Updated December 2025

Best Machine Learning Programs in Utah: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 8 top accredited machine learning programs in Utah. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi.

Programs Ranked:8
Median Salary:$108,000
Cost of Living:101.3%
Tech Hubs:3

Top 3 Machine Learning Programs in Utah 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UTPrivate

840 machine learning graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$8K
Tuition/yr
75.9
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Weber State University

Ogden, UTPublic

130 machine learning graduates annually, 92% graduation rate

$5K
Tuition/yr
92%
Grad Rate
64.6
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

Brigham Young University

Provo, UTPrivate

183 machine learning graduates annually, 91% graduation rate

$6K
Tuition/yr
91%
Grad Rate
63.2
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Utah offers 8+ accredited machine learning programs across public and private universities
  • 2.Western Governors University leads with strong% graduation rate
  • 3.Utah software developers earn median $108,000 annually (BLS OES 2024)
  • 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi
  • 5.Cost of living index: 101.3% of US average (above average)

Machine Learning Education in Utah: Overview

Utah offers 8 accredited machine learning programs, producing approximately 1,426 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi, with major employers including Adobe, Qualtrics, Pluralsight.

With a median software developer salary of $108,000 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 101.3% compared to the US average, Utah offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.

The top machine learning programs in the state are led by Western Governors University, Weber State University, Brigham Young University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Ranking Methodology

Based on 8 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Machine Learning degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

Utah-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024

Utah Machine Learning Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1Western Governors UniversitySalt Lake City, UTPrivate$7,710โ€”75.9
2Weber State UniversityOgden, UTPublic$5,47192%64.6
3Brigham Young UniversityProvo, UTPrivate$6,49691%63.2
4Utah Valley UniversityOrem, UTPublic$5,61492%62
5University of UtahSalt Lake City, UTPublic$8,17572%52.3
6Southern Utah UniversityCedar City, UTPublic$6,00686%44.2
7Utah Tech UniversitySaint George, UTPublic$5,266โ€”43.1
8Westminster UniversitySalt Lake City, UTPrivate$40,896โ€”37.1

Top 5 Machine Learning Programs in Utah: Side-by-Side

SchoolWestern GovernorsWeber StateBrigham YoungUtah ValleyU of Utah
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$7,710
$5,471
$6,496
$5,614
$8,175
Graduation Rate
N/A%
92%
91%
92%
72%
Annual Graduates
840
130
183
87
143
Acceptance Rate
N/A
N/A
69%
N/A
87%
Type
Private
Public
Private
Public
Public
Score
75.9/100
64.6/100
63.2/100
62.0/100
52.3/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Machine Learning in Utah

Utah offers 8 bachelor's-level machine learning programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Western Governors University, Weber State University, Brigham Young University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,600 in the Utah market.

A bachelor's in machine learning typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs in Utah

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Western Governors
$7,710
N/A%
840
75.9
#2 Weber State
$5,471
92%
130
64.6
#3 Brigham Young
$6,496
91%
183
63.2

Top Machine Learning Schools for Master's Degrees in Utah

For graduate study, Utah offers 4 master's-level machine learning programs. Leading institutions include University of Utah, Brigham Young University, Weber State University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Utah reaching $140,400 or more.

Top 3 Machine Learning Master's Programs in Utah

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 U of Utah
$8,175
72%
143
52.3
#2 Brigham Young
$6,496
91%
23
57.9
#3 Weber State
$5,471
92%
12
57.8

Most Affordable Machine Learning Colleges in Utah

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable machine learning programs in Utah are at Utah Tech University ($5,266/year), Weber State University ($5,471/year), Utah Valley University ($5,614/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Utah's competitive tech salaries.

At Utah Tech University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $21,064 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,600, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.5 years. See our Most Affordable Machine Learning Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Machine Learning Programs in Utah (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Utah Tech
$5,266
$21,064
0.5 years
Public
#2 Weber State
$5,471
$21,884
0.5 years
Public
#3 Utah Valley
$5,614
$22,456
0.6 years
Public

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Machine Learning Schools in Utah

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 machine learning programs in Utah, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.

#1

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $7,710 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 840 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 75.9 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 840 machine learning graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 75.9 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (840 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,000), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#21 Designation

Weber State University

Ogden, UT โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $5,471 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 130 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 64.6 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 92% graduation rate
  • 130 machine learning graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 64.6 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (130 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,000), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

Weber State's computer science program works closely with industry companies to secure jobs for students and was rated the 23rd best computer science degree in the U.S. The program offers specializations in machine learning and data science with opportunities for capstone projects with community partners.

Program Accreditations & Designations
Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
Career Outcomes
  • Top Employers: Microsoft, Google
Available Specializations / Concentrations
software developmentmobile and web developmentgame developmentmachine learningdata science
#3

Brigham Young University

Provo, UT โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $6,496 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 183 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 69%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 63.2 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 91% graduation rate
  • 183 machine learning graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 63.2 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (183 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,000), and selectivity (69% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

BYU's Machine Learning BS program offers a focused 74-credit curriculum with specialized courses in deep learning, computer vision, and transformers for NLP. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical implementation with options for undergraduate research or capstone projects.

Program Details
  • Credits: 74 credits
#4

Utah Valley University

Orem, UT โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $5,614 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 87 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: N/A%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 62.0 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 92% graduation rate
  • 87 machine learning graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 62.0 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (87 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,000), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

The Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence provides fundamental and advanced skills in AI principles, algorithms and technologies including machine learning, deep learning, and modern generative algorithms through a selective admissions process.

Admission Prerequisites
  • โ€ขIntroduction to Algorithms and Data Structures (CS 2420 or equivalent)
Admissions
  • Min GPA: 3.0
  • Transfer Friendly
Program Details
  • Credits: 18 credits
Career Outcomes
  • Starting Salary: $145,080
#5

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $8,175 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 72% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 143 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 52.3 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 72% graduation rate
  • 143 machine learning graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 52.3 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (72%), program size (143 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,000), and selectivity (87% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

$75,600
Starting Salary
$108,000
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
5,237
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Utah with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$110,431

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051
+35%

Data Scientist opportunities in Utah with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$122,389

DevOps Engineer

SOC 15-1244
+22%

DevOps Engineer opportunities in Utah with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$127,161

AI/ML Engineer

SOC 15-1299
+23%

AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Utah with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$116,088
+33%

Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Utah with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$120,844

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Utah if...
  • You want access to tech jobs in Salt Lake City, Provo, Lehi
  • You're seeking competitive salaries ($108,000 median)
  • You want to work at companies like Adobe or Qualtrics
  • You prefer Utah's quality of life
Consider other states if...
  • You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
  • You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Utah's 8)
  • You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)

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Machine Learning Programs in Other States

Machine Learning in Utah FAQ

Related Resources

Data Sources & Methodology

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Utah salary data

2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

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Taylor Rupe

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