10 Fastest & Cheapest Master's in AI Degrees Online 2025

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are the future of the tech industry. Maybe you're already working in AI, or you have a bachelor's degree in a computer science field. You'd like to know if there are any fast master's degree programs in AI that you can complete on a budget.

Keep reading as we explore some top affordable and fast master's in AI online. We'll also discuss what you can expect from this type of degree program and answer some common questions you may be asking.

How Long Is a Master's in Artificial Intelligence Degree Program?

Different schools offer different types of master's degrees in AI, and not all of them take the same amount of time to complete. For example, a Master of Engineering (MEng) degree may take longer to complete than a Master of Science (MS) degree, and part-time AI graduate programs last longer than full-time and accelerated programs.

Generally speaking, the majority of online AI master's degrees take two to three years to complete. Some programs may take even longer, especially if students have to complete prerequisite coursework before enrolling in the program itself.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Master's in AI Online?

Though many graduate-level AI programs take a few years of study, this isn't the case across the board. It's possible to earn a master's in AI online in as little as one year by enrolling in an accelerated or self-paced program.

Though true one-year programs are rare and most often available at expensive private schools, it's common to find self-paced or longer programs at budget-friendly institutions. Students can often complete the artificial intelligence degree program at these schools within 18 months to two years, while others have the option to take heavier course loads and finish even sooner.

How Much Does an Online Master's in AI Degree Cost?

Tuition costs vary widely from school to school and depend on numerous factors. Private schools tend to charge higher tuition rates, though out-of-state learners at public schools may face similar steep costs. Total costs are also impacted by financial aid eligibility, such as scholarships and grants.

The online programs featured in this article can often be completed for $10,000 to $20,000 in total tuition. Programs at private schools may cost significantly more, sometimes upwards of $70,000 or $80,000 in tuition costs.

Fastest & Most Affordable Online Master's in AI Programs

If you're ready to enroll in an affordable online master's in AI, keep reading. Below, we'll explore some top graduate programs with affordable tuition and fast completion times.

1. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida is located in Tampa, FL. This public research university offers an online Master of Science in artificial intelligence and business analytics.

Students complete the program through 100% online coursework taken on a synchronous and asynchronous basis. The program is designed for working professionals with convenient class times and flexibility that allows students to study around their careers and other life commitments.

• Estimated tuition cost: $18,975 total
• Program length: 12 months
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands is a private Christian school located in Williamsburg, KY. It offers an executive master's degree in AI that students complete in a hybrid format.

The program is one of the most affordable AI master's degrees available at a private school. Students who take coursework on a full-time basis can complete the program in as few as 12 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $17,019 total
• Program length: 12 months
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Florida International University

Florida International University is a public school in Westchester, FL. Students at this school can complete a 12-month online Master of Science in engineering management with a concentration in AI.

Students take advanced courses in network analysis, systems theory, generative AI, deep learning, and more as they work through the program. Graduates are prepared to tackle real-world problems in AI and machine learning.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,119 per year (average)
• Program length: 12 months
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University is a public school with its main campus in College Station, TX. Its online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) can be completed in as little as 18 months.

The 30-credit program features spring and fall start dates. Students complete 21 hours of required courses and at least nine hours of AI-related free electives, with topics ranging from cloud computing to analysis of algorithms to advanced hardware design and functional verification.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,885 per year (average)
• Program length: 18 months
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. University of Texas

The University of Texas is located in Austin, TX. It is a large, public research university offering a highly affordable and flexible online master's degree in artificial intelligence.

The program features just three credit hours of required courses and 27 hours of electives. Learners gain a thorough understanding of AI technologies and systems and gain decision-making skills important for leadership positions in a range of industries.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,000 total
• Program length: One to two years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. University of Colorado Boulder

The University of Colorado Boulder is a public school in Boulder, CO. It offers a unique and highly accessible MSAI program available through Coursera.

This program does not require an application � instead, students enroll in three pathway courses and are admitted to the program if they maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher. The program is affordable and features on-demand courses that students can complete whenever it's convenient for them.

