On this page
Key Takeaways
Best artificial intelligence degree programs: Western Governors, Weber State, Brigham Young
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,180 to $40,896/year
Weber State offers the most affordable option at $5,471/yr
Artificial Intelligence degree programs available: 3 associate's, 4 master's, 2 doctoral in Utah
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Utah community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
3 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Adobe, Qualtrics, Pluralsight, Domo
Tech hubs in Salt Lake City and Provo
Hakia Research 2026
Artificial Intelligence degree programs near 28+ cities across Utah
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Utah Artificial Intelligence programs
We rank 17 accredited artificial intelligence programs in Utah 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.
Are Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Utah Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Artificial Intelligence Degree Rankings in Utah
Compare the top-ranked Artificial Intelligence programs in Utah by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Artificial Intelligence Programs in Utah
Program Landscape
Utah offers 3 accredited associate's degree programs in artificial intelligence, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Weber State, Utah Valley, Snow College, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Utah offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $5,088/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $59,400 in Utah.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Utah's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Adobe, Qualtrics, Pluralsight hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among artificial intelligence schools in Utah, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their artificial intelligence degrees in Utah.
Best Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Programs in Utah
Program Landscape
Utah ranks among the nation's top destinations for artificial intelligence education, with 8 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 5 public and 3 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Western Governors, Weber State, Brigham Young, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Utah artificial intelligence programs earn a median salary of $91,800, 6% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Adobe, Qualtrics, Pluralsight.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $5,266 to $40,896 annually, with an average of $10,704/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 86%, with the highest reaching 92%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Utah's leading technology employers. For students seeking artificial intelligence degrees in Utah, these top-ranked artificial intelligence schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 8 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Southern Utah University | Cedar City, UT | Public | $6,006 | 86% | 44.2 |
| #7 | Utah Tech University | Saint George, UT | Public | $5,266 | — | 43.1 |
| #8 | Westminster University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $40,896 | — | 37.1 |
Best Master's Artificial Intelligence Programs in Utah
Program Landscape
Utah offers 4 master's degree programs in artificial intelligence, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Utah, Brigham Young, Weber State, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Utah earn a median salary of $108,000, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Adobe, Qualtrics, Pluralsight 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 $6,439/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 Utah's artificial intelligence schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Artificial Intelligence Programs in Utah
Program Landscape
Utah is home to 2 doctoral programs in artificial intelligence, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Utah, Brigham Young are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Utah PhD holders earning a median of $135,000, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Adobe, Qualtrics, Pluralsight.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Utah programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing artificial intelligence degrees in Utah, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Artificial Intelligence Degree Costs & Tuition in Utah
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $9,979/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $24,948/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,495/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $59,876 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $14,968 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Artificial Intelligence Students in Utah
State Aid Programs
Utah residents pursuing artificial intelligence degrees have access to multiple funding pathways. The Utah Opportunity Scholarship provides both need- and merit-based awards specifically for Utah residents, making it a primary resource for state students (Utah System of Higher Education). Additionally, all students can access federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities (Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA process begins October 1st annually and should be completed as early as possible to maximize aid eligibility.
Key Programs & Amounts
Individual institutions within the Utah System of Higher Education offer their own scholarship programs targeting AI and computer science students. Many schools provide institutional aid packages that reduce the overall cost of attendance. Students should contact their chosen institution's financial aid office to inquire about discipline-specific scholarships and assistantships. For detailed information about federal aid options, including Direct Loans and Pell Grants, prospective students can visit the College Scorecard (College Scorecard) to compare aid availability across Utah's 19 institutions offering artificial intelligence programs (IPEDS). Combining state, federal, and institutional aid significantly improves program affordability.
Artificial Intelligence Degree ROI Calculator, Utah
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a artificial intelligence degree in Utah. 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
+1064%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,967,896
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$147,619
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
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
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 Utah metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | $119K |
| Provo | $113K |
| Lehi | $108K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Artificial Intelligence Graduates in Utah
Find artificial intelligence jobs in Utah. These major employers across Utah metro areas are actively hiring artificial intelligence degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Artificial Intelligence Jobs in Salt Lake City
UTArtificial Intelligence Jobs in Provo
UTArtificial Intelligence Jobs in Lehi
UTTransfer Pathways for Artificial Intelligence Degrees in Utah
State Transfer System
Utah's higher education system facilitates seamless transitions from associate's to bachelor's degree programs through structured transfer pathways. The Utah Transfer Guides provide major-specific articulation agreements and course equivalencies, enabling students to complete lower-division coursework at two-year institutions before transferring to four-year universities. 4 community colleges and regional institutions offer AI-related associate's degrees, including Weber State University, Utah Valley University, Salt Lake Community College, and Snow College. These institutions serve as crucial access points, particularly for working adults and students seeking affordable foundational education. Transfer students completing associate's degrees with strong academic records receive priority admission and transcript evaluation at USHE four-year institutions, minimizing credit loss and reducing time-to-degree. The Utah Transfer Guides system ensures that credits earned in program-aligned coursework transfer as upper-division credit, maintaining academic momentum toward bachelor's completion.
