What are the best Machine Learning colleges in California?

The top Machine Learning programs in California based on our methodology are: 1) University of California-Berkeley (96% graduation rate), 2) University of California-Los Angeles, and 3) University of California-Irvine. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). California offers 132 total accredited programs across 103 public and 28 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 54 bachelor's programs.

How much does a Machine Learning degree cost in California?

Machine Learning degree costs in California vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $12,838/year, while private institutions average $28,244/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $3,210/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $51,352 at public schools to $112,974 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price—federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.

What is the salary for Machine Learning jobs in California?

Machine Learning professionals in California earn a median salary of $145,770, which is 26% above the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $94,751, while senior roles exceed $211,367. Salaries vary by metro area: San Francisco ($160,347), San Jose ($153,059) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.

Can I get a Machine Learning degree online from California schools?

Yes, California offers 27 accredited online Machine Learning programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from University of California-Berkeley and University of Southern California. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.

What companies hire Machine Learning graduates in California?

Major Machine Learning employers in California include Google, Apple, Meta, Netflix, Salesforce. The San Francisco and San Jose metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from California universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. California's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.

Is a Machine Learning degree worth it in California?

A Machine Learning degree in California offers strong ROI with a $145,770 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $12,838/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($164,720), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.

How long does it take to complete a Machine Learning degree in California?

Standard completion times for Machine Learning degrees in California are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. California community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a California university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.

What financial aid is available for Machine Learning students in California?

California Machine Learning students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. California state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs—many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by California's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.

Best Colleges for Machine Learning in California 2026 Rankings

Key Takeaways

Top 3 ranked: UC Berkeley, UCLA, U of California-Irvine

Based on graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality

IPEDS 2023

Tuition ranges from $1,104 to $66,640/year

De Anza College offers the most affordable option at $1,395/yr

IPEDS 2023

Degree levels: 72 associate's, 40 master's, 13 doctoral programs available in California

From community college pathways to advanced research degrees

IPEDS 2023

27 California programs offer online or hybrid formats

Flexible scheduling for working professionals

IPEDS 2023

California community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs

72 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees

Education Commission of the States

Major employers: Google, Apple, Meta, Netflix

Tech hubs in San Francisco and San Jose

Hakia Research 2026

Machine Learning programs available near 231+ cities across California

Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location

IPEDS 2023

Updated February 2026

On This Page

$145,770

Is Machine Learning in California Worth It?

Yes. Machine Learning degrees in California deliver strong ROI—graduates earn $145,770 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $12,838/year.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in California

Associate's Machine Learning Programs in California

72 programs•$145,770 median salary•79% avg grad rate

Programs

$145,770

Median Salary

$1,219/yr

Avg Tuition

79%

Avg Grad Rate

Program Landscape

California offers 72 accredited associate's degree programs in machine learning, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include De Anza College, Grossmont College, Citrus College, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.

Costs & Value

Community colleges in California offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $1,219/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 $80,174 in California.

Career Pathways

Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with California's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Google, Apple, Meta 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 machine learning schools in California, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their machine learning degrees in California.

De Anza College

Public

Cupertino, CA

$1,395

Tuition

54.7

Score

Website

Grossmont College

Public

El Cajon, CA

$1,288

Tuition

51.9

Score

Website

Citrus College

Public

Glendora, CA

$1,104

Tuition

51.3

Score

Website

Irvine Valley College

Public

Irvine, CA

$1,104

Tuition

51.3

Score

Website

San Diego Miramar College

Public

San Diego, CA

$1,104

Tuition

51.2

Score

Website

College of the Canyons

Public

Santa Clarita, CA

$1,104

Tuition

51.2

Score

Website

Clovis Community College

Public

Fresno, CA

$1,288

Tuition

43.5

Score

Website

Santa Monica College

Public

Santa Monica, CA

$1,104

Tuition

95%

Grad Rate

59.5

Score

Website

Foothill College

Public

Los Altos Hills, CA

$1,395

Tuition

48.2

Score

Website

#10

Moorpark College

Public

Moorpark, CA

$1,340

Tuition

48.0

Score

Website

All Machine Learning Associate's Programs (72 total)

Rank	School	Location	Tuition	Grad Rate	Score
#11	Mt San Jacinto Community College District Public	San Jacinto, CA	$1,380	—	40.7
#12	Riverside City College Public	Riverside, CA	$1,380	—	47.8
#13	Saddleback College Public	Mission Viejo, CA	$1,380	—	47.8
#14	Bakersfield College Public	Bakersfield, CA	$1,380	—	47.7
#15	San Diego Mesa College Public	San Diego, CA	$1,104	—	47.4
#16	Southwestern College Public	Chula Vista, CA	$1,288	—	47.3
#17	Santa Barbara City College Public	Santa Barbara, CA	$1,104	—	47.2
#18	Santa Rosa Junior College Public	Santa Rosa, CA	$1,242	—	46.9
#19	Cerritos College Public	Norwalk, CA	$1,288	—	46.9
#20	College of San Mateo Public	San Mateo, CA	$1,288	—	46.8
#21	Norco College Public	Norco, CA	$1,380	—	46.8
#22	College of the Desert Public	Palm Desert, CA	$1,288	—	46.7
#23	Merced College Public	Merced, CA	$1,104	—	46.6
#24	Sierra College Public	Rocklin, CA	$1,104	—	46.6
#25	Evergreen Valley College Public	San Jose, CA	$1,288	—	46.6
#26	Allan Hancock College Public	Santa Maria, CA	$1,104	—	46.5
#27	Cabrillo College Public	Aptos, CA	$1,104	—	46.5
#28	Chaffey College Public	Rancho Cucamonga, CA	$1,104	—	46.4
#29	MiraCosta College Public	Oceanside, CA	$1,104	94%	57.3
#30	Modesto Junior College Public	Modesto, CA	$1,188	77%	53.2
#31	Ohlone College Public	Fremont, CA	$1,104	—	46.4
#32	Skyline College Public	San Bruno, CA	$1,288	—	46.4
#33	Las Positas College Public	Livermore, CA	$1,104	—	46.4
#34	Antelope Valley Community College District Public	Lancaster, CA	$1,104	82%	46.0
#35	Santiago Canyon College Public	Orange, CA	$1,104	—	46.2
#36	Crafton Hills College Public	Yucaipa, CA	$1,104	—	46.1
#37	Palomar College Public	San Marcos, CA	$1,288	—	46.1
#38	Santa Ana College Public	Santa Ana, CA	$1,104	—	46.1
#39	Butte College Public	Oroville, CA	$1,104	—	46.0
#40	Yuba College Public	Marysville, CA	$1,104	—	46.0
#41	Cypress College Public	Cypress, CA	$1,104	68%	50.4
#42	Reedley College Public	Reedley, CA	$1,288	—	45.9
#43	Long Beach City College Public	Long Beach, CA	$1,472	—	45.9
#44	Hartnell College Public	Salinas, CA	$1,380	—	45.8
#45	Cuyamaca College Public	El Cajon, CA	$1,288	—	45.7
#46	College of the Sequoias Public	Visalia, CA	$1,288	—	45.6
#47	San Bernardino Valley College Public	San Bernardino, CA	$1,104	—	45.5
#48	Imperial Valley College Public	Imperial, CA	$1,104	—	45.3
#49	Solano Community College Public	Fairfield, CA	$1,104	74%	43.5
#50	Los Medanos College Public	Pittsburg, CA	$1,288	—	45.3
#51	Los Angeles City College Public	Los Angeles, CA	$1,196	—	45.2
#52	San Joaquin Delta College Public	Stockton, CA	$1,288	—	45.2
#53	Canada College Public	Redwood City, CA	$1,288	—	45.1
#54	Rio Hondo College Public	Whittier, CA	$1,306	65%	48.8
#55	Moreno Valley College Public	Moreno Valley, CA	$1,380	—	45.1
#56	City College of San Francisco Public	San Francisco, CA	$0	—	51.0
#57	Monterey Peninsula College Public	Monterey, CA	$1,104	—	44.8
#58	West Los Angeles College Public	Culver City, CA	$1,196	—	44.8
#59	Glendale Community College Public	Glendale, CA	$1,104	—	37.9
#60	Gavilan College Public	Gilroy, CA	$1,444	—	44.4
#61	Copper Mountain Community College Public	Joshua Tree, CA	$1,104	—	37.6
#62	Contra Costa College Public	San Pablo, CA	$1,288	—	44.2
#63	Madera Community College Public	Madera, CA	$1,288	—	37.6
#64	Folsom Lake College Public	Folsom, CA	$0	—	47.8
#65	Los Angeles Mission College Public	Sylmar, CA	$1,196	—	44.0
#66	Barstow Community College Public	Barstow, CA	$1,104	—	37.2
#67	Golden West College Public	Huntington Beach, CA	$1,104	—	43.7
#68	Cosumnes River College Public	Sacramento, CA	$0	—	47.5
#69	American River College Public	Sacramento, CA	$0	—	47.3
#70	Napa Valley College Public	Napa, CA	$1,104	—	43.4
#71	Mendocino College Public	Ukiah, CA	$1,380	—	43.4
#72	College of the Siskiyous Public	Weed, CA	$1,380	—	43.4

Online Associate's Machine Learning Programs in California

44 programs•$145,770 median salary•79% avg grad rate

Programs

$145,770

Median Salary

$1,219/yr

Avg Tuition

79%

Avg Grad Rate

Online Program Options

California's community colleges offer 44 online associate's machine learning programs, providing flexible pathways for students balancing education with work or family responsibilities. Top-ranked online programs include Grossmont College, De Anza College, Santa Monica College, all regionally accredited and recognized by California employers.

Costs & Employer Recognition

Online associate's programs average $1,198/yr—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. California-based employers including Google, Apple, Meta value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles job market actively recruits graduates from online programs.

Program Format

These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete 60 credit hours in 2 years while working full-time.

Technology & Flexibility

Technology requirements include reliable internet access and a modern computer. Programs provide virtual labs, online tutoring, career services, and networking opportunities. Many offer start dates throughout the year and accelerated course formats for motivated students. Graduates earn the same degree as on-campus students, with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. For students pursuing online machine learning degrees in California, these accredited machine learning schools offer the flexibility and quality that today's learners demand.

