Artificial intelligence was once primarily the realm of graduate study, but there are now 208 AI or AI-related Bachelor’s degree programs offered in the US. Many of these programs are offered in online-only formats, making it more practical than ever to graduate with an AI degree.
This guide will take you through whether an online Bachelor’s degree in AI is the right option for you: the pros and cons, graduate outcomes, top programs and more.
Should You Get an Online AI Bachelor’s Degree?
By earning an AI degree, you unlock a high-growth, high-earning field. Median pay for an AI Engineer is a little over $125,000.
An undergraduate AI degree won’t automatically secure you a top-paying position, but a relevant undergraduate degree is increasingly a minimum entry requirement. A 2026 analysis by the UK government found that 99% of “AI expert” roles now require at least a Bachelor’s degree.
An AI Bachelor’s degree also puts you in a good position to advance without further study, e.g. a Master’s in AI.
Why? Candidates with more generalized undergraduate degrees often need a Master’s to showcase their AI credentials. But AI majors have a headstart. Once you’ve secured your first position, advancement can be rapid with or without further study: the average requested experience for all AI expert roles is less than three years.
AI Degree vs Computer Science Degree
If you’re considering a career in AI, then your main debate is whether to major in AI or Computer Science. CS degrees are more general. AI degrees are focused. And there are strong arguments on both sides. But there’s one area where an AI degree undoubtedly comes out on top: differentiation.
Computer Science and IT enrollments in the US have increased by 84% since 2018. (By comparison, enrollment in Science/Math degrees has dropped by about 9% in the same period.) The result is that Computer Engineering (7.8%) and Computer Science (7%) are among the top five worst majors for unemployment rate.
If you can secure a role post-graduation, then Computer Engineering ($90,000) and Computer Science ($87,000) hold the top two positions for median early-career wage, which is why these degrees continue to be so popular. But holding an AI degree will allow you to stand out in a highly competitive job market.
You should still expect high competition for AI-related roles, not least because you’ll be in the same jobs pool as many CS and Engineering graduates. However, for AI-focused positions, the distinction of a specialized degree could give you the crucial edge.
On the other hand, Computer Science programs typically feature AI electives, so you’re still able to start covering similar ground without overspecializing too early. The difference is in emphasis.
A typical Computer Science program with an AI concentration features anywhere from 12 to 40 credits of AI coursework. Specialized AI majors dedicate up to 80 credits to AI coursework (e.g. at Grand Canyon).
That sounds like a significant disparity, but it’s worth remembering that typical core CS units such as Data Structures, Computer Systems, and Algorithms (all CS foundation courses at UC Boulder, for example) have direct AI applications as well.
Bottom line: You will be able to move into AI with a Computer Science degree, but it may take a certain amount of additional study. A CS degree with an AI concentration (e.g. University of Nebraska Omaha) could be a smart compromise if you’re not 100% sure on your post-graduation plans. But if you’re set on a career in artificial intelligence, then an AI degree holds the edge.
Benefits of Earning Your AI Degree Online
If you’ve decided to pursue an AI Bachelor’s degree, the next question is whether you want to study online or in-person. This guide is focused on online programs, but it’s worth a quick overview of the advantages of each delivery method.
Firstly, online AI Bachelor’s programs are more affordable on average. However, you need to watch out for potentially missing out on resident rates: some online programs charge fixed fees, whereas in-person programs often have local subsidies on offer. For example, Dakota State Online charges a standard fee of $373.80 per credit hour, but residents only pay $310 per credit hour on campus.
Online degrees also clearly come with more flexibility. Programs like AI Engineering at Western Governors University are specifically designed to fit around professional responsibilities and personal commitments, with asynchronous classes and exams that can be taken at any time.
You might be concerned that employers won’t respect an online degree as much as an on-campus equivalent. You have little to worry about in this regard: most universities will not distinguish between delivery methods on your final diploma. So employers will not know you studied online unless you disclose it. For instance, Arizona State specifically confirms this for its Online Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Business.
Additionally, AI vacancies are disproportionately likely to be remote. At the time of writing (October 2026), 41.5% of all jobs listed on remote work board Working Nomads are AI-related, by our count. Given this industry culture, it would be strange if online degrees were in any way penalized.
In-person study may have the edge if you’re aiming to pursue a career in AI academia. You might find more opportunities to work directly alongside faculty, e.g. the undergraduate thesis option at Columbia. However, you can certainly still go on to graduate study after an online AI Bachelor’s degree. There are even a handful of online AI PhD programs available.
