- 1.ML Engineers earn a median salary of $157,000 with 40% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Machine Learning programs include University of Washington-Seattle Campus, Indiana University-Bloomington, University of California-Irvine based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of Washington-Seattle Campus offers machine learning education at $11,524/year with 97% graduation rate
- 4.35 accredited Machine Learning programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Machine Learning Programs - Top 10 Best Value
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
UW's engineering-focused AI/ML program is uniquely designed as a stackable degree system where working engineers can earn certificates that build toward a master's, with Boeing Company funding support and specializations spanning everything from robotics to materials science.
Program Overview
The University of Washington-Seattle Campus offers two distinct machine learning pathways: the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Engineering and the Master of Science in Data Science. The AI/ML for Engineering program is a flexible, stackable degree launching Fall 2026 that's specifically designed for working engineers who want to apply AI and ML to physical systems like manufacturing, robotics, and chemical processes. Built with Boeing Company funding support, this program can be completed fully online part-time or as a full-time student, combining foundational AI/ML skills with domain-specific training across multiple engineering disciplines. The complementary MSDS program has been operating since earlier and focuses on professional data science careers, meeting evenings on campus with an industry-relevant curriculum covering statistical modeling, data visualization, and software engineering. Both programs leverage UW's position as a top-10 global university with deep Seattle tech industry connections.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Real-time learning and control of complex dynamic systems
Data-driven discovery and control of dynamical systems
Data-intensive discovery across all fields using large, complex datasets
Scale-independent Multimodal Automated Real Time Systems
Industry Partners
Admissions
Indiana University-Bloomington
IU's machine learning programs operate from the $35 million Luddy AI Center within the unique Mind, Brain, and Machine Quad, fostering unprecedented collaboration between AI researchers and cognitive scientists, psychologists, and neuroscientists.
Program Overview
Indiana University-Bloomington offers machine learning education through multiple pathways within the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. The flagship program is the PhD in Intelligent Systems Engineering, which advances engineering using artificial intelligence, embedded computing, and sophisticated data interpretation. Students can also pursue machine learning through the MS in Computer Science, which explores AI, machine learning, and big data applications, or the comprehensive Data Science programs that include foundational machine learning coursework across five specialized tracks. The university's $35 million Luddy Artificial Intelligence Center, opened in 2021, serves as the hub for AI and machine learning research, bringing together over 60 faculty members from across the university in the Mind, Brain, and Machine Quad.
What sets IU apart is its interdisciplinary approach - the Luddy AI Center connects faculty from nearly every college, creating unique collaboration opportunities between computer science, psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience. Students gain hands-on experience through practical projects and research early in their studies, with access to advanced cyberinfrastructure including Big Red 200, one of the fastest university-owned supercomputers in the country.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Human-centered AI research spanning theoretical foundations to societal applications
Robot systems for navigation in difficult environments and emergency response
Personalized speech enhancement and recognition systems
Machine learning for detecting bias and hate speech on social platforms
Industry Partners
University of California-Irvine
Home to the world-famous UCI Machine Learning Repository with 688 datasets used by millions of researchers globally, plus the unique HPI Research Center partnership with Germany's leading tech institute launched in 2020.
Program Overview
UC Irvine's machine learning programs span multiple pathways through the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, one of only five computing-focused schools among Association of American Universities (AAU) members. The flagship MS in Computer Science offers deep specialization in artificial intelligence and machine learning through its comprehensive core curriculum, with students choosing from seven specialized areas including the dedicated Artificial Intelligence track featuring courses like COMPSCI 273A Machine Learning. For professionals seeking applied expertise, the Master of Data Science (MDS) program provides both full-time and part-time options with industry-focused curriculum emphasizing experiential learning in statistical modeling, machine learning, data management, and AI. The school maintains over 688 datasets in the renowned UCI Machine Learning Repository, serving millions of researchers worldwide and providing students unique access to cutting-edge data resources.
With approximately 4,000 undergraduates, 600 master's students, and 400 doctoral students, the school creates an exceptional research environment supported by over 50 Computer Science faculty including 15 ACM Fellows, 13 IEEE Fellows, and 15 AAAS Fellows. Students benefit from the Center for Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems connecting more than thirty faculty across disciplines, plus specialized research centers like the Computational Vision Lab and the HPI Research Center in Machine Learning and Data Science established in 2020. The programs emphasize real-world application through industry capstone projects, with MDS students working directly on data science problems with corporate partners.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Addresses challenges of the modern data-driven world, using computer algorithms to discover useful information from vast data archives
Partnership with Hasso Plattner Institute promoting research and educational activities in ML and data science
Understanding information processing capabilities of biological visual systems and developing computational systems for visual media
Maintains 688 datasets as a service to the machine learning community worldwide
Industry Partners
Admissions
University at Albany
UAlbany is one of the few universities to integrate topological data analysis as a core component of its data science curriculum, offering specialized training in this emerging field alongside traditional machine learning and statistics.
University of Southern California
USC houses the MS in Computer Science - Artificial Intelligence, the first dedicated AI master's program in the United States, while its interdisciplinary approach uniquely combines machine learning with wireless communications, social impact applications, and entertainment industry connections in the heart of Los Angeles.