Grossmont College

Public

El Cajon, CA

$1,288

Tuition

51.9

Score

Website

De Anza College

Public

Cupertino, CA

$1,395

Tuition

54.7

Score

Website

Santa Monica College

Public

Santa Monica, CA

$1,104

Tuition

95%

Grad Rate

59.5

Score

Website

Foothill College

Public

Los Altos Hills, CA

$1,395

Tuition

48.2

Score

Website

Cypress College

Public

Cypress, CA

$1,104

Tuition

68%

Grad Rate

50.4

Score

Website

San Diego Miramar College

Public

San Diego, CA

$1,104

Tuition

51.2

Score

Website

Saddleback College

Public

Mission Viejo, CA

$1,380

Tuition

47.8

Score

Website

San Diego Mesa College

Public

San Diego, CA

$1,104

Tuition

47.4

Score

Website

Southwestern College

Public

Chula Vista, CA

$1,288

Tuition

47.3

Score

Website

#10

Santa Rosa Junior College

Public

Santa Rosa, CA

$1,242

Tuition

46.9

Score

Website

All Machine Learning Associate's Programs (44 total)

Rank	School	Location	Tuition	Grad Rate	Score
#11	Cerritos College Public	Norwalk, CA	$1,288	—	46.9
#12	College of San Mateo Public	San Mateo, CA	$1,288	—	46.8
#13	College of the Desert Public	Palm Desert, CA	$1,288	—	46.7
#14	Merced College Public	Merced, CA	$1,104	—	46.6
#15	Allan Hancock College Public	Santa Maria, CA	$1,104	—	46.5
#16	Cabrillo College Public	Aptos, CA	$1,104	—	46.5
#17	Chaffey College Public	Rancho Cucamonga, CA	$1,104	—	46.4
#18	MiraCosta College Public	Oceanside, CA	$1,104	94%	57.3
#19	Ohlone College Public	Fremont, CA	$1,104	—	46.4
#20	Skyline College Public	San Bruno, CA	$1,288	—	46.4
#21	Las Positas College Public	Livermore, CA	$1,104	—	46.4
#22	Crafton Hills College Public	Yucaipa, CA	$1,104	—	46.1
#23	Palomar College Public	San Marcos, CA	$1,288	—	46.1
#24	Santa Ana College Public	Santa Ana, CA	$1,104	—	46.1
#25	Butte College Public	Oroville, CA	$1,104	—	46.0
#26	Hartnell College Public	Salinas, CA	$1,380	—	45.8
#27	San Bernardino Valley College Public	San Bernardino, CA	$1,104	—	45.5
#28	Imperial Valley College Public	Imperial, CA	$1,104	—	45.3
#29	Solano Community College Public	Fairfield, CA	$1,104	74%	43.5
#30	Los Medanos College Public	Pittsburg, CA	$1,288	—	45.3
#31	Los Angeles City College Public	Los Angeles, CA	$1,196	—	45.2
#32	San Joaquin Delta College Public	Stockton, CA	$1,288	—	45.2
#33	Canada College Public	Redwood City, CA	$1,288	—	45.1
#34	Rio Hondo College Public	Whittier, CA	$1,306	65%	48.8
#35	West Los Angeles College Public	Culver City, CA	$1,196	—	44.8
#36	Glendale Community College Public	Glendale, CA	$1,104	—	37.9
#37	Folsom Lake College Public	Folsom, CA	$0	—	47.8
#38	Los Angeles Mission College Public	Sylmar, CA	$1,196	—	44.0
#39	Barstow Community College Public	Barstow, CA	$1,104	—	37.2
#40	Golden West College Public	Huntington Beach, CA	$1,104	—	43.7
#41	Cosumnes River College Public	Sacramento, CA	$0	—	47.5
#42	American River College Public	Sacramento, CA	$0	—	47.3
#43	Napa Valley College Public	Napa, CA	$1,104	—	43.4
#44	College of the Siskiyous Public	Weed, CA	$1,380	—	43.4

Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs in California

54 programs•$145,770 median salary•91% avg grad rate

Programs

$145,770

Median Salary

$26,454/yr

Avg Tuition

91%

Avg Grad Rate

Program Landscape

California ranks among the nation's top destinations for machine learning education, with 54 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 30 public and 24 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are UC Berkeley, UCLA, U of California-Irvine, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from California machine learning programs earn a median salary of $123,905—26% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Google, Apple, Meta.

Costs & Value

Tuition ranges from $5,742 to $66,640 annually, with an average of $26,454/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 91%, with the highest reaching 100%. 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 California's leading technology employers. For students seeking machine learning degrees in California, these top-ranked machine learning schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

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University of California-Berkeley

Public

Berkeley, CA

$11,834

Tuition

96%

Grad Rate

93.0

Score

Website

University of California-Los Angeles

Public

Los Angeles, CA

$11,834

Tuition

92%

Grad Rate

90.1

Score

Website

University of California-Irvine

Public

Irvine, CA

$11,834

Tuition

96%

Grad Rate

89.4

Score

Website

University of Southern California

Private

Los Angeles, CA

$66,640

Tuition

92%

Grad Rate

87.0

Score

Website

University of California-San Diego

Public

La Jolla, CA

$11,834

Tuition

81%

Grad Rate

84.7

Score

Website

University of California-Santa Cruz

Public

Santa Cruz, CA

$11,834

Tuition

93%

Grad Rate

76.1

Score

Website

University of California-Davis

Public

Davis, CA

$11,834

Tuition

91%

Grad Rate

81.3

Score

Website

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Public

San Luis Obispo, CA

$5,742

Tuition

100%

Grad Rate

74.6

Score

Website

California Institute of Technology

Private

Pasadena, CA

$60,816

Tuition

88%

Grad Rate

72.6

Score

Website

#10

University of California-Santa Barbara

Public

Santa Barbara, CA

$11,834

Tuition

90%

Grad Rate

74.6

Score

Website

All Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs (54 total)

Rank	School	Location	Tuition	Grad Rate	Score
#11	Stanford University Private	Stanford, CA	$61,731	—	74.2
#12	San Diego State University Public	San Diego, CA	$5,742	83%	69.6
#13	California State University-Long Beach Public	Long Beach, CA	$5,742	73%	71.7
#14	University of California-Riverside Public	Riverside, CA	$11,834	83%	71.2
#15	San Jose State University Public	San Jose, CA	$5,742	100%	69.5
#16	California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Public	Pomona, CA	$5,742	87%	63.9
#17	California State University-Northridge Public	Northridge, CA	$5,742	95%	61.7
#18	California State University-Sacramento Public	Sacramento, CA	$5,742	92%	61.1
#19	California State University-Monterey Bay Public	Seaside, CA	$5,742	99%	61.0
#20	California State University-Los Angeles Public	Los Angeles, CA	$5,742	99%	63.7
#21	Chapman University Private	Orange, CA	$62,400	93%	61.5
#22	California State University-Fullerton Public	Fullerton, CA	$5,742	65%	58.1
#23	University of San Diego Private	San Diego, CA	$55,690	97%	62.2
#24	Pitzer College Private	Claremont, CA	$62,392	96%	61.7
#25	California State University-San Marcos Public	San Marcos, CA	$5,742	96%	58.2
#26	Harvey Mudd College Private	Claremont, CA	$65,954	—	59.0
#27	Pomona College Private	Claremont, CA	$61,906	—	57.1
#28	California State University-Fresno Public	Fresno, CA	$5,742	97%	56.6
#29	San Francisco State University Public	San Francisco, CA	$5,742	—	50.7
#30	University of San Francisco Private	San Francisco, CA	$57,670	—	54.1
#31	Claremont McKenna College Private	Claremont, CA	$63,800	—	52.2
#32	Point Loma Nazarene University Private	San Diego, CA	$42,600	94%	50.4
#33	Occidental College Private	Los Angeles, CA	$62,850	—	49.3
#34	California State University-East Bay Public	Hayward, CA	$5,742	—	50.2
#35	William Jessup University Private	Rocklin, CA	$36,000	90%	49.9
#36	National University Private	San Diego, CA	$13,320	—	48.9
#37	Scripps College Private	Claremont, CA	$63,216	—	46.9
#38	California State University-San Bernardino Public	San Bernardino, CA	$5,742	—	43.8
#39	California State University-Dominguez Hills Public	Carson, CA	$5,742	—	46.6
#40	California State University-Bakersfield Public	Bakersfield, CA	$5,742	—	43.9
#41	California State University-Chico Public	Chico, CA	$5,742	—	44.9
#42	Biola University Private	La Mirada, CA	$46,704	—	43.8
#43	University of the Pacific Private	Stockton, CA	$54,506	—	44.6
#44	California State University-Channel Islands Public	Camarillo, CA	$5,742	—	44.1
#45	Concordia University-Irvine Private	Irvine, CA	$40,510	—	43.1
#46	California State University-Stanislaus Public	Turlock, CA	$5,742	—	41.5
#47	Sonoma State University Public	Rohnert Park, CA	$5,742	—	41.5
#48	California Baptist University Private	Riverside, CA	$37,570	—	40.9
#49	California Lutheran University Private	Thousand Oaks, CA	$49,880	—	39.1
#50	San Francisco Bay University Private	Fremont, CA	$7,920	—	40.3
#51	California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt Public	Arcata, CA	$5,742	—	38.2
#52	Azusa Pacific University Private	Azusa, CA	$42,900	—	39.1
#53	La Sierra University Private	Riverside, CA	$34,920	—	36.0
#54	Saint Mary's College of California Private	Moraga, CA	$55,634	—	36.2

Online Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs in California

32 programs•$145,770 median salary•91% avg grad rate

Programs

$145,770

Median Salary

$26,454/yr

Avg Tuition

91%

Avg Grad Rate

Online Program Options

32 California institutions offer bachelor's machine learning degrees with online or hybrid options, enabling students to earn accredited degrees while maintaining professional or personal commitments. Top-ranked online programs include UC Berkeley, U of Southern California, U of California-San Diego, all regionally accredited and recognized by California employers.

Costs & Employer Recognition

Online bachelor's programs average $25,448/yr—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. California-based employers including Google, Apple, Meta value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles job market actively recruits graduates from online programs.

Program Format

These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete 120 credit hours in 4 years while working full-time.

Technology & Flexibility

University of California-Berkeley

Public

Berkeley, CA

$11,834

Tuition

96%

Grad Rate

93.0

Score

Website

University of Southern California

Private

Los Angeles, CA

$66,640

Tuition

92%

Grad Rate

87.0

Score

Website

University of California-San Diego

Public

La Jolla, CA

$11,834

Tuition

81%

Grad Rate

84.7

Score

Website

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Public

San Luis Obispo, CA

$5,742

Tuition

100%

Grad Rate

74.6

Score

Website

Stanford University

Private

Stanford, CA

$61,731

Tuition

74.2

Score

Website

San Diego State University

Public

San Diego, CA

$5,742

Tuition

83%

Grad Rate

69.6

Score

Website

University of California-Riverside

Public

Riverside, CA

$11,834

Tuition

83%

Grad Rate

71.2

Score

Website

University of San Diego

Private

San Diego, CA

$55,690

Tuition

97%

Grad Rate

62.2

Score

Website

California State University-Sacramento

Public

Sacramento, CA

$5,742

Tuition

92%

Grad Rate

61.1

Score

Website

#10

California State University-Monterey Bay

Public

Seaside, CA

$5,742

Tuition

99%

Grad Rate

61.0

Score

Website

All Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs (32 total)

Rank	School	Location	Tuition	Grad Rate	Score
#11	California State University-San Marcos Public	San Marcos, CA	$5,742	96%	58.2
#12	University of San Francisco Private	San Francisco, CA	$57,670	—	54.1
#13	Point Loma Nazarene University Private	San Diego, CA	$42,600	94%	50.4
#14	William Jessup University Private	Rocklin, CA	$36,000	90%	49.9
#15	National University Private	San Diego, CA	$13,320	—	48.9
#16	California State University-San Bernardino Public	San Bernardino, CA	$5,742	—	43.8
#17	California State University-Dominguez Hills Public	Carson, CA	$5,742	—	46.6
#18	California State University-Bakersfield Public	Bakersfield, CA	$5,742	—	43.9
#19	California State University-Chico Public	Chico, CA	$5,742	—	44.9
#20	Biola University Private	La Mirada, CA	$46,704	—	43.8
#21	University of the Pacific Private	Stockton, CA	$54,506	—	44.6
#22	California State University-Channel Islands Public	Camarillo, CA	$5,742	—	44.1
#23	Concordia University-Irvine Private	Irvine, CA	$40,510	—	43.1
#24	California State University-Stanislaus Public	Turlock, CA	$5,742	—	41.5
#25	Sonoma State University Public	Rohnert Park, CA	$5,742	—	41.5
#26	California Baptist University Private	Riverside, CA	$37,570	—	40.9
#27	California Lutheran University Private	Thousand Oaks, CA	$49,880	—	39.1
#28	San Francisco Bay University Private	Fremont, CA	$7,920	—	40.3
#29	California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt Public	Arcata, CA	$5,742	—	38.2
#30	Azusa Pacific University Private	Azusa, CA	$42,900	—	39.1
#31	La Sierra University Private	Riverside, CA	$34,920	—	36.0
#32	Saint Mary's College of California Private	Moraga, CA	$55,634	—	36.2

Master's Machine Learning Programs in California

40 programs•$145,770 median salary•90% avg grad rate

Programs

$145,770

Median Salary

$18,756/yr

Avg Tuition

90%

Avg Grad Rate

Program Landscape

California offers 40 master's degree programs in machine learning, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs—U of Southern California, U of California-San Diego, U of California-Irvine—combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.

Career Outcomes

Master's graduates in California earn a median salary of $145,770, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Google, Apple, Meta 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 $18,756/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 California's machine learning schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.