AI Degree Curriculum
The curriculum is one of the top things you should look at when choosing your AI degree, because there is a significant amount of variation.
Firstly, you should check if what’s on offer is an AI major or an AI concentration. Both of these can be informally referred to as an “AI degree,” and we’ll include both kinds in our program ranking. Although neither is inherently better than the other, they are likely to have a slightly different emphasis.
Generally speaking, an AI concentration within a Computer Science program will feature less dedicated AI material. North Carolina State is a typical example, with the AI concentration taking up just 21 out of 121 total credit hours. By contrast, the standalone AI major at Indiana University Indianapolis requires 46 credits of AI core and 12 credits of AI electives.
There’s also a big difference between applied and technical AI degrees. Applied degrees like the one at the University of Tennessee focus mainly on how to use AI in workplace settings. Technical programs (e.g. Arizona State) teach you how to build AI systems. You can recognize technical programs by looking out for courses like Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Neural Networks, as well as a more thorough grounding in math.
Here’s an illustrative sample curriculum of a technical online AI Bachelor’s degree program, with a closer look at three common courses:
| Year | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Calculus I, Introduction to Programming (Python), Computer Systems, English Composition, First-Year Seminar | Calculus II, Object-Oriented Programming (Java/C++), Discrete Mathematics, Psychology for AI, Communication Skills |
| Year 2 | Linear Algebra, Data Structures & Algorithms, Probability & Statistics, Database Systems | Computer Organization, Software Engineering, Machine Learning I, Ethics of AI |
| Year 3 | Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning II (Deep Learning), Operating Systems, Data Mining | Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Cloud Computing, Human-Computer Interaction |
| Year 4 | Reinforcement Learning, AI Elective (Robotics/Cybersecurity/Generative AI), Research Methods, Technical Elective | AI Capstone Project, Entrepreneurship, Responsible AI & Policy, Free Elective |
(Intro to) Artificial Intelligence
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence is a staple course whether you’re taking an AI major or an AI concentration. CSC 479 at the University of Illinois Springfield is a great example, covering:
- Natural language processing
- Question-answering systems
- Knowledge representation
- State-space search strategies
- Data representation and list processing
There will be a certain level of AI theory, but even introductory courses usually introduce practical elements as well. For example, in the Intro to AI at UPenn (CIS 2210), you’ll get to program robots using LLM-generated code.
Natural Language Processing
Although Natural Language Processing (NLP) will usually be covered in Intro to AI, it’s also often a course in its own right, either as an elective or as part of the core curriculum. It’s a key pillar of generative AI, because it concerns how to get computers to understand and respond in human language.
At Kansas State, Natural Language Processing is part of the Machine Learning & Autonomous Systems option. It’s a typical example of an NLP course, with components such as:
- Text classification
- Neural nets
- Language modeling
- Word embedding
- Sequence labeling
- Context-free grammar
- Conversational agents
Ethics of AI
Some universities don’t tackle the ethics of AI until Master’s level (at which point it is almost always covered). However, it is increasingly common as part of Bachelor’s curriculums as well, especially in applied programs like the one at the University of Tennessee.
A typical AI ethics course will introduce you to important ethical frameworks. You will apply them to contemporary AI challenges, including algorithmic bias and fairness, transparency and explainability, privacy and surveillance, accountability, safety, intellectual property, misinformation, and the impact of AI on employment and society.
You’ll also consider the governance of AI through standards, regulation, and public policy, considering real-world case studies from fields such as healthcare, finance, and criminal justice.
Career Outlook for AI Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
The best online AI Bachelor’s degree programs significantly increase your earnings power. For example, graduates of the AI-focused BS in Computer Science at WGU report an average salary increase of $24,565.
Given that dedicated AI degrees are still quite new, it’s difficult to get a precise picture of how graduate salaries compare with other majors. However, as the longest-running AI Bachelor’s degree program, Carnegie Mellon provides some valuable data:
| Degree | Median salary | Average salary | Working/continuing education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | $138,000 | $149,931 | 96% |
| Computer Science | $135,000 | $144,272 | 98% |
| All Carnegie Mellon undergraduate majors | $120,000 | $119,112 | 92% |
Graduate data from 2021-2025. Carnegie Mellon’s AI Bachelor’s degree is not available online.
