Key takeaways
- Top-rated and high-end schools for a bachelor’s in AI are:
- Princeton University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
- The top 10 schools for an AI degree with easier admissions are:
- University of Texas-Austin
- Ohio University
- Columbia University
- Arizona State University
- Rhode Island College
- Keiser University
- Boise State University
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Capitol Technology University
- Dakota State University
- Oakland University
- Marymount University
Looking for a good college to start your bachelor’s degree in AI? Find a curated list of best AI degree colleges and programs below!
What is a bachelor’s in AI?
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is popular for a number of reasons. Its rise in popularity and inclusion in day-to-day activities make it a good choice for many young individuals who are planning for college. So, what exactly is a bachelor’s in AI and what can you learn in it?
Most typically, a bachelor’s in AI is a college program that has an average duration of 3 to 4 years, requiring at least 120 credit hours. Moreover, the degree is offered by the sciences, technology, and IT departments within any college system, as this is an extremely specialized field that requires a ton of expertise and capabilities.
Furthermore, AI degrees can be standalone bachelor programs focused on artificial intelligence, or be offered as a concentration track within other degrees such as:
- Information Technology
- Computer science
- Cybersecurity
- Business management
So, you can choose an AI bachelor’s program if available, or opt for a broader degree with an AI-specific concentration track. A specific bachelor’s in AI might offer further branches or concentration tracks, such as:
- Machine Learning (ML) & Data Science
- Computer Vision (CV) & Image Processing
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- AI for Business & Analytics
An AI college degree focuses on teaching students how to design, build, and apply intelligent computer systems that can learn, reason, and make decisions. AI focuses on computer systems that imitate human behaviors and skills, but with certain limitations.
Subjects and focus areas
In addition to this, a typical AI bachelor’s degree combines several different subjects and focus areas, such as:
- Mathematics
- Data science
- Computer science
- Behavioral science
Its interdisciplinary nature makes a bachelor’s in AI a much more specific and thorough degree, as compared to more general computer science programs. Furthermore, a bachelor’s in AI helps you develop both technical and analytical skills, including:
- Programming and software development
- Data analysis and modeling
- Problem-solving and logical thinking
- Algorithm design
- Working with large datasets
- Understanding ethical and societal impacts of AI
Industries for AI graduates
Lastly, there are certain industries that an AI college degree prepares you for, such as:
- Technology & software companies
- Healthcare including diagnostics
- Finance and fintech
- Automotive
- E-commerce & marketing
- Cybersecurity and IT management
- Gaming and entertainment
AI majors curriculum
Different colleges follow a different pattern or curriculum for an AI bachelor’s degree. However, there are certain courses and subjects that most degrees include. So, when you are planning for college and trying to pick the best artificial intelligence programs, you should definitely consider the coursework. Here is a look at some general courses that are typically taught and offered in most AI bachelor programs:
| Core AI Courses | AI & Machine Learning Subjects |
| Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | Machine Learning |
| Programming for AI (e.g., Python, Java, C++) | Deep Learning and Neural Networks |
| Data Structures & Algorithms | Natural Language Processing (NLP) |
| Mathematics for AI (like Linear Algebra, Calculus) | Computer Vision |
| Probability & Statistics | Reinforcement Learning |
| Discrete Mathematics | Knowledge Representation and Reasoning |
| Computer Organization & Architecture | Intelligent Systems & Agents |
| Operating Systems | Data Mining |
| Database Systems | Pattern Recognition |
| Software Engineering | Robotics and Autonomous Systems |
| Advanced or Applied AI Courses | Coursework and practicum |
| Parallel & Distributed Computing | Capstone project |
| Big Data Analytics | Research reports |
| Human-Computer Interaction | Lab assignments |
| AI Ethics and Social Implications | Internships or practical projects |
Bachelor’s in AI vs computer science degree
Many people get confused between AI vs computer science degrees. So, while both degrees and fields are closely related, there are some differences. Firstly, AI is considered a part of computer science, and therefore is offered as a specialization track within CS degrees. On the other hand, some colleges offer specifically AI majors or bachelor programs that further narrow down the focus. However, core aspects such as the duration and credit hours requirement is typically the same for both degrees.
| Aspect | Bachelor’s in AI | Bachelor’s in CS |
| Main focus | Building intelligent systems that learn, reason, and make decisions | Broad study of computing, software, and systems |
| Core goal | Teach machines to mimic human intelligence | Teach how computers work and how to build software |
| Programming | Heavy focus on Python and AI-related coding | Multiple languages (Python, Java, C++, etc.) |
| AI content | Core subject throughout the degree | Usually limited or elective-based |
| Machine Learning | Central and mandatory | Optional or introductory |
| Data science | Strong emphasis | Moderate emphasis |
| Flexibility | More specialized | More general and versatile |
| Ease of switching fields | Narrower without extra training | Easier to shift into many tech roles |
Top schools with the best AI undergraduate programs
Here are the leading top 4 colleges offering a bachelor’s in AI:
| College | Program name | Tuition |
| Princeton University | Bachelor of Arts (AB) or Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) | $68,140 per year (source) |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Artificial Intelligence and Decision Making | $32,155 per academic year (College COA) |
| Stanford University | B.S. in Symbolic Systems with an AI concentration | $22,577 per quarter (College COA) |
| University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign | B.S. in Computer Science | Illinois resident: $18,046-$23,426
Non-resident: $38,398-$46,498 (source) |
Note: Data is as of March 2026.