Carnegie Mellon University
CMU houses the world's first academic machine learning department, founded in 2006, and has maintained the #1 ranking in artificial intelligence since 1997 according to U.S. News & World Report.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
36 machine learning graduates annually
The University of Texas at Austin
15 machine learning graduates annually
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
9 machine learning graduates annually
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
49 machine learning graduates annually
Best Machine Learning Programs - Compare Top 5 Best Value
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | 95.1/100 |
| #2 Indiana University-Bloomington | Bloomington, IN | Public | $10,312 | 84% | 78.9/100 |
| #3 University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 78/100 |
| #4 University at Albany | Albany, NY | Public | $7,070 | 99% | 75.4/100 |
| #5 University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | 71.7/100 |
Best Value Machine Learning Programs 2026 Rankings
| Rank | Location | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | $11,524 | — | — | — | 97% | — |
| 2 | Indiana University-Bloomington | Bloomington, IN | $10,312 | — | — | — | 84% | — |
| 3 | University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | $11,834 | — | — | — | 96% | — |
| 4 | University at Albany | Albany, NY | $7,070 | — | — | — | 99% | — |
| 5 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | $66,640 | — | — | — | 92% | — |
| 6 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | $62,260 | — | — | — | 98% | — |
| 7 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst, MA | $16,591 | — | — | — | 90% | — |
| 8 | The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | $11,678 | — | — | — | 89% | — |
| 9 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | $17,977 | — | — | — | 92% | — |
| 10 | University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Lafayette, LA | $5,407 | — | — | — | 98% | — |
| 11 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | Pittsburgh, PA | $20,154 | — | — | — | 88% | — |
| 12 | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | University Park, PA | $19,672 | — | — | — | 87% | — |
| 13 | University of Montevallo | Montevallo, AL | $12,090 | — | — | — | 97% | — |
| 14 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | $55,784 | — | — | — | 90% | — |
| 15 | Idaho State University | Pocatello, ID | $5,992 | — | — | — | 87% | — |
| 16 | University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | $9,016 | — | — | — | 93% | — |
| 17 | Illinois Institute of Technology | Chicago, IL | $49,607 | — | — | — | 89% | — |
| 18 | Indiana University-Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN | $9,241 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 19 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion | Tempe, AZ | $11,308 | — | — | — | 81% | — |
| 20 | University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | $11,546 | — | — | — | 68% | — |
| 21 | Widener University | Chester, PA | $52,598 | — | — | — | 86% | — |
| 22 | Full Sail University | Winter Park, FL | $26,417 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 23 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | $3,996 | — | — | — | 82% | — |
| 24 | Texas Woman's University | Denton, TX | $5,712 | — | — | — | 86% | — |
| 25 | Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA | $15,015 | — | — | — | 78% | — |
Showing 1–25 of 35
Career Paths
Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1221Design and implement ML systems for production environments
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Extract insights from data using statistical and ML methods
AI Research Scientist
SOC 15-1221Develop new algorithms and advance the field of artificial intelligence
Computer Vision Engineer
SOC 15-1221Develop systems that can interpret and analyze visual data
Financial Aid Strategies for Machine Learning Programs
Graduate assistantships significantly reduce the cost of machine learning programs. Top-value schools offer research and teaching assistantships that cover tuition plus provide monthly stipends averaging $2,100. At Georgia Tech, 68% of ML students receive some form of graduate funding, reducing their net cost by an average of $28,400 over the program duration.
Industry-sponsored scholarships target machine learning students specifically. Companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft fund scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 for underrepresented groups in AI. The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship provides $37,000 annually for three years to outstanding students pursuing research-focused degrees.
Employer tuition reimbursement programs cover an average of $8,200 annually for employees pursuing relevant graduate degrees. Tech companies like Intel, IBM, and NVIDIA offer comprehensive tuition reimbursement programs that can cover up to 100% of program costs in exchange for continued employment commitments.
- Graduate assistantships reduce program costs by 40-70% on average
- Federal work-study positions in university research labs pay $15-20 per hour
- Professional development funds from employers average $3,500 annually
- State-specific grants for STEM graduates can provide additional $2,000-8,000 in funding
Balancing Value and Program Quality: What You Need to Know
The highest-value programs don't sacrifice quality for affordability. Our top 10 schools maintain an average graduation rate of 90.5%, compared to 84% across all machine learning programs. Faculty credentials at value leaders like University of Washington and NC State rival those at expensive private institutions, with similar research output and industry connections.
Program curriculum quality remains consistent across value tiers. Top-value schools cover the same core topics as expensive alternatives: deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and reinforcement learning. The difference lies in class sizes, research opportunities, and career services. Public programs average 28 students per class versus 18 at private institutions.
Industry partnerships distinguish value leaders from budget alternatives. Georgia Tech's collaboration with industry leaders provides students access to real-world projects and internship opportunities. These connections translate to higher job placement rates and starting salaries that justify the program investment.
- Top-value programs maintain s within 6 months
- Faculty-to-student ratios average 1:12 at value leaders vs. 1:8 at premium private schools
- Research funding per student averages $18,500 at top-value public universities
- Alumni networks provide ongoing career support with receiving job referrals
Choosing Your Best Value Machine Learning Program
- You want maximum ROI and lowest debt burden
- Research opportunities are important to your career goals
- You prefer larger peer networks and diverse perspectives
- Location flexibility allows you to consider multiple states
- Small class sizes and intensive mentorship are priorities
- You have significant financial resources or employer sponsorship
- Brand recognition is important for your target career path
- You want accelerated completion timelines
- You need to continue working while studying
- Geographic constraints limit your program options
- Cost minimization is your primary concern
- You have strong self-directed learning skills
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 247 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Machine Learning 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 machine learning salaries from BLS OES 2024
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database of college costs, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings
Employment projections and wage data for computer and information research scientists
Institutional characteristics, enrollment, and financial data
Return on investment calculations and salary data by institution
Research funding data and graduate program statistics
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.