Masters in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the USA: Top Colleges & Cost for 2024 Admissions

According to Forbes 2024, AI is expected to contribute a 21% net increase to the US GDP by 2030, resulting in the country’s growing need to add skilled professionals to its lucrative business market. The need for a well-equipped workforce has already resulted in the springing of innovative and reputed AI programs at both UG and PG levels.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that the US leads the 2024 QS rankings in Computer Science and AI with 26 universities featured in the list. 

For more information, let’s keep reading to find out the best US colleges for AI and how much it will cost to study there!

Highlights of MS in Artificial Intelligence Program 

Aspects	Details
Program Type	Postgraduate Degree
Program Duration	1-2 years or 3-4 semesters
Tuition Fee Range	$30,000-$60,000
Eligibility Criteria	Undergraduate degree in a related STEM field with SOP and LORs  1-2 years of work experience.
English Proficiency Requirement	TOEFL 80+ or IELTS 7.0 along with GRE 320
GPA	3.0 OR Higher
Average Starting Salary	$1,00,000-$1,55,000
Top Employers	Adobe, Google, Intel Corporation, Facebook, Apple, Amazon, and IBM.

Why Pursue Master’s in AI in USA

MS in Artificial Intelligence in the USA is a highly popular study abroad option. Here are some reasons for choosing the USA for MS in AI:

• Reputation of US universities in AI research and education

US universities are renowned for providing excellent education with integrated curricula. Their programs are designed to ensure students learn, comprehend, and master AI technologies and workflows. Students also have the opportunity to participate in research-based activities led by experienced faculty members specializing in various AI systems.

• Access to cutting-edge resources and facilities

Universities offering master’s programs in artificial intelligence in the USA boast highly experienced and knowledgeable faculty members. Additionally, some universities have AI experts on board to teach classes, providing students with access to leading-edge resources and facilities.

• Opportunities for networking and collaboration with industry leaders

Most MS in AI programs in the USA require students to complete internships or capstone projects as part of their curriculum. This exposure helps students connect and collaborate with industry experts, expanding their professional network nationwide.

• Employment prospects and career advancement in the US job market

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, AI is expected to grow 13% over the next ten years. Moreover, 54% of respondents in a survey reported a shortage of skilled AI experts, indicating significant growth potential and abundant opportunities in the US market.

Which are the Top Universities for MS in Artificial Intelligence in USA

Listed below are the 10 best universities for MS in Artificial Intelligence in USA:

University	Course	QS Subject Ranking 2024	Tuition Costs
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Professional Certificate in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence	1	Different fees for different courses in this program.
Carnegie Mellon University	MS in Artificial Intelligence	2	$27,900
Harvard University	Competing in the Age of AI - Virtual	5	$7,000
University of Washington	CSE573: Artificial Intelligence	12	$950 per credit
Georgia Institute of Technology	Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning	13	$1215/hr for 1-11 credit hrs $14570 for 12 credit hrs or more
University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign	CS440 - Artificial Intelligence	14	$37,524
Princeton University	Master of Science in Engineering	15	$62,400
Cornell University	Computer Science M.S.	16	$29,500
New York University	Computer Science, M.S	17	$42,030
University of Pennsylvania	MSE - AI Online	20	$3,500 per course unit

MS in Artificial Intelligence: Course Curriculum in USA

The curriculum components for the Graduate Program in AI in the USA generally include courses such as Law of Computer Technology, AI Engineering, AI Innovation,  Artificial Intelligence and Future Markets,  Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Coding Bootcamp, Multi-Robot Systems, and others, depending on the university. 

The electives may comprise Practical Data Science, Medical Image Analysis, Conversational Machine Learning, Search Engines, and Software Engineering for startups.

MS in Artificial Intelligence in USA – Admission Process

Here is a complete guide on how to follow the admission process for an MS in AI in the USA. While the process is university-specific, below are the general steps to follow: Step 1: Check for the best universities in the USA to pursue MS in Artificial Intelligence.

Step 2: Refer to the authentic university websites for all the details and information regarding the program, its eligibility criteria, and admission requirements.

Step 3: Be ready with all the required documents, such as LORs, scorecards, work experience letter, resume, transcripts, etc. Also, get scanned copies of all these required documents.

Step 4: Pay the application fee by filling up your desired university application form.

Step 5: Complete all the required procedures, including the interview.

Step 6: You will get a conditional letter that will help you to proceed further.

Step 7: Pay the depository fee at your desired university and book an admission seat for yourself.  

Admission Cycle and Deadlines: MS in Artificial Intelligence in US

Most top US universities offer admission to the course in the Fall semester. Classes usually start in September every year. The priority deadline for application submission is mid-December, and the final deadline falls somewhere in the middle of March. 

The application deadline for the Spring semester falls around 15 November, and the session generally starts in January.

Eligibility for Masters in Artificial Intelligence in USA

• At least GPA 2.5-3.6, depending on the university. 
• TOEFL iBT score of 60-100, depending on the institution. 
• IELTS score of 6.0-7.0. 
• Undergraduate course with at least 50%. 

