Pennsylvania offers a strong mix of graduate programs in machine learning, artificial intelligence, applied AI, and analytics. The six programs below range from Carnegie Mellon’s highly technical campus MS in Machine Learning to fully online AI degrees from Drexel, York College, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Costs and delivery formats vary widely. York College has the lowest estimated tuition among these profiles at about $21,300, while Carnegie Mellon’s standard three-semester MSML is estimated at about $93,300 before fees.
Pennsylvania Machine Learning and AI Master’s Programs
| School | Degree / Focus | Format | Tuition | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrisburg University | MS in Information Systems Engineering & Management – AI for Business, 36 credits | Mostly Online | Est. $34,380 | 2 years |
| Carnegie Mellon University | MS in Machine Learning, 108+ CMU units | Campus | Est. $93,300 | About 16 months |
| Drexel University | MS in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, 45 quarter credits | Online or Campus | Est. $63,000 online | About 2 years |
| Penn State | Master of Artificial Intelligence, 30 credits | Hybrid | Est. $36,210 PA resident | 18 months full time |
| York College of Pennsylvania | MS in Analytics and Applied AI, 30 credits | Online | Est. $21,300 | 1 year full time |
| University of Pennsylvania | MSE in Artificial Intelligence, 10 course units | Online | Est. $40,270 incl. online fees | 16–40 months |
Tuition figures use the latest university pricing reviewed for each school profile. Estimated totals can change with fees, residency, course load, and future tuition increases.
Which Pennsylvania Program May Fit You Best?
For the deepest machine learning specialization: Carnegie Mellon University is the clearest choice. Its MS in Machine Learning centers on machine learning theory, statistics, optimization, deep learning, probabilistic modeling, and a practicum. The standard path takes about 16 months, with a separate 20-month Advanced Study option that includes a thesis.
For a dedicated online AI engineering degree: University of Pennsylvania offers a fully asynchronous MSE in Artificial Intelligence with required study in machine learning, deep learning, NLP, statistics, AI systems, and ethics. The program can be completed in 16 to 40 months.
For online or campus flexibility: Drexel University offers a direct MS in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning with applied and computational concentrations. Students can study fully online or on campus, and full-time campus students can pursue a graduate co-op.
For the lowest estimated tuition: York College of Pennsylvania costs about $21,300 before the graduation fee at current rates. Its fully asynchronous MS in Analytics and Applied AI can be completed in one year full time or two years part time.
For a professional hybrid AI program: Penn State Great Valley offers a 30-credit Master of Artificial Intelligence with deep learning, NLP, predictive analytics, machine vision, reinforcement learning, and a capstone. Students can finish in about 18 months full time or two years part time.
For applied AI in business and enterprise systems: Harrisburg University combines systems engineering, management, analytics, and AI. Its Artificial Intelligence for Business concentration covers machine learning, deep learning, generative AI, big data, and intelligent systems.
Online, Hybrid, and Campus Options
Students who need a fully online program can compare Drexel, York College, and the University of Pennsylvania. Harrisburg University is mostly online but requires periodic in-person weekend instruction. Penn State Great Valley uses a hybrid format. Carnegie Mellon’s MS in Machine Learning is campus-based in Pittsburgh.
Tuition Comparison
York College has the lowest estimated base tuition among these six programs at about $21,300. Harrisburg University is about $34,380 before program-specific fees. Penn State starts near $36,210 for Pennsylvania residents when estimated from its current part-time per-credit rate, while Penn’s online MSE-AI is about $40,270 including published online services fees.
Drexel’s estimated online tuition is about $63,000 for 45 quarter credits. Carnegie Mellon is the highest-cost option in this group at about $93,300 for three semesters at the current full-time MSML rate, before fees and future tuition increases.
How Strong Is the Machine Learning and AI Focus?
Carnegie Mellon, Drexel, Penn State, and the University of Pennsylvania offer degrees built directly around machine learning or artificial intelligence. York College combines applied AI with business analytics and big data. Harrisburg University has a broader systems and management curriculum, but its AI for Business concentration gives the program a clear machine learning and applied AI pathway.
Bottom Line
Pennsylvania gives students unusually broad choices across technical depth, delivery format, price, and program length. Carnegie Mellon stands out for specialized machine learning study, Penn and Drexel for direct online AI degrees, York College for lower cost and speed, Penn State for a hybrid professional format, and Harrisburg University for applied AI in enterprise systems. Review each school profile for current curriculum, admissions requirements, tuition details, and delivery format.