The Most Affordable Master’s in Machine Learning Programs

Machine learning is a core component of artificial intelligence. Both disciplines are enjoying a massive surge in popularity thanks in part to the recent advances in generative AI. 

As more businesses launch AI-based products and services, the need for well-qualified machine learning experts is only growing. 

This is where master’s in machine learning programs come in. They are great for people looking to pivot a career or find more specific training to get launched in the machine learning space. 

Making Machine Learning Education Affordable

One of the key considerations we hear when talking to prospective students is that cost is a fundamental concern when pursuing a degree. 

It doesn’t matter if the career is in high demand or if the demand for machine learning engineers is outpacing the supply. Funding a master’s degree is a complex and weighty decision.

That’s why the TechGuide research team recently compiled the most affordable machine learning master’s degree options. We hope that this list helps with the info-gathering phase of the decision-making process. The list contains both campus-based and online master’s in machine learning programs. 

The following results are based on our analysis of 11 programs:

• Lowest Cost: Colorado State University Global at $18,000
• Average: $51,091
• Most Expensive: Stevens Institute of Technology costs $85,980

Most Affordable Machine Learning Master’s Degree Programs for 2024

1. Colorado State University Global

   Aurora, Colorado

   
   Program: Online Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
   Tuition: $18,000
   Cost per credit: $500
   Credits: 36
   Delivery Method: Online
   GRE Required: Not required
   ARTiBA Accreditation: No
   Learn more: Program details

2. Carnegie Mellon University

   Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

   
   Program: Master of Science in Machine Learning
   Tuition: $22,680
   Cost per credit: $756
   Credits: 30
   Delivery Method: Campus
   GRE Required: Required
   ARTiBA Accreditation: Yes
   Learn more: Program details

3. Mercer University

   Macon, Georgia

   
   Program: Master of Science (M.S.) in Applied Data Intelligence and Machine Learning
   Tuition: $24,552
   Cost per credit: $682
   Credits: 30-36
   Delivery Method: Online
   GRE Required: Not required
   ARTiBA Accreditation: No
   Learn more: Program details

4. University of Maryland

   College Park, Maryland

   
   Program: Machine Learning Master of Professional Studies
   Tuition: $39,990
   Cost per credit: $1,333
   Credits: 30
   Delivery Method: Campus
   GRE Required: Optional
   ARTiBA Accreditation: Yes
   Learn more: Program details

5. Northwestern University

   Evanston, Illinois

   
   Program: Master of Science in Machine Learning and Data Science
   Tuition: $43,110
   Cost per credit: $1,437
   Credits: 30
   Delivery Method: Campus
   GRE Required: Optional
   ARTiBA Accreditation: Yes
   Learn more: Program details

6. University of North Texas

   Denton, Texas

   
   Program: MS Artificial Intelligence with Machine Learning Concentration
   Tuition: $61,776
   Cost per credit: $1,452 in state | $1,872 out of state
   Credits: 33
   Delivery Method: Campus
   GRE Required: Not required
   ARTiBA Accreditation: No
   Learn more: Program details

7. Drexel University

   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

   
   Program: Master's in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
   Tuition: $62,820
   Cost per credit: $1,396
   Credits: 45
   Delivery Method: Campus & online
   GRE Required: Recommended for international students and for domestic students with a GPA below 3.0
   ARTiBA Accreditation: No
   Learn more: Program details

8. University of Arizona

   Tucson, Arizona

   
   Program: MS in Information Science (MS) - Machine-Learning
   Tuition: $64,590
   Cost per credit: $848 in state | $2,153
   Credits: 30
   Delivery Method: Campus & online
   GRE Required: Not required
   ARTiBA Accreditation: No
   Learn more: Program details

9. Claremont Graduate University

   Claremont, California

   
   Program: MS in Statistics & Machine Learning
   Tuition: $64,640
   Cost per credit: $2,020
   Credits: 32
   Delivery Method: Campus
   GRE Required: Optional
   ARTiBA Accreditation: No
   Learn more: Program details

10. Columbia University

    New York, New York

    
    Program: Computer Science Master's Degree - Machine Learning
    Tuition: $73,860
    Cost per credit: $2,462
    Credits: 30
    Delivery Method: Online
    GRE Required: Not required
    ARTiBA Accreditation: Yes
    Learn more: Program details

11. Stevens Institute of Technology

    Hoboken, New Jersey

    
    Program: Masters in Machine Learning
    Tuition: $85,980
    Cost per credit: $2,866
    Credits: 30
    Delivery Method: Campus & online
    GRE Required: Required
    ARTiBA Accreditation: No
    Learn more: Program details

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