Top 3 Computer Engineering Programs in Alabama 2025
Auburn University
225 computer engineering graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
University of South Alabama
91 computer engineering graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
The University of Alabama
83 computer engineering graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
- 1.Alabama offers 12+ accredited computer engineering programs across public and private universities
- 2.Auburn University leads with 81% 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)
Computer Engineering Education in Alabama: Overview
Alabama offers 12 accredited computer engineering programs, producing approximately 760 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 computer engineering programs in the state are led by Auburn University, University of South Alabama, The University of Alabama, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Alabama Computer Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Auburn University | Auburn, AL | Public | $10,704