How Transfers Work
Students beginning at two-year institutions can articulate into bachelor's programs at leading universities including University of Utah, Utah State University, Brigham Young University, and Weber State University. 8 institutions offer bachelor's degrees in AI, creating multiple transfer-friendly pathways. For example, a student completing an associate's degree at Salt Lake Community College ($3,778 tuition) can transfer with junior standing into University of Utah's bachelor's program ($8,175 tuition), reducing overall costs while accessing research opportunities. Similarly, transfers from Utah Valley University ($5,614 tuition) maintain access to Weber State's #4-ranked bachelor's program ($5,471 tuition). The Utah Opportunity Scholarship supports both community college and transfer students, and Federal Student Aid provides additional financial resources. For comprehensive transfer planning, students should consult USHE's major-specific pathway guides and connect with institutional transfer advisors early in their academic journey.
Why Pursue an Artificial Intelligence Degree in Utah?
Industry & Workforce
Utah is a strong hub for artificial intelligence education, with 19 institutions offering AI programs across multiple degree levels (IPEDS). In 2023, Utah institutions awarded 1,508 bachelor's degrees, 179 associate's degrees, 93 master's degrees, and 13 doctoral degrees in artificial intelligence, demonstrating strong educational pathways from community colleges through doctoral research. Major employers including Goldman Sachs, Adobe, and Intermountain Healthcare operate throughout the state's key metro areas. Salt Lake City, Provo-Orem, and Ogden-Clearfield, creating substantial demand for AI-trained professionals. Students can access machine learning programs and data science degrees alongside AI specializations, enabling comprehensive technical preparation.
Salary Outlook
Utah's public four-year institutions offer exceptional affordability compared to national averages. Average public in-state tuition stands at just $6,014, while out-of-state tuition averages $19,392, significantly lower than many comparable programs nationally. Top-ranked schools like Brigham Young University ($6,496 tuition, 91% graduation rate) and Utah State University ($7,387 tuition, 99% graduation rate) combine affordability with academic excellence. The state supports learners through the Utah Opportunity Scholarship, which provides need- and merit-based financial aid to residents. Additionally, Computer Science in Utah and Data Analytics programs complement AI education, creating interconnected pathways for career advancement in tech-driven industries.
Artificial Intelligence Program Availability in Utah
Source: IPEDS 2024
Artificial Intelligence Job Market & Salary Data in Utah
Employment Outlook
Utah's artificial intelligence job market is experiencing significant growth, driven by a strong tech ecosystem and major corporate investments across the state. The Salt Lake City, Provo-Orem, and Ogden-Clearfield metropolitan areas serve as primary hubs for AI employment, with opportunities spanning healthcare, finance, software development, and enterprise technology sectors. According to the (Bureau of Labor Statistics), Utah's tech workforce continues to expand, with specialized roles in machine learning, data science, and AI engineering commanding competitive salaries. The state's business-friendly environment and lower cost of living compared to coastal tech centers make Utah an increasingly attractive destination for AI professionals and companies seeking to establish operations.
Salaries by Metro
The educational pipeline supporting Utah's AI job market is strong. According to (IPEDS data), Utah institutions awarded 1,508 bachelor's degrees in artificial intelligence during 2023, with 93 master's degrees and 13 doctoral degrees also conferred across the state's 19 institutions offering AI programs. This represents a substantial talent pool for employers, with 19 colleges and universities actively training the next generation of AI professionals. Students from programs at Brigham Young University, University of Utah, and Weber State University feed directly into Utah's growing job market, creating strong local career pathways for graduates seeking employment without relocation.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Artificial Intelligence Programs in Utah
Online Programs
0 available in Utah
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Artificial Intelligence Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
- Total Programs
- 17
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
- Total Programs
- 30
- Median Tuition
- $10,300
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $7,900
- Total Programs
- 177
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 38
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 62
- Median Tuition
- $8,600
Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Utah: FAQ
What are the best artificial intelligence degree programs in Utah?
How much do artificial intelligence degree programs cost in Utah?
What salary can artificial intelligence degree graduates earn in Utah?
Are there online artificial intelligence degree programs in Utah?
What companies hire artificial intelligence degree graduates in Utah?
Is an artificial intelligence degree program worth it in Utah?
How long do artificial intelligence degree programs take in Utah?
What financial aid is available for artificial intelligence degree students in Utah?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Utah salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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.