University of Southern California

Private

Los Angeles, CA

$66,640

Tuition

92%

Grad Rate

100.0

Score

Website

University of California-San Diego

Public

La Jolla, CA

$11,834

Tuition

81%

Grad Rate

87.2

Score

Website

University of California-Irvine

Public

Irvine, CA

$11,834

Tuition

96%

Grad Rate

84.8

Score

Website

University of California-Los Angeles

Public

Los Angeles, CA

$11,834

Tuition

92%

Grad Rate

81.6

Score

Website

University of California-Berkeley

Public

Berkeley, CA

$11,834

Tuition

96%

Grad Rate

80.1

Score

Website

Stanford University

Private

Stanford, CA

$61,731

Tuition

76.9

Score

Website

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Public

San Luis Obispo, CA

$5,742

Tuition

100%

Grad Rate

75.1

Score

Website

University of California-Davis

Public

Davis, CA

$11,834

Tuition

91%

Grad Rate

74.3

Score

Website

University of San Diego

Private

San Diego, CA

$55,690

Tuition

97%

Grad Rate

65.4

Score

Website

#10

University of California-Santa Barbara

Public

Santa Barbara, CA

$11,834

Tuition

90%

Grad Rate

74.1

Score

Website

All Machine Learning Master's Programs (40 total)

Rank	School	Location	Tuition	Grad Rate	Score
#11	San Jose State University Public	San Jose, CA	$5,742	100%	63.0
#12	California State University-Long Beach Public	Long Beach, CA	$5,742	73%	64.2
#13	San Diego State University Public	San Diego, CA	$5,742	83%	71.9
#14	University of California-Riverside Public	Riverside, CA	$11,834	83%	70.9
#15	University of California-Santa Cruz Public	Santa Cruz, CA	$11,834	93%	70.1
#16	California Institute of Technology Private	Pasadena, CA	$60,816	88%	67.4
#17	California State University-Los Angeles Public	Los Angeles, CA	$5,742	99%	54.9
#18	California State University-Northridge Public	Northridge, CA	$5,742	95%	65.4
#19	California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Public	Pomona, CA	$5,742	87%	64.8
#20	California State University-Fullerton Public	Fullerton, CA	$5,742	65%	60.0
#21	University of San Francisco Private	San Francisco, CA	$57,670	—	47.6
#22	Pepperdine University Private	Malibu, CA	$65,990	—	47.5
#23	William Jessup University Private	Rocklin, CA	$36,000	90%	50.1
#24	California State University-San Marcos Public	San Marcos, CA	$5,742	96%	57.9
#25	California State University-Fresno Public	Fresno, CA	$5,742	97%	48.3
#26	California State University-Sacramento Public	Sacramento, CA	$5,742	92%	57.5
#27	California State University-East Bay Public	Hayward, CA	$5,742	—	44.7
#28	Naval Postgraduate School Public	Monterey, CA	$0	—	47.1
#29	Claremont Graduate University Private	Claremont, CA	$0	—	45.9
#30	National University Private	San Diego, CA	$13,320	—	45.8
#31	Northcentral University Private	San Diego, CA	$11,064	—	51.8
#32	Sofia University For-Profit	Palo Alto, CA	$18,000	—	44.2
#33	San Francisco Bay University Private	Fremont, CA	$7,920	—	43.3
#34	Golden Gate University Private	San Francisco, CA	$11,088	—	43.7
#35	California State University-Chico Public	Chico, CA	$5,742	—	38.0
#36	San Francisco State University Public	San Francisco, CA	$5,742	—	47.0
#37	California State University-Dominguez Hills Public	Carson, CA	$5,742	—	37.8
#38	University of the Pacific Private	Stockton, CA	$54,506	—	37.6
#39	California State University-Channel Islands Public	Camarillo, CA	$5,742	—	36.9
#40	California State University-San Bernardino Public	San Bernardino, CA	$5,742	—	45.8

Online Master's Machine Learning Programs in California

22 programs•$145,770 median salary•90% avg grad rate

Programs

$145,770

Median Salary

$18,756/yr

Avg Tuition

90%

Avg Grad Rate

Online Program Options

Working professionals can advance their careers through 22 online master's machine learning programs from California universities, designed for flexibility without sacrificing academic rigor. Top-ranked online programs include U of Southern California, U of California-San Diego, UC Berkeley, all regionally accredited and recognized by California employers.

Costs & Employer Recognition

Online master's programs average $24,091/yr—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. California-based employers including Google, Apple, Meta value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles job market actively recruits graduates from online programs.

Program Format

These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete 30-36 credit hours in 18-24 months while working full-time.

Technology & Flexibility

University of Southern California

Private

Los Angeles, CA

$66,640

Tuition

92%

Grad Rate

100.0

Score

Website

University of California-San Diego

Public

La Jolla, CA

$11,834

Tuition

81%

Grad Rate

87.2

Score

Website

University of California-Berkeley

Public

Berkeley, CA

$11,834

Tuition

96%

Grad Rate

80.1

Score

Website

Stanford University

Private

Stanford, CA

$61,731

Tuition

76.9

Score

Website

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Public

San Luis Obispo, CA

$5,742

Tuition

100%

Grad Rate

75.1

Score

Website

University of San Diego

Private

San Diego, CA

$55,690

Tuition

97%

Grad Rate

65.4

Score

Website

San Diego State University

Public

San Diego, CA

$5,742

Tuition

83%

Grad Rate

71.9

Score

Website

University of California-Riverside

Public

Riverside, CA

$11,834

Tuition

83%

Grad Rate

70.9

Score

Website

University of San Francisco

Private

San Francisco, CA

$57,670

Tuition

47.6

Score

Website

#10

Pepperdine University

Private

Malibu, CA

$65,990

Tuition

47.5

Score

Website

All Machine Learning Master's Programs (22 total)

Rank	School	Location	Tuition	Grad Rate	Score
#11	William Jessup University Private	Rocklin, CA	$36,000	90%	50.1
#12	California State University-San Marcos Public	San Marcos, CA	$5,742	96%	57.9
#13	California State University-Sacramento Public	Sacramento, CA	$5,742	92%	57.5
#14	National University Private	San Diego, CA	$13,320	—	45.8
#15	Sofia University For-Profit	Palo Alto, CA	$18,000	—	44.2
#16	San Francisco Bay University Private	Fremont, CA	$7,920	—	43.3
#17	Golden Gate University Private	San Francisco, CA	$11,088	—	43.7
#18	California State University-Chico Public	Chico, CA	$5,742	—	38.0
#19	California State University-Dominguez Hills Public	Carson, CA	$5,742	—	37.8
#20	University of the Pacific Private	Stockton, CA	$54,506	—	37.6
#21	California State University-Channel Islands Public	Camarillo, CA	$5,742	—	36.9
#22	California State University-San Bernardino Public	San Bernardino, CA	$5,742	—	45.8

Doctoral Machine Learning Programs in California

13 programs•$145,770 median salary•90% avg grad rate

Programs

$145,770

Median Salary

$24,577/yr

Avg Tuition

90%

Avg Grad Rate

Program Landscape

California is home to 13 doctoral programs in machine learning, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Southern California, UC Berkeley, U of California-San Diego are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.

Career Outcomes

Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with California PhD holders earning a median of $182,213—reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Google, Apple, Meta.

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 California programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing machine learning degrees in California, 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.

University of Southern California

Private

Los Angeles, CA

$66,640

Tuition

92%

Grad Rate

100.0

Score

Website

University of California-Berkeley

Public

Berkeley, CA

$11,834

Tuition

96%

Grad Rate

100.0

Score

Website

University of California-San Diego

Public

La Jolla, CA

$11,834

Tuition

81%

Grad Rate

60.8

Score

Website

University of California-Los Angeles

Public

Los Angeles, CA

$11,834

Tuition

92%

Grad Rate

65.6

Score

Website

Stanford University

Private

Stanford, CA

$61,731

Tuition

60.8

Score

Website

University of California-Irvine

Public

Irvine, CA

$11,834

Tuition

96%

Grad Rate

63.2

Score

Website

University of California-Santa Barbara

Public

Santa Barbara, CA

$11,834

Tuition

90%

Grad Rate

60.9

Score

Website

University of California-Davis

Public

Davis, CA

$11,834

Tuition

91%

Grad Rate

57.2

Score

Website

University of California-Riverside

Public

Riverside, CA

$11,834

Tuition

83%

Grad Rate

51.7

Score

Website

#10

University of California-Santa Cruz

Public

Santa Cruz, CA

$11,834

Tuition

93%

Grad Rate

81.1

Score

Website

All Machine Learning Doctoral Programs (13 total)

Rank	School	Location	Tuition	Grad Rate	Score
#11	California Institute of Technology Private	Pasadena, CA	$60,816	88%	69.7
#12	Northcentral University Private	San Diego, CA	$11,064	—	44.6
#13	Naval Postgraduate School Public	Monterey, CA	$0	—	49.5

Online Doctoral Machine Learning Programs in California

5 programs•$145,770 median salary•90% avg grad rate

Programs

$145,770

Median Salary

$24,577/yr

Avg Tuition

90%

Avg Grad Rate

Online Program Options

5 California universities offer doctoral machine learning programs with online or hybrid components, accommodating established professionals pursuing terminal degrees. Top-ranked online programs include U of Southern California, Stanford, UC Berkeley, all regionally accredited and recognized by California employers.

Costs & Employer Recognition

Online doctoral programs average $32,775/yr—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. California-based employers including Google, Apple, Meta value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles job market actively recruits graduates from online programs.

Program Format

These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete doctoral requirements in 3-5 years while working full-time.

Technology & Flexibility

University of Southern California

Private

Los Angeles, CA

$66,640

Tuition

92%

Grad Rate

100.0

Score

Website

Stanford University

Private

Stanford, CA

$61,731

Tuition

60.8

Score

Website

University of California-Berkeley

Public

Berkeley, CA

$11,834

Tuition

96%

Grad Rate

100.0

Score

Website

University of California-San Diego

Public

La Jolla, CA

$11,834

Tuition

81%

Grad Rate

60.8

Score

Website

University of California-Riverside

Public

Riverside, CA

$11,834

Tuition

83%

Grad Rate

51.7

Score

Website

Complete Machine Learning Program Rankings in California

Best Associate's Machine Learning Programs in California

### Program Landscape California offers **72 accredited** associate's degree programs in machine learning, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include **De Anza College**, **Grossmont College**, **Citrus College**, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training. ### Costs & Value Community colleges in California offer these two-year programs at an average cost of **$1,219/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 **$80,174** in California. ### Career Pathways Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with California's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Google, Apple, Meta 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 machine learning schools in California, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their machine learning degrees in California.

