10 Affordable Online Artificial Intelligence Degrees 2026

Artificial intelligence is changing how organizations analyze data, automate decisions, and build smarter digital systems across industries like healthcare, cybersecurity, and software development. As AI adoption accelerates, demand continues to grow for professionals who understand how intelligent systems are designed, trained, and applied in real-world environments.

Affordable online artificial intelligence degrees make it possible to build these in-demand skills without taking on the high costs often associated with emerging technology programs. By combining online delivery with cost-conscious tuition models, these programs support working adults, transfer students, and career-focused learners who want a practical path into AI-related roles. Below, you’ll find a mix of bachelor’s- and master’s-level options that emphasize both affordability and long-term value.

What “Affordable” Means for Online Artificial Intelligence Degrees

Affordability in artificial intelligence education is not just about low tuition numbers. For this ranking, affordability reflects how programs help students manage total education costs while still delivering strong technical preparation.

Affordable online AI degrees often share several key characteristics. Many are offered by public universities with lower base tuition or by institutions that use flat-rate or tuition-cap models to control costs over time. Others emphasize transfer-friendly policies, allowing students to apply prior college credits and shorten time to completion. Fully online delivery also plays a role by reducing expenses tied to housing, commuting, and on-campus fees.

Rather than focusing on the lowest advertised price, this list highlights programs that balance cost, curriculum quality, and flexibility. The goal is to identify artificial intelligence degrees that remain accessible while still preparing students for real-world applications of AI across technical and applied settings.

What Is an Online Artificial Intelligence Degree?

An online artificial intelligence degree is a computer-focused program that prepares students to understand, develop, and apply AI-driven systems. At the bachelor’s level, these degrees typically emphasize foundational skills in computer science, programming, data structures, and algorithms, with increasing exposure to artificial intelligence concepts as students progress. At the master’s level, programs build on that foundation with more advanced coursework in machine learning, AI systems, and applied analytics.

Depending on the institution, artificial intelligence may be offered as a standalone degree or as a concentration within computer science, data science, information technology, or analytics programs. Coursework often includes topics such as machine learning, natural language processing, data analysis, and intelligent decision-making systems. Many online AI programs also incorporate projects, electives, or capstone experiences that connect technical theory to real-world use cases.

Affordable Online Artificial Intelligence Degrees

The programs below offer online or online-friendly artificial intelligence degrees designed to balance technical preparation with manageable costs. These options stand out for their flexible delivery, transfer-friendly policies, and focus on real-world AI applications that support long-term career growth.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in computer science with an artificial intelligence–focused pathway that emphasizes practical, job-ready skills. Rather than following a traditional academic calendar, the program uses a competency-based model that allows students to progress by demonstrating mastery of computer science and AI concepts.

This structure can significantly reduce overall cost for motivated learners, since students are not required to spend a fixed amount of time in each course. Coursework covers programming, algorithms, data structures, and foundational artificial intelligence topics, helping students build skills that translate directly to real-world software and AI development roles.

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

2. 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 transfer students. The program blends core computer science skills with applied AI concepts, focusing on how intelligent systems are used to analyze data and support decision-making.

Affordability is supported by UMGC’s public university pricing and strong acceptance of transfer credits, which can shorten time to degree completion. The fully online format allows students to balance coursework with work or family responsibilities while gaining exposure to machine learning, algorithms, and data-driven AI applications.

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

3. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers a flexible path into artificial intelligence through its Bachelor of Science in computer science or cybersecurity, both of which include artificial intelligence concentrations. Students develop technical foundations in programming and systems while tailoring upper-level coursework toward AI-related topics.

SNHU’s affordability comes from its low per-credit tuition, multiple start dates, and generous transfer policies. These features make the program especially appealing to working adults who want to control costs while earning an online AI-focused bachelor’s degree that supports long-term career growth.

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

4. Arizona State University Online

Arizona State University (ASU) Online offers a BS in artificial intelligence in business that applies AI technologies to organizational strategy and decision-making. Rather than focusing solely on technical development, the program explores how artificial intelligence is used in analytics, operations, and real-world business environments.

Affordability is supported by ASU’s consistent online tuition structure, which does not increase costs for out-of-state students. Combined with the university’s extensive online infrastructure, this program offers access to AI-focused education from a large public institution at a comparatively moderate cost.

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

5. Dakota State University

Dakota State University offers a BS in artificial intelligence housed within a technology-focused public university known for computing and cybersecurity education. Unlike programs that treat AI as a secondary emphasis, this degree is built specifically around artificial intelligence, giving students early exposure to AI concepts alongside core computer science skills.

