The 11 Cheapest Online Masters in Artificial Intelligence for 2026

The cheapest online masters in artificial intelligence programs in the USA cost less than $20,000. The three most affordable options are priced under $10,000 and make advanced AI education available to more people.

This affordability and the projected 21% job growth for computer and information research scientists by 2031 mean online masters in artificial intelligence programs attract more students than ever. This piece breaks down 11 budget-friendly programs to help you find the perfect artificial intelligence online degree that fits your career goals and budget.

Georgia Institute of Technology – Online MSCS in Artificial Intelligence

Georgia Tech’s Online Master of Science in Computer Science with AI specialization costs approximately $7,000 for the entire program. This makes it one of the cheapest online masters in artificial intelligence available from a top-tier institution.

Program Overview and Cost Breakdown

The OMSCS program runs around $7,000 total, not per semester. Forbes recognized this program as “the greatest degree program ever” due to its disruptive pricing combined with a top 50-ranked university brand. OMSCS students qualify for financial aid just as any other graduate student. Many employers offer tuition subsidies that can cover the program’s cost.

Key Features and Curriculum

The AI specialization requires 15 hours of coursework divided into specific categories. Core courses comprise 9 hours: you take one algorithm course (options are CS 6300 Software Development Process or CS 6515 Introduction to Graduate Algorithms) plus two courses from CS 6601 Artificial Intelligence, CS 7637 Knowledge-Based AI, or CS 7641 Machine Learning.

Electives account for 6 hours and are chosen from three tracks. The Interaction track has CS 6440 Introduction to Health Informatics, CS 6460 Educational Technology, CS 6603 AI Ethics and Society, and CS 6750 Human-Computer Interaction. AI Methods covers CS 6476 Computer Vision, CS 7632 Game AI, CS 7643 Deep Learning, and CS 7650 Natural Language Processing. The Cognition track features CS 6795 Introduction to Cognitive Science among others. Free electives fill the remaining 15 hours from any OMSCS courses.

Why Choose Georgia Tech for Your Online Masters in Artificial Intelligence

Your degree certificate is similar to the on-campus version with no “online” designation. Georgia Tech ranks among the top 10 CS schools globally. Major tech companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta employ program alumni. The asynchronous format lets you work through coursework on your schedule. You can enroll in one course per semester and take up to six years to finish.

You must maintain program standing and pass two foundational courses with a B grade or better within 12 months of matriculation.

Application Requirements

Preferred qualifications are an undergraduate degree in computer science or related field with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. OMSCS maintains a high acceptance rate when you submit strong application materials.

The program requires:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (work experience cannot substitute)
• No GRE requirement for OMSCS applicants
• TOEFL or IELTS scores for international applicants
• Minimum 3.0 GPA preferred, though evaluated case-by-case
• Statement of Purpose and Letters of Recommendation that show technical competency

You must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA to graduate. No course grades below C count toward your degree.

Georgia Southern University – Online MSCS in Machine Learning

At $277 per credit hour, Georgia Southern University’s Online MSCS with Machine Learning specialization totals approximately $8,310 for the complete 30-credit program. This positions it as one of the most affordable computer science programs in Georgia.

Program Overview and Cost Breakdown

You can complete the 30-credit hour program in less than two years through a structured pace of two courses per semester for five semesters. Online coursework costs $277 per credit hour, whatever your residency status. The program offers flexibility through fully online, hybrid, and in-person delivery options. A $50 non-refundable application fee applies during the admission process.

Georgia Southern provides dedicated support through Online Student Success Navigators. They help you with one-on-one coaching, financial aid expertise, tech support, and faculty connections. Graduate assistantships become available on a competitive basis and offer teaching, research, lab, and general assistant positions that can reduce your overall program cost.

Key Features and Curriculum

The program core builds your foundation in algorithms and databases while advancing your skills in artificial intelligence and machine learning. The machine learning specialization prepares you to create and deploy programs that imitate human intelligence by learning from data and developing new capabilities without explicit instructions.

You choose from four specializations: Machine Learning, Big Data and Analytics, Cyber and Software Security, or Game Programming. The machine learning track focuses on data mining and data warehousing. It covers speech and vision recognition systems, expert systems, data storage systems, and information retrieval systems. Small class sizes provide customized learning and improved one-on-one experiences with faculty.