#1. De Anza College
Location: Cupertino, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,395/year | Score: 54.7
#2. Grossmont College
Location: El Cajon, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Score: 51.9
#3. Citrus College
Location: Glendora, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 51.3
#4. Irvine Valley College
Location: Irvine, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 51.3
#5. San Diego Miramar College
Location: San Diego, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 51.2
#6. College of the Canyons
Location: Santa Clarita, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 51.2
#7. Clovis Community College
Location: Fresno, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Score: 43.5
#8. Santa Monica College
Location: Santa Monica, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Score: 59.5
#9. Foothill College
Location: Los Altos Hills, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,395/year | Score: 48.2
#10. Moorpark College
Location: Moorpark, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,340/year | Score: 48.0
#11. Mt San Jacinto Community College District
Location: San Jacinto, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,380/year | Score: 40.7
#12. Riverside City College
Location: Riverside, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,380/year | Score: 47.8
#13. Saddleback College
Location: Mission Viejo, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,380/year | Score: 47.8
#14. Bakersfield College
Location: Bakersfield, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,380/year | Score: 47.7
#15. San Diego Mesa College
Location: San Diego, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 47.4
#16. Southwestern College
Location: Chula Vista, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Score: 47.3
#17. Santa Barbara City College
Location: Santa Barbara, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 47.2
#18. Santa Rosa Junior College
Location: Santa Rosa, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,242/year | Score: 46.9
#19. Cerritos College
Location: Norwalk, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Score: 46.9
#20. College of San Mateo
Location: San Mateo, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Score: 46.8
#21. Norco College
Location: Norco, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,380/year | Score: 46.8
#22. College of the Desert
Location: Palm Desert, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Score: 46.7
#23. Merced College
Location: Merced, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 46.6
#24. Sierra College
Location: Rocklin, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 46.6
#25. Evergreen Valley College
Location: San Jose, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Score: 46.6
#26. Allan Hancock College
Location: Santa Maria, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 46.5
#27. Cabrillo College
Location: Aptos, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 46.5
#28. Chaffey College
Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 46.4
#29. MiraCosta College
Location: Oceanside, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Graduation Rate: 94% | Score: 57.3
#30. Modesto Junior College
Location: Modesto, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,188/year | Graduation Rate: 77% | Score: 53.2
#31. Ohlone College
Location: Fremont, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 46.4
#32. Skyline College
Location: San Bruno, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Score: 46.4
#33. Las Positas College
Location: Livermore, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 46.4
#34. Antelope Valley Community College District
Location: Lancaster, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Graduation Rate: 82% | Score: 46.0
#35. Santiago Canyon College
Location: Orange, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 46.2
#36. Crafton Hills College
Location: Yucaipa, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 46.1
#37. Palomar College
Location: San Marcos, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Score: 46.1
#38. Santa Ana College
Location: Santa Ana, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 46.1
#39. Butte College
Location: Oroville, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 46.0
#40. Yuba College
Location: Marysville, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 46.0
#41. Cypress College
Location: Cypress, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Graduation Rate: 68% | Score: 50.4
#42. Reedley College
Location: Reedley, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Score: 45.9
#43. Long Beach City College
Location: Long Beach, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,472/year | Score: 45.9
#44. Hartnell College
Location: Salinas, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,380/year | Score: 45.8
#45. Cuyamaca College
Location: El Cajon, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Score: 45.7
#46. College of the Sequoias
Location: Visalia, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Score: 45.6
#47. San Bernardino Valley College
Location: San Bernardino, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 45.5
#48. Imperial Valley College
Location: Imperial, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 45.3
#49. Solano Community College
Location: Fairfield, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Graduation Rate: 74% | Score: 43.5
#50. Los Medanos College
Location: Pittsburg, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Score: 45.3
#51. Los Angeles City College
Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,196/year | Score: 45.2
#52. San Joaquin Delta College
Location: Stockton, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Score: 45.2
#53. Canada College
Location: Redwood City, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Score: 45.1
#54. Rio Hondo College
Location: Whittier, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,306/year | Graduation Rate: 65% | Score: 48.8
#55. Moreno Valley College
Location: Moreno Valley, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,380/year | Score: 45.1
#56. City College of San Francisco
Location: San Francisco, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $0/year | Score: 51.0
#57. Monterey Peninsula College
Location: Monterey, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 44.8
#58. West Los Angeles College
Location: Culver City, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,196/year | Score: 44.8
#59. Glendale Community College
Location: Glendale, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 37.9
#60. Gavilan College
Location: Gilroy, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,444/year | Score: 44.4
#61. Copper Mountain Community College
Location: Joshua Tree, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 37.6
#62. Contra Costa College
Location: San Pablo, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Score: 44.2
#63. Madera Community College
Location: Madera, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Score: 37.6
#64. Folsom Lake College
Location: Folsom, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $0/year | Score: 47.8
#65. Los Angeles Mission College
Location: Sylmar, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,196/year | Score: 44.0
#66. Barstow Community College
Location: Barstow, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 37.2
#67. Golden West College
Location: Huntington Beach, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 43.7
#68. Cosumnes River College
Location: Sacramento, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $0/year | Score: 47.5
#69. American River College
Location: Sacramento, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $0/year | Score: 47.3
#70. Napa Valley College
Location: Napa, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Score: 43.4
#71. Mendocino College
Location: Ukiah, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,380/year | Score: 43.4
#72. College of the Siskiyous
Location: Weed, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,380/year | Score: 43.4

Online Associate's Machine Learning Programs in California

### Online Program Options California's community colleges offer 44 online associate's machine learning programs, providing flexible pathways for students balancing education with work or family responsibilities. Top-ranked online programs include **Grossmont College**, **De Anza College**, **Santa Monica College**, all regionally accredited and recognized by California employers. ### Costs & Employer Recognition Online associate's programs average **$1,198/yr**—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. California-based employers including Google, Apple, Meta value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles job market actively recruits graduates from online programs. ### Program Format These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete **60 credit hours** in 2 years while working full-time. ### Technology & Flexibility Technology requirements include reliable internet access and a modern computer. Programs provide virtual labs, online tutoring, career services, and networking opportunities. Many offer start dates throughout the year and accelerated course formats for motivated students. Graduates earn the same degree as on-campus students, with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. For students pursuing online machine learning degrees in California, these accredited machine learning schools offer the flexibility and quality that today's learners demand.

Grossmont College - El Cajon, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
De Anza College - Cupertino, CA - Tuition: $1,395/year
Santa Monica College - Santa Monica, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Foothill College - Los Altos Hills, CA - Tuition: $1,395/year
Cypress College - Cypress, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
San Diego Miramar College - San Diego, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Saddleback College - Mission Viejo, CA - Tuition: $1,380/year
San Diego Mesa College - San Diego, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Southwestern College - Chula Vista, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
Santa Rosa Junior College - Santa Rosa, CA - Tuition: $1,242/year
Cerritos College - Norwalk, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
College of San Mateo - San Mateo, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
College of the Desert - Palm Desert, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
Merced College - Merced, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Allan Hancock College - Santa Maria, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Cabrillo College - Aptos, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Chaffey College - Rancho Cucamonga, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
MiraCosta College - Oceanside, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Ohlone College - Fremont, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Skyline College - San Bruno, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
Las Positas College - Livermore, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Crafton Hills College - Yucaipa, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Palomar College - San Marcos, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
Santa Ana College - Santa Ana, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Butte College - Oroville, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Hartnell College - Salinas, CA - Tuition: $1,380/year
San Bernardino Valley College - San Bernardino, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Imperial Valley College - Imperial, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Solano Community College - Fairfield, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Los Medanos College - Pittsburg, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
Los Angeles City College - Los Angeles, CA - Tuition: $1,196/year
San Joaquin Delta College - Stockton, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
Canada College - Redwood City, CA - Tuition: $1,288/year
Rio Hondo College - Whittier, CA - Tuition: $1,306/year
West Los Angeles College - Culver City, CA - Tuition: $1,196/year
Glendale Community College - Glendale, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Folsom Lake College - Folsom, CA - Tuition: $0/year
Los Angeles Mission College - Sylmar, CA - Tuition: $1,196/year
Barstow Community College - Barstow, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Golden West College - Huntington Beach, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
Cosumnes River College - Sacramento, CA - Tuition: $0/year
American River College - Sacramento, CA - Tuition: $0/year
Napa Valley College - Napa, CA - Tuition: $1,104/year
College of the Siskiyous - Weed, CA - Tuition: $1,380/year

Best Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs in California

### Program Landscape California ranks among the nation's top destinations for machine learning education, with **54 accredited** bachelor's degree programs across **30 public** and **24 private** institutions. The highest-ranked programs are **UC Berkeley**, **UCLA**, **U of California-Irvine**, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections. ### Career Outcomes Graduates from California machine learning programs earn a median salary of **$123,905**—26% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Google, Apple, Meta. ### Costs & Value Tuition ranges from **$5,742** to **$66,640** annually, with an average of **$26,454/yr**. Top programs maintain graduation rates above **91%**, with the highest reaching **100%**. 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 California's leading technology employers. For students seeking machine learning degrees in California, these top-ranked machine learning schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

#1. University of California-Berkeley
Location: Berkeley, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 93.0
#2. University of California-Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 90.1
#3. University of California-Irvine
Location: Irvine, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 89.4
#4. University of Southern California
Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $66,640/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 87.0
#5. University of California-San Diego
Location: La Jolla, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Score: 84.7
#6. University of California-Santa Cruz
Location: Santa Cruz, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Score: 76.1
#7. University of California-Davis
Location: Davis, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Score: 81.3
#8. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 100% | Score: 74.6
#9. California Institute of Technology
Location: Pasadena, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $60,816/year | Graduation Rate: 88% | Score: 72.6
#10. University of California-Santa Barbara
Location: Santa Barbara, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Score: 74.6
#11. Stanford University
Location: Stanford, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $61,731/year | Score: 74.2
#12. San Diego State University
Location: San Diego, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 83% | Score: 69.6
#13. California State University-Long Beach
Location: Long Beach, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 73% | Score: 71.7
#14. University of California-Riverside
Location: Riverside, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 83% | Score: 71.2
#15. San Jose State University
Location: San Jose, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 100% | Score: 69.5
#16. California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Location: Pomona, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 87% | Score: 63.9
#17. California State University-Northridge
Location: Northridge, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Score: 61.7
#18. California State University-Sacramento
Location: Sacramento, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 61.1
#19. California State University-Monterey Bay
Location: Seaside, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 99% | Score: 61.0
#20. California State University-Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 99% | Score: 63.7
#21. Chapman University
Location: Orange, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $62,400/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Score: 61.5
#22. California State University-Fullerton
Location: Fullerton, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 65% | Score: 58.1
#23. University of San Diego
Location: San Diego, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $55,690/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Score: 62.2
#24. Pitzer College
Location: Claremont, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $62,392/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 61.7
#25. California State University-San Marcos
Location: San Marcos, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 58.2
#26. Harvey Mudd College
Location: Claremont, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $65,954/year | Score: 59.0
#27. Pomona College
Location: Claremont, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $61,906/year | Score: 57.1
#28. California State University-Fresno
Location: Fresno, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Score: 56.6
#29. San Francisco State University
Location: San Francisco, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Score: 50.7
#30. University of San Francisco
Location: San Francisco, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $57,670/year | Score: 54.1
#31. Claremont McKenna College
Location: Claremont, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $63,800/year | Score: 52.2
#32. Point Loma Nazarene University
Location: San Diego, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $42,600/year | Graduation Rate: 94% | Score: 50.4
#33. Occidental College
Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $62,850/year | Score: 49.3
#34. California State University-East Bay
Location: Hayward, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Score: 50.2
#35. William Jessup University
Location: Rocklin, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $36,000/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Score: 49.9
#36. National University
Location: San Diego, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $13,320/year | Score: 48.9
#37. Scripps College
Location: Claremont, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $63,216/year | Score: 46.9
#38. California State University-San Bernardino
Location: San Bernardino, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Score: 43.8
#39. California State University-Dominguez Hills
Location: Carson, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Score: 46.6
#40. California State University-Bakersfield
Location: Bakersfield, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Score: 43.9
#41. California State University-Chico
Location: Chico, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Score: 44.9
#42. Biola University
Location: La Mirada, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $46,704/year | Score: 43.8
#43. University of the Pacific
Location: Stockton, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $54,506/year | Score: 44.6
#44. California State University-Channel Islands
Location: Camarillo, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Score: 44.1
#45. Concordia University-Irvine
Location: Irvine, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $40,510/year | Score: 43.1
#46. California State University-Stanislaus
Location: Turlock, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Score: 41.5
#47. Sonoma State University
Location: Rohnert Park, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Score: 41.5
#48. California Baptist University
Location: Riverside, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $37,570/year | Score: 40.9
#49. California Lutheran University
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $49,880/year | Score: 39.1
#50. San Francisco Bay University
Location: Fremont, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $7,920/year | Score: 40.3
#51. California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
Location: Arcata, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Score: 38.2
#52. Azusa Pacific University
Location: Azusa, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $42,900/year | Score: 39.1
#53. La Sierra University
Location: Riverside, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $34,920/year | Score: 36.0
#54. Saint Mary's College of California
Location: Moraga, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $55,634/year | Score: 36.2

Online Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs in California

### Online Program Options 32 California institutions offer bachelor's machine learning degrees with online or hybrid options, enabling students to earn accredited degrees while maintaining professional or personal commitments. Top-ranked online programs include **UC Berkeley**, **U of Southern California**, **U of California-San Diego**, all regionally accredited and recognized by California employers. ### Costs & Employer Recognition Online bachelor's programs average **$25,448/yr**—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. California-based employers including Google, Apple, Meta value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles job market actively recruits graduates from online programs. ### Program Format These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete **120 credit hours** in 4 years while working full-time. ### Technology & Flexibility Technology requirements include reliable internet access and a modern computer. Programs provide virtual labs, online tutoring, career services, and networking opportunities. Many offer start dates throughout the year and accelerated course formats for motivated students. Graduates earn the same degree as on-campus students, with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. For students pursuing online machine learning degrees in California, these accredited machine learning schools offer the flexibility and quality that today's learners demand.