As a public institution, Dakota State maintains relatively low tuition rates while delivering a curriculum grounded in programming, algorithms, data structures, and intelligent systems. This structure makes the program a strong option for students seeking an affordable, technically focused AI bachelor’s degree online.

• Program length: 4 years
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University (CSU) Global offers a BS in computer science with a specialization in artificial intelligence designed for online learners. The program builds a solid foundation in computer science while allowing students to concentrate upper-level coursework on AI technologies and applied problem-solving.

Affordability is supported by CSU Global’s tuition-lock guarantee, which ensures tuition does not increase after enrollment. Combined with fully online delivery and the absence of student fees, this predictable pricing model appeals to students planning their degree around long-term budgeting.

• Program length: 4 years
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Indiana University Online

Indiana University Online offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in artificial intelligence that takes an interdisciplinary approach to the field. The program blends artificial intelligence with elements of computer science, data analysis, and the liberal arts, encouraging students to consider both technical development and societal impact.

As a public university, Indiana University provides relatively affordable online tuition while offering the credibility of a well-known academic institution. This degree works well for students interested in AI-adjacent roles or for those planning to continue into graduate study in artificial intelligence or related disciplines.

• Program length: 4 years
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Georgia Institute of Technology

The Georgia Institute of Technology offers an online Master of Science (MS) in computer science with a specialization in artificial intelligence through its widely recognized OMSCS program. While academically rigorous, the program provides access to graduate-level AI education from a top-ranked institution at a cost that is notably lower than many comparable master’s degrees.

Coursework covers advanced topics such as machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, and AI systems design. Georgia Tech’s public university pricing and efficient online delivery make this one of the most affordable pathways to a highly respected artificial intelligence master’s degree.

• Program length: 2 to 3 years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

9. Western Governors University

Western Governors University offers an MS in data analytics with an artificial intelligence focus built around a competency-based learning model. Students move through the program by demonstrating mastery of AI-related and data analytics skills rather than completing courses on a fixed schedule.

This structure can significantly reduce total cost for motivated learners who progress quickly. The program emphasizes applied artificial intelligence, machine learning concepts, and data-driven decision-making, making it well suited for professionals seeking an affordable, flexible graduate-level AI option.

• Program length: 1.5 to 2.5 years
• Accreditation: NWCCU

10. Eastern University

Eastern University offers an MS in applied artificial intelligence that emphasizes practical, career-focused skills. The program is designed for working professionals and uses an online format that supports flexible pacing without sacrificing academic rigor.

Students study machine learning, AI technologies, data analysis, and real-world AI solutions through applied coursework and hands-on projects. Eastern University’s consistently low tuition rates for online graduate programs help make this an accessible option for students pursuing an affordable artificial intelligence master’s degree.

• Program length: 2 years
• Accreditation: MSCHE

How We Rank Schools

To create this list of affordable online artificial intelligence degrees, we reviewed data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with program-level information published by each university. This approach allows for consistent comparisons across institutions while accounting for how AI degrees are structured and delivered online.

Because artificial intelligence programs can vary widely in focus and cost, our ranking criteria emphasize long-term value rather than short-term price alone. We looked closely at how well each program balances affordability, curriculum depth, and preparation for real-world applications of artificial intelligence.

• Accreditation: Each school holds recognized institutional accreditation, supporting academic quality, employer recognition, and eligibility for federal financial aid.
• Affordability factors: Preference was given to programs with public university pricing, tuition-lock or flat-rate models, and transfer-friendly policies that help reduce total education costs.
• Curriculum strength: Programs include core computer science foundations alongside artificial intelligence topics such as machine learning, data analysis, and intelligent systems.
• Online accessibility: Degrees are offered fully online or in online-friendly formats that support flexible enrollment for working adults and transfer students.

What Do You Learn in an Artificial Intelligence Degree Program?

An artificial intelligence degree program is designed to build both technical foundations and applied skills needed to work with intelligent systems. At the bachelor’s level, students typically begin with computer science fundamentals such as programming, data structures, algorithms, and computer systems before moving into more specialized AI coursework.

As students progress, many programs introduce machine learning, natural language processing, data analytics, and AI-driven decision-making. Master’s-level programs expand on these concepts with more advanced coursework, deeper technical specialization, and applied projects that reflect real-world AI use cases. Across both degree levels, hands-on assignments, electives, and capstone experiences help students connect theory to practice in areas like automation, predictive modeling, and intelligent software development.

Who Should Consider an Affordable Online Artificial Intelligence Degree?

Affordable online artificial intelligence degrees are a strong fit for learners who want marketable technical skills without the cost of a traditional on-campus program. These degrees work especially well for working adults, transfer students, and career changers who need flexibility while building expertise in a fast-growing technology field.