• Estimated tuition cost: $15,750 total
• Program length: One to two years
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

7. University of Michigan Flint

The University of Michigan Flint is a public school in Flint, MI. Students learn advanced fundamentals of AI systems and functions through its flexible MSAI degree.

Students can choose to study online or on campus, if they want a more hands-on learning experience, and both thesis and non-thesis options are available. Concentrations cover topics such as robotics, cybersecurity, and Internet of Things (IoT), allowing them to choose the pathway that best aligns with their career goals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,891 per year (average)
• Program length: One to two years
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is an online school headquartered in Millcreek, UT. It is a private school offering affordable, term-based tuition and a variety of career-focused degree programs, including a Master of Science in software engineering with a concentration in AI engineering.

Learners gain various technical skills along with a strong understanding of programming languages, network architecture, data science, and other important topics as they progress through courses at their own pace. The flexible nature of the school's competency-based learning model encourages students to progress quickly and graduate sooner.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,842 per year (average)
• Program length: One to two years
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

9. Dakota State University

Dakota State University is a public school in Madison, SD. Known for its wealth of world-class, tech-related degrees, the school offers an MSAI program that can be completed online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format in under two years.

Students can choose a specialization to customize their degree. Core courses in the program include neural networks, mathematics of artificial intelligence, and an AI capstone project to help learners gain hands-on skills.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,365.10 per semester
• Program length: Four semesters
• Accreditation: HLC

10. University of North Texas

The University of North Texas is located in Denton, TX. This public school offers an affordable MSAI degree that students can complete in as little as two years.

Courses help students explore AI tools and develop skills in data analysis. Course topics cover AI for healthcare, data visualization and mining, systems modeling, and more.

• Estimated tuition cost: $18,700 total
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

We endeavor to choose only the best programs for our school rank lists. We used the following criteria when selecting the advanced AI degree programs featured above:

• Accreditation: Each college is institutionally accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body.
• Affordability: All of the schools feature average tuition rates of less than $20,000 per year, and many of the programs cost less than that in total tuition.
• Program length: Every program can be completed in under two years.

FAQs About Fast and Affordable Master's in AI Degrees

If you still have questions about pursuing fast, affordable AI degrees in online learning formats, you're not alone. Read on as we answer some common questions.

Is an Online Master's Degree in AI Worth It?

Whether an online master's in AI is worth it to you will depend on your career goals. That said, AI is a fast-growing field providing a wealth of career opportunities.

Those with advanced degrees will be prepared to take on leadership roles in the field and may qualify for higher average salaries than those with a bachelor's degree alone.

Can I Finish an AI Master's Degree in One Year?

Yes, it is possible to finish an accelerated master's degree in AI within one year, provided you have a computer science background and have completed any prerequisite coursework necessary for your program. Though most programs take at least two years to complete, these accelerated options can help those hoping to advance quickly reach their career goals sooner.

Are Accelerated AI Master's Programs Fully Online?

Some schools offer fully online, accelerated AI degrees, while other programs are completed on-campus or in a hybrid format. Exact program requirements will vary depending on the school you attend; consider checking with your school of choice to find out whether or not their accelerated program is completed fully online.

Are There Any Tuition-Free Online AI Master's Programs?

No online AI master's degrees are truly tuition-free; all schools offering these programs charge tuition rates, fees, and other expenses. That said, AI is an in-demand specialization, so many schools and outside organizations offer a wealth of financial aid opportunities to help students reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs. Common types of financial aid include scholarships, grants, assistantships, fellowships, and work-study programs.

What Can I Do With a Master's in AI?

You can pursue various career paths with a master's degree in AI. Common job titles include:

• natural language processing engineer
• computer vision engineer
• data scientist
• machine learning engineer
• AI engineer

Additionally, a master's degree may help you pursue leadership roles in AI, making you a more valuable team member and potentially helping you pursue salary increases.

Discover Master's in AI Degrees

If you're ready to start or advance your career in AI and machine learning, explore the programs featured here on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools directly to learn more about their programs, admission requirements, and to choose the best option for you.