Carnegie Mellon is a top-25 global university, so these salary figures are above the national average. But they illustrate that AI Bachelor’s graduates enjoy a slight salary uplift compared to CS graduates, and a significant uplift versus typical graduate salaries.
From the limited available data, Payscale estimates that the overall average base salary for Bachelor of Science in AI graduates is $93,000 per year.
AI Degree Graduate Careers
There are dozens of career paths available for AI degree holders. Many graduates move straight into AI roles, but you’ll also build up enough of a general STEM foundation to move into a wide variety of technical roles:
- AI/ML Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Quantitative Analyst
- Web/App Developer
- Game Developer
- IT Consultant
The pipeline from AI degree to AI/ML Engineer is the most direct. Roles are highly competitive, especially without further qualifications like AI certificates or an advanced degree. But if you can secure a position, your day-to-day will involve building, training and deploying new AI models and systems. Median pay is $126,000, while the 90th percentile can earn $170,000+.
There are lots of AI Engineer job listings that don’t request an advanced degree. Many don’t specifically mention a degree at all. However, they often request a level of experience that new graduates are unlikely to have, e.g. this live listing that asks for 4+ years in software engineering, with at least 1 year “deeply immersed” in LLM engineering.
As such, Software Engineer is a very common landing spot for AI graduates. In some cases, although the job title doesn’t reference artificial intelligence, the position will be functionally similar to AI/ML Engineer. Other graduates may decide to take a less specialized software engineering role at first, perhaps alongside part-time study for an AI Master’s or graduate certificate. The pay is a little lower, but the median salary still works out at $98,000.
Data Scientists boast a slightly higher median pay of $104,000. If you go down this route, you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to work with AI. You may well be developing or improving tools for bespoke AI-powered data analysis. Or at the very least, you’re highly likely to be working with AI tools.
Likewise, quantitative analysts use AI extensively to build and improve advanced data analysis models, with the goal of giving hedge funds and other large investors a market edge. Carnegie Mellon’s internal data shows that the investment and finance sectors are the top hirers of AI grads, after the software industry. You can expect a median salary of $110,000.
20 Best Online AI Bachelor’s Degree Programs
1
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO
Overview
- BS in Computer Science (AI/ML concentration)
- Estimated total tuition: $58,800
- Best for: Institutional prestige, Master’s pathway
Program summary
Colorado State University doesn’t have a dedicated AI program, but it does offer Computer Science with a concentration in AI and Machine Learning. Within the concentration, you’ll learn how to develop and deploy AI/ML approaches and tools across a variety of real-world contexts. The Accelerated Master’s Program also allows you to convert your Bachelor’s degree into a Master’s degree with an extra year of study, where you can further specialize in AI.
CSU holds R1 research status: the overlap between R1 schools and fully-online AI programs is not as big as you might think, so Colorado State is one of the best names for your resume if you’re thinking about an online Bachelor’s degree in AI.
Colorado State also publishes graduate outcomes. Over the past 5 years, graduates of the Computer Science program have secured an average starting salary of $84,354. That actually rises to $92,635 specifically among CSU Online Computer Science graduates; that’s most likely a quirk of the smaller sample size, but it goes to show that you certainly won’t be disadvantaged by the online delivery method.
With its institutional reputation, proven outcomes, and expedited route to a Master’s degree, Colorado State is a standout choice.
2
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT
Overview
- BS in AI Engineering
- Estimated total tuition: $16,800 (4 terms)
- Best for: Affordability, self-motivated students
Program summary
Western Governors’ total tuition cost jumps out immediately. It’s remarkable that you can get a legitimate AI Bachelor’s degree in the US for less than $20,000. And while that comes with some important caveats, the AI Engineering program at WGU is perfect for certain kinds of prospective students.
You will need to be highly self-motivated. WGU is known for primarily self-guided study; you will be assigned a Program Mentor, but you essentially work through the content on your own. That could be tricky with such technical subject matter, particularly if you don’t have prior programming experience.
You’re free to work at your own pace, with all content and indeed exams available asynchronously. But your speed of study has a direct impact on cost, because WGU charges per term rather than per unit. The average student graduates in just 2 years. But if you take longer to grasp the concepts, or plan to study very part-time, then the tuition advantage over other AI programs is reduced.
However, if you have the background and discipline to complete the AI Engineering program at WGU, then you could make massive time and cost savings. For instance, WGU could be perfect for an existing industry professional looking to get a formal qualification. You’ll even earn the Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals certification alongside your degree as part of the program.
