The Best Colleges for Artificial Intelligence in 2021
Artificial intelligence (AI) is an evolving computer science field that is taking over the healthcare, automotive, and marketing industries, among others. It has caught the attention of tech students who want to pursue a lucrative and rewarding career. In an AI program, you will learn about deep learning, neural networks, natural language processing, and ethics.
To find the best artificial intelligence program, you need to consider certain factors. To make your research process easier, we compiled a list of reputable colleges that offer AI programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. Use this guide to find the best schools for artificial intelligence.
Top 10 Artificial Intelligence Schools in 2021 at a Glance
The following list contains the best undergraduate as well as the best graduate schools for artificial intelligence. All information about tuition costs, location, and programs comes from the schools’ websites. Annual tuition rates reflect the cost for full-time students.
| School and Degrees | State | Tuition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Master of Science in Robotics and Autonomous Systems |
AZ | $10,710 per year $28,800 per year $11,720 per year $31,400 per year |
Undergraduate residents Undergraduate non-residents Graduate residents Graduate non-residents |
| Brown University Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning Pathway |
RI | $60,944 per year | All students |
| California Institute of Technology Undergraduate Major in Computer Science, Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Study Track |
CA | $56,364 per year | All students |
| Carnegie Mellon University Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence |
PA | $57,560 per year | All students |
| Columbia University Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Online Artificial Intelligence Executive Education Certificate |
NY | $58,920 per year $32,500 total |
Undergraduate students Certificate program students |
| Cornell University Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science |
NY | $60,286 per year* | All students |
| Duke University Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence for Product Innovation AI Foundations for Product Innovation Graduate Certificate |
NC | $66,902 total $87,265 total $29,460 total |
On-campus master’s students Online master’s students Certificate program students |
| Georgia Institute of Technology Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Intelligence or Devices Thread Master of Science in Computer Science |
GA | $10,258 per year $31,370 per year $14,064 per year $29,140 per year |
Undergraduate residents Undergraduate non-residents Graduate residents Graduate non-residents |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology Professional Certificate Program in Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence |
MA | $2,500 – $5,500 per course | 2 – 5 days per course, 16 total days required to complete the program |
| Princeton University Bachelor of Arts (AB) in Computer Science Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in Computer Science |
NJ | $56,010 per year | All students |
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Online vs In-Person Artificial Intelligence Degrees
There has been a huge debate over the last couple of years about whether online education is better or worse than in-person learning. The truth is that they both have benefits and drawbacks, and it all depends on the area of study and your particular lifestyle.
Joining an online AI degree program is perfect for someone with a busy schedule who does not have the time to attend the program in person. Most of these online degrees have self-paced or part-time schedules where you can choose your own hours.
However, some people disprefer remote learning because they feel they cannot concentrate or fully commit to the program. In this case, in-person education might be the best match because it provides students with a distraction-free environment.
You should also consider that, even though AI is a pretty technical career, it doesn’t require you to be in a physical lab to learn. You can complete all of the assignments at home with your computer. Therefore, you’ll save money on transportation and room and board by choosing to pursue this degree online.
Choosing the Best School for You
Before choosing a school, you may want to consider a couple of critical factors. In particular, you should view each school’s cost, online options, and schedule. This way, you’ll be able to find the best match for your needs.
Tuition and Required Expenses
The cost of attendance will vary from school to school, and it’ll also depend on the specific program you’re taking. Taking into account tuition, fees, and lodging, the average cost of a four-year degree program is $28,775 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Graduate programs usually cost slightly less.
Whatever you decide, you should apply for financial aid, budget wisely, and choose a program that you can afford.
Scheduling Flexibility
Schedule flexibility is another factor you should consider when choosing a school, especially if you’re a busy person. Most schools will offer you the following types of schedules: full-time, part-time, and self-paced. If a particular program is only available on a full-time schedule and you have other responsibilities, you may not be able to commit.
Online Options
Maybe you found a great school, but you don’t want to move to a different city to study. In this case, you should check if the school has a remote program. Choosing an online program will save you a lot of money, but it all depends on your learning preferences.
The Best Artificial Intelligence Schools in 2021
The following list will show you the best schools to study artificial intelligence. While some of these programs are not focused solely on AI, every curriculum features AI to a significant extent. In compiling our list, we’ve also considered US News’ ranking of the best AI schools.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a public institution founded in 1885. This school offers a wide variety of programs in popular fields such as healthcare and computer science.
The Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science is a Bachelor of Science, and it covers both artificial intelligence and machine learning. It is a very practical program where you’ll complete various AI projects.
For graduate students, ASU offers a Master of Science in Robotics and Autonomous Systems, which focuses on artificial intelligence. You will learn about natural language processing, machine learning, and computer vision.
ASU Artificial Intelligence Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Brown University
Brown University is one of the most prestigious colleges in the world. Founded in 1764, it is also one of the oldest American institutions. This private school offers some of the best training in computer science that money can buy.
In the BS in Computer Science program, you’ll learn fundamental concepts like databases, mobile development, robotics, and cyber security, in addition to artificial intelligence. To study AI in a focused way, you can specialize in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Brown Artificial Intelligence Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning Pathway
California Institute of Technology
The California Institute of Technology, popularly known as Caltech, has world-renowned computer science and engineering programs. Although this school doesn’t provide any particular program in artificial intelligence, it does offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science where you’ll explore the core elements of AI.
