Are There Free Online AI Bachelor's Degrees?

Earning a bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence for free is understandably appealing, especially given how expensive many technology programs can be. As interest in AI careers grows, more students are asking whether it’s possible to complete an AI bachelor’s degree online without taking on tuition debt.

The reality is more nuanced. While fully free online AI bachelor’s degrees are extremely rare, there are several legitimate pathways that can reduce the cost to zero for certain students, depending on income level, residency, employer benefits, or strategic use of alternative credit options.

Are There Free Online AI Bachelor’s Degrees?

Completely free online bachelor’s degrees in artificial intelligence are extremely rare, especially at accredited colleges and universities. Most AI bachelor’s programs charge tuition, even when offered fully online through public institutions.

That said, some students can earn an AI-related bachelor’s degree with little to no out-of-pocket cost by combining tuition-free models, scholarships, employer-funded education, or state and federal aid. In these cases, the degree itself is not universally free, but the student’s individual circumstances make it possible to reduce costs to zero.

Understanding this distinction matters. “Free” at the bachelor’s level often depends less on the program and more on eligibility factors such as income, residency, employment, or prior credits. For qualifying students, these pathways can make an AI bachelor’s degree financially accessible without relying on student loans.

What “Free” Really Means at the Bachelor’s Level

When colleges advertise free or tuition-free bachelor’s degrees, it is important to understand what costs are actually covered. In most cases, “free” does not mean that every possible expense is eliminated for every student.

Tuition-free models may still include assessment fees, technology fees, or costs tied to converting certificates into college credit. State and employer-funded programs also come with eligibility requirements related to residency, income, or employment status. For students who qualify, these pathways can result in a bachelor’s degree with little to no out-of-pocket cost, but outcomes vary based on individual circumstances.

Low-Cost Online AI Bachelor’s Degrees

While truly free online AI bachelor’s degrees are rare, several accredited programs offer tuition structures that keep costs far below the industry norm. These schools combine flexible online delivery, transfer-friendly policies, and predictable pricing models to help students minimize total degree expenses.

1. University of the People

University of the People offers the closest option to a tuition-free online bachelor’s degree with artificial intelligence coursework. As a nonprofit, accredited online institution, it charges no tuition or instructional fees, making it uniquely accessible for cost-conscious learners.

Students pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) in computer science and can choose AI-focused electives that introduce machine learning, data analysis, and related concepts. While small assessment fees apply per course, need-based scholarships may cover these costs, potentially reducing total out-of-pocket expenses to zero.

• Program length: 4 years
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC); Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

2. Western Governors University

Western Governors University offers a BS in computer science with an artificial intelligence track built around a competency-based education model. Instead of paying per credit, students pay a flat rate per six-month term and progress by demonstrating mastery of required skills.

This structure can significantly lower total costs for motivated learners who move quickly through coursework. The curriculum covers machine learning fundamentals, algorithms, data structures, and applied artificial intelligence concepts relevant to software development roles.

• Program length: Varies; many students finish in less than 4 years
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

3. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) provides a BS in computer science with an artificial intelligence concentration that balances technical depth with flexibility. The fully online format allows students to complete coursework on their own schedule while building practical programming and AI skills.

SNHU’s affordability is driven by its generous transfer credit policies, which can reduce the number of credits students need to complete. Combined with relatively low per-credit tuition, this makes the program a practical option for working adults.

• Program length: 4 years
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

4. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offers a BS in data science with a specialization in artificial intelligence designed for adult learners and military-affiliated students. The curriculum teaches computer science foundations with applied AI and data analytics.

As a public university, UMGC maintains competitive tuition and accepts a high number of transfer credits, which can meaningfully shorten time to degree completion. These policies are especially helpful for adult learners who are bringing in prior coursework, military training, or professional experience that can be applied toward graduation requirements.

• Program length: 4 years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

5. Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University (CSU) Global offers a BS in computer science with a specialization in artificial intelligence created specifically for online learners. Students build a strong foundation in computing while focusing upper-level coursework on AI technologies and applications.

CSU Global supports affordability through a fixed tuition rate and the absence of student fees, which helps students plan for costs with greater predictability. This pricing structure can be especially appealing for learners who want to avoid unexpected increases while completing an AI-focused bachelor’s degree online.