You can develop a thesis for further academic studies to complete your degree. Another option is to undertake a research project that demonstrates advanced problem-solving skills. Both options prepare you for the job market, where computer science graduates secure roles with an average salary of $86,461.

Why Choose Georgia Southern

Beyond affordability, you access abundant lab and research activities in game programming, robotics, machine learning, and AI. The flexible study options accommodate your schedule whether you’re transitioning from undergraduate studies or advancing as a working professional. The program attracts learners from various backgrounds who seek career advancement in high-demand sectors.

Application Requirements

Domestic applicants need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Your degree should be in computer science or a related field such as computer engineering, information technology, information systems, or software engineering. You qualify with at least two years of relevant professional computing experience as an alternative.

International applicants must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or equivalent and submit a minimum TOEFL score of 80 (internet-based). TOEFL requirements are waived if you graduated from a U.S. college or university. International students must enroll in hybrid or in-person formats for F-1 visa compliance.

All applicants must submit official GRE scores. Provisional admission remains available if you meet most but not all regular requirements. You must earn grades of B or higher in courses taken under provisional status, though.

Eastern University – Online MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence

Eastern University offers a self-paced artificial intelligence online degree that costs $9,900 total for all 30 credits. This price has both tuition at $300 per credit hour and program fees of $30 per credit hour. It’s one of the cheapest online masters in artificial intelligence available.

Program Overview and Cost Breakdown

The complete program totals $9,900 for 2026-2027. You pay for each course on a per-credit basis throughout your enrollment. Each course carries 3 credits and the program contains 10 courses total. New start terms begin every 7 weeks. You can enroll when your schedule permits.

The 30-credit program can be completed in as little as 10 months. Take 6 credits per 7-week session across 2.5 semesters. The self-paced format within each 7-week period lets you progress through coursework at your own speed while still meeting session deadlines. Financial aid options have federal and state assistance as well as military benefits.

Key Features and Curriculum

The program focuses on applying AI tools to business and technical problems. You’ll use cloud AI, automation and language models. Machine learning, cloud-based AI tools, data engineering and ethical AI deployment form the core of your hands-on experience.

Your capstone experience is 100% customized to your interests. You work with faculty and mentors to create projects. These range from cloud-based AI solutions to customer-facing chatbots or intelligent systems for real-life use cases. The curriculum prepares you for roles as AI architect, cloud AI developer, AI analyst, automation specialist or data engineer. Graduates also qualify for machine learning engineer, AI solutions developer, NLP engineer, data scientist and AI business strategist roles.

Why Choose Eastern University

The program was ranked among the Top 2 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Artificial Intelligence Programs nationally. Eastern’s instructors are dedicated educators who make AI approachable rather than intimidating. The program emphasizes using AI responsibly and equips you to solve problems in ways that reflect commitment to human flourishing and the common good.

Application Requirements

You need a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Applicants below 3.0 receive case-by-case consideration with a GPA letter submission. A graduate GPA over 3.0 can satisfy this requirement.

The program requires technical proficiency. You must demonstrate intermediate Python programming and Calculus I knowledge. You satisfy this through a degree in data science, computer science or related fields. MS-level coursework or equivalent education like bootcamps also work. You can complete specific prerequisite courses.

International applicants from non-English-speaking countries must provide a minimum TOEFL score of 79 (internet-based test) taken within 2 years of desired entry. Your application requires official transcripts from your degree-conferring institution and a current resume or CV. Identity verification through the PLAID platform is also needed.

University of Texas at Austin – Online MSAI

UT Austin launched one of the first fully online AI master’s programs available from a top-tier university in partnership with edX. The program addresses the projected 97 million new AI-related jobs expected globally through an available artificial intelligence online degree model.

Program Overview and Cost Breakdown

Total program tuition sits at $10,000. This breaks down to $1,000 per course. You pay a $500 deposit upon enrollment. The 30-credit hour structure consists of 3 required credit hours and 27 elective credit hours. You need 10 courses to graduate.