University of California-Berkeley - Berkeley, CA - Tuition: $11,834/year
University of Southern California - Los Angeles, CA - Tuition: $66,640/year
University of California-San Diego - La Jolla, CA - Tuition: $11,834/year
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo - San Luis Obispo, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
Stanford University - Stanford, CA - Tuition: $61,731/year
San Diego State University - San Diego, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
University of California-Riverside - Riverside, CA - Tuition: $11,834/year
University of San Diego - San Diego, CA - Tuition: $55,690/year
California State University-Sacramento - Sacramento, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
California State University-Monterey Bay - Seaside, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
California State University-San Marcos - San Marcos, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
University of San Francisco - San Francisco, CA - Tuition: $57,670/year
Point Loma Nazarene University - San Diego, CA - Tuition: $42,600/year
William Jessup University - Rocklin, CA - Tuition: $36,000/year
National University - San Diego, CA - Tuition: $13,320/year
California State University-San Bernardino - San Bernardino, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
California State University-Dominguez Hills - Carson, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
California State University-Bakersfield - Bakersfield, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
California State University-Chico - Chico, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
Biola University - La Mirada, CA - Tuition: $46,704/year
University of the Pacific - Stockton, CA - Tuition: $54,506/year
California State University-Channel Islands - Camarillo, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
Concordia University-Irvine - Irvine, CA - Tuition: $40,510/year
California State University-Stanislaus - Turlock, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
Sonoma State University - Rohnert Park, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
California Baptist University - Riverside, CA - Tuition: $37,570/year
California Lutheran University - Thousand Oaks, CA - Tuition: $49,880/year
San Francisco Bay University - Fremont, CA - Tuition: $7,920/year
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt - Arcata, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
Azusa Pacific University - Azusa, CA - Tuition: $42,900/year
La Sierra University - Riverside, CA - Tuition: $34,920/year
Saint Mary's College of California - Moraga, CA - Tuition: $55,634/year

Best Master's Machine Learning Programs in California

### Program Landscape California offers **40** master's degree programs in machine learning, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs—**U of Southern California**, **U of California-San Diego**, **U of California-Irvine**—combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development. ### Career Outcomes Master's graduates in California earn a median salary of **$145,770**, approximately **20-30% higher** than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Google, Apple, Meta 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 **$18,756/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 California's machine learning schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.

#1. University of Southern California
Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $66,640/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 100.0
#2. University of California-San Diego
Location: La Jolla, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Score: 87.2
#3. University of California-Irvine
Location: Irvine, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 84.8
#4. University of California-Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 81.6
#5. University of California-Berkeley
Location: Berkeley, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 80.1
#6. Stanford University
Location: Stanford, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $61,731/year | Score: 76.9
#7. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 100% | Score: 75.1
#8. University of California-Davis
Location: Davis, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Score: 74.3
#9. University of San Diego
Location: San Diego, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $55,690/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Score: 65.4
#10. University of California-Santa Barbara
Location: Santa Barbara, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Score: 74.1
#11. San Jose State University
Location: San Jose, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 100% | Score: 63.0
#12. California State University-Long Beach
Location: Long Beach, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 73% | Score: 64.2
#13. San Diego State University
Location: San Diego, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 83% | Score: 71.9
#14. University of California-Riverside
Location: Riverside, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 83% | Score: 70.9
#15. University of California-Santa Cruz
Location: Santa Cruz, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Score: 70.1
#16. California Institute of Technology
Location: Pasadena, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $60,816/year | Graduation Rate: 88% | Score: 67.4
#17. California State University-Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 99% | Score: 54.9
#18. California State University-Northridge
Location: Northridge, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Score: 65.4
#19. California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Location: Pomona, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 87% | Score: 64.8
#20. California State University-Fullerton
Location: Fullerton, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 65% | Score: 60.0
#21. University of San Francisco
Location: San Francisco, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $57,670/year | Score: 47.6
#22. Pepperdine University
Location: Malibu, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $65,990/year | Score: 47.5
#23. William Jessup University
Location: Rocklin, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $36,000/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Score: 50.1
#24. California State University-San Marcos
Location: San Marcos, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 57.9
#25. California State University-Fresno
Location: Fresno, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Score: 48.3
#26. California State University-Sacramento
Location: Sacramento, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 57.5
#27. California State University-East Bay
Location: Hayward, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Score: 44.7
#28. Naval Postgraduate School
Location: Monterey, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $0/year | Score: 47.1
#29. Claremont Graduate University
Location: Claremont, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $0/year | Score: 45.9
#30. National University
Location: San Diego, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $13,320/year | Score: 45.8
#31. Northcentral University
Location: San Diego, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $11,064/year | Score: 51.8
#32. Sofia University
Location: Palo Alto, CA | Type: For-Profit | Tuition: $18,000/year | Score: 44.2
#33. San Francisco Bay University
Location: Fremont, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $7,920/year | Score: 43.3
#34. Golden Gate University
Location: San Francisco, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $11,088/year | Score: 43.7
#35. California State University-Chico
Location: Chico, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Score: 38.0
#36. San Francisco State University
Location: San Francisco, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Score: 47.0
#37. California State University-Dominguez Hills
Location: Carson, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Score: 37.8
#38. University of the Pacific
Location: Stockton, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $54,506/year | Score: 37.6
#39. California State University-Channel Islands
Location: Camarillo, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Score: 36.9
#40. California State University-San Bernardino
Location: San Bernardino, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,742/year | Score: 45.8

Online Master's Machine Learning Programs in California

### Online Program Options Working professionals can advance their careers through 22 online master's machine learning programs from California universities, designed for flexibility without sacrificing academic rigor. Top-ranked online programs include **U of Southern California**, **U of California-San Diego**, **UC Berkeley**, all regionally accredited and recognized by California employers. ### Costs & Employer Recognition Online master's programs average **$24,091/yr**—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. California-based employers including Google, Apple, Meta value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles job market actively recruits graduates from online programs. ### Program Format These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete **30-36 credit hours** in 18-24 months while working full-time. ### Technology & Flexibility Technology requirements include reliable internet access and a modern computer. Programs provide virtual labs, online tutoring, career services, and networking opportunities. Many offer start dates throughout the year and accelerated course formats for motivated students. Graduates earn the same degree as on-campus students, with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. For students pursuing online machine learning degrees in California, these accredited machine learning schools offer the flexibility and quality that today's learners demand.

University of Southern California - Los Angeles, CA - Tuition: $66,640/year
University of California-San Diego - La Jolla, CA - Tuition: $11,834/year
University of California-Berkeley - Berkeley, CA - Tuition: $11,834/year
Stanford University - Stanford, CA - Tuition: $61,731/year
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo - San Luis Obispo, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
University of San Diego - San Diego, CA - Tuition: $55,690/year
San Diego State University - San Diego, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
University of California-Riverside - Riverside, CA - Tuition: $11,834/year
University of San Francisco - San Francisco, CA - Tuition: $57,670/year
Pepperdine University - Malibu, CA - Tuition: $65,990/year
William Jessup University - Rocklin, CA - Tuition: $36,000/year
California State University-San Marcos - San Marcos, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
California State University-Sacramento - Sacramento, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
National University - San Diego, CA - Tuition: $13,320/year
Sofia University - Palo Alto, CA - Tuition: $18,000/year
San Francisco Bay University - Fremont, CA - Tuition: $7,920/year
Golden Gate University - San Francisco, CA - Tuition: $11,088/year
California State University-Chico - Chico, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
California State University-Dominguez Hills - Carson, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
University of the Pacific - Stockton, CA - Tuition: $54,506/year
California State University-Channel Islands - Camarillo, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year
California State University-San Bernardino - San Bernardino, CA - Tuition: $5,742/year

Best Doctoral Machine Learning Programs in California

### Program Landscape California is home to **13** doctoral programs in machine learning, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at **U of Southern California**, **UC Berkeley**, **U of California-San Diego** are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages. ### Career Outcomes Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with California PhD holders earning a median of **$182,213**—reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Google, Apple, Meta. ### 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 California programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing machine learning degrees in California, 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.

#1. University of Southern California
Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $66,640/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 100.0
#2. University of California-Berkeley
Location: Berkeley, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 100.0
#3. University of California-San Diego
Location: La Jolla, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Score: 60.8
#4. University of California-Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 65.6
#5. Stanford University
Location: Stanford, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $61,731/year | Score: 60.8
#6. University of California-Irvine
Location: Irvine, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 63.2
#7. University of California-Santa Barbara
Location: Santa Barbara, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Score: 60.9
#8. University of California-Davis
Location: Davis, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Score: 57.2
#9. University of California-Riverside
Location: Riverside, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 83% | Score: 51.7
#10. University of California-Santa Cruz
Location: Santa Cruz, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Score: 81.1
#11. California Institute of Technology
Location: Pasadena, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $60,816/year | Graduation Rate: 88% | Score: 69.7
#12. Northcentral University
Location: San Diego, CA | Type: Private | Tuition: $11,064/year | Score: 44.6
#13. Naval Postgraduate School
Location: Monterey, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $0/year | Score: 49.5

Online Doctoral Machine Learning Programs in California

### Online Program Options 5 California universities offer doctoral machine learning programs with online or hybrid components, accommodating established professionals pursuing terminal degrees. Top-ranked online programs include **U of Southern California**, **Stanford**, **UC Berkeley**, all regionally accredited and recognized by California employers. ### Costs & Employer Recognition Online doctoral programs average **$32,775/yr**—often comparable to or less than on-campus tuition. California-based employers including Google, Apple, Meta value online credentials from accredited institutions, recognizing that program quality matters more than delivery format. The San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles job market actively recruits graduates from online programs. ### Program Format These programs feature asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility, with some offering synchronous sessions for collaborative learning. Students can typically complete doctoral requirements in 3-5 years while working full-time. ### Technology & Flexibility Technology requirements include reliable internet access and a modern computer. Programs provide virtual labs, online tutoring, career services, and networking opportunities. Many offer start dates throughout the year and accelerated course formats for motivated students. Graduates earn the same degree as on-campus students, with no distinction on transcripts or diplomas. For students pursuing online machine learning degrees in California, these accredited machine learning schools offer the flexibility and quality that today's learners demand.

University of Southern California - Los Angeles, CA - Tuition: $66,640/year
Stanford University - Stanford, CA - Tuition: $61,731/year
University of California-Berkeley - Berkeley, CA - Tuition: $11,834/year
University of California-San Diego - La Jolla, CA - Tuition: $11,834/year
University of California-Riverside - Riverside, CA - Tuition: $11,834/year

Machine Learning Tuition in California

Metric	Value
Average in-state tuition	$12,838/year
Average out-of-state tuition	$32,095/year
Community college tuition	$3,210/year
4-year savings for residents	$77,028
2+2 transfer pathway savings	$19,256

Source: IPEDS 2023

Machine Learning Financial Aid & Scholarships in California

State Aid Programs

Cal Grants provide substantial state-based aid.

