Best AI Degree Programs in Illinois: 2026 Rankings
162 AI and machine learning programs at 25 schools in Illinois.
Updated
The strongest AI programs in Illinois on this list are led by University of Illinois at Chicago, Northwestern University, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Schools are ordered using our ranking for Illinois, drawn from 162 programs at 25 schools.
Best AI programs in Illinois
Rank
School
Location
1
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, IL
2
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
3
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
4
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL
5
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, IL
6
Illinois State University
Normal, IL
7
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL
8
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
9
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL
10
Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL
11
DePaul University
Chicago, IL
12
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL
13
Bradley University
Peoria, IL
14
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL
15
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL
16
University of Illinois Springfield
Springfield, IL
17
Aurora University
Aurora, IL
18
Benedictine University
Lisle, IL
19
Illinois Central College
East Peoria, IL
20
Knox College
Galesburg, IL
School names are plain text in the table. Profiles and write-ups are below when available.
How we ranked this list
We order schools on this page using our ranking method, with more weight on affordability (30%), student outcomes (25%), curriculum (25%). Figures draw from published school tuition and U.S. Department of Education outcomes data when available. Schools cannot pay for a higher rank. About 92% of programs on this list have full scoring data. Read the full ranking methodology.
Top schools in Illinois
Each school lists a quick overview (program, estimated cost, format) plus a short program summary with links to official school pages and related program paths. Tuition figures are published estimates—confirm current totals on the school’s program page before you apply.
1
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, IL
Online Master of Engineering (MEng) — AI and Machine Learning
Overview
Availability: Online
Estimated tuition total: $32,000 (~$889/credit)
Credits: 36
Best for: ML-focused engineers who want applied AI coursework
Program summary
Named as an AI or ML degree—use the course list to separate theory-heavy terms from tool-focused applied semesters. Delivery is fully online—confirm live vs recorded sessions and any intensives. Plan on roughly 1-2 years.
Best for: Learners seeking a dedicated AI master's
Program summary
Students looking at Evanston will find Northwestern University on this list. The title reads AI/ML-first; still open the curriculum map to see how much is core AI versus borrowed CS, stats, or engineering electives. Dedicated AI master's—not an add-on to another degree.
Online Master of Computer Science (MCS) — Artificial Intelligence
Overview
Availability: Online
Estimated tuition total: Confirm on school site
Credits: 32
Best for: CS students specializing in AI/ML within an MSCS
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-CD, CAE-R)
Program summary
This is a CS master’s with an AI/ML lane—compare specialization coursework against a dedicated AI M.S. if you want the diploma title to say artificial intelligence. Delivery is fully online—confirm live vs recorded sessions and any intensives. Plan on roughly 1-5 years.
Best for: Learners seeking a dedicated AI master's (Northern Illinois University)
Program summary
Northern Illinois University is based in Dekalb. Positioned as an AI/ML program on paper; verify labs, final projects, and math required courses match the intensity you want. Delivery is fully online—confirm live vs recorded sessions and any intensives.
Best for: Students comparing this specialty on cost and delivery
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-CD)
Program summary
Students looking at Chicago will find Illinois Institute of Technology on this list. It’s built as a dedicated undergraduate AI major—confirm direct-admit rules and whether students can transfer in after a general first year.
Bachelor's in Data Science / Artificial Intelligence
Overview
Availability: On campus
Estimated tuition total: Confirm on school site
Credits: 120
Best for: Data professionals adding an AI/ML concentration
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-CD)
Program summary
Start with Loyola University Chicago if this ranking angle matches your goals. It’s built as a dedicated undergraduate AI major—confirm direct-admit rules and whether students can transfer in after a general first year. Most of the work is on campus—labs and cohort access are part of the draw. AI/ML is a concentration on a data science or analytics bachelor's—not a standalone AI degree.
BS or BA in Computer Science — Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Track
Overview
Availability: Varies
Estimated tuition total: Confirm on school site
Credits: Confirm on school site
Best for: CS students specializing in AI/ML within a bachelor's
Program summary
Expect the parent degree’s core plus an AI-focused set of electives—confirm how many credits must be AI-labeled before you treat it as an AI credential. AI is a CS concentration—not a standalone AI bachelor's.
MS in Computer Science — Artificial Intelligence Emphasis
Overview
Availability: Varies
Estimated tuition total: Confirm on school site
Credits: Confirm on school site
Best for: CS students specializing in AI/ML within an MSCS (Western Illinois University)
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-CD)
Program summary
Expect the parent degree’s core plus an AI-focused set of electives—confirm how many credits must be AI-labeled before you treat it as an AI credential.
Home unit: School of Computer Sciences. Details: program page.
On this state ranking, University of Illinois at Chicago, Northwestern University, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign appear near the top. We list 25 schools offering AI programs in Illinois. Confirm format and admissions on each school site.
How many AI programs are in Illinois?
About 162 AI programs at 25 schools show up for Illinois on this list. Confirm current offerings on each school site.
Online or campus?
Both can appear on state lists. Check each program’s delivery format and any required campus visits.
How does AIDegrees rank these programs?
We order schools on this page using our ranking method, with more weight on affordability (30%), student outcomes (25%), curriculum (25%). Figures draw from published school tuition and U.S. Department of Education outcomes data when available. Schools cannot pay for a higher rank. About 92% of programs on this list have full scoring data. See the full ranking methodology for weights and data sources.
State list or overall ranking?
Use both—state lists help with in-state tuition and local networks; overall lists compare research strength and online options.