Completion timeframes range from 1.5 to 3 years. You can enroll in one to five courses per semester. A maximum of six years is allowed to finish. Enrollment is required each fall and spring semester with optional summer participation. Federal and institutional financial aid programs remain accessible to more people through FAFSA.

Key Features and Curriculum

Asynchronous, instructor-paced courses are delivered through on-demand lectures and weekly release schedules. Coursework covers reasoning under uncertainty and ethics in AI. It also includes case studies in machine learning. Advanced topics span deep learning optimization and computer vision. You’ll also study unsupervised feature learning and deep language models.

Core offerings include machine learning theory and statistical concepts. Modern reinforcement learning principles are covered alongside health IT system components and computational logic applications. Natural language processing foundations round out the curriculum. Ethics in AI serves as a required foundational course that prepares you for consequential decision-making responsibilities.

Why Choose UT Austin for Your Artificial Intelligence Online Degree

World-class UT Austin’s faculty teach all courses. The at-scale architecture achieves efficiencies that allow this online masters in artificial intelligence pricing while maintaining quality and rigor. Flexibility accommodates working professionals through customizable enrollment options.

Application Requirements

You just need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Preferred degrees include computer science, electrical engineering, and computer engineering. Mathematics, statistics, or data science degrees also work. Non-technical degrees receive case-by-case evaluation based on relevant coursework or work experience.

Your application requires a two-page statement of purpose using 1-inch margins and 12-point font. This should describe your preparation, interests, and goals. Submit a CV or resume that lists educational history and work experience. Include prerequisite course completion with grades. Up to three optional recommendation letters from supervisors or academic references strengthen applications. GRE scores remain optional. International applicants must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores sent electronically.

University of the Cumberlands – Online MSAI

University of the Cumberlands earned recognition as the nation’s most affordable online masters in artificial intelligence program. At $355 per credit hour for graduate coursework, the 31-credit program totals approximately $11,005.

Program Overview and Cost Breakdown

The online MSAI requires 31 credit hours that combine 30 core hours with one capstone or applied learning practicum credit. UC’s One Price Promise eliminates hidden costs and includes digital textbooks at no additional charge. You complete the program in approximately two years. The executive hybrid format condenses completion to 12 months for full-time students who take 6-9 hours per semester.

Key Features and Curriculum

The business-focused curriculum prepares you to change organizational operations through AI implementation. Core coursework spans Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Neural Networks and Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Generative AI with Large Language Models. Specialized applications include AI in Healthcare and AI in Risk Management.

Supporting courses cover Data Visualization and Ethics in Artificial Intelligence. You cap your studies with either a one-credit capstone course or an applied learning practicum. The program emphasizes ethical reasoning skills alongside sophisticated analysis techniques for integrating AI theory into business operations.

Faculty teach you to apply AI technologies across business intelligence, IT management and data mining. Graduates qualify for roles as data scientist, operations research analyst, information research scientist, and database architect.

Why Choose UC

The program delivers hands-on skills in deep learning algorithms, NLP libraries, and Python programming while ensuring user privacy. You gain complete knowledge to develop complex AI applications in real-life contexts across healthcare and finance. The flexible online format accommodates working professionals who want to upskill without pausing careers.

Application Requirements

You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. International coursework requires official transcript evaluations from approved firms that include World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators. Non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL scores of 4 on the updated 1-6 scale or IELTS scores of 6.

Belhaven University – Online MS in Applied AI

Mississippi’s first fully online masters in applied artificial intelligence comes from Belhaven University, a private Christian institution offering available AI education without requiring technical backgrounds. The program stands apart as an artificial intelligence online degree designed for professionals from any field seeking workplace-ready skills.

Program Overview and Cost Breakdown

Base tuition totals $9,975 for the complete 30-credit program at $332 per credit hour. Your total investment reaches $11,160 when you factor in the mandatory Tech & Resource fee. The program consists of 10 three-credit courses delivered in seven-week formats. You can complete up to six courses annually. You take one course at a time for deep engagement while balancing work and personal commitments.

Completion requires 18 months or more depending on your pace. Standard federal programs provide financial aid options, and you can transfer up to six hours of accredited graduate work with grades of B or better.