The Cal Grant is California-specific financial aid that does not require repayment. Applicants must complete FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application by the deadline and meet eligibility, financial, and GPA requirements. The minimum financial need threshold is $16,434 for 2025-2026 Cal Grant A awards. The Governor's 2025-26 budget allocates $2.6 billion for Cal Grant spending—a $109 million increase from the prior year (California Student Aid Commission). Application deadlines: March 2 priority deadline for state aid; October 1 FAFSA/CADAA opening for 2026-27 academic year.

Key Programs & Amounts

The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) 2.0 provides awards to undergraduate and credential students at California State Universities based on Cost of Attendance, other gift aid, a student contribution of $7,898, and parent contribution for dependent students with household income over $100,000. Students must complete FAFSA or CADAA before March 2 for consideration. The Edison Scholars Program offers $12,500 scholarships for Southern California high school seniors pursuing STEM degrees. NSF S-STEM scholarships support computer science students with high academic potential and financial need, with programs at Cal State Stanislaus and partner community colleges focusing on cybersecurity and data science.

Institutional Scholarships

Graduate funding mechanisms differ from undergraduate aid. Research assistantships (RAs) at UC Berkeley and Stanford often cover tuition plus provide living stipends ($30,000-$45,000/year) for PhD students. Teaching assistantships (TAs) offer similar benefits. Professional master's programs (like Berkeley MIDS at $82,096) typically don't include significant institutional funding—students often rely on employer tuition benefits, federal loans, or private loans. Stanford's AI Graduate Certificate courses cost approximately $1,200-$1,500 per unit. Many employers in California's tech industry offer tuition reimbursement programs ($5,250/year tax-free, often more total). International students should explore country-specific scholarships and confirm OPT/CPT eligibility for work authorization.

Calculate Your Machine Learning Degree ROI in California

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a machine learning degree in California. 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.

Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator

Estimate your return on investment for a machine learning degree

Program Type

Total Program Cost

Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type

Target Career

Work Location

Career Timeline20 years

10 years20 years30 years

20-Year ROI

+1640%

Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.

Net Gain

$3,033,585

Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.

Break-Even

5 years

Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.

COL-Adjusted Salary

$116,667

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

Total Investment$185,000

Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)

Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000

Direct cost of the degree program

Opportunity Cost$140,000

4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time

20-Year Earnings (with degree)$4,068,993

Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth

20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408

What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth

Starting Salary (San Francisco Bay Area, CA)$210,000

Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)

Annualized Return7.1%

Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)

Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2023. 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

Career Paths

Software Developer

+25%

Design and develop software applications and systems

Median Salary:$164,720

Data Scientist

+35%

Analyze complex datasets and build predictive models

Median Salary:$137,024

Cybersecurity Analyst

+32%

Protect computer networks from cyber threats

Median Salary:$153,059

DevOps Engineer

+22%

Manage cloud infrastructure and deployment pipelines

Median Salary:$161,805

Cloud Architect

+28%

Design and maintain cloud computing infrastructure

Median Salary:$157,432

Machine Learning Engineer

+40%

Build and deploy machine learning models

Median Salary:$183,670

Machine Learning Salaries by Metro Area

Median annual salary in California metro areas

Hakia.com

View data table

Category	value
San Francisco	$160K
San Jose	$153K
Los Angeles	$146K
San Diego	$138K

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Hakia.com

Machine Learning Jobs in California: Top Employers Hiring

Find machine learning jobs in California. These major employers across California metro areas are actively hiring machine learning graduates. Click employer names to view current job openings.

Machine Learning Jobs in Silicon Valley

~2,943 Open Positions

Silicon Valley remains the global center of tech innovation. Headquarters for Google, Apple, Meta, and thousands of startups.

Nearby cities: San Jose, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Cupertino, Menlo Park, Redwood City

Google

Search/AI/Cloud

Apple

Consumer Electronics

Machine Learning Jobs in San Francisco

San Francisco is a major fintech and enterprise software hub. Salesforce Tower anchors a dense tech ecosystem.

Nearby cities: Oakland, Berkeley, Daly City, South San Francisco, San Mateo, Fremont

Fintech/Payments

Data/AI Platform

Design Tools

Transportation/Delivery

Airbnb

Travel/Hospitality

Machine Learning Jobs in Los Angeles

LA has a diverse tech scene spanning entertainment tech, aerospace, and ecommerce. SpaceX and Snap are headquartered here.

Nearby cities: Santa Monica, Culver City, Burbank, Pasadena, Long Beach, Irvine, El Segundo

Social Media

Aerospace

Streaming

Entertainment

Defense/Aerospace

Machine Learning Jobs in San Diego

San Diego is a biotech and defense technology hub. Qualcomm is headquartered here alongside major military contractors.

Nearby cities: La Jolla, Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, El Cajon

Wireless/5G

Financial Software

Data Analytics

Defense/Aerospace

Biotech/Genomics

How to Apply to Machine Learning Programs in California

Research Program Requirements

Review admission requirements for machine learning programs at your target schools. Requirements vary by institution and degree level.

Prepare Application Materials

Gather transcripts, test scores (SAT/ACT for undergrad, GRE for graduate), letters of recommendation, and personal statement.

Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the FAFSA by priority deadlines.

Submit Applications Before Deadlines

Apply early for priority consideration. Early action/decision deadlines are typically October-November; regular deadlines December-January.

Complete Enrollment Steps

Accept your offer, submit enrollment deposit, complete orientation requirements, and register for classes.

Machine Learning Transfer Pathways in California

State Transfer System

California's transfer system is the nation's most comprehensive.

ASSIST (Articulation System Stimulating Interinstitutional Student Transfer) is the official repository showing how community college credits transfer to UC and CSU campuses (ASSIST.org). For students beginning at community colleges, this system provides clear pathways to computer science programs where ML specialization becomes available at upper-division levels. Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT)—including AA-T and AS-T in Computer Science—guarantee CSU admission with junior standing and give priority consideration to local CSU campuses. The new Cal-GETC pattern (effective Fall 2025) unifies general education requirements for transfer to both UC and CSU systems.

How Transfers Work

TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee) programs provide guaranteed pathways to six UC campuses: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Merced, UC Riverside, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Santa Cruz. Requirements vary by institution and major—CS majors typically need 3.4-3.7 GPAs depending on campus competitiveness. While UC Berkeley and UCLA don't participate in TAG, competitive community college students with 3.8+ GPAs and strong math preparation successfully transfer to these flagship campuses through regular admission. C-ID (Course Identification) designators enable course-by-course articulation between subscribing institutions, simplifying transfer planning.

Transfer Planning Tips

Community college foundations for ML success include completing calculus sequences (through multivariable and differential equations), linear algebra, discrete mathematics, statistics/probability, and introductory programming. Strong community colleges like De Anza, Santa Monica, and Foothill offer excellent STEM preparation with articulated pathways. Students should work with counselors to develop Student Educational Plans aligned with target transfer institutions. Many students find community college pathways ideal for building foundations while saving significantly—community college tuition averages $1,400/year versus $14,000+ at CSU or $44,000+ at UC for residents. After transfer, students can access ML-focused coursework and research opportunities at four-year institutions.

Why Study Machine Learning in California?

Industry & Workforce

California stands unparalleled as the global epicenter of machine learning and artificial intelligence.

The state hosts 32 of the world's top 50 AI companies, including industry pioneers OpenAI, Google, Meta, NVIDIA, and Anthropic (Governor's Office 2025). In 2024, 15.7% of all U.S. AI job postings were in California—nearly double the next-highest state (Texas at 8.8%)—according to the Stanford AI Index 2025. More than half of global venture capital funding for AI and machine learning startups went to Bay Area companies in 2024, creating unprecedented opportunities for students and professionals alike.

Salary Outlook

The salary potential in California ML roles is exceptional.

Machine learning engineers in San Jose earn 20% above the national median, with average salaries reaching $206,000 for AI engineers in early 2025—up from $155,000 just one year prior (Glassdoor 2025). The median annual salary for AI roles in Q1 2025 rose to $156,998, with specialized ML engineers commanding significantly more. Data scientists, whose roles increasingly overlap with ML engineering, earn a median of $112,590 nationally with California positions paying 15-25% premiums (BLS OEWS May 2024).

Regional Tech Hubs

California's educational infrastructure for ML is unmatched.

UC Berkeley's BAIR Lab comprises 50+ faculty and 300+ graduate students researching computer vision, deep learning, NLP, and robotics. Stanford's AI Lab (SAIL)—founded in 1963—continues producing breakthrough research and world-class graduates. The state's community college system provides accessible pathways through transfer agreements to UC and CSU programs. Whether targeting elite research programs or industry-focused master's degrees, California offers pathways for every ambition level. Compare programs in Texas, New York, or explore our national rankings.

Machine Learning Job Market in California

Employment Outlook

California's ML job market leads the nation in both volume and compensation.

Q1 2025 data shows 35,445 AI-related positions across the U.S., representing a 25.2% increase from Q1 2024 and an 8.8% quarterly gain (Veritone 2025). California captures a disproportionate share of these roles, with Silicon Valley alone accounting for one-third of all venture capital investment in the United States. The BLS projects employment for data scientists (including ML roles) to grow 34% from 2024 to 2034—much faster than average—while computer and information research scientists will grow 20% over the same period (BLS OOH).

Salaries by Metro

Salaries vary by metro area and specialization:

San Francisco/Silicon Valley: ML engineers earn $180,000-$250,000+ at major tech companies. OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind offer packages exceeding $300,000 for senior roles. Entry-level positions start around $140,000.
Los Angeles: Growing AI hub with HeyGen, Snap, and entertainment industry ML applications. ML engineers earn $150,000-$200,000.
San Diego: Strong in biotech ML applications and Qualcomm's AI chip development. Entry positions around $130,000, senior roles $180,000+.
Sacramento: Emerging tech presence with state government AI initiatives. More affordable living with salaries $120,000-$160,000. The three AI job titles with highest demand are Data Scientist, AI/Machine Learning Engineer, and Big Data Engineer. McKinsey reports that 60% of organizations considered ML engineer roles difficult to fill in 2024.

High-Growth Sectors

High-growth sectors driving California's ML demand include: autonomous vehicles (Waymo, Cruise, Tesla AI), generative AI (OpenAI in San Francisco, Anthropic), semiconductor AI accelerators (NVIDIA, AMD, Qualcomm), healthcare ML (biotech corridor), entertainment and media (Netflix recommendation systems, visual effects), and fintech (fraud detection, algorithmic trading). California's tech giants—Google, Apple, and NVIDIA—collectively employ hundreds of thousands, with substantial AI/ML teams. The state's innovation ecosystem, combining academic research, VC funding, and corporate R&D, creates a virtuous cycle that continuously attracts top global talent. For specialized paths, explore our AI degree programs, data science rankings, or cybersecurity programs.

Machine Learning Curriculum & Specializations in California

Core Requirements

Core ML curriculum at California universities covers mathematical foundations, algorithm design, and practical implementation. UC Berkeley's MIDS program spans 27 units across foundation, advanced, and capstone courses. The multidisciplinary curriculum draws from computer science, AI, statistics, social sciences, management, and law. Core focuses include Machine Learning & Deep Learning, Generative AI & LLMs, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Data Engineering & Infrastructure, AI Ethics/Policy/Responsible Innovation, and Applied Statistics (Berkeley MIDS). Stanford's AI specialization requires at least 36 units for a letter grade with sample courses including CS 221 (AI Principles & Techniques), CS 224N (NLP with Deep Learning), and CS 229 (Machine Learning).

Degree Pathways

Typical ML degree requirements span these topic areas:

Mathematical Foundations: Linear algebra, probability theory, optimization, statistical inference
Core ML: Supervised/unsupervised learning, neural networks, deep learning architectures
Specialized Topics: Computer vision, NLP, reinforcement learning, generative models
Systems: Distributed computing, ML infrastructure, cloud deployment
Ethics & Policy: AI safety, fairness, privacy, societal impact USC's MS in AI (32 units) covers machine learning, statistics, computer vision, NLP, and robotics. UCLA's AI concentration features world-renowned faculty in computer vision, signal processing, NLP, and probabilistic models. Programs increasingly emphasize practical skills: Berkeley MIDS requires at least one 2-3 day campus immersion for workshops and networking. The normative time to degree at UC Irvine is 16 months (four academic quarters plus summer).

