2026 Best Value Artificial Intelligence Schools in the Far Western Region
[Artificial Intelligence](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/artificial-intelligence/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong artificial intelligence education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 11 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value artificial intelligence schools.
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2026 Best Value Artificial Intelligence Schools in the Far Western Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in artificial intelligence, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Artificial Intelligence Schools
Our analysis ranked University Of Washington Seattle Campus the best value for a degree in artificial intelligence in the Far Western Region. Set in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,277 to complete the artificial intelligence program here. Soon after graduation, artificial intelligence degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $98,235. That is a strong return on a $16,277 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%.
A rank of #2 makes San Jose State University one of the best values for artificial intelligence. Set in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
University Of California Santa Cruz is a great value for students pursuing a degree in artificial intelligence, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public school located in the city of Santa Cruz. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,035, with out-of-state students paying around $46,923. Artificial Intelligence graduates carry a median of $18,559 in student loans. Artificial Intelligence graduates of University Of California Santa Cruz earn a median of $40,920 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 66%.
Students looking for strong value in artificial intelligence will find it at University Of San Diego, which ranked #4. Located in the city of San Diego, University Of San Diego is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $59,486. Typical student debt for artificial intelligence graduates is $23,795. Soon after graduation, artificial intelligence degree recipients from University Of San Diego generally make around $68,281. Set against $23,795 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Southern California is a great value for students pursuing a degree in artificial intelligence, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,647. Artificial Intelligence graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. Early-career artificial intelligence graduates make about $75,677. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 10%.
City University Of Seattle earned the #6 position for value in artificial intelligence this year. Set in the city of Seattle, City University Of Seattle is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,929. Artificial Intelligence graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. Artificial Intelligence graduates of City University Of Seattle earn a median of $76,698 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt.
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 11 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
