Machine Learning Courses in USA: Top Universities & Programs

Machine learning courses in USA prepare you for one of the most advanced and high-paying tech careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 20,800 openings are projected annually for data scientists between 2023 and 2033. These courses focus on algorithms, statistical models, deep learning, and real-time data applications to equip you for roles in research, product development, and analytics.

If you plan to study in the USA, this guide will help you identify the best universities & colleges in the USA for machine learning. You'll explore program durations, costs, eligibility, scholarships, and job prospects, everything you need to make an informed decision.

Machine Learning Courses in USA: Overview

Machine learning courses in USA are structured to match different academic levels and career goals. A bachelor’s degree typically takes 3 years, while a master’s program usually spans 1 to 2 years. Most universities offer multiple intakes, including Fall, Spring, and Winter, giving you flexibility in when to start. 

The table below highlights the key details about duration, intakes, costs, eligibility, and career scope for machine learning programs in the U.S.

Now that you’ve seen the structure and scope of these programs, it’s important to understand what makes the U.S. a strong destination for studying machine learning.

Why Study Machine Learning Courses in the USA?

Machine learning courses in USA give you access to advanced labs, billion-dollar research grants, and real-world applications. 

Over 223 AI-enabled medical devices were approved by the FDA, showing fast industry adoption. The U.S. blends academic depth with practical reach.

Explore the following points to understand how the U.S. stands out in ML education and innovation.

• Job growth for related roles (computer and information research scientists) is projected at 26% between 2023–2033, versus 4% across all occupations 
• U.S. government agencies invested $1.5 billion in university-based AI and ML research, excluding defense funding.
• The National Science Foundation awarded $140 million to establish seven AI research institutes driven by universities.
• U.S. labs led 51 major ML model releases, with 21 more developed jointly with academic teams.
• The FDA approved 223 AI-powered medical devices recently, up from only six in 2015.
• Waymo completed over 150,000 autonomous rides each week, reflecting large-scale ML deployment in mobility.

Now that you see the scale and support for ML in the U.S., it’s time to look at where you can study it.

Top Universities For Studying Machine Learning Courses in USA

Machine learning demands precision, and top U.S. universities deliver it through specialized programs. You’ll find tuition fees ranging from $1,600 (INR 1.37L) per credit to over $60,000 (INR 51.8L) per year, with most courses lasting 15 to 20 months. 

Schools like Carnegie Mellon, UC Berkeley, and Michigan offer programs with deep ML concentrations that align with current industry needs.

The following table breaks down the top universities, their programs, fees, and timelines so you can plan ahead.

Some universities stand out because of their strong curriculum, flexibility, and tech-driven focus. Let’s explore the most popular picks among international students like you.

Popular Universities Offering Machine Learning Courses in USA

Many reputable universities across the U.S. offer well-structured machine learning courses with strong industry alignment. 

From Columbia’s 18-month Data Science program to UC San Diego’s one-year ML degree, you have options that match different timelines and budgets. Tuition varies from $1,140 (INR 97.7K) per credit to over $70,000 (INR 60L)for full programs.

The table below outlines tuition, duration, and deadlines to help you make a well-informed decision.

Now that you know where to apply, it’s time to check what makes you eligible.

Eligibility Criteria for Machine Learning Courses in USA

Admission to machine learning courses in USA is selective but accessible. Most universities require a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA, regardless of your academic background. 

English proficiency and standardized test scores also carry weight, especially for international applicants aiming for competitive schools.

The table below outlines the typical eligibility criteria you must meet before applying to machine learning courses in USA.

Once you meet the eligibility benchmarks, the next step is putting your application together correctly.

Application Process for Machine Learning Courses in USA

Applying to machine learning courses in the USA involves several key steps, from registering your application to preparing for your visa. Staying organized and meeting all deadlines is essential for a successful submission.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for a bachelor’s or master’s in machine learning in the USA:

• Step 1: Create an Application Account: Register on the university’s graduate admissions portal or Common App (if accepted). This account lets you monitor your entire application.
• Step 2: Complete the Online Form: Enter your personal, academic, and program-specific details. Make sure you select the correct machine learning specialization and delivery mode.
• Step 3: Pay the Application Fee: Most programs charge a non-refundable fee of $60 to $100 (INR 5K to 8.6K). Check for available fee waivers.
• Step 4: Upload Academic Transcripts: Submit transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. Unofficial copies are accepted initially, but official versions are required upon admission.
• Step 5: Submit GRE Scores (If Required): Many top programs either waive the GRE or make it optional. However, a GRE score above 300 can help your profile in competitive admissions.
• Step 6: Provide English Proficiency Scores: International students must submit TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE scores. Minimum requirements vary by university.
• Step 7: Upload Statement of Purpose (SOP): Write a 500–1,000 word SOP outlining your interest in machine learning, academic background, and reasons for applying to the specific program.
• Step 8: Submit Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Upload 2–3 LORs from academic instructors, research supervisors, or professionals who can assess your technical and analytical skills.
• Step 9: Upload Resume or CV: Include academic qualifications, internships, coding experience, research, and machine learning projects. Make it specific to the course’s requirements.
• Step 10: Provide Additional Documents (If Needed): Some universities may request coding samples, research papers, or technical portfolios. Review the specific course page for these instructions.
• Step 11: Submit the Application: Review all inputs carefully and ensure documents are correctly uploaded. Submit before the program’s priority or final deadline.
• Step 12: Track Admission and Prepare for Visa: If admitted, obtain your I-20 form and schedule your F-1 visa interview with valid financial and academic proof.

