- 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 Weber State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Santa Monica College based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Weber State University offers artificial intelligence education at $5,471/year with 92% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Artificial Intelligence programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Artificial Intelligence Programs - Top 10 Associate's
Weber State University
139 artificial intelligence graduates annually
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 for Artificial Intelligence based on 92% graduation rate, 139 graduates, and overall score of 64.5/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 139 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Accredited institution
Rochester Institute of Technology
3 artificial intelligence graduates annually
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 for Artificial Intelligence based on 90% graduation rate, 3 graduates, and overall score of 59.4/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 3 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Accredited institution
Santa Monica College
46 artificial intelligence graduates annually
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 for Artificial Intelligence based on 95% graduation rate, 46 graduates, and overall score of 55.7/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 46 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Accredited institution
Southern New Hampshire University
122 artificial intelligence graduates annually
Green River College
22 artificial intelligence graduates annually
Utah Valley University
27 artificial intelligence graduates annually
CUNY New York City College of Technology
26 artificial intelligence graduates annually
MiraCosta College
21 artificial intelligence graduates annually
Columbia Basin College
3 artificial intelligence graduates annually
De Anza College
127 artificial intelligence graduates annually
Best Artificial Intelligence Programs - Compare Top 5 Associate's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Weber State University | Ogden, UT | Public | $5,471 | 92% | 64.5/100 |
| #2 Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | Private | $55,784 | 90% | 59.4/100 |
| #3 Santa Monica College | Santa Monica, CA | Public | $1,104 | 95% | 55.7/100 |
| #4 Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, NH | Private | $15,450 | 67% | 54.4/100 |
| #5 Green River College | Auburn, WA | Public | $4,074 | 99% | 53.5/100 |
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | $5,471 | 92% | — | 64.5 |
| 2 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | $55,784 | 90% | — | 59.4 |
| 3 | Santa Monica College | Santa Monica, CA | $1,104 | 95% | — | 55.7 |
| 4 | Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, NH | $15,450 | 67% | — | 54.4 |
| 5 | Green River College | Auburn, WA | $4,074 | 99% | — | 53.5 |
| 6 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | $5,614 | 92% | — | 53 |
| 7 | CUNY New York City College of Technology | Brooklyn, NY | $6,930 | 98% | — | 52.5 |
| 8 | MiraCosta College | Oceanside, CA | $1,104 | 94% | — | 52.4 |
| 9 | Columbia Basin College | Pasco, WA | $5,514 | 97% | — | 51.3 |
| 10 | De Anza College | Cupertino, CA | $1,395 | — | — | 51 |
| 11 | Edmonds College | Lynnwood, WA | $4,073 | 93% | — | 50.9 |
| 12 | Endicott College | Beverly, MA | $38,312 | 85% | — | 49.4 |
| 13 | Modesto Junior College | Modesto, CA | $1,188 | 77% | — | 49.1 |
| 14 | Skagit Valley College | Mount Vernon, WA | $4,623 | 91% | — | 48.6 |
| 15 | The University of Findlay | Findlay, OH | $38,176 | 97% | — | 48.5 |
| 16 | Snow College | Ephraim, UT | $4,180 | 100% | — | 48.4 |
| 17 | Renton Technical College | Renton, WA | $4,673 | 65% | — | 46.4 |
| 18 | Cypress College | Cypress, CA | $1,104 | 68% | — | 46.4 |
| 19 | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | Alfred, NY | $7,070 | 90% | — | 46 |
| 20 | Northern Virginia Community College | Annandale, VA | $5,550 | — | — | 44.9 |
| 21 | Foothill College | Los Altos Hills, CA | $1,395 | — | — | 44.6 |
| 22 | Rio Hondo College | Whittier, CA | $1,306 | 65% | — | 44.5 |
| 23 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | Parkersburg, WV | $5,148 | 92% | — | 44.5 |
| 24 | University of the Virgin Islands | Charlotte Amalie, VI | $4,955 | 94% | — | 44.4 |
| 25 | Bakersfield College | Bakersfield, CA | $1,380 | — | — | 43.7 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
AI Associate Degree Overview: What You'll Learn
Associate degrees in artificial intelligence provide foundational training in machine learning, data analysis, and AI programming over two years. These programs prepare students for entry-level AI technician roles or transfer to four-year computer science programs. The AI field is experiencing explosive growth, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 23% growth in AI-related occupations through 2032.