3
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR
Overview
- BS in Computer Science, Specialized Computer Science route
- Estimated total tuition: $86,400
- Best for: Honors program
Program summary
Oregon State University’s E-campus stands out for enabling you to pursue an honors degree online. “AI” won’t be visible on your final diploma, which is a downside, but the transcript-visible “specialized computer science” route will allow you to begin legitimately specializing in artificial intelligence. You’ll take 32 credits of electives in your chosen area of specialization. There’s also a 3-stage senior software engineering capstone, where you will have the freedom to pursue an AI-based project.
In terms of admissions, you need to be considered “calculus-ready” in order to gain direct admission to the BS in Computer Science at OSU. To meet this standard, you’ll need a C grade or better in a high school pre-calculus or calculus course. If you don’t have any calculus experience, you can earn admission as an undeclared student, before catching up with the requisite classes in your first term.
4
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
Overview
- Online BS in Applied Artificial Intelligence
- Estimated total tuition: $58,800
- Best for: Ease of admission, non-technical applicants
Program summary
If you’re not sure whether you have the right grades or background to pursue an AI Bachelor’s degree, the University of Tennessee Knoxville might just prove you wrong. It requests a minimum cumulative GPA of just 2.0. And as an applied rather than overtly technical program, you don’t need any specific experience in math or computing to enroll.
You’ll take courses like Applied AI for Research and Applications, which explores how AI can be used outside of computer science fields. You’ll also do a for-credit internship in emerging technologies. When you graduate, you will have learned hands-on, employer-friendly AI skills that enable you to deploy the technology in the workplace.
UTK lists AI Architect and NLP Engineer as possible career paths, which might be ambitious without further study. Other programs offer a more technical focus. But for just $490 per credit, this highly accessible, asynchronous program equips you with practical AI credentials.
5
Dakota State University
Madison, SD
Overview
- BS in Artificial Intelligence
- Estimated total tuition: $44,856
- Best for: AI for cybersecurity
Program summary
If you have a particular interest in the cybersecurity applications of AI, then Dakota State is the clear choice. It is one of only 9 schools nationwide that holds all three Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity designations: we’ve ranked it as the #2 school nationwide for cybersecurity Bachelor’s degrees. That specialty carries over into the AI program: you’ll take courses on Adversarial AI and Security, and Secure AI Lifecycles.
Even if you aren’t particularly interested in AI cybersecurity, DSU is a solid option. At under $45,000, it ranks well for affordability. The curriculum provides well-rounded AI coverage with a strong math foundation. And admission requirements aren’t too taxing: high school grads will need a GPA of at least 2.6, or a SAT score of 950+.
Potential downsides at DSU include a lack of for-credit internship options. There’s also no compulsory capstone project, which may mean you graduate with fewer tangible pieces of work to show prospective employers.
6
Indiana University Online
Indianapolis, IN
Overview
- BS/BA in Artificial Intelligence
- Estimated total tuition: $38,071.20 (in-state), $135,933.60 (out-of-state)
- Best for: Indiana residents, choice between BA/BS
Program summary
Indiana University is interesting in that it offers its online AI degree as both a BS and a BA. This lets you personalize the program emphasis; the BS provides a deeper technical and mathematical foundation, while the BA contains 39 credit hours of “human-centered computing AI courses”. Having said that, the BA also features 12 credit hours of math and statistics, and another 12 hours of AI electives (called selectives), so you can still make it reasonably technical.
Although both the BS and BA at Indiana University are fully online, they are formally “hosted” by the Indianapolis campus. That means you’re still affected by in-state and out-of-state rates: IU Online is one of the most reasonably-priced AI programs around for Indiana residents, but one of the most expensive programs if you’re from out of state.
However, you’ll qualify for significantly reduced partner state rates if you’re from any of the following: Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky, and Puerto Rico. If you’re a resident anywhere else, other online AI programs offer better value.
7
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
Overview
- BS in AI in Business
- Estimated total tuition: $48,708 (in-state), $55,680 (out-of-state)
- Best for: Business applications of AI
Program summary
Arizona State has been named #2 in the US for its online Bachelor’s in business programs, so its BS in AI in Business is certainly worth your consideration. The program falls into the applied rather than technical camp, which it’s important to be aware of, but it features a well-thought-out and bespoke AI curriculum.
