50 AI and machine learning programs at 22 schools in Iowa.
Updated
The strongest AI programs in Iowa on this list are led by Iowa State University, Drake University, and Maharishi International University. Schools are ordered using our ranking for Iowa, drawn from 50 programs at 22 schools.
Best AI programs in Iowa
Rank
School
Location
1
Iowa State University
Ames, IA
2
Drake University
Des Moines, IA
3
Maharishi International University
Fairfield, IA
4
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
5
Grinnell College
Grinnell, IA
6
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA
7
Simpson College
Indianola, IA
8
Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, IA
9
Coe College
Cedar Rapids, IA
10
Dordt University
Sioux Center, IA
11
Northwestern College
Orange City, IA
12
Upper Iowa University
Fayette, IA
13
Central College
Pella, IA
14
Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, IA
15
Clarke University
Dubuque, IA
16
Luther College
Decorah, IA
17
Emmaus Bible College
Dubuque, IA
18
Grand View University
Des Moines, IA
19
Loras College
Dubuque, IA
20
Mount Mercy University
Cedar Rapids, IA
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 84% of programs on this list have full scoring data. Read the full ranking methodology.
Top schools in Iowa
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
Iowa State University
Ames, IA
BS in Computer Science — Artificial Intelligence
Overview
Availability: Varies
Estimated tuition total: Confirm on school site
Credits: 120
Best for: CS students specializing in AI/ML within a bachelor's
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.
Best for: Students comparing this specialty on cost and delivery
Program summary
Drake University is based in Des Moines. Positioned as an AI/ML program on paper; verify labs, final projects, and math required courses match the intensity you want.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Graduate Certificate
Overview
Availability: Online
Estimated tuition total: Confirm on school site
Credits: 45
Best for: Working adults comparing this online AI/ML path on cost and fit
Program summary
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. Delivery is fully online—confirm live vs recorded sessions and any intensives.
Best for: Students comparing this specialty on cost and delivery (University of Northern Iowa)
Program summary
University of Northern Iowa sits in Cedar Falls. It’s built as a dedicated undergraduate AI major—confirm direct-admit rules and whether students can transfer in after a general first year.
Best for: Students comparing this specialty on cost and delivery (Simpson College)
Program summary
Students looking at Indianola will find Simpson College on this list. Most of the work is on campus—labs and cohort access are part of the draw. This is a broader degree, not a standalone AI program.
Bachelor's in Data Science / Artificial Intelligence
Overview
Availability: On campus
Estimated tuition total: Confirm on school site
Credits: Confirm on school site
Best for: Data professionals adding an AI/ML concentration
Program summary
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.
Bachelor's in Data Science / Artificial Intelligence
Overview
Availability: On campus
Estimated tuition total: Confirm on school site
Credits: Confirm on school site
Best for: Data professionals adding an AI/ML concentration (Coe College)
Program summary
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.
Bachelor's in Data Science / Artificial Intelligence
Overview
Availability: On campus
Estimated tuition total: Confirm on school site
Credits: Confirm on school site
Best for: Data professionals adding an AI/ML concentration (Dordt University)
Program summary
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.
On this state ranking, Iowa State University, Drake University, and Maharishi International University appear near the top. We list 22 schools offering AI programs in Iowa. Confirm format and admissions on each school site.
How many AI programs are in Iowa?
About 50 AI programs at 22 schools show up for Iowa 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 84% 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.