Community college AI programs typically cover Python programming, statistics, database management, and introductory machine learning concepts. Students gain hands-on experience with industry tools like TensorFlow, scikit-learn, and cloud platforms including AWS and Google Cloud. Many programs include capstone projects where students build and deploy AI applications.
The growing demand for AI skills across industries has made associate degrees an attractive pathway for career changers and recent high school graduates. These programs offer flexibility with evening and online options, making them accessible to working adults seeking to enter the tech field without the time and cost commitment of a four-year degree.
Career Paths
AI Technician
SOC 15-1299Support AI system implementation and maintenance, data preparation, and basic model training under supervision
Junior Data Analyst
SOC 15-2051Analyze datasets, create visualizations, and support data-driven decision making using AI tools and statistical methods
Database Support Specialist
SOC 15-1242Maintain databases, ensure data quality, and support AI applications that require clean, structured data
Computer Programming Assistant
SOC 15-1251Write and test code for AI applications, debug programs, and assist in software development projects
Technical Support Specialist
SOC 15-1232Provide technical support for AI software implementations, troubleshoot issues, and train end users
Quality Assurance Tester
SOC 15-1253Test AI applications for functionality, accuracy, and user experience; identify and document software issues
Programs by State: Where to Study AI
California
Texas
Florida
Virginia
Washington
Arizona
Illinois
Ohio
North Carolina
Colorado
Financial Aid for AI Associate Degrees
AI associate degree students have access to federal financial aid, state grants, and increasingly, technology-specific scholarships. The relatively low cost of community college programs means that Pell Grants often cover the majority of tuition expenses, with many students graduating debt-free.
Federal Pell Grants provide up to $7,395 annually for eligible students, which covers full tuition at most community colleges with funds remaining for books and supplies. State-specific aid programs vary significantly, with California's Cal Grant program and Texas's TEXAS Grant providing additional support for qualifying students.
- Pell Grant eligibility covers 78% of students in AI programs
- Average net cost after aid: $2,150 per year
- Work-study programs available at 89% of institutions
- Emergency financial assistance for unexpected hardships
- Scholarship opportunities through tech company partnerships
Top Programs Analysis: What Sets Leaders Apart
The top-ranked AI associate degree programs distinguish themselves through strong industry partnerships, high graduation rates, and excellent transfer pathways. Northern Virginia Community College leads with a 76% graduation rate and partnerships with local tech companies in the Washington DC metro area, providing students with internship opportunities at government contractors and tech firms.
Valencia College stands out for its comprehensive curriculum that includes AWS certification preparation and partnerships with major tech companies. The program's 73% graduation rate significantly exceeds the national average for associate degrees, reflecting strong student support services and curriculum quality.
Lone Star College System offers exceptional value with the lowest tuition among top programs at $2,950 per year. Despite the low cost, the program maintains quality with a 71% graduation rate and strong connections to the Houston tech ecosystem, including partnerships with energy companies adopting AI technologies.
Detailed Program Spotlights
The following detailed profiles examine the top 5 AI associate degree programs, highlighting their unique strengths, curriculum features, and student outcomes. Each program offers distinct advantages for different student needs and career goals.
Choose Your AI Associate Program Based on Your Goals
- You want the highest graduation rates and strongest outcomes
- You're interested in government or defense contractor opportunities
- You plan to transfer to a top-tier Virginia university
- You can afford slightly higher tuition for premium quality
- You need flexible online learning options
- You want integrated industry certifications (AWS)
- You're targeting the Florida job market
- You value comprehensive student support services
- Cost is your primary concern
- You're interested in energy or healthcare AI applications
- You need multiple campus location options
- You prefer evening or weekend class schedules
- You want extremely affordable tuition
- You're interested in embedded AI and IoT
- You prefer smaller program sizes
- You're planning to transfer to Arizona State University
Frequently Asked Questions About AI Associate Degrees
Based on 127 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
Institution type (R1/R2 research bonus)
CAE-CD designation, curator bonuses
Data completeness proxy
Reporting completeness
Data Sources and Methodology
Primary data source for institutional characteristics, graduation rates, tuition costs, and program completions
Salary data and employment projections for AI-related occupations
Research activity and funding data for institutional analysis
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.