Top 3 Cloud Computing Programs in Alabama 2025
University of South Alabama
51 cloud computing graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
Auburn University at Montgomery
116 cloud computing graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Columbia Southern University
53 cloud computing graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Alabama offers 13+ accredited cloud computing programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of South Alabama leads with 99% graduation rate
- 3.Alabama software developers earn median $98,520 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Huntsville, Birmingham, Mobile
- 5.Cost of living index: 89.3% of US average (below average)
Cloud Computing Education in Alabama: Overview
Alabama offers 13 accredited cloud computing programs, producing approximately 375 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Huntsville, Birmingham, Mobile, with major employers including NASA Marshall, Boeing, Lockheed Martin.
With a median software developer salary of $98,520 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 89.3% compared to the US average, Alabama offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top cloud computing programs in the state are led by University of South Alabama, Auburn University at Montgomery, Columbia Southern University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Alabama Cloud Computing Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | Public | $8,976 | 99% | 71.8 |
| 2 | Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,568 | — | 65.5 |
| 3 | Columbia Southern University | Orange Beach, AL | For-Profit | $5,528 | — | 62.7 |
| 4 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | Public | $8,832 | — | 59.8 |
| 5 | Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | Public | $10,290 | 62% | 46.8 |
| 6 | Strayer University-Alabama | Birmingham, AL | For-Profit | $13,725 | — | 46.8 |
| 7 | Athens State University | Athens, AL | Public | $7,530 | — | 46.3 |
| 8 | South University-Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | For-Profit | $15,732 | 65% | 45.4 |
| 9 | Miles College | Fairfield, AL | Private | $11,164 | — | 44 |
| 10 | Oakwood University | Huntsville, AL | Private | $20,722 | — | 40.4 |
| 11 | Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,328 | — | 40.2 |
| 12 | University of North Alabama | Florence, AL | Public | $10,200 | — | 37.1 |
| 13 | Herzing University-Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | Private | $12,360 | 42% | 30.9 |
Top 5 Cloud Computing Programs in Alabama: Side-by-Side
| School | U of South Alabama | Auburn University at... | Columbia Southern | U of Alabama at Birmingham | Jacksonville State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,976 | $8,568 | $5,528 | $8,832 | $10,290 |
| Graduation Rate | 99% | N/A% | N/A% | N/A% | 62% |
| Annual Graduates | 51 | 116 | 53 | 77 | 16 |
| Acceptance Rate | 65% | 93% | N/A | 88% | 76% |
| Type | Public | Public | For-Profit | Public | Public |
| Score | 71.8/100 | 65.5/100 | 62.7/100 | 59.8/100 | 46.8/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cloud Computing in Alabama
Alabama offers 12 bachelor's-level cloud computing programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of South Alabama, Columbia Southern University, Jacksonville State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $68,964 in the Alabama market.
A bachelor's in cloud computing typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Cloud Computing Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Cloud Computing Bachelor's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of South Alabama | $8,976 | 99% | 51 | 71.8 |
| #2 Columbia Southern | $5,528 | N/A% | 53 | 62.7 |
| #3 Jacksonville State | $10,290 | 62% | 16 | 46.8 |
Top Cloud Computing Schools for Master's Degrees in Alabama
For graduate study, Alabama offers 4 master's-level cloud computing programs. Leading institutions include Auburn University at Montgomery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, South University-Montgomery. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Alabama reaching $128,076 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best cloud computing master's programs for more options beyond Alabama.
Top 3 Cloud Computing Master's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Auburn University at... | $8,568 | N/A% | 116 | 65.5 |
| #2 U of Alabama at Birmingham | $8,832 | N/A% | 77 | 59.8 |
| #3 South University-Montgomery | $15,732 | 65% | 2 | 44.4 |
Most Affordable Cloud Computing Colleges in Alabama
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cloud computing programs in Alabama are at Columbia Southern University ($5,528/year), Athens State University ($7,530/year), Alabama State University ($8,328/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Alabama's competitive tech salaries.
At Columbia Southern University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $22,112 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $68,964, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years. See our Most Affordable Cloud Computing Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Cloud Computing Programs in Alabama (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Columbia Southern | $5,528 | $22,112 | 0.7 years | For-Profit |
| #2 Athens State | $7,530 | $30,120 | 0.9 years | Public |
| #3 Alabama State | $8,328 | $33,312 | 1 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Cloud Computing Schools in Alabama
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 cloud computing programs in Alabama, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,976 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 51 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 65%
- • Ranking Score: 71.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 51 cloud computing graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 71.8 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (51 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (65% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The AWS Cloud Practitioner certification course is offered online through the University of South Alabama Center for Continuing Education and includes a voucher for the certification exam, providing a pathway to industry-recognized AWS credentials.
Auburn University at Montgomery
Montgomery, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,568 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 116 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 93%
- • Ranking Score: 65.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 116 cloud computing graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 65.5 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (116 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (93% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Auburn is one of only ten universities in the nation designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education, Research, and Operations by the Department of Homeland Security and NSA. The MS-CYBE program can be completed entirely online and graduates receive the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity designation.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Program Details
- Capstone Project Required
Rankings & Recognition
- Top 50 Public University in the Nation U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- Top 10% of Research Institutions Higher Education Research and Development Survey
- Top 10 Best College Campuses Niche.com, 2025
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,528 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 53 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 62.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 53 cloud computing graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 62.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (53 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Columbia Southern University offers flexible online IT degree programs with courses covering current industry trends such as cloud computing and Internet of Things. The university provides accelerated bachelor to master's programs and offers specializations in high-demand areas like cybersecurity and homeland security.
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,832 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 77 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 59.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 77 cloud computing graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 59.8 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (77 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,290 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 62% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 16 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 76%
- • Ranking Score: 46.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 62% graduation rate
- 16 cloud computing graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 46.8 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (62%), program size (16 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Cloud Engineer
SOC 15-1252Cloud Engineer opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Cloud Architect
SOC 15-1299Cloud Architect opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Site Reliability Engineer
SOC 15-1244Site Reliability Engineer opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Cloud Security Engineer
SOC 15-1212Cloud Security Engineer opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Cloud Computing Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Huntsville, Birmingham, Mobile
- You're seeking lower cost of living (89.3% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like NASA Marshall or Boeing
- You prefer Alabama's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Alabama's 13)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Cloud Computing in Alabama FAQ
Based on 13 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cloud Computing degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Alabama-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Alabama salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.