scranton, PA | Private | $51,534 | 88% | — | 48.7 |
Showing 1–15 of 46
Top 5 Artificial Intelligence Programs in Pennsylvania: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Pennsylvania | Carnegie Mellon | U of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh | Lehigh | Penn State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $58,620 | $62,260 | $20,154 | $61,180 | $19,672 |
| Graduation Rate | 100% | 98% | 88% | 81% | 87% |
| Annual Graduates | 292 | 313 | 217 | 147 | 85 |
| Acceptance Rate | 6% | 11% | 50% | 29% | 54% |
| Type | Private | Private | Public | Private | Public |
| Score | 97.2/100 | 96.9/100 | 79.9/100 | 76.9/100 | 67.3/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Artificial Intelligence in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers 46 bachelor's-level artificial intelligence programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $76,181 in the Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Carnegie Mellon | $62,260 | 98% | 313 | 96.9 |
| #2 U of Pennsylvania | $58,620 | 100% | 83 | 80.6 |
| #3 U of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh | $20,154 | 88% | 217 | 79.9 |
Top Artificial Intelligence Schools for Master's Degrees in Pennsylvania
For graduate study, Pennsylvania offers 16 master's-level artificial intelligence programs. Leading institutions include University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Pennsylvania reaching $141,479 or more.
Top 3 Artificial Intelligence Master's Programs in Pennsylvania
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Pennsylvania | $58,620 | 100% | 292 | 97.2 |
| #2 Carnegie Mellon | $62,260 | 98% | 259 | 94.7 |
| #3 U of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh | $20,154 | 88% | 87 | 69.4 |
Most Affordable Artificial Intelligence Colleges in Pennsylvania
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable artificial intelligence programs in Pennsylvania are at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania ($7,716/year), Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania ($7,716/year), Kutztown University of Pennsylvania ($7,716/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Pennsylvania's competitive tech salaries.
At Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, a 4-year degree costs approximately $30,864 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $76,181, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years.
Most Affordable Artificial Intelligence Programs in Pennsylvania (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Slippery Rock University... | $7,716 | $30,864 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Commonwealth University... | $7,716 | $30,864 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 Kutztown University of... | $7,716 | $30,864 | 0.7 years | Public |
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $58,620 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 292 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 6%
- • Ranking Score: 97.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 292 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 97.2 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (292 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (6% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Penn's AI program provides both undergraduate B.S.E. and online master's degrees with mathematical and algorithmic foundations, hands-on programming experience, and cognitive science perspectives. Students can choose from specialized concentrations including robotics, machine learning, and vision & language while learning to responsibly develop AI to benefit society.
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $62,260 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 98% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 313 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 11%
- • Ranking Score: 96.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 313 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 96.9 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (98%), program size (313 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (11% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Carnegie Mellon offers the nation's first bachelor's degree in artificial intelligence and is ranked #1 in AI by U.S. News and World Report. The program combines rigorous technical coursework in computer science, math, statistics, and machine learning with ethics and social responsibility, preparing graduates who achieve 98% employment with an average salary of $157,994.
Admission Prerequisites
- •4 years English
- •4 years Mathematics including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, elementary functions (pre-calculus) and preferably calculus
- •1 year Physics
- •2 years Chemistry, Biology or Computer Science
- •2 years Foreign Language
- •3 electives
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $157,994
- Job Placement: 98% Employed or in Grad School
- Top Employers: Meta, Atlassian, Google, Capital One
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $20,154 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 88% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 217 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 50%
- • Ranking Score: 79.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 88% graduation rate
- 217 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 79.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (88%), program size (217 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (50% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Intelligent Systems Program is a multidisciplinary graduate program dedicated to applied artificial intelligence with faculty representation from acclaimed schools including Medicine, Law, Education, Engineering, and Arts and Sciences. The program offers specialized concentrations in areas like medical diagnosis, machine learning, and natural language processing.
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.8
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,180 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 147 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 29%
- • Ranking Score: 76.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 147 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 76.9 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (147 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (29% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Lehigh's Computer Science and Engineering department offers extensive research opportunities across multiple specializations including AI, robotics, and data science, with dedicated research laboratories and hands-on capstone projects. The program provides flexibility through multiple degree options and emphasizes both fundamental knowledge and practical application through extensive laboratory experiences.
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $19,672 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 85 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 54%
- • Ranking Score: 67.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 85 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 67.3 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (85 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (54% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Penn State's 33-credit Master of Artificial Intelligence is offered 100% online through a nationally recognized program that is highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report. The program offers stackable credentials with three graduate certificates and covers cutting-edge areas including machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Calculus I
- •One semester of probability or statistics
- •One semester of linear algebra
- •Two introductory-level programming courses where both courses used the same language
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 33 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299Design and implement machine learning systems for Pennsylvania's tech companies, healthcare systems, and financial institutions
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Develop AI-powered applications and systems for Pittsburgh robotics companies and Philadelphia tech startups
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Apply machine learning to healthcare, finance, and manufacturing data across Pennsylvania's diverse economy
Robotics Engineer
SOC 17-2199Develop autonomous systems for Pittsburgh's world-leading robotics industry and manufacturing sector
Research Scientist
SOC 19-1099Conduct AI research at universities, pharmaceutical companies, and technology institutes
Pennsylvania University Systems for AI Education
Pennsylvania's AI education landscape spans prestigious private research universities, the comprehensive Penn State system, and specialized institutions. Each tier offers distinct advantages for prospective AI students.
The state's elite private universities—Carnegie Mellon, Penn, and Drexel—lead in AI research and industry connections. Carnegie Mellon established the world's first AI program and continues to define the field through breakthrough research. Penn brings Ivy League prestige with interdisciplinary AI applications, while Drexel emphasizes practical industry experience through its renowned co-op program.
Penn State's comprehensive system provides high-quality AI education at public university prices. The flagship University Park campus offers research opportunities comparable to private institutions, while regional campuses like Harrisburg provide accessible pathways to AI careers. For students seeking alternatives to traditional four-year programs, our AI bootcamp guide and machine learning certifications highlight accelerated learning options.
Regional universities like Temple and Pitt provide solid AI foundations with strong local industry connections. Temple's location in Philadelphia offers access to healthcare AI opportunities, while Pitt's proximity to Carnegie Mellon creates collaborative research possibilities. Students can also explore our data science programs in Pennsylvania for related technical pathways.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Pennsylvania
AI Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Massachusetts
Washington
Illinois
Florida
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to world-class AI research at Carnegie Mellon or Penn
- Pittsburgh's robotics ecosystem or Philadelphia's growing tech scene appeal to you
- You value the combination of academic excellence and industry proximity
- East Coast location provides access to NYC and DC job markets
- You're interested in interdisciplinary AI applications in healthcare or finance
- You prefer California's Silicon Valley tech culture and higher salaries
- You want more affordable public university options (consider Texas or Georgia)
- You're focused specifically on gaming AI or entertainment technology
- You prefer warmer climates and outdoor recreation opportunities
- You're seeking the largest possible pool of AI companies and startups
Frequently Asked Questions About AI Programs in Pennsylvania
Based on 15 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
Federal database providing comprehensive higher education statistics including graduation rates, enrollment, and institutional characteristics
Pennsylvania-specific occupational employment and wage estimates for AI-related careers
Research and development expenditure data for university AI research programs
State employment projections and workforce development data for technology sectors
Source: BLS Pennsylvania Employment Projections 2024
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.