However, these colleges may be much more on the higher end, with lower acceptance rates and expensive tuition. Alternatively, there are so many public and private colleges with much better accessibility. So, take a look at the top ten schools offering a bachelor’s in AI and related programs:
College name |
Program |
Tuition |
| University of Texas-Austin | Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Concentration | In-state: $10,858-$13,576 per year
Out-of-state: $38,650-$46,498 per year (Source) |
| Ohio University | Artificial Intelligence, B.S | In-state: $14,582 per year
Out-of-state: $25,796 per year (source) |
| Columbia University | Artificial Intelligence Minor | 2025-2026 academic year costs update |
| Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Business | In-state: $13,534
Out-of-state: $37,072 (source) |
| Rhode Island College | bachelor’s in AI | In-state: $5,053 per semester
Out-of-state: $13,333 per semester (source) |
| Keiser University | Artificial Intelligence BS Degree | $39,189 per year (US News) |
| Boise State University | Bachelor of Science in AI Science | In-state: $9,364 per academic year
Out-of-state: $28,478 per academic year (Source) |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence | $51,648 per academic year (source) |
| Capitol Technology University | Bachelor of Science (BS) in Artificial Intelligence | $13,635 for academic years 2026-2027 (source) |
| Dakota State University | Artificial Intelligence, BS | In-state: $9,084 per year
Out-of-state: $12,276 per year (source) |
| Oakland University | Bachelor of Science Artificial Intelligence | $590.50 per credit hour (source) |
| Marymount University | Artificial Intelligence (B.S.) | $41,236 per year for full-time enrollment (source) |
Note: Data is as of March 2026.
Online AI degrees and colleges
In some states and cities, colleges offering a particular degree can be difficult to find. Not only this, but some working adults, parents, or people with other commitments can find full-time on-campus classes difficult to manage. Therefore, online degrees in your desired field is an excellent option to explore. Here are the top online AI degrees and colleges you can check out:
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Online Bachelor’s Degree: Artificial Intelligence | In-state: $330 per credit
Out-of-state: $499 per credit (source) |
| Arizona State University Online | Online Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Business | In-state: $13,118 per academic year (source)
Out-of-state: $16,376 per academic year (source) |
| Strayer University | BS in Information Technology with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence | $1,555 per course (source) |
| Colorado State University Global | Choose the AI specialization in the following degrees:
|
$9,000 per year (source) |
| Capella University | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | $350 – $415 per credit (source) |
Note: Data is as of March 2026.
Concluding words
In conclusion, an AI degree is one of the most trending majors chosen by many young students. It is a modern degree that focuses on preparing students for modern-day business and tech challenges. So, there are several schools offering a bachelor’s in AI that make the subject more accessible today than ever. Get expert degree advice to find your relevant career path!
Frequently asked questions
Does Stanford offer a free online bachelor’s degree in ai?
No, Stanford University does not offer a free online bachelor’s degree in AI. However, it offers various online certificates and courses focused on AI and related fields such as machine learning. Some great courses by Stanford you can explore are:
- Machine Learning Specialization
- Generative AI: Technology, Business, and Society Program Preview
- Applications of Machine Learning in Medicine Program Preview
In addition to this, there are also paid online courses and certifications by Stanford offered through Coursera. These are great for expanding your skillset and becoming much more well-versed with the field.
Is majoring in AI hard?
A bachelor’s in AI majors can be a demanding degree. It is a highly technical major that focuses on numerous aspects, including mathematics as well as behavioral science. Some of the key aspects that make a major in AI hard are:
- Math-heavy coursework that includes algebra and probability
- Advanced programming with a focus on programming languages like Python
- Topics like machine learning models, neural networks, and optimization can be conceptually complex
- Continuous learning of new tools and emerging trends in the AI industry
However, this does not mean that a bachelor’s in AI is unmanageable. Many students pick a major in ai because they are interested and passionate about the subject. Moreover, most college degrees design coursework that prepares students from the very basic level, therefore, you will have ample time and space to learn everything gradually.
In addition to this, AI has increasing popularity, making online learning materials and tutorials easily accessible. Therefore, learning new or advanced concepts is not difficult if you tap into the right resources.
What kind of jobs can I get with a bachelor’s in AI?
With a Bachelor’s in Artificial Intelligence (AI), you can qualify for a wide range of entry-level to mid-level tech roles across fast-growing industries. While some advanced research roles require a master’s or PhD, many well-paid, practical jobs are accessible with a bachelor’s degree. So, some jobs you can do with a bachelor’s degree in AI are:
- AI Engineer
- UX/UI Developer
- Data analyst
- Data scientist
- Machine learning engineer
- IT expert
- IT admin
- Software developer
- Backend developer with an AI focus
- Natural Language Processing (NLP) Engineer
Do you need coding for an AI degree?
Yes, coding is almost essential in an AI degree. Most AI systems are built on complex code and programs, using advanced coding languages such as Python. With coding in AI you can develop machine learning models, train neural networks, analyze data sets, and implement strong algorithms. Therefore, all AI degrees include coding-focused coursework that prepares you for practical work. Most AI bachelor’s programs teach and use:
- Python (the most important for AI)
- Java or C++ (for performance and systems-level work)
- R (sometimes, for statistics and data analysis)
- SQL (for working with databases)
How many years is an AI degree?
The duration of an AI degree depends on the degree level. So:
- A bachelor’s in AI takes an average of 4 to 5 years, depending on your academic pace and performance
- Master’s degrees in AI take between 1 and 2 years
- PhD and doctoral programs can take several years, depending on your academic progress