• Program length: 4 years
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

Because fully free online AI bachelor’s degrees are uncommon, our ranking criteria focus on realistic affordability rather than advertised tuition alone. We prioritize pathways that can eliminate or significantly reduce tuition for qualifying students.

• Tuition-free or tuition-covered models: Preference is given to schools that remove tuition entirely or offer funding mechanisms that can result in a $0 balance.
• Accreditation: All programs hold recognized institutional accreditation, which supports employer recognition and eligibility for financial aid.
• Online accessibility: Programs are offered fully online or in online-friendly formats suitable for working adults.
• Transfer and flexibility: Schools that accept alternative credits, certificates, or transfer coursework rank higher for affordability.
• Transparency: Clear disclosure of fees, requirements, and eligibility criteria is prioritized.

State Programs That Can Make AI Bachelor’s Degrees Free

In some cases, students can earn an online bachelor’s degree with artificial intelligence coursework at no cost through state-funded tuition programs. These initiatives are typically designed for residents and work by covering remaining tuition after federal financial aid is applied.

Often called “last-dollar” scholarships, these programs do not pay out cash directly to students. Instead, they close the gap between tuition and other aid, which can result in a $0 tuition balance for qualifying students enrolled at public universities.

Examples of State-Based Free Tuition Programs

Several states currently offer programs that can apply to online bachelor’s degrees with AI-related coursework. These include:

• New York (Excelsior Scholarship): It covers tuition at State University of New York and City University of New York schools, including online-friendly institutions such as SUNY Empire State, for eligible residents.
• Arizona (Arizona Promise): This pays the full cost of tuition and fees at Arizona State University for qualifying low-income Arizona residents, including students enrolled in online programs.
• Tennessee (TN Reconnect): While focused primarily on associate degrees, this program can reduce costs at the community college level and support a low-cost transfer into a bachelor’s program with AI coursework.

Eligibility for these programs usually depends on residency, income limits, enrollment status, and academic progress. Because rules vary by state, students should review program details carefully before relying on free tuition guarantees.

Employer-Funded AI Bachelor’s Degrees

Another realistic way to earn an AI bachelor’s degree for free is through employer-sponsored education programs. In recent years, many large companies have expanded tuition benefits to fully cover undergraduate degrees in technology-related fields.

These programs are designed to help employers build future-ready workforces while allowing employees to earn degrees without student loan debt. For eligible workers, this can result in a fully funded online bachelor’s degree.

Major Employers Offering Free or Fully Funded Degrees

Several national employers offer tuition programs that can apply to AI or AI-adjacent bachelor’s degrees. Such employers include:

• Amazon (Career Choice): This program covers 100% of tuition and fees for eligible employees pursuing degrees at partner schools such as Southern New Hampshire University and University of Maryland Global Campus.
• Walmart (Live Better U): It pays the full cost of tuition and books for select online bachelor’s programs in technology, data, and computer science through university partnerships.
• Target (Dream to Be): The program provides free tuition for many undergraduate programs through education partners, including degrees that support AI and data-focused career paths.

While degree options are limited to partner schools, these programs represent one of the most reliable ways to complete a bachelor’s degree without paying tuition out of pocket.

Other Ways To Reduce the Cost of an Online Bachelor’s in AI

Even when an online AI bachelor’s degree is not tuition-free, many students significantly lower total costs by combining financial aid, transfer credits, and alternative learning options. These approaches work best when planned early and confirmed with an academic advisor to ensure credits and aid apply correctly.

Federal financial aid plays a central role for many students. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs, and it is often required for access to both federal and institutional aid. For students with financial need, grants can substantially reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket tuition costs.

Common Cost-Reduction Strategies

Many students lower the cost of an AI bachelor’s degree by using a mix of financial aid and credit-earning options outside traditional coursework. When used together, these strategies can reduce the number of credits students need to pay for directly.