MS in AI in USA - Admission Requirements

• A GPA range of 2.5-3.6 is required, depending on the university.
• GRE score is required by most universities, but some programs might accept alternatively like the GMAT. Minimum score requirements vary by university.
• TOEFL and IELTS scores are mandatory for international students. The required score depends on the university.
• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts from each university attended, regardless of degree received.
• Resume: Submit a current resume.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): Discuss reasons for choosing the MS in AI program and your intended career path.
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR): Strong recommendations from professors or employers are required. 
• Video: 2-3 minute video introducing yourself and explaining your interest in the MS in AI program. This is a required component of the application.

Read More: Post study work permit visa in USA

Complete Cost of Studying Masters in Artificial Intelligence in USA

• Pre-arrival cost - The pre-arrival cost in the US includes the visa fee, flight tickets, and health insurance, if applicable. Here is an estimate on the same:
  • US Visa Fee - $185
  • Flight Ticket Cost - starts $596 (one-side)
  • Health Insurance - starts $28 a month
  • Total Pre-Arrival Cost - $809
• Living cost - The living cost of a student will depend on the location, type of accommodation, and personal expenses. Generally, a single person spends $1,169 monthly without rent, and the average one-bedroom rent in the US is $1,764.83. Therefore, a student can pay approximately $35,309 annually for living costs while studying for a Master's in artificial intelligence in USA.

Job Opportunities After MS in Artificial Intelligence

Listed below are the different job opportunities for a student who completed Masters in AI USA:

Job Title	Average Annual Pay (Glassdoor 2024)
Data Scientist	$1,55,349
Research Scientist	$1,07,590
AI Interaction Designer	$1,16,101
Artificial Intelligence Specialist	$1,05,920
Machine Learning Engineer	$1,65,621
Machine Learning Researcher	$1,83,296

Read More: Salary after MS in USA

Return on Investment

Students after completing this course can expect to get a job in different sectors and industries as AI is implemented across markets. Let’s see the ROI for different universities offering this course:

Name of the University	Tuition Fees	Average Annual Salary
Carnegie Mellon University	$27,900	$136,933*
New York University	$42,030	$110,116*
University of Washington	$950 per credit	$135,850*
Georgia Institute of Technology	$1215/hr for 1-11 credit hrs $14570 for 12 credit hrs or more	$73,936*
University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign	$37,524	$109,176**

*For 2024 data

**For 2022 data

Read More: Part time Jobs in USA

Scholarships for MS in Artificial Intelligence in USA

Here are some of the top scholarships available for aspirants: 

Scholarship	Criteria	Amount
PEO International Peace Scholarship For Women	International women applicants enrolled in graduate courses in Canada or US.	USD 12,500 (at max)
QS WM Academic Excellence Scholarship	This scholarship is awarded to students possessing academic excellence to promote innovation.	USD 10,000
Inlaks Scholarship	An Indian applicant with a bachelor’s degree (first-class) is applying for a doctorate or master’s in the US.	Up to USD100,000
National Overseas Scholarship Scheme	Indian applicant from SC/ST background with at least 55% in bachelor’s course and family income that is lower than ₹6 lakhs per year. Applicants should be less than 35 years.	USD15,400

USA – Reasons for Studying

There are many reasons for pursuing MS in artificial intelligence in the USA. Here are a few: 

• The US is home to top universities offering Artificial Intelligence (AI) courses. Five out of the top 10 universities on the QS World Rankings by Subject 2022 are in the country. They include MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon University, University of California–Berkeley, and Harvard University. 
• The USA is known for its expertise and global prowess in the world of AI. The country has the highest number of start-ups in space, with superior computer chips and other infrastructure for AI-based systems, many published papers, and numerous research and innovation opportunities. 
• Studying MS in Artificial Intelligence in the US for Indian students is a great move, leading to excellent career prospects. There is a gap in the supply of qualified AI engineers owing to skyrocketing demand and rising salaries. Thus, increasing the need for more workforce. 
• The US has a flourishing knowledge economy with rapidly decreasing unemployment, meaning access to more business and career opportunities in the domain.

Read More: Requirements for studying in USA

Popular Masters Programs in Abroad
MS in Data Science in Germany	MIM in Germany
MBA in Germany	MS in Computer Science in Germany
MS in Data Analytics in USA	Masters in Business Studies in Ireland
MS in Data Analytics in Ireland

Jobs for AI Engineers in USA

The chief reason why aspirants decide to study in USA is the flourishing job opportunities in the field. There are several AI engineer jobs in the USA, and the sector is already witnessing demand from tech companies and various other industries. The USA is one of the biggest global AI hubs with a massive supply gap for skilled graduates in the discipline. 

Demand has grown for algorithm specialists, research and engineering scientists, consultants, computer scientists, software developers, software analysts, robotics engineers, and aviation engineers. Other positions include information technology directors, chief technology officers, and machine learning engineers. Annual salaries hover between $91,000-179,000. 

Fantastic Journey Awaits AI Graduates

With artificial intelligence already growing its spheres of influence, experts estimate that multiple opportunities will arise by 2025 in fields like logistics, data science, healthcare, transportation, housing, and many emerging sectors. The information technology and robotics fields will also keep witnessing steady growth over the next few years. The USA’s growing influence in AI and the plethora of research and professional options make it an ideal destination for international students. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, pursuing a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the USA in 2024 is a strategic investment in a future at the forefront of technological innovation. Top colleges offer rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, industry connections, and opportunities for practical application. While costs are high, scholarships, and financial aid are available.