Most Affordable Online Master's in AI: 2026 Rankings & Cost Guide
Most affordable online master's in artificial intelligence by published total cost.
Updated
Georgia Institute of Technology's Online MS in Computer Science (OMSCS) — Artificial Intelligence is the cheapest online master's in artificial intelligence on our list, at about $8,950 in total tuition. Georgia Southern University ($9,855) and Eastern University ($9,900) are the next lowest. Published totals for all 10 programs in our top 10 fall between $8,950 and $13,755, with a median near $11,082.
10 Most Affordable Programs by Estimated Tuition
Rank
School
Location
Estimated tuition total
1
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA
$8,950
2
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA
$9,855
3
Eastern University
St. Davids, PA
$9,900
4
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX
$10,000
5
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY
$11,005
6
Belhaven University
Jackson, MS
$11,160
7
Columbus State University
Columbus, GA
$12,085
8
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville, GA
$12,300
9
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA
$13,490
10
Western Governors University
Millcreek, UT
$13,755
The table is for quick comparison. School write-ups below cover program name, format, and tuition—always confirm on the school site. More programs to compare appear after the write-ups when we have additional schools outside this top list.
How we ranked this list
This list is ordered by estimated program tuition only—lowest published total first. Programs without a clear published total are left off this cost ranking. All programs on this list have full scoring data. Read the full ranking methodology.
Tuition Snapshot
Among 10 programs on this page with an estimated tuition total, the median is about $11,160 and the mean is about $11,250. These are published list-price estimates—not what students usually pay after aid (net price). Confirm current rates on each school site.
Affordable Online AI Master's Programs: The Latest Data
This guide ranks 10 programs after scoring and keeping one listing per school. Use the tuition snapshot with curriculum fit and accreditation notes before you apply.
How To Choose an Affordable Online AI Master's
Use these criteria when you shortlist—then confirm details on each school’s program page.
Published total vs net price
Published totals on this page are not personalized net price—run each school’s aid calculator.
Credit load
A cheap per-credit rate with more credits can cost more overall.
Curriculum rigor
Lowest price still needs real ML coursework—read the core requirements.
Format
Confirm any campus visits, testing rules, and pacing before you enroll.
1
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA
Online MS in Computer Science (OMSCS) — Artificial Intelligence
Overview
Availability: Online
Estimated tuition total: $8,950
Credits: 30
Best for: Cost-conscious CS students seeking an AI specialization
Program summary
This is OMSCS with an AI/ML specialization—not a separately titled AI master’s—so compare specialization course lists against a dedicated AI M.S. before you apply. Published cost plus online delivery makes it practical for working adults comparing totals.
Best for: CS students specializing in AI/ML within an MSCS
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-CD)
Program summary
This is OMSCS with an AI/ML specialization—not a separately titled AI master’s—so compare specialization course lists against a dedicated AI M.S. before you apply. Published cost plus online delivery makes it practical for working adults comparing totals.
Best for: Practitioners who want applied AI over research-heavy CS
Program summary
Students looking at St. Davids will find Eastern University on this list. Positioned as an AI/ML program on paper; verify labs, final projects, and math required courses match the intensity you want. Published cost plus online delivery makes it practical for working adults comparing totals.
Best for: Learners seeking a dedicated AI master's
Program summary
Named as an AI or ML degree—use the course list to separate theory-heavy terms from tool-focused applied semesters. Published cost plus online delivery makes it practical for working adults comparing totals. Dedicated AI master's—not an add-on to another degree.
Confirm tuition and admissions on the school’s site before you apply.
Best for: Learners seeking a dedicated AI master's (Standalone AI degree)
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-CD)
Program summary
University of the Cumberlands sits in Williamsburg. Positioned as an AI/ML program on paper; verify labs, final projects, and math required courses match the intensity you want. Published cost plus online delivery makes it practical for working adults comparing totals. Dedicated AI master's—not an add-on to another degree.
Best for: Practitioners who want applied AI over research-heavy CS (Applied AI degree)
Program summary
Named as an AI or ML degree—use the course list to separate theory-heavy terms from tool-focused applied semesters. Published cost plus online delivery makes it practical for working adults comparing totals.
Online MS in Applied Computer Science — AI & Data Science
Overview
Availability: Online
Estimated tuition total: $12,085
Credits: 30
Best for: Data professionals adding an AI/ML concentration
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-CD)
Program summary
Columbus State University's program is the one profiled here. You’re in a CS degree that leans AI/ML—confirm how many required courses are explicitly AI versus general graduate CS. Published cost plus online delivery makes it practical for working adults comparing totals. AI/ML is a concentration on a data science or analytics master's—not a standalone AI degree.
Best for: Working adults comparing this online AI/ML path on cost and fit
Program summary
Students looking at Milledgeville will find Georgia College & State University on this list. Published cost plus online delivery makes it practical for working adults comparing totals.
Related at this school: MS in AI Strategy. Confirm tuition and admissions on the school’s site before you apply.
Best for: Learners seeking a dedicated AI master's (Kennesaw State University)
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-CD)
Program summary
Start with Kennesaw State University if this ranking angle matches your goals. Named as an AI or ML degree—use the course list to separate theory-heavy terms from tool-focused applied semesters. Published cost plus online delivery makes it practical for working adults comparing totals. Dedicated AI master's—not an add-on to another degree.
Online MS in Computer Science — AI and Machine Learning
Overview
Availability: Online
Estimated tuition total: $13,755
Credits: 30
Best for: Self-paced CS students specializing in AI/ML while working
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-CD)
Program summary
Students looking at Millcreek will find Western Governors University on this list. This is OMSCS with an AI/ML specialization—not a separately titled AI master’s—so compare specialization course lists against a dedicated AI M.S. before you apply. Published cost plus online delivery makes it practical for working adults comparing totals.
