| Most Affordable Online AI Master’s Programs in 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cost | University | Program |
| $9,350 | Georgia Tech | OMSCS (ML Specialization) |
| $9,900 | Eastern University | Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence |
| $10,000 | University of Texas at Austin | Online M.S. in Artificial Intelligence |
| $11,005 | University of the Cumberlands | Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence |
| $12,425 | Amberton University | MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence |
| $12,750 | University of West Florida | MS in Computer Science (Data Analytics) |
| $13,490 | Kennesaw State University | Online Master of Science in AI |
| $15,675 | Troy University | MS in Computer Science: AI Concentration |
| $15,750 | University of Colorado Boulder | MS-AI on Coursera |
| $16,510 | University of Central Missouri | MS in Data Science and AI |
| $18,402 | Dakota State University | Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence |
Georgia Institute of Technology – OMSCS (ML Specialization)
With a total cost of $9,350, Georgia Tech’s Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) is the most affordable AI master’s program for 2026. Our estimate is based on the current $236 per credit rate for out-of-state students plus the $455 per-semester fee over five semesters. Fees vary with time to completion; see Georgia Tech’s tuition and fee schedule for more details.
Students can tailor the OMSCS with one of 6 specializations, such as computational perception & robotics, artificial intelligence, or machine learning, all led by the same professors who teach on campus. We especially like the ML specialty for its coverage of in-demand AI fields like supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning, and its alignment with AI engineering roles. More than just a bargain, GT’s OMSCS also placed second in our Best AI Master’s Ranking.
Eastern University – Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence
Eastern University’s budget-friendly AI master’s program is all about job-ready skills. Students learn how to design, deploy, and lead AI-driven business and technology solutions. The curriculum covers everything from machine learning models and data engineering to cloud-based AI tools and ethical deployment. You’ll also work with faculty mentors to create a customized capstone project to build a practical tool like a chatbot or an intelligent system tailored to your exact career goals.
In addition to its attractive price tag, Eastern’s LifeFlex delivery model offers incredible flexibility. With 100% self-paced online delivery and compact seven-week sessions, motivated students can complete the program in as few as 10 months.
Looking for an affordable non-technical AI degree? Eastern also offers a Master’s in AI Business Strategy for the same $9,900 fee.
University of Texas at Austin – Online M.S. in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI)
With a price tag of $10,000 plus fees, UT Austin’s MSAI is one of the most affordable AI master’s programs from a top-tier public university. The ten-course degree is delivered asynchronously through UT Austin’s Computer & Data Science Online (CDSO) platform and backed by the school’s prestigious Institute for Foundations of Machine Learning (IFML). Beyond the required course in AI Ethics, students can use their 9 electives to learn marketable artificial intelligence domains like deep learning, NLP, computer vision, reinforcement learning, and healthcare AI. UT Austin’s MSAI is also the top-ranked AI degree in Texas.
University of the Cumberlands – Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI)
UC’s online MSAI delivers an accessible and career-ready AI graduate credential for just over $11,000. The curriculum focuses on applying machine learning, NLP, robotics, and neural networks to real-world challenges in hot sectors like finance, agriculture, and healthcare. Students gain hands-on skills in Python programming, deep learning, and data visualization to prepare for roles as data scientists or ML engineers. Course materials are even included in the tuition thanks to the university’s One Price Promise Textbook Program.
Amberton University – MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence
At $325 per credit, Amberton offers one of the nation’s lowest-cost online master’s degrees in AI. Base tuition is just $11,700 for both in-state and out-of-state students, and the university has frozen tuition for the 2026-2027 academic year. Our cost estimate includes mandatory program and technology fees for six sessions plus the $125 graduation evaluation fee.
Amberton’s MS in Applied AI takes a business-oriented approach to the field, making it ideal for professionals seeking to apply and lead AI initiatives within organizations. The curriculum covers AI strategy, business and predictive analytics, ethics, and leadership, with 12 credits of electives in areas like management, information systems, finance, and marketing. Students also build an industry-relevant AI portfolio throughout the program.
University of West Florida – MS in Computer Science (Data Analytics Concentration)
UWF’s MSCS in data analytics blends advanced computing theory with practical coursework in data science and AI. Students explore algorithmic programming, high-performance systems, and data mining alongside AI electives in machine learning and computer vision. Small class sizes, thesis or capstone options, and flexible course loads make it a strong choice for budget-conscious learners seeking entry into the lucrative AI analytics space. UWF staffs a dedicated Military & Veterans Resource Center (MVRC) to help active military, families, and veterans save on tuition.
Kennesaw State University – Online Master of Science in AI (MSAI)
Kennesaw State’s online MSAI curriculum builds expertise in machine learning, deep learning, NLP, computer vision, and AI ethics, with optional capstone or thesis tracks for applied or research-focused students. Students can further customize the graduate program with electives in hot domains like cybersecurity, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence for security and privacy. This AI master’s program is open to all undergraduate majors, not just STEM graduates.
Troy University – MS in Computer Science – AI Concentration
Troy’s Computer Science Master’s with the Artificial Intelligence concentration deftly merges computing theory with real-world applications. Students study intelligent systems, machine learning, and reasoning under uncertainty, and wield these skills to design and deploy AI solutions like expert systems and deep learning models. The program offers thesis and non-thesis tracks, and you can attend online, on-campus in Alabama, or a hybrid of both.
University of Colorado Boulder – MS-AI on Coursera
CU Boulder’s MS in Artificial Intelligence combines the flexibility of Coursera’s modular learning platform with the reputation of a top-tier public research university. The curriculum covers essential math for AI and delves into in-demand artificial intelligence domains like neural networks, deep learning, reinforcement learning, and generative AI. Students gain technical and ethical expertise, exploring bias mitigation, fairness, and accountability while developing production-quality AI solutions. With a sub-$16k price tag, performance-based admission, and pay-as-you-go pricing, it’s one of today’s most flexible and affordable AI master’s programs.
University of Central Missouri – MS in Data Science and AI (MSDSAI)
UCM’s Master’s in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence delivers a strong blend of AI and analytics training that prepares students to make data-driven decisions across sectors like business, healthcare, and IT. The program integrates machine learning, deep learning, NLP, and big data visualization, with options to focus in either data science or artificial intelligence. Graduates benefit from a strong employment rate (95% hired within 6 months according to UCM) and Fortune 500 recruiting connections like Boeing, IBM, Mastercard, and T-Mobile.
Dakota State University – Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI)
Dakota State’s online MSAI combines core study in machine learning, neural networks and ethical AI with an applied capstone project to tie it all together. Online students choose from two well-designed specializations: Cybersecurity or Data & Digital Intelligence. We especially like the Cybersecurity major, which builds on DSU’s status as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, Cyber Operations, and Research. This track teaches students how to apply AI and machine learning to detect, analyze, and mitigate cyber attacks – blending two of today’s hottest fields into one affordable master’s credential.
