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.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 12 schools to find the best return on investment 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.
Colby College tops our 2027 list of the best value artificial intelligence schools in the New England Region. Located in the town of Waterville, Colby College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $69,600. Typical student debt for artificial intelligence graduates is $22,016. Early-career artificial intelligence graduates make about $46,772. Set against $22,016 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 7% of applicants are accepted.
Central Connecticut State University came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value artificial intelligence schools. Set in the suburb of New Britain, Central Connecticut State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,050, while out-of-state students pay about $16,550. Typical student debt for artificial intelligence graduates is $19,415. Artificial Intelligence graduates of Central Connecticut State University earn a median of $60,151 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,415 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%.
Harvard University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value artificial intelligence schools. Set in the city of Cambridge, Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete the artificial intelligence program here. Soon after graduation, artificial intelligence degree recipients from Harvard University generally make around $158,673. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in artificial intelligence will find it at Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,396. Typical student debt for artificial intelligence graduates is $13,516. Early-career artificial intelligence graduates make about $113,129. That is a strong return on a $13,516 median debt. Massachusetts Institute Of Technology admits about 4% of applicants.
University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value artificial intelligence schools. University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of North Dartmouth. In-state tuition and fees average $15,612, with out-of-state students paying around $32,567. Typical student debt for artificial intelligence graduates is $27,000. Artificial Intelligence graduates of University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth earn a median of $77,970 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Massachusetts Amherst earned the #6 position for value in artificial intelligence this year. Set in the city of Amherst, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. Artificial Intelligence graduates carry a median of $25,195 in student loans. Artificial Intelligence graduates of University Of Massachusetts Amherst earn a median of $53,666 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,195 median debt. University Of Massachusetts Amherst admits about 60% of applicants.
Boston University landed the #7 spot for artificial intelligence value this year. Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,102. Artificial Intelligence graduates carry a median of $25,232 in student loans. Artificial Intelligence graduates of Boston University earn a median of $63,598 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Boston University admits about 11% of applicants.
University Of Bridgeport placed #8 among the best values for artificial intelligence. Set in the city of Bridgeport, University Of Bridgeport is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,760. Typical student debt for artificial intelligence graduates is $28,601. Artificial Intelligence graduates of University Of Bridgeport earn a median of $56,368 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Bridgeport admits about 83% of applicants.
Northeastern University earned the #9 position for value in artificial intelligence this year. Located in the city of Boston, Northeastern University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,162. Students borrow a median of $23,001 to complete the artificial intelligence program here. Soon after graduation, artificial intelligence degree recipients from Northeastern University generally make around $117,357. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted.
Brandeis University ranked #10 on our 2027 list of the best value artificial intelligence schools. Located in the city of Waltham, Brandeis University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $68,080 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for artificial intelligence graduates is $25,653. Artificial Intelligence graduates of Brandeis University earn a median of $47,783 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted.
Bentley University landed the #11 spot for artificial intelligence value this year. Set in the city of Waltham, Bentley University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,000. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the artificial intelligence program here. Early-career artificial intelligence graduates make about $76,742. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute landed the #12 spot for artificial intelligence value this year. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Worcester. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $60,765. Artificial Intelligence graduates carry a median of $26,259 in student loans. Early-career artificial intelligence graduates make about $91,834. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. Worcester Polytechnic Institute admits about 60% of applicants.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 12 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.