Now that you have the know-how of the admission process, it’s time to check what you'll be learning in an ML course in the USA. 

Curriculum Details for Machine Learning Courses in USA

Machine learning courses in USA combine theory with hands-on experience to build strong technical skills. Most programs offer specializations in areas like computer vision, NLP, or healthcare ML. You’ll also work on real-world projects and research that prepare you for industry or academic careers.

The table below breaks down core topics and specializations you’ll encounter in machine learning courses in USA.

With a solid understanding of the curriculum, it's time to look at how much it costs to study these programs in the U.S.

Cost of Pursuing Machine Learning Courses in the USA

When you plan your education abroad, you must consider both academic and personal expenses. The cost of studying in the USA includes tuition and fees, while the cost of living in the USA adds housing, food, transport, and health insurance. 

Most ML students spend between $20,000 and $35,000 (INR 17.2L to 30.1L) annually on tuition alone, with living expenses adding significantly more.

The table below breaks down the average annual cost of studying and living in the USA while enrolled in a machine learning program.

Note: INR Conversions are approximate and are subject to change. 

Since costs can stack up quickly, it’s smart to explore funding options that reduce your financial burden.

Machine Learning Courses in USA: Scholarships for Students

Scholarships make machine learning courses in USA more accessible, especially when tuition ranges between INR 17.2L and 30.1L annually. At Brown University, teaching assistantships offer INR 2.1L per semester, while the OAS Scholarship covers tuition, study-related expenses, and short-term training grants. 

Let’s explore the internal scholarships provided directly by universities offering machine learning programs.

Internal Scholarship

Top U.S. universities offer internal scholarships that significantly cut down the cost of studying in the USA. For instance, Penn State’s AMP Scholars Program offers $10,000 (INR 8.6L), while Johns Hopkins provides up to $34,000 INR 29.5L) through its NSF CyberCorps SFS initiative. Florida Tech even grants full tuition coverage to high-achieving students.

The table below lists internal fully-funded scholarships, their eligibility, and what benefits you can expect as a machine learning student.

To expand your options even further, you should also look into scholarships offered by external organizations.

External Scholarships

Several nonprofit and international organizations offer funding opportunities for students pursuing machine learning courses in USA. The Fulbright scholarship covers full tuition and living costs, while the MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship awards up to INR 4.3L. 

The table below outlines trusted external scholarships, eligibility, and financial coverage for machine learning students in the U.S.

Now that you’ve seen ways to fund your education, it’s time to explore where these qualifications can take your career.

Job Opportunities After Machine Learning Courses in USA

Machine learning opens doors to some of the highest-paying jobs in the world. U.S. companies actively hire skilled graduates for roles in AI, data science, and product development. 

ML engineers in the U.S. earn around $155K (INR 1.33 Cr) annually, while AI engineers can make up to $184K (INR 1.58 Cr) per year. These roles are in high demand across sectors like tech, healthcare, finance, and logistics.

The table below shows top job roles and their average annual salaries after machine learning courses in USA. 

Source: Glassdoor

Note: INR Conversions are approximate and are subject to change. 

Once you understand the job scenario, the next step is knowing which companies are actually hiring machine learning graduates.

Top Recruiters for ML Courses Graduates in USA

Graduates from machine learning courses in USA are hired by leading tech companies offering high six-figure salaries. International internships during your studies often lead to full-time roles. 

For instance, Apple pays ML engineers up to $285K(INR 2.44CR) annually, while Google offers AI engineering roles at $232K(INR 1.99CR). These jobs are not only well-paid but also central to AI product development and deployment.

Here’s a breakdown of top recruiters, their job titles, and salary expectations for ML graduates in the U.S.

Source: Glassdoor

Note: INR Conversions are approximate and are subject to change. 

Now that you’ve seen where a machine learning degree can take you, it’s time to understand how you can begin your journey with the right guidance.

How upGrad Can Help You Study Machine Learning Courses in USA?

Getting into machine learning courses in USA takes more than just strong grades. You need to prepare for competitive exams, shortlist the right programs, plan your finances, and secure a student visa. For many international students, these steps can be overwhelming without the right support.

upGrad simplifies your admission with end-to-end support for program selection, SOP reviews, visa filing, and scholarships. You also get career counseling, test prep, and guidance on international internships to boost job outcomes.

Want to study machine learning in the USA without confusion or delays? Book a 1:1 session with upGrad experts and apply with confidence to top universities today.