Key Features and Curriculum

The curriculum emphasizes generative AI integration and practical application rather than technical programming. Your coursework builds skills in AI tool integration, analytical decision making, ethical AI governance and organizational transformation management. You learn to communicate AI opportunities and risks to both technical and non-technical audiences while designing adoption strategies that line up with organizational values.

Career preparation spans roles including AI Project Manager, AI Policy Advisor, Business Intelligence Analyst and AI Strategy Consultant. You’ll find opportunities in business, healthcare, finance, education and government sectors as Director of AI Integration.

Why Choose Belhaven

The Christian worldview foundation challenges you to think about ethical AI use and responsible technology deployment. The no-coding-required approach removes technical barriers while delivering workplace-ready competencies. Working professionals seeking flexibility will appreciate the accelerated seven-week course structure and asynchronous format.

Application Requirements

You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA. You qualify by completing nine hours of graduate work with B or better grades in each course. Conditional admission remains an option for applicants showing potential despite not meeting standard requirements, granted through admission committee review.

Columbus State University – Online MSACS in AI and Data Science

Columbus State University’s TSYS School of Computer Science delivers a Master of Science in Applied Computer Science featuring three concentration options: Software Development, AI and Data Science, or General studies. The 30-credit program costs $337 per credit hour plus an online learning fee, bringing total investment to around $12,085 when you include the $395 per semester online fee across five semesters.

Program Overview and Cost Breakdown

You complete 30 credit hours over about two years through online, hybrid, or on-campus formats. The flexible structure accommodates full-time students and working professionals alike. Tuition remains consistent at $337 per credit whatever the delivery method. The program requires passing CPSC 6000 Graduate Exit Examination in Computer Science, which has an exit survey, interview, and complete exam.

Key Features and Curriculum

The AI and Data Science concentration divides coursework into distinct areas. Area 1 covers the program’s core requirements: Algorithms Analysis and Design, Object-Oriented Development, and Intelligent Systems totaling 12 credits. Area 2 focuses on concentration-specific coursework and has Applied Machine Learning, Data Science and Big Data Analytics, and Deep Learning for another 12 credits. You complete Area 3 with 6 credits of electives from 6000-level CPSC or CYBR courses, including an internship option.

Why Choose CSU

Small class sizes provide one-on-one faculty support. Project-based learning models industry work. The TSYS Cybersecurity Center holds NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense recognition. Faculty bring tech and research experience to instruction.

Application Requirements

You need an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA. The GPA requirement is waived if you score 290 or above on the GRE or demonstrate acceptable software development work experience. Students without CS-related degrees must complete CPSC 6105 and CPSC 6106 with B grades or better before taking graduate-level courses.

Kennesaw State University – Online MSAI

Kennesaw State University received Board of Regents approval in 2024 to launch Georgia’s second master’s degree in artificial intelligence. The College of Computing and Software Engineering houses this interdisciplinary online MSAI. It builds on existing research strengths in computer science, data science, information technology and software engineering.

Program Overview and Cost Breakdown

Online tuition runs $393 per credit hour with a $340 student fee per semester. The 30-credit program takes five semesters at a part-time pace of 6 credits per term. Your total investment reaches approximately $13,490. Full-time enrollment allows completion in as little as one year over three semesters.

Key Features and Curriculum

The 30-credit structure divides into 12 required hours and 18 track-specific hours. Core requirements include Machine Learning (CS 7267), Artificial Intelligence (CS 7375), Neural Networks and Deep Learning (CS 7357), and Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (AI 7000).

You select either the thesis track with 6 credits of thesis work plus research credits, or the capstone track featuring a team-based AI project that addresses ground challenges. Elective options span 15 credit hours from courses including Machine Vision, Natural Language Processing, AI and Robotics, Data Warehousing and Mining, and Big Data Analytics. You can apply up to 6 credit hours of 6000 or 7000 level courses from any prefix toward your degree with program director approval.

Why Choose KSU

The program emphasizes experiential learning through industrial internships and advanced project development. KSU demonstrates particular strength at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity. You can enter without a computer background by completing two foundational courses (CS 5000 Foundations of Programming and CS 5040 Data Structures and Algorithms) that prepare you for graduate-level work.

