by our College Data Analytics Team
[Artificial Intelligence](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/artificial-intelligence/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 6 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for artificial intelligence students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in artificial intelligence, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked San Jose State University the best value for a degree in artificial intelligence in California. Set in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes University Of California Santa Cruz one of the best values for artificial intelligence. Set in the city of Santa Cruz, University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for artificial intelligence graduates is $18,559. Early-career artificial intelligence graduates make about $40,920. That is a strong return on a $18,559 median debt. University Of California Santa Cruz admits about 66% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes University Of San Diego one of the best values for artificial intelligence. University Of San Diego is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Diego. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $59,486. Artificial Intelligence graduates carry a median of $23,795 in student loans. Early-career artificial intelligence graduates make about $68,281. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 52%.
University Of Southern California is a great value for students pursuing a degree in artificial intelligence, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,647. Artificial Intelligence graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. Soon after graduation, artificial intelligence degree recipients from University Of Southern California generally make around $75,677. That is a strong return on a $15,625 median debt. The acceptance rate is 10%.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.