There’s even a special track devoted to machine learning and artificial intelligence. Other specializations include data mining, neural networks, and probability models.
Caltech Artificial Intelligence Programs
- Undergraduate Major in Computer Science, Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Study Track
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University is a private institution founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1900. CMU is one of the leading universities worldwide and is the best school for artificial intelligence in the United States, according to US News.
This institution offers a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence. This program is relatively new, starting in 2018. It will teach you about essential AI concepts like neural networks, machine learning, computational modeling, data science, and ethics.
CMU Artificial Intelligence Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence
Columbia University
Columbia University is not only one of the oldest colleges in the country but also one of the most reputable schools. This university is known for its undergraduate programs in technical and non-technical careers. It is one of the best colleges for computer science in the country.
If you go for a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, you will learn natural language processing, neural networks, machine learning, and several programming languages. You can even specialize in artificial intelligence if you want.
Columbia also offers an online certificate program designed to help professionals master artificial intelligence in nine to 18 months. You will learn about algorithms, machine learning, neural networks, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics in the context of business decision-making.
Columbia Artificial Intelligence Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence Executive Education Certificate
Cornell University
Cornell University is an Ivy League school founded by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White in 1865. This school is the sixth-best place to study AI at the college level, according to US News.
This school offers a BS and a BA in Computer Science, either of which will give you the skills you need to become an AI engineer. You will study artificial intelligence, computer vision, cryptography, networks, databases, and scientific computing. The school also has an artificial intelligence research center staffed by a highly qualified team of scientists.
Cornell Artificial Intelligence Programs
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Duke University
Duke University is the second-largest college in North Carolina. It was founded in 1838, and now it’s home to thousands of students. Duke offers bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, and certificate programs in fields as diverse as business, computer science, and the arts.
Duke has two major programs for artificial intelligence, a Master of Engineering and a graduate certificate. They both dive into basic AI subjects like neural networks, natural language processing, and other advanced subjects.
Duke Artificial Intelligence Programs
- Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence for Product Innovation
- AI Foundations for Product Innovation Graduate Certificate
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology is one of the leading institutions in the American South. It is often referred to as Georgia Tech, and it focuses on technical careers like computer science, cyber security, and robotics. It was founded in 1885.
This school offers a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Computer Science. Both of these programs cover programming, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Once enrolled in the undergraduate program, you will be immersed in the College of Computing’s unique Threads model, which allows students to learn AI as part of an individualized study plan.
Georgia Tech Artificial Intelligence Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Intelligence or Devices Thread
- Master of Science in Computer Science
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a prestigious technological institution that was founded in 1861. It has played a huge role in many research projects that have shaped the country’s technological development. MIT is the second-best AI school according to US News.
The certificate program on artificial intelligence and machine learning will help you understand advanced and basic concepts like supervised and unsupervised AI, reinforcement learning, deep learning, and neural networks.
MIT Artificial Intelligence Programs
- Professional Certificate Program in Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence
Princeton University
Princeton University’s machine learning and artificial intelligence courses are some of the best in the country. It is ranked tenth in the US News report of the best AI schools in America.
Princeton’s computer science programs cover topics like decision trees, neural networks, machine learning models, deep learning, and more. You can advance your career with either the Bachelor of Arts (AB) or the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) degree.
Princeton Artificial Intelligence Programs
- Bachelor of Arts (AB) in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in Computer Science
What Can You Do With an
Artificial Intelligence Degree?
With an AI degree, you can become a software engineer, an artificial intelligence engineer, a data analyst, a marketing analyst, a UX/UI designer, or an artificial intelligence researcher. You can work in most industries since AI plays a major role in virtually every sector of the economy.
How Much Can I Expect to Earn With a Degree in Artificial Intelligence?
According to PayScale, the average income for someone with artificial intelligence skills is $125,299 per year. Depending on the actual job, you can expect to earn anywhere from $99,000 to $150,000 annually.
Min salary
Average salary
Top salary
Top Artificial Intelligence Degree Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Approx. Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Product Manager | Master’s degree | $150,095 |
| Solutions Architect | Bachelor’s degree | $135,742 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $124,800 |
| AI Research Scientist | Master’s degree | $134,456 |
| Software Product Manager | Bachelor’s degree | $122,449 |
| Data Scientist | Bachelor’s degree | $114,486 |
| Software Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $99,993 |
Does It Matter What College I Go to for Artificial Intelligence?
Yes, it matters. Some schools are more qualified than others in the computer science field. If you’d like to have a high-quality education, go for a reputable institution that also matches your current lifestyle and expectations.
Should You Pursue a Degree in Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial intelligence is one of the highest-paying and most in-demand fields globally, and the role of AI engineer is one of the best jobs in tech. If you pursue this degree, you will probably enjoy great benefits and employment security.
However, this is a very technical career that requires a high level of commitment and preparation. You should only try to get this degree if you’re prepared to spend long hours studying and you feel passionate about programming.