They can also be a good option if you’re interested in roles related to AI development, data analysis, software engineering, or applied AI systems across industries such as healthcare, cybersecurity, and business. For students who plan to continue into graduate study later, an affordable bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence can provide a solid technical foundation while keeping overall education costs manageable.

Financial Aid for Artificial Intelligence Degrees

Paying for an artificial intelligence degree does not necessarily require covering the full cost upfront. Many affordable online AI programs participate in federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs that can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for eligible students.

Common financial aid options include:

• Federal grants: Undergraduate students may qualify for need-based grants that do not require repayment, depending on financial eligibility and enrollment status.
• Federal student loans: Low-interest federal loans are available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and can be used to cover tuition and related educational costs.
• Institutional scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships for online learners, transfer students, or students enrolled in computer science and technology-focused programs.
• Military and employer benefits: Some schools provide reduced tuition rates or tuition assistance for active-duty service members, veterans, or employees of partner organizations.
• Transfer credit savings: Applying prior college coursework toward degree requirements can shorten time to completion and indirectly lower total education costs.

Submitting the FAFSA early can help you understand eligibility across multiple aid options and plan for the most affordable path through an artificial intelligence degree program.

Career Outlook for Artificial Intelligence Degree Graduates

Earning an artificial intelligence degree can open the door to a wide range of technical and analytical roles across industries that rely on data-driven decision-making and automation. Graduates often pursue careers related to AI development, software engineering, data science, or roles that support intelligent systems used in healthcare, cybersecurity, finance, and technology services.

Long-term demand for AI-related skills remains strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects much faster than average growth for occupations such as software developers and data scientists, both of which overlap with artificial intelligence work. While individual earnings vary by role, experience, and location, AI-focused degrees are often associated with higher-than-average earning potential and opportunities for career advancement as experience builds.

How to Choose the Right Artificial Intelligence Degree Program

Choosing an artificial intelligence degree program involves balancing technical depth, affordability, and long-term career goals. Because AI programs can differ significantly in structure and focus, it’s important to evaluate how each option aligns with your interests and professional plans.

Evaluate the Program’s Technical Focus

Some AI degrees emphasize computer science fundamentals such as algorithms, programming, and data structures, while others take a more applied or interdisciplinary approach. Reviewing required coursework can help clarify whether a program prepares you for hands-on AI development or broader applications of artificial intelligence.

Consider Career Alignment and Real-World Exposure

Programs that connect AI concepts to real-world use cases in areas like healthcare, cybersecurity, or business analytics can offer stronger career relevance. Hands-on projects, applied coursework, and capstone experiences often help translate classroom learning into practical skills.

Review Admission and Transfer Policies

Admission requirements and prerequisite expectations can vary, especially for programs housed within computer science departments. Transfer-friendly policies may also help reduce time to completion and overall cost.

Compare Online Structure and Student Support

Asynchronous coursework, academic advising, and access to career services can be especially important if you are balancing education with work or other responsibilities. Reviewing how each program supports online learners can help ensure you have the guidance and resources needed to stay on track in a technical field like artificial intelligence.

FAQs About Affordable AI Degrees Online

Students exploring affordable online artificial intelligence degrees often have questions about career outcomes, program difficulty, and long-term value. The FAQs below address some of the most common concerns.

What Jobs Can You Get With an Artificial Intelligence Degree?

An artificial intelligence degree can prepare you for roles related to AI development, software engineering, data analysis, and intelligent systems support. Common job titles may include AI developer, machine learning engineer, data analyst, or software developer, depending on your coursework and experience.

Is an Online AI Degree as Respected as an On-Campus Program?

Employers generally focus on accreditation, skills, and practical experience rather than whether a degree was completed online or on campus. An online AI degree from an accredited university can carry the same credibility as a traditional program when it emphasizes real-world applications and technical fundamentals.

How Math-Heavy Are Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs?

Many AI degree programs include math courses such as calculus, statistics, or linear algebra, particularly those rooted in computer science. Some programs balance these requirements with applied coursework and hands-on learning, making them more accessible for students who prefer practical applications.

Can Transfer Students Save Money on an AI Degree?

Yes, many affordable AI degree programs are transfer friendly and allow students to apply prior college credits toward degree requirements. This can shorten time to completion and significantly reduce total education costs.

Is an Affordable Artificial Intelligence Degree Worth It?

An affordable artificial intelligence degree can offer strong value by combining in-demand technical skills with manageable education costs. For many learners, it provides a practical foundation for growing career opportunities in AI-related fields or for continued study at the graduate level.

Explore Artificial Intelligence Degrees Online

Affordable online artificial intelligence degrees can help you build advanced technical skills without overpaying for your education. To compare programs, explore related career paths, and learn more about online AI degree options, continue your research through Learn.org.