Specialization Tracks

Capstone projects and research requirements distinguish academic from professional programs. Research-focused programs (Stanford PhD, Berkeley PhD) require original contributions to ML literature. Professional master's programs typically require capstone projects applying coursework to industry problems. Stanford's Graduate Certificate requires four courses (up to 18 units applicable toward master's degrees) within 3 academic years. USC offers Directed Research options after the first semester for students seeking research without thesis. Many programs incorporate industry partnerships—Berkeley MIDS students benefit from Silicon Valley networking during immersions. For specialized tracks, explore our data science curriculum guides, AI program comparisons, or software engineering programs.

Online vs On-Campus Machine Learning Programs in California

Online Program Growth

Online ML education has matured significantly.

UC Berkeley's #1-ranked MIDS program is delivered entirely online, preparing students for data science leadership. The program can be completed in 12 months (accelerated) to 20+ months (standard/decelerated) with required 2-3 day campus immersions for workshops and networking (Berkeley MIDS). Stanford offers an AI Graduate Certificate online, taught by prominent faculty including Andrew Ng, Christopher Manning, Chelsea Finn, and Percy Liang. Up to 18 units can apply toward a Stanford master's degree if admitted. Employers increasingly value accredited online education similarly to on-campus credentials.

Accredited Online Options

Advantages of online programs:

Cost-effectiveness: Online programs often cost 50-70% less than campus-based alternatives in California
Flexibility: Work full-time while pursuing degrees; ideal for career changers or those with family responsibilities
No relocation: Avoid California's high living costs while earning degrees from elite institutions
Industry-relevant curriculum: Programs frequently update content reflecting rapid ML advances
Accessibility: Students in rural areas or internationally can access top programs Advantages of campus programs:
Networking: Daily interaction with peers, faculty, and industry visitors
Research opportunities: Access to labs, computing resources, and faculty mentorship for publication
Full experience: Campus life, student organizations, hackathons, recruiting events
Hands-on learning: Some specialized equipment and collaboration difficult to replicate online

Choosing Your Format

Choosing the right format depends on circumstances.

Online works best for working professionals, career changers with existing careers, parents, or anyone requiring schedule flexibility. Campus programs suit students who can attend full-time, want research experience, value in-person networking, or prefer structured environments. Hybrid options—like Berkeley MIDS with periodic immersions—offer middle ground. Employer perception has shifted: Major California tech companies including Tesla, Apple, Dell, and Capital One accept online degrees from accredited institutions, especially when combined with strong portfolios and relevant experience. The pandemic permanently changed attitudes toward remote credentials. Accreditation remains crucial—all recommended online programs maintain regional accreditation ensuring degree recognition nationwide. Compare options in our online ML degree rankings or explore affordable online programs.

Machine Learning by City in California

San Francisco/Silicon Valley (Bay Area):

San Francisco/Silicon Valley (Bay Area): The undisputed global capital of AI and machine learning. Silicon Valley accounts for one-third of all U.S. venture capital investment, with 387,000 high-tech jobs and the highest concentration of tech workers (285.9 per 1,000 private-sector workers) at the highest average salary ($144,800) (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The Bay Area hosts OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, and 840+ Y Combinator-funded AI startups. Over 1.5 million tech workers drive California's innovation economy, with Silicon Valley at its heart. The Northern California corridor continues attracting billions in investment for AI infrastructure, including the $500 billion OpenAI/Oracle/SoftBank Stargate project.

Los Angeles:

Los Angeles: California's second-largest tech hub with growing AI presence. Entertainment industry ML applications (Netflix, Disney visual effects, Snap AR) create unique opportunities. HeyGen revolutionizes video content with AI avatar technology. Southern California's aerospace industry (SpaceX, Northrop Grumman) employs ML for autonomous systems and data analysis. UCLA's AI research and USC's pioneering AI programs supply local talent. More affordable than the Bay Area with median ML salaries $150,000-$200,000, LA offers strong quality of life and industry diversity.

San Diego:

San Diego: Biotech corridor meets semiconductor innovation. Qualcomm's AI chip development and engineering creates substantial local ML employment. UC San Diego's Halicioglu Data Science Institute (founded 2018) houses the NSF-funded TILOS AI optimization institute. Biotech companies apply ML to drug discovery and genomics. More affordable living costs and proximity to beach lifestyle attract talent seeking Bay Area alternatives. Sacramento: Emerging tech presence with state government AI modernization initiatives. Lower costs of living make it attractive for remote workers serving Bay Area companies. Irvine/Orange County: Growing corporate presence with Blizzard Entertainment, Broadcom, and enterprise tech firms. UC Irvine provides local talent pipeline.

Compare Online Machine Learning Programs in California

View tuition costs, program formats & enrollment info

Machine Learning Programs by City in California

Los Angeles San Diego Sacramento San Francisco Pasadena Anaheim Oakland Riverside Fresno Berkeley

Find Machine Learning Programs Near You in California

Search by city to find accredited machine learning programs ranked by our state methodology.

Machine Learning Programs by City in California

Machine Learning Programs Near Los Angeles, CA

Home to Disney's massive media and entertainment division with growing ML applications in content recommendation and animation, plus aerospace companies like Northrop Grumman leveraging predictive analytics for defense systems. USC and UCLA both offer strong Machine Learning programs, with proximity to entertainment tech startups in Santa Monica and Culver City that focus on generative AI and computer vision.

Los Angeles is located in Los Angeles County, California.

Associate's Machine Learning Programs Near Los Angeles

Santa Monica College (Public) — State Rank #1, 9.4 mi from Los Angeles. Tuition: $1,104/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
MiraCosta College (Public) — State Rank #2, 82.8 mi from Los Angeles. Tuition: $1,104/year. Graduation rate: 94%.
Irvine Valley College (Public) — State Rank #3, 39.9 mi from Los Angeles. Tuition: $1,104/year.

Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs Near Los Angeles

University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State Rank #2, in Los Angeles. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Irvine (Public) — State Rank #3, 38.5 mi from Los Angeles. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-San Diego (Public) — State Rank #4, 101.8 mi from Los Angeles. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 81%.

Master's Machine Learning Programs Near Los Angeles

University of Southern California (Private) — State Rank #1, in Los Angeles. Tuition: $66,640/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State Rank #2, in Los Angeles. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-San Diego (Public) — State Rank #3, 101.8 mi from Los Angeles. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 81%.

Doctoral Machine Learning Programs Near Los Angeles

University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State Rank #2, in Los Angeles. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of Southern California (Private) — State Rank #3, in Los Angeles. Tuition: $66,640/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Irvine (Public) — State Rank #4, 38.5 mi from Los Angeles. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.

Machine Learning Programs Near San Diego, CA

Biotech and pharmaceutical companies dominate the local economy with heavy investment in ML for drug discovery and genomics analysis, while defense contractors like General Dynamics apply machine learning to autonomous systems. UC San Diego's Jacobs School of Engineering hosts cutting-edge ML research labs and partners with local biotech firms for applied research opportunities.

San Diego is located in San Diego County, California.

Associate's Machine Learning Programs Near San Diego

Santa Monica College (Public) — State Rank #1, 115.6 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $1,104/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
MiraCosta College (Public) — State Rank #2, 30.9 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $1,104/year. Graduation rate: 94%.
Irvine Valley College (Public) — State Rank #3, 72.9 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $1,104/year.

Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs Near San Diego

University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State Rank #2, 117.4 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Irvine (Public) — State Rank #3, 73.2 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-San Diego (Public) — State Rank #4, 9.5 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 81%.

Master's Machine Learning Programs Near San Diego

University of Southern California (Private) — State Rank #1, 109 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $66,640/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State Rank #2, 117.4 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-San Diego (Public) — State Rank #3, 9.5 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 81%.

Doctoral Machine Learning Programs Near San Diego

University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State Rank #2, 117.4 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of Southern California (Private) — State Rank #3, 109 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $66,640/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Irvine (Public) — State Rank #4, 73.2 mi from San Diego. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.

Machine Learning Programs Near Sacramento, CA

As California's capital, Sacramento is an emerging hub for government AI applications and healthcare analytics through UC Davis' proximity, which operates one of the UC system's strongest agricultural and medical AI research programs. The state government itself is increasingly adopting ML for policy analysis and resource allocation, creating unique opportunities in public sector machine learning.

Sacramento is located in Sacramento County, California.

Associate's Machine Learning Programs Near Sacramento

De Anza College (Public) — State Rank #5, 93.2 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $1,395/year.
Modesto Junior College (Public) — State Rank #6, 67.4 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $1,188/year. Graduation rate: 77%.
Clovis Community College (Public) — State Rank #9, 148.5 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $1,288/year.

Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs Near Sacramento

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State Rank #1, 66.7 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State Rank #6, 18.2 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.
University of California-Santa Cruz (Public) — State Rank #7, 114.5 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 93%.

Master's Machine Learning Programs Near Sacramento

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State Rank #5, 66.7 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State Rank #7, 18.2 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.
Stanford University (Private) — State Rank #8, 89 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $61,731/year.

Doctoral Machine Learning Programs Near Sacramento

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State Rank #1, 66.7 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
Stanford University (Private) — State Rank #8, 89 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $61,731/year.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State Rank #9, 18.2 mi from Sacramento. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.

Machine Learning Programs Near San Francisco, CA

The epicenter of AI/ML innovation with headquarters for major players like OpenAI, Anthropic, and countless startups focused on large language models, computer vision, and reinforcement learning concentrated in SOMA and the Mission District. While cost of living is prohibitive, the density of ML engineering roles and venture capital funding for AI companies remains unmatched in the state.

San Francisco is located in San Francisco County, California.

Associate's Machine Learning Programs Near San Francisco

De Anza College (Public) — State Rank #5, 37.5 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $1,395/year.
Modesto Junior College (Public) — State Rank #6, 77.5 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $1,188/year. Graduation rate: 77%.
Clovis Community College (Public) — State Rank #9, 159.9 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $1,288/year.

Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs Near San Francisco

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State Rank #1, 10.9 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State Rank #6, 64.2 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.
University of California-Santa Cruz (Public) — State Rank #7, 57.3 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 93%.

Master's Machine Learning Programs Near San Francisco

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State Rank #5, 10.9 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State Rank #7, 64.2 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.
Stanford University (Private) — State Rank #8, 27.5 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $61,731/year.

Doctoral Machine Learning Programs Near San Francisco

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State Rank #1, 10.9 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
Stanford University (Private) — State Rank #8, 27.5 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $61,731/year.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State Rank #9, 64.2 mi from San Francisco. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.

Machine Learning Programs Near Pasadena, CA

Caltech and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) form an unparalleled research ecosystem for machine learning applications in robotics, autonomous systems, and space exploration, with JPL actively recruiting ML engineers for Mars rovers and satellite data analysis. The proximity to both world-class research infrastructure and cutting-edge aerospace applications makes Pasadena uniquely valuable for ML specialists interested in high-impact scientific computing.

Pasadena is located in Los Angeles County, California.

Associate's Machine Learning Programs Near Pasadena

Santa Monica College (Public) — State Rank #1, 20.9 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $1,104/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
MiraCosta College (Public) — State Rank #2, 82 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $1,104/year. Graduation rate: 94%.
Irvine Valley College (Public) — State Rank #3, 38.9 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $1,104/year.

Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs Near Pasadena

University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State Rank #2, 18 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Irvine (Public) — State Rank #3, 38.8 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-San Diego (Public) — State Rank #4, 102.3 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 81%.

Master's Machine Learning Programs Near Pasadena

University of Southern California (Private) — State Rank #1, 12.1 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $66,640/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State Rank #2, 18 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-San Diego (Public) — State Rank #3, 102.3 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 81%.

Doctoral Machine Learning Programs Near Pasadena

University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State Rank #2, 18 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of Southern California (Private) — State Rank #3, 12.1 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $66,640/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Irvine (Public) — State Rank #4, 38.8 mi from Pasadena. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.

