Key takeaways
- The most affordable colleges for an AI degree include:
- $9,364 per academic year at Boise State University
- $12,276 per year at Dakota State University
- $13,635 per academic year at Capitol Technology University
- The most expensive AI college degree is at the University of Southern California, costing $36,630.00 per semester, and approximately $73,260 per academic year
You don’t have to break the bank to get a reputable and accredited degree from AI colleges simply. While this field or college major is relatively new, you can still get plenty of affordable AI colleges to choose from. In this guide, we provide you a detailed look at some of the highly ranked affordable AI colleges.
Most expensive AI college degree — University of Southern California
Before we go on exploring the most affordable colleges for a degree in AI, it’s important to understand what is “affordable”. For that, taking a look at an “expensive” college degree is an excellent solution. So, when any college is “affordable”, we usually speak in relative terms. In this case, the most expensive AI college degree we have come across is the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence degree offered by the University of Southern California. So, how expensive exactly?
To be precise, the tuition cost per semester is $36,630. This sounds up to be approximately $73,260 for two semesters each academic year. Keep in mind that this is only the tuition fee and does not include other charges such as campus fee, housing, or other expenses. This tuition cost on its own — without speaking in relative terms — is quite high for a student from an average-income household. However, there are financial aid and tuition assistance options you can use to reduce costs.
In addition to this, while the program has a high tuition fee, let’s not forget that this institute has numerous accreditations and is one of the top-ranked. Its AI degree is also packed with numerous qualities, such as detailed and thorough coursework, and a requirement to complete 130 credit hours as compared to the general 120 in other colleges.
Some financing options available are:
- Prepayment plans, where students can prepay the total program tuition cost to avoid increases and changes in the future
- USC payment plan that allows students to pay in installments
- Several types of loan applications for public and private sources
- The Veterans Certification Office verifies eligible students each semester so they can enjoy the GI Bill® or Vocational Rehabilitation benefits
Affordable colleges for an AI degree
Now that you know what an expensive or costly AI college program is, you can finally understand the affordability of certain colleges and AI degrees. So, here is a list of the top 3 most affordable colleges offering an AI degree:
Most affordable in-state tuition — $9,364 per academic year at Boise State University
Boise State University offers a Bachelor of Science in AI Science for students interested in entering this field. This is a 4-year college degree that requires at least 120 credit hours to be completed. The BSU offers this program within its broad computer science department, where some other degree options are:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, with emphasis in Cybersecurity, Machine Learning, Entrepreneurship, or Secondary Education
- Minors in Computer Science or Cybersecurity
Additionally, you can also opt for the generative AI certification to further enhance your learning experience. Moreover, you get to learn the fundamentals of AI from the advanced coursework that is included in this program.
As for the college itself, the BSU is a reputable institute with credible accreditations that make it good for in-state students. Its campus is located in Boise, Idaho, and has to offer over 200 college majors. In addition to this, a lot of its students are enjoying the benefits of financial aid, making the cost of attendance even more feasible. Without any financial aid, and excluding other expenses, the in-state tuition cost per academic year at BSU is $9,364.
Most affordable out–of-state tuition — $12,276 per year at Dakota State University
For the most affordable out-of-state tuition, you can explore the Artificial Intelligence, BS program offered by Dakota State University. At just $12,276 per year, you benefit from a comprehensive AI degree that is catered towards future-proof careers in AI.
The program also requires a minimum of 120 credit hours to be completed. However, it has the biggest advantage — flexibility for on-campus or online mode of delivery. This means that you can save on housing and relocation costs if you reside out of state and still enjoy the fundamental knowledge and skills that this program offers.
In addition to this, the program offers electives and a choice of minors. This enables students to create a good mix of subjects and coursework. The average duration of the degree is 4 years, but students are allowed to create their own degree plan and fulfill the requirements. Lastly, if you plan on opting for higher education, such as a master’s in AI, then you can choose the accelerated path and finish your degree sooner.
Most affordable per academic year tuition — $13,635 per academic year at Capitol Technology University
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Artificial Intelligence program offered by the Capitol Technology University is one of the cheapest options if you are looking for an affordable academic year tuition cost. This affordable program includes a ton of comprehensive AI fundamentals, including machine learning, NLP, and so much more.
Furthermore, the BS program can help you learn more about AI in full-scale application, equipping you for advanced AI careers such as computer programmer or robotics engineer. Additionally, the program also covers how AI and human interactions work, allowing you to explore generative AI platforms. So, from creating AI modes to training and monitoring advanced algorithms, the program covers everything.
In addition to this, the university itself is accredited by renowned agencies, as well as the program. In fact, the AI degree offered by the Capitol Technology University is first of its kind in Maryland. More importantly, the tuition cost is the same for in-state and out-state students. This makes tuition and COA easier to understand.
Lastly, this affordable university is located near to the technology hub of Washington D.C. This ensures that students have access to phenomenal job opportunities right from the get go.
List of top AI college programs you can check out
Other than the affordable options listed above, you can also explore other colleges that offer bachelor’s programs in AI or related fields. These include:
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| College name | Program name | Tuition cost |
| Princeton University | Bachelor of Arts (AB) or Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) | $68,140 (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) |
| 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) |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence | $51,648 per academic 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) |
| Saint Leo University | Bachelor’s Degree in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence | $35,000 per year for the 2026 to 2027 academic year (source) |
| Oregon State University | Applied AI in Business | $384/credit
(source) |
Read the complete guide to the top colleges offering a bachelor’s in AI |
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Note: Data is as of March 2026.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting a degree in artificial intelligence does not have to come with an overwhelming financial burden. As this guide shows, there are several affordable, reputable, and accredited colleges offering AI programs that deliver strong academic value without the premium price tag. From low in-state tuition options to flexible online or hybrid programs, students today have more choices than ever to pursue AI education within their budget.
Frequently asked questions
Which university is the best for AI?
The best university for an AI degree depends on factors such as cost of attendance, your financial feasibility, specializations offered, and admission requirements. There are several top-ranked AI colleges offering outstanding programs that prepare you for a successful career in AI. Some of these include:
- Princeton University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
- University of Texas-Austin
- Ohio University
- Columbia University
- Arizona State University
The University of Southern California is also a great option for those seeking a degree in AI. However, it is one of the most expensive options available.
Is it smart to go to college for AI?
Yes, going to college for artificial intelligence (AI) is a smart choice for many students. This is especially true for those students interested in technology-driven careers with strong long-term demand. Keep in mind that AI is no longer a niche field. Instead, it is now widely used across industries such as healthcare, finance, business, cybersecurity, manufacturing, and education.
Read more: Industries with The Highest Demand for AI Graduates
A college AI program provides structured learning in core areas like machine learning, data science, algorithms, statistics, and ethics in AI. This foundation is difficult to build through self-study alone, particularly for beginners. In addition, accredited AI degrees are recognized by employers and can make candidates more competitive for entry-level and mid-level roles.
What should I major in to get into AI?
You cannot find any one particular “ideal” college major to start your career in AI. However, there are numerous options to select, based on factors like your career goals, college program availability, and so on. Some of the best college major options available are:
- Bachelor’s in AI
- Computer science
- Data science
- Software engineering
- Mathematics or Statistics
- Cognitive science
- Business analytics