by our College Data Analytics Team
[Artificial Intelligence](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-information-systems-cis/artificial-intelligence/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 7 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for artificial intelligence students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the artificial intelligence degrees they offer, see the list below.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus earned the #1 spot for value among artificial intelligence schools in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a large public school located in the city of University Park. In-state tuition and fees average $15,356. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,435 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Students looking for strong value in artificial intelligence will find it at Gannon University, which ranked #2. Gannon University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Erie. In-state tuition and fees average $40,656. Artificial Intelligence graduates carry a median of $26,934 in student loans. Soon after graduation, artificial intelligence degree recipients from Gannon University generally make around $73,658. Set against $26,934 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Gannon University admits about 74% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus earned it the #3 place for artificial intelligence. Set in the city of Pittsburgh, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. Typical student debt for artificial intelligence graduates is $27,000. Early-career artificial intelligence graduates make about $49,298. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes University Of Pennsylvania one of the best values for artificial intelligence. University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Philadelphia. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for artificial intelligence graduates is $15,000. Early-career artificial intelligence graduates make about $135,663. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in artificial intelligence will find it at Carnegie Mellon University, which ranked #5. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. Artificial Intelligence graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Artificial Intelligence graduates of Carnegie Mellon University earn a median of $138,781 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 12%.
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Pennsylvania State University Main Campus placed #6 among the best values for artificial intelligence. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of University Park. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,644, compared with $41,790 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. Pennsylvania State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.
This ranking is produced 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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.