• FAFSA and federal grants: Submitting the FAFSA allows students to access federal aid, including Pell Grants, which do not need to be repaid. For eligible students attending low-cost or transfer-friendly programs, grant funding may cover a significant portion of remaining tuition.
• Transfer credits: Bringing in prior college coursework from regionally accredited institutions can shorten time to degree completion and reduce total tuition costs.
• CLEP exams and Modern States: Modern States offers free courses and exam vouchers for College-Level Examination Program exams, allowing students to earn college credit at no cost if the credits are accepted by the receiving institution.
• Industry certificates with academic value: Some universities accept industry-recognized certificates, such as introductory AI or data analytics credentials, for transfer credit or course waivers.
• Institutional scholarships: Many colleges offer need-based or merit-based scholarships that can be layered with federal aid to further reduce tuition.
• Employer tuition benefits: For working students, employer-sponsored education programs may cover part or all of remaining tuition after federal aid is applied.

While outcomes vary based on eligibility and institutional policies, students who combine FAFSA-based aid with transfer strategies and scholarships often reduce the total cost of an online AI bachelor’s degree to a fraction of its standard price.

“Free to Start” AI Bachelor’s Degree Pathways

Some universities now offer AI-related bachelor’s programs that allow students to begin coursework with little or no upfront cost. These models do not eliminate tuition entirely but reduce financial risk by letting students start before committing to full tuition payments.

Texas Tech University’s Online+ model is one example of this approach. Students can begin learning through micro-credentials and short career certificates that introduce artificial intelligence concepts without immediate tuition charges.

Once students decide to convert these credentials into academic credit toward a bachelor’s degree, standard tuition applies only to the credits they choose to formalize. This “try before you buy” structure allows learners to confirm interest and readiness before paying for a full AI degree program.

FAQs About Free Online AI Bachelor’s Degrees

Students exploring tuition-free or low-cost AI bachelor’s degrees often have questions about what is truly possible and what tradeoffs may be involved. The expanded FAQs below address those concerns in more detail.

Are There Any Completely Free Online AI Bachelor’s Degrees?

Completely free online AI bachelor’s degrees are extremely rare, especially at accredited institutions. University of the People comes closest by eliminating tuition entirely, though most students still pay small assessment fees unless those costs are covered by scholarships. For many learners, this model represents the most realistic path to a tuition-free degree.

How Do Scholarships Make AI Bachelor’s Degrees Free?

Scholarships can cover tuition, fees, or both, depending on the program and the student’s financial need. At schools like University of the People or public universities with state-funded aid, scholarships may be layered with federal grants to eliminate out-of-pocket costs. Availability and eligibility vary, so early applications are important.

Can State “Free College” Programs Be Used for Online AI Degrees?

Some state-funded programs apply to online bachelor’s degrees offered by public universities, but eligibility is typically limited to in-state residents. These programs often require full-time enrollment, income thresholds, and ongoing academic progress. Students should verify whether online programs qualify before relying on state aid.

Do Employer-Funded Degrees Actually Cover One Hundred Percent of Costs?

Many employer education programs cover full tuition and books, but coverage depends on employer policies and partner schools. Some programs also limit the number of degrees or fields of study available. While these benefits can result in a free degree, they are tied to continued employment.

Is It Realistic to Reduce an AI Bachelor’s Degree to Near Zero Cost?

Yes, for some students, combining transfer credits, CLEP exams, and federal aid can dramatically reduce total costs. This approach requires careful planning and coordination with academic advisors to ensure credits transfer correctly. While not guaranteed, it can significantly lower the financial barrier to earning a degree.

Are “Free to Start” AI Programs a Good Option?

Programs that allow students to begin learning without upfront tuition can reduce financial risk, especially for those unsure about committing to a full degree. However, students should understand when and how costs apply once credits are converted. These programs are best viewed as low-risk entry points rather than fully free degrees.

Will Employers Respect a Low-Cost or Free AI Bachelor’s Degree?

Employers generally prioritize accredited degrees, relevant skills, and practical experience over how much a degree cost. Graduates who complete projects, build portfolios, and gain hands-on experience can remain competitive regardless of tuition model. Accreditation and curriculum quality matter more than price.

Is a Free or Low-Cost AI Bachelor’s Degree Worth It?

For students who qualify, tuition-free or low-cost pathways can provide significant long-term value by reducing debt while still offering career-relevant skills. The tradeoff is often additional planning and research. For many learners, the savings make that effort worthwhile.

Explore Artificial Intelligence Degrees Online

If you’re interested in earning a bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence without taking on unnecessary debt, free and low-cost pathways can make a meaningful difference. When you’re ready, you can continue exploring online artificial intelligence degrees through Learn.org and compare programs designed for flexible, affordable learning.