Western Colorado University

How this program compares

At an estimated $37.4K in total tuition, the BS in Applied Machine Learning sits roughly 57% below the $86.6K average for AI bachelor's programs in our database — placing it in the 21st percentile on cost among the 232 we track at this level.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: High school diploma or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 required; SAT/ACT scores optional but recommended for competitive applicants. Prerequisite coursework in mathematics (calculus, linear algebra) and introductory programming strongly preferred.

About This Program

This major provides a deep dive into data analytics and machine learning algorithms, focusing on high-growth areas like computer vision. Coursework concentrates on Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP). Most students complete it in about 4 years.

Estimated total tuition is $37.4K, below the $86.6K average for AI bachelor's programs in our database and in the 21st percentile on cost at this level. That makes it one of the more affordable options for students weighing return on investment.

Launch Machine Learning Engineer career in Cross-Industry AI with machine learning focus Graduates frequently move into roles such as Machine Learning Engineer, with reported salaries around $120,000.

Career Outcomes

Launch Machine Learning Engineer career in Cross-Industry AI with machine learning focus

• 1. Machine Learning Engineer
• 2. Data Scientist
• 3. AI Application Developer
• 4. ML Operations (MLOps) Specialist

What You'll Learn

• Build and evaluate supervised and unsupervised machine learning models for real-world data
• Apply deep learning techniques to image, text, and sequential data processing
• Perform data preprocessing, feature selection, and model optimization
• Deploy scalable ML models with ethical considerations for bias and fairness

Curriculum Highlights

The program requires a computer science core plus specialized courses in data analytics, machine learning, and neural network engineering.

Top Employers

Top employers include tech companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta, as well as startups and industries applying AI in healthcare, finance, and autonomous systems.

Admissions

High school diploma or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 required; SAT/ACT scores optional but recommended for competitive applicants. Prerequisite coursework in mathematics (calculus, linear algebra) and introductory programming strongly preferred.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2 optional
• Resume: Optional
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: High School Diploma
• GRE/GMAT: Not Required
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)