Machine Learning Programs Near Anaheim, CA

Disney's primary Southern California hub employs hundreds of ML engineers working on theme park optimization, streaming recommendation systems (Disney+), and entertainment analytics, with significant investment in computer vision for guest experience and operational efficiency. While fewer universities are immediately local, proximity to UCI and Cal State Fullerton offers educational resources, and the entertainment tech cluster extends throughout Orange County.

Anaheim is located in Orange County, California.

Associate's Machine Learning Programs Near Anaheim

Santa Monica College (Public) — State Rank #1, 33.7 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $1,104/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
MiraCosta College (Public) — State Rank #2, 57 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $1,104/year. Graduation rate: 94%.
Irvine Valley College (Public) — State Rank #3, 13.7 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $1,104/year.

Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs Near Anaheim

University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State Rank #2, 34 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Irvine (Public) — State Rank #3, 13.5 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-San Diego (Public) — State Rank #4, 77 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 81%.

Master's Machine Learning Programs Near Anaheim

University of Southern California (Private) — State Rank #1, 24.4 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $66,640/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State Rank #2, 34 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-San Diego (Public) — State Rank #3, 77 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 81%.

Doctoral Machine Learning Programs Near Anaheim

University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State Rank #2, 34 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of Southern California (Private) — State Rank #3, 24.4 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $66,640/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Irvine (Public) — State Rank #4, 13.5 mi from Anaheim. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.

Machine Learning Programs Near Oakland, CA

As the East Bay's urban center, Oakland offers more affordable housing than San Francisco while maintaining access to the same tech talent pool, with growing AI startups and established companies like Uber and Twitter maintaining engineering offices in the area. UC Berkeley, just across the bay, is a top-tier ML research institution, and many researchers and students choose to base themselves in Oakland for cost advantages.

Oakland is located in Alameda County, California.

Associate's Machine Learning Programs Near Oakland

De Anza College (Public) — State Rank #5, 34.9 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $1,395/year.
Modesto Junior College (Public) — State Rank #6, 68.2 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $1,188/year. Graduation rate: 77%.
Clovis Community College (Public) — State Rank #9, 151.8 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $1,288/year.

Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs Near Oakland

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State Rank #1, 5 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State Rank #6, 57.7 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.
University of California-Santa Cruz (Public) — State Rank #7, 56.5 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 93%.

Master's Machine Learning Programs Near Oakland

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State Rank #5, 5 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State Rank #7, 57.7 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.
Stanford University (Private) — State Rank #8, 26 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $61,731/year.

Doctoral Machine Learning Programs Near Oakland

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State Rank #1, 5 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
Stanford University (Private) — State Rank #8, 26 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $61,731/year.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State Rank #9, 57.7 mi from Oakland. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.

Machine Learning Programs Near Riverside, CA

Inland Empire's largest city serves as an affordable alternative to coastal California with growing logistics and supply chain optimization companies leveraging predictive analytics for warehouse automation and route optimization. UC Riverside offers engineering programs and proximity to the region's massive distribution center infrastructure creates niche ML opportunities in operations research and demand forecasting.

Riverside is located in Riverside County, California.

Associate's Machine Learning Programs Near Riverside

Santa Monica College (Public) — State Rank #1, 62.3 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $1,104/year. Graduation rate: 95%.
MiraCosta College (Public) — State Rank #2, 51.8 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $1,104/year. Graduation rate: 94%.
Irvine Valley College (Public) — State Rank #3, 28.8 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $1,104/year.

Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs Near Riverside

University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State Rank #2, 61.2 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Irvine (Public) — State Rank #3, 32.8 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-San Diego (Public) — State Rank #4, 73.7 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 81%.

Master's Machine Learning Programs Near Riverside

University of Southern California (Private) — State Rank #1, 51.7 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $66,640/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State Rank #2, 61.2 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-San Diego (Public) — State Rank #3, 73.7 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 81%.

Doctoral Machine Learning Programs Near Riverside

University of California-Los Angeles (Public) — State Rank #2, 61.2 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of Southern California (Private) — State Rank #3, 51.7 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $66,640/year. Graduation rate: 92%.
University of California-Irvine (Public) — State Rank #4, 32.8 mi from Riverside. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.

Machine Learning Programs Near Fresno, CA

A small agricultural hub (pop. ~500K) with limited ML job market, though home to Fresno State's engineering program; most ML engineers would need to work remotely or relocate to the Bay Area or Los Angeles for concentrated opportunities. The region's agricultural industry increasingly uses ML for crop yield prediction and precision farming, offering specialized opportunities for those interested in agtech.

Fresno is located in Fresno County, California.

Associate's Machine Learning Programs Near Fresno

Antelope Valley Community College District (Public) — State Rank #4, 170.6 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $1,104/year. Graduation rate: 82%.
De Anza College (Public) — State Rank #5, 131.1 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $1,395/year.
Modesto Junior College (Public) — State Rank #6, 90.9 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $1,188/year. Graduation rate: 77%.

Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs Near Fresno

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State Rank #1, 156.3 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Santa Barbara (Public) — State Rank #5, 163.9 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 90%.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State Rank #6, 162.6 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.

Master's Machine Learning Programs Near Fresno

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State Rank #5, 156.3 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Santa Barbara (Public) — State Rank #6, 163.9 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 90%.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State Rank #7, 162.6 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.

Doctoral Machine Learning Programs Near Fresno

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State Rank #1, 156.3 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Santa Barbara (Public) — State Rank #7, 163.9 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 90%.
Stanford University (Private) — State Rank #8, 139.7 mi from Fresno. Tuition: $61,731/year.

Machine Learning Programs Near Berkeley, CA

UC Berkeley's Computer Science division and AI Research Lab (BAIR) are among the world's top Machine Learning research institutions, attracting PhD students and postdocs worldwide, while the surrounding Bay Area offers immediate proximity to tech company ML teams and early-stage AI ventures. Living in Berkeley provides direct access to research collaborations and recruiting pipelines that funnel into major tech companies across the Bay Area.

Berkeley is located in Alameda County, California.

Associate's Machine Learning Programs Near Berkeley

De Anza College (Public) — State Rank #5, 39.9 mi from Berkeley. Tuition: $1,395/year.
Modesto Junior College (Public) — State Rank #6, 70.1 mi from Berkeley. Tuition: $1,188/year. Graduation rate: 77%.
Clovis Community College (Public) — State Rank #9, 154.7 mi from Berkeley. Tuition: $1,288/year.

Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs Near Berkeley

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State Rank #1, in Berkeley. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State Rank #6, 53.9 mi from Berkeley. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.
University of California-Santa Cruz (Public) — State Rank #7, 61.5 mi from Berkeley. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 93%.

Master's Machine Learning Programs Near Berkeley

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State Rank #5, in Berkeley. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State Rank #7, 53.9 mi from Berkeley. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.
Stanford University (Private) — State Rank #8, 31 mi from Berkeley. Tuition: $61,731/year.

Doctoral Machine Learning Programs Near Berkeley

University of California-Berkeley (Public) — State Rank #1, in Berkeley. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 96%.
Stanford University (Private) — State Rank #8, 31 mi from Berkeley. Tuition: $61,731/year.
University of California-Davis (Public) — State Rank #9, 53.9 mi from Berkeley. Tuition: $11,834/year. Graduation rate: 91%.

Coding Bootcamps: An Alternative Pathway

Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated pathway into tech careers. For those in California considering alternatives to traditional degrees, here's what you need to know about this intensive learning format.

What is a Coding Bootcamp?

A coding bootcamp is an intensive, short-term training program (typically 12-24 weeks) that teaches practical programming skills through hands-on projects. Unlike traditional degrees, bootcamps focus exclusively on job-ready skills and often include career services to help graduates land their first tech role.

Who Bootcamps Are Best For

Career changers looking to enter tech quickly
Professionals wanting to upskill or transition roles
Self-taught developers seeking structured training
Those unable to commit to a 4-year degree timeline

What People Love

Based on discussions from r/codingbootcamp, r/cscareerquestions, and r/learnprogramming

ML/AI skills command premium salaries in the market
Hands-on projects with real ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow)
Industry moving toward applied ML—practical skills valued
Mentors often work at top AI companies
GenAI boom has created new categories of ML roles

Common Concerns

Honest feedback from bootcamp graduates and industry professionals

Serious ML roles typically require advanced degrees (MS/PhD)
Math foundations (linear algebra, calculus, stats) may be rushed
ML engineer roles are highly competitive
Bootcamp may prepare you for 'ML-adjacent' not core ML work
Need strong software engineering skills on top of ML knowledge

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Top Ranked Machine Learning Degree Programs in Other States

State	Total Programs	Median Tuition	Top Program
Best Colleges For Machine Learning in Texas	31	$32,900	Texas A & M University-College Station
Best Colleges For Machine Learning in New York	44	$21,236	Cornell University
Best Colleges For Machine Learning in Florida	20	$32,800	Full Sail University
Best Colleges For Machine Learning in Washington	16	$37,965	University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Best Colleges For Machine Learning in Massachusetts	35	$47,636	University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Best Colleges For Machine Learning in Illinois	38	$35,740	University of Illinois Chicago
Best Colleges For Machine Learning in Georgia	12	$9,790	Georgia State University
Best Colleges For Machine Learning in Pennsylvania	44	$40,520	Carnegie Mellon University

Machine Learning in California: FAQ

How We Rank Machine Learning Programs

Based on 132 programs from IPEDS 2023

We analyzed 132 machine learning programs in California using IPEDS 2023 data and BLS labor statistics. Our rankings are produced algorithmically without editorial intervention, ensuring objectivity and reproducibility.

Ranking Factors

Program Completions35%

Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.

Graduation Rate25%

Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.

Selectivity20%

Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions typically have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.

Career Outcomes20%

Regional salary data for machine learning graduates. California median salary of $145,770 is factored into institutional scores based on local job market strength.

Ranking Categories

Best Programs

Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.

Online Programs

Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.

Most Affordable

Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.

Data Sources

IPEDS 2023 — Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
BLS OEWS 2024 — State and metro salary data by occupation
CIP Code Mapping — Programs identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes

Data Sources

IPEDS 2023

Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates

BLS OEWS May 2024

California salary and employment data

Official University Websites

Program details and admissions information

Last Updated: February 15, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2023 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

Was this ranking helpful for your college search?

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.

Core Computing

AI & Data

Security & Infrastructure

Top States

Career Guides

Salary Guides

Industry Insights

Bootcamps

Certifications

Learning Paths

Best Colleges for Machine Learning in California 2026 Rankings

Key Takeaways

Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in California

Associate's Machine Learning Programs in California

Program Landscape

Costs & Value

Career Pathways

Curriculum & Specializations

De Anza College

Grossmont College

Citrus College

Irvine Valley College

San Diego Miramar College

College of the Canyons

Clovis Community College

Santa Monica College

Foothill College

Moorpark College

Online Associate's Machine Learning Programs in California

Online Program Options

Costs & Employer Recognition

Program Format

Technology & Flexibility

Grossmont College

De Anza College

Santa Monica College

Foothill College

Cypress College

San Diego Miramar College

Saddleback College

San Diego Mesa College

Southwestern College

Santa Rosa Junior College

Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs in California

Program Landscape

Career Outcomes

Costs & Value

Curriculum & Specializations

University of California-Berkeley

University of California-Los Angeles

University of California-Irvine

University of Southern California

University of California-San Diego

University of California-Santa Cruz

University of California-Davis

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

California Institute of Technology

University of California-Santa Barbara

Online Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs in California

Online Program Options

Costs & Employer Recognition

Program Format

Technology & Flexibility

University of California-Berkeley

University of Southern California

University of California-San Diego

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Stanford University

San Diego State University

University of California-Riverside

University of San Diego

California State University-Sacramento

California State University-Monterey Bay

Master's Machine Learning Programs in California

Program Landscape

Career Outcomes

Costs & Value

Curriculum & Specializations

University of Southern California

University of California-San Diego