Application Requirements

You need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA from a regionally accredited institution. The application requires a $60 non-refundable fee, official transcripts from each college attended, and a resume or professional vitae. No GMAT scores are required.

Western Governors University – Online MSCS in AI and Machine Learning

WGU’s competency-based model charges $4,385 per six-month term rather than per credit and allows you to complete as many courses as possible within each term. You pay $9,170 total if you finish the 10-course program in one year. Stretch it to 1.5 years and the cost reaches $13,155.

Program Overview and Cost Breakdown

The flat-rate tuition structure means you control costs through completion speed. Statistics show 67% of graduates finish within 19 months. You can accelerate or decelerate based on your schedule. You must complete at least 8 competency units per term to maintain enrollment.

Key Features and Curriculum

Coursework divides into 4 computer science courses covering architecture and algorithms and 5 artificial intelligence courses. You explore deep learning, NLP and advanced AI applications. The program has AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer – Associate certification embedded within your studies.

Why Choose WGU

Graduates report an average salary increase of $13,785 after completing their degree. The self-paced format accommodates working professionals through asynchronous learning supported by program mentors.

Application Requirements

Students with bachelor’s degrees in computer science enroll into the program. Non-CS graduates must complete Foundations of Computer Science at WGU Academy before matriculation.

Amberton University – Online MS in Applied AI

Amberton University structures its online masters in artificial intelligence around a distinctive pay-as-you-go model that lets you enroll one course at a time at $325 per credit hour. The 36-credit program totals $11,700. Additional fees include $45 for technology and $15 for program charges per session.

Program Overview and Cost Breakdown

Each three-credit course costs $975. You pay only for courses you take rather than committing to full semesters upfront. This avoids debt and lets you progress at your own pace. The format lines up with corporate tuition reimbursement cycles and allows you to submit invoices after each class. The program maintains flat pricing for all students, whatever their location or residency status.

Key Features and Curriculum

The 36-credit structure divides into 6 hours of required graduate studies, 18 hours of major requirements, and 12 hours of electives. You work with Amberton’s AI Testing Environment for hands-on experience with innovative tools. Coursework emphasizes strategic decision-making and ethical leadership. Advanced analytics prepare you for AI implementation in real-life scenarios.

Why Choose Amberton

The curriculum prepares you for roles as AI strategist, analytics manager, AI project lead, or ethical AI advisor[422]. You build an industry-aligned portfolio throughout the program that demonstrates your capabilities upon graduation.

Application Requirements

You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Minimum age requirement is 21 years.

Athens State University – Online MSCS in Artificial Intelligence

Athens State University positions itself as Alabama’s premier upper-division institution serving working adults, with an average student age of 40. The Online MSCS with Artificial Intelligence specialization costs $15,411 for the complete program. Distance education rates keep pricing similar for in-state and out-of-state students.

Program Overview and Cost Breakdown

Graduate non-traditional distance students pay $380 per credit hour plus mandatory fees of $85 (technology), $1 (student activity), and $1 (bond surety) per credit. The program requires 33-36 credits depending on whether you select the non-thesis or thesis track. You can complete it in 1.5-3 years.

Key Features and Curriculum

You get a broad view through core computer science courses before diving into AI concentration work that covers machine learning, intelligent systems, and event modeling and simulation. Both tracks require research components. The non-thesis option mandates a capstone project.

Why Choose Athens State

Small class sizes encourage participation with faculty who provide individual-specific attention. The online format accommodates full-time employment and family responsibilities. Courses are designed around regional workforce needs.

Application Requirements

Unconditional admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA. Conditional admission accepts candidates with 2.5 GPA. You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. International graduate students cannot get F-1 visa status.

Conclusion

You don’t need to feel overwhelmed when picking from these 11 affordable programs. Options range from Georgia Tech’s $7,000 game-changing degree to Athens State’s $15,411 program tailored to working adults. Each program has unique strengths whether you need self-paced flexibility, business-focused curriculum or technical depth.

Your next step is matching a program’s features to your specific situation. Think over your budget constraints and completion timeline priorities. Once you identify what matters most, apply to programs that arrange with your career goals.

The AI job market won’t wait. Pick the program that fits your needs and start your application today.