You’ll take courses like Big Data and AI in Business, Programming for Analytics and AI in Business, and Business Machine Learning. You’ll also complete a Transforming Business with AI capstone project, in which you’ll have to blend technical, strategic, and ethical AI considerations to tackle a business problem.
There’s only a small amount of variation in tuition between in-state and out-of-state students. In either case, ASU is an affordable online option, and one which comes with more institutional prestige than a lot of the alternatives. You’ll need a 3.4 GPA in ASU-defined competency courses in order to gain direct admission, although prospective students with lower grades can submit an admissions portfolio.
8
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MD
Overview
- BS in Artificial Intelligence
- Estimated total tuition: $40,440 (in-state), $59,880 (out-of-state)
- Best for: Program personalization, part-time learners
Program summary
University of Maryland Global Campus doesn’t just have a dedicated AI program. It has two tracks: AI Developer and AI Applications. The Developer track introduces technical courses like Pre-Calculus, Mathematics for Data Science, and Advanced Machine Learning. The Applications track covers topics such as Data Visualization and Business Intelligence.
As such, UMGC is one of the few schools you can pick regardless of what kind of AI program you’re looking for. You can personalize the program to fit your needs. Alongside the choice of track, you’ll also choose 40 credits of electives, so you can really customize what you study.
UMGC also has one of the more generous admissions policies on our list. You only need to have graduated from high school, or to have earned at least a 2.0 GPA on an associate’s degree program. You also don’t need to have any kind of background in AI, although some sort of math or programming experience would undoubtedly be helpful on the Developer track.
In terms of program delivery, UMGC is vastly experienced in the field of online Bachelor’s degrees, having been one of the first schools to offer them in the 1990s. With its roots in evening classes 100 years ago, UMGC has a long-standing mission to support flexible learning. You can graduate in 4 years via full-time study, but sample schedules are also provided for part-time 6-year and 8-year pathways.
9
Angelo State University
San Angelo, TX
Overview
- BS in Artificial Intelligence
- Estimated total tuition: $38,648 (in-state), $90,008 (out-of-state)
- Best for: Hands-on study, Texas residents
Program summary
Angelo State’s BS in Artificial Intelligence is one of the best online programs when it comes to putting hands-on learning front and center. You’ll complete capstone projects developed in collaboration with industry partners, and there are for-credit internship opportunities too.
On the other hand, Angelo State doesn’t have the highest density of AI content, especially considering it is explicitly labeled an AI major (as opposed to a concentration). You’ll take a lot of more general Computer Science courses, with just 21 credit hours of dedicated AI electives.
Tuition is highly affordable for Texas residents, coming in below $40,000. The significant leap for non-residents means that Angelo State is only one to consider if you’re living in-state.
10
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS
Overview
- Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Systems Design & Dynamics (Machine Learning and Autonomous Systems concentration)
- Estimated total tuition: $52,285
- Best for: Technical AI curriculum
Program summary
While “AI” isn’t technically mentioned by name in either the program or concentration name at Kansas State University, the Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber Systems Design & Dynamics has a significant AI element. You’ll take 39 credit hours of the Machine Learning and Autonomous Systems concentration, including courses like Natural Language Processing, Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning in Autonomous Systems, and a real-world capstone project sourced from businesses.
A lot of the KSU program’s core content is also highly AI-relevant. You’ll take courses like Analytic Geometry and Calculus, Introduction to Statistics, and Programming, making this a really strong and broad-coverage technical AI curriculum.
At $435.71 per credit hour, KSU comes in reasonably middle-of-the-road in terms of cost when it comes to online AI programs. But the tuition rate applies both in and out of state, and you’ll struggle to find a better technical AI curriculum for a lower fixed cost.
11
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX
Overview
- BS in Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence
- Estimated total tuition: $49,800 (in-state), $60,000 (out-of-state)
- Best for: Prioritizing ethical and user-friendly AI
Program summary
Texas Tech University has one of the most unique AI Bachelor’s degree programs on our list. The program has a strong focus on responsible, easy-to-use AI systems, with a goal of creating solutions that benefit society. You’ll cover AI ethics, fairness, and user experience extensively.
Despite the human-centered emphasis, the Texas Tech AI program is actually more technical than you might think (it is still a BS, after all). You’ll still be learning how to build AI systems: you’ll cover topics like Programming Logic and Practical Statistics, but through the lens of human-centered AI.
If the human-centered element appeals to you, then Texas Tech is a really good option. It has greater institutional and subject-specific prestige than some other options, with its Computer Science department ranking in the top 100 nationwide. And the online program has been built thoughtfully, with fully asynchronous learning and the chance to earn additional industry certificates.
12
Colorado State University Global
Denver, CO
Overview
- BS in Computer Science (AI and Robotics Specialization)
- Estimated total tuition: $46,200
- Best for: Flexible learners, broader CS coverage
Program summary
Somewhat confusingly, Colorado State University Global is not the same thing as Colorado State University Online. But while CSU Global doesn’t earn top spot, its Computer Science degree with an AI and robotics specialization still merits a place on our list.
CSU Global is dedicated entirely to online learning, so the program is designed from the ground up for distance education. You’ll benefit from flexible and asynchronous courses, with start dates every month. The nationally-applicable tuition rate is also very competitive.
The biggest drawback is the relative brevity of the AI/Robotics specialization. You’ll take 5 courses for a total of 15 credit hours, which is only really enough for an overview of the basics. There’s also no dedicated AI capstone. But core courses like Programming (I,II and III), Data Structures and Algorithms, and Calculus are all very AI-relevant as well.
13
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA
Overview
- BS in Data Science (AI/ML specialization)
- Estimated total tuition: $33,720 (in-state), $54,360 (out-of-state)
- Best for: Aspiring data scientists, hands-on practice
Program summary
Old Dominion has one of the only AI-adjacent online programs that specifically hones in on data science. If you know that data science is a career path you’d like to pursue, then this is a great program for you.
Even the AI/ML electives have a clear data science slant: you can pick courses like Advanced Database Concepts, Data Storytelling, and Introduction to Data Handling. The drawback is that the amount of “pure” AI content is consequently limited: you’ll take plenty of relevant supporting courses, but you’d probably require further study to truly specialize in AI.
Having said that, you’ll get the chance to complete either an internship or undergraduate research project in order to start getting some hands-on practice. And you’ll be learning from ODU faculty who have genuinely impressive credentials in the fields of computing, data science, and AI.
14
Maryville University
St. Louis, MO
Overview
- BS in Computer Science (AI focus area)
- Estimated total tuition: $69,000
- Best for: Admissions, stackable credentials
Program summary
Maryville University stands out for offering certificates in your chosen focus area. So if you opt for AI, then you’ll graduate with both a CS degree and a dedicated certificate in AI, which could be a nice way of striking the general/specialized balance. You can even choose to start with the AI certificate, and then apply those credits toward the full CS Bachelor’s degree at a later date if you so wish.
MU is also a top choice for its easy admissions process. You don’t pay an application fee, and you don’t need to submit any SAT/ACT scores. You’ll only need a high school GPA of 2.5 (lower GPAs may be accepted on a case-by-case basis), and admissions decisions are made in under a week.
Maryville doesn’t publish program-level outcomes data. But adult and online undergraduates across all programs achieved a 97% career outcomes rate (working or in continuous education).
15
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
Overview
- BS in Artificial Intelligence
- Estimated total tuition: $58,800
- Best for: Curriculum relevance
Program summary
Grand Canyon University has one of the most impressive dedicated AI curriculums on offer in the US. It is built around 4 main “pillars”: Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Robotics, and Natural Language Processing. All in all, 80 out of the 120 credits come from the AI major, including three separate capstone projects in design, planning, and deployment. The majority of courses carry an Artificial Intelligence course code, which is often a sign that a program has been built from scratch as opposed to borrowing from elsewhere.
The online AI program at Grand Canyon also does a great job of replicating the on-campus experience. You’ll still take part in collaborative projects and interactive coursework, and you’ll have the chance to access online tutoring and discussion forums.
GCU admissions requirements are reasonably lenient, although you’ll need more than just a high school diploma. You’ll have to have a minimum 2.8 GPA, or else a 2.5 GPA with a 19 on the ACT and 1000 on the SATs.
16
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA
Overview
- BS in Artificial Intelligence
- Estimated total tuition: $23,040
- Best for: Affordability, hands-on practice
Program summary
The substantial caveat it’s worth immediately mentioning with Kennesaw State is that its Artificial Intelligence Bachelor’s degree program is brand new. If you don’t want to commit without any graduate outcomes data, this program isn’t for you. However, there are multiple reasons why it still warrants a place on our list.
First and foremost, Kennesaw State is hard to beat on affordability. Its online tuition rate of $192 per credit hour works out at less than $25,000 for the full program, a figure that can only be beaten by non-traditional, online-only schools like Western Governors.
In addition, while KSU’s AI Bachelor’s degree program is new, the school does already have an AI track record. It has been offering an MS in AI since 2024, and there is also an AI concentration within the Computer Science degree. A dedicated major was a natural step to take.
The program structure looks strong. You’ll have the chance to complete for-credit internships, and there’s also an interesting interdisciplinary element. You have to pick a minor in a field with growing AI applications, and your final capstone project then involves working on an AI project with industry partners within that field.
17
Colorado Technical University
Colorado Springs, CO
Overview
- BS in Artificial Intelligence
- Estimated total tuition: $71,090
- Best for: Breadth of AI study
Program summary
The BS in AI at Colorado Technical University consists of 183 quarter credits. Each course only takes 5 weeks, which is shorter than at other schools (e.g. 7 weeks at Grand Canyon), and the condensed format allows for a greater breadth of AI study. Additionally, more than two-thirds of the program is core AI content.
Colorado Tech offers a good blend of theoretical and hands-on learning. There are practical project-based experiences in Generative AI and Computer Robotics, as well as a two-part AI capstone. The capstone involves the design, implementation, and evaluation of an AI solution.
Total tuition of $71,090 is on the higher side, considering that Colorado Tech lacks a strong institutional reputation. But you will be getting teaching from expert faculty, including University Dean Dr. Yanzhen Qu, who is regularly published in the field of AI.
18
Keiser University
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Overview
- BS in Artificial Intelligence
- Estimated total tuition: $77,550-$99,264 (dependent on course load)
- Best for: Curriculum relevance
Program summary
Keiser University deserves credit for assembling a strong AI curriculum. Around two-thirds of the 120-credit program is directly dedicated to AI: 33 lower-division and 33 higher-division credits, plus 12 higher-division concentration credits. You’ll cover topics like Neural Networks and Natural Language Processing, with the chance to dive deeper into Machine Learning or Data Science.
You’ll finish with an AI capstone project, which will give you the chance to apply AI concepts to real-world contexts. By the time you’ve completed the Keiser program, you should genuinely be able to build and develop your own AI systems. However, you might find that you need a strong portfolio to show employers, because the school has low institutional prestige: it’s ranked #363 nationwide by US News.
Note that the total cost of tuition can vary significantly based on how many semesters you take to complete the program, and how many credits you take per semester. $77,550 is based on a 24-credit semester load: that’s classified as “Full Time +,” and you’ll need to get approval before you can take on that workload.
19
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN
Overview
- BA in Applied AI Analytics
- Estimated total tuition: $40,950
- Best for: Fast completion, non-technical applicants
Program summary
Indiana Wesleyan’s Applied AI program is unusual in that it is only 90 credit hours long. Known as a “Fast Forward” program, this allows you to graduate with a full Bachelor’s degree more quickly (and cheaply) without relying on transfer credits or an oversized course load.
IWU is also one of the least technical programs on our list. You’ll have to pick a specialization in either HR or Marketing, and much of the program content is dedicated to how AI can be applied to those fields. For instance, on the Marketing specialization, you’ll study AI in Digital Marketing, AI in Advertising and Branding, AI in Content Creation, and more.
In fairness to IWU, it does not try to sell this program as a route to careers like AI Engineer. It lists Marketing Analyst, Customer Insights Analyst, and Campaign Strategist as possible career routes; having certified AI skills will certainly improve your employability and earning potential in all of these roles. So if you know that you’re only looking to study how to apply AI, and not how to build it, then Indiana Wesleyan is a genuine option.
20
American Public University
Charles Town, WV
Overview
- BS in Artificial Intelligence
- Estimated total tuition: $43,200
- Best for: Admissions/accessibility
Program summary
American Public University offers a solid, well-rounded AI curriculum. You’ll cover some applied topics like Prompt Engineering, but you’ll also get a strong grounding in technical areas like Machine Learning, Algorithms and Data Structures, and coding in Python.
But where APU really shines is its admissions and accessibility. In fairness, you would expect a for-profit university to make enrollment as frictionless as possible. But simple admissions are still definitely a benefit, especially if you’re unsure if you can meet the criteria for more traditional schools. All you’ll need is a high school diploma or equivalent. Courses start every month, and there is no admissions fee.
Students who have graduated from American Public University System Bachelor’s programs are generally very satisfied with their education. On average, graduates score their APUS programs at 4.5/5.
Methodology
We used a weighted scale to create our ranking of the top 20 AI Bachelor’s degree programs. We assessed all programs against the following criteria:
- Academic quality (25%): Is the program at a well-respected school with a STEM reputation? How do employers rate graduates of the program? Is the program taught by respected academics?
- Curriculum relevance (20%): Is the program genuinely AI-focused? Does the curriculum keep up to date with the latest developments in the field?
- Hands-on practice (15%): Does the program teach AI in a way that goes beyond theory? Are there practical labs and online coding environments? Is there the option of an internship?
- Affordability (15%): How much does tuition cost? Are all online students charged the same amount, or is there a non-resident surcharge? Are there any widely-available scholarships that reduce the basic tuition figure?
- Accessibility (15%): Is the program genuinely well built for online learners? Does it offer asynchronous classes/exams? Can you study part-time? Can you access the same level of academic and personal support you would receive on campus?
- Admissions (10%): How difficult is it to get onto the program? We gave this the lowest weight, because some of the best programs are highly selective, but a realistic chance of admission is a legitimate consideration for students comparing options.
Programs.com uses a weighting system to get a truly holistic indicator of a program’s merits. Our wide-ranging criteria recognize that cost and access are real concerns for most prospective students. But programs with (e.g.) expensive tuition can still rise to the top by virtue of genuinely elite-level quality and curriculum relevance.
We found that in 2027, the average tuition among top-20 programs was $61,267 (using the highest tuition figure for schools that charge variable rates). Indiana University was the only program to make the top 20 with tuition above $100,000, and residents of Indiana and partner states pay far less in practice.
What to Look for in an Online AI Bachelor’s Degree Program
Our list of the top online AI Bachelor’s degree programs should have helped to narrow down your choices. But everyone’s circumstances are different. The most important thing to take away from this guide is the framework for making the right decision.
True Flexibility
You may be looking at online programs primarily for cost reasons. But for the most part, if you’re interested in a remote degree, it’s because you need a form of study that will fit around other commitments.
If you are specifically looking for a flexible degree, it’s important that you dig beyond the “online” label and look at the differences between delivery formats. The best online AI programs are asynchronous, meaning you aren’t tied to specific class timings. For instance, at WGU, even the exams can be taken at any time. You should also make sure that the program supports part-time study if that’s what you are planning to do.
Genuine AI Credentials
Demand for AI programs is growing all the time, so universities have a vested interest in getting an “AI” label on their programs. That’s why it is so important to look under the hood: check the curriculum to make sure there’s a significant number of dedicated AI courses, as opposed to a hastily-assembled or rebranded program with limited specialized material.
Likewise, go on faculty pages to see who you’ll be learning from. You won’t necessarily know any names, but you can check to see if they are routinely published in the field of AI. For instance, the Senior Lecturer in AI and Informatics at Indiana University Indianapolis is regularly published in industry journals (e.g. a paper on recursive reasoning for the International Conference on Innovative and Intelligent Information Technologies).
Well-Designed Online Format
The best online AI programs don’t sacrifice anything that you would get from an on-campus degree. It’s vital that you still have plenty of hands-on labs: look for features like virtual coding environments, plenty of project work, team-based activities, and some kind of practical capstone assessment.
You should also have access to career support: for instance, Texas Tech has a Career Center designed for distance learners, which offers career assessment, resume reviews, mock interviews, and an online job board.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also wish to find an online program that still offers the chance to complete a for-credit internship, e.g. the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Employers love to see real-world experience, and an internship may help you to establish an AI career without graduate study.
59 schools found
Full List of Online AI Bachelor's Degree Programs
Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler, Arizona
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona
University of Advancing Technology
Tempe, Arizona
Colorado State University Global
Denver, Colorado
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, Colorado
Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Full Sail University
Winter Park, Florida
Keiser University
Clearwater, Florida
DePaul University
Chicago, Illinois
Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, Indiana
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
Capitol Technology University
Laurel, Maryland
Anna Maria College
Paxton, Massachusetts
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts
Baker College
Owosso, Michigan
Cleary University
Howell, Michigan
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, Missouri
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
South College
Knoxville, Tennessee
Angelo State University
San Angelo, Texas
Neumont University
South Jordan, Utah
Old Dominion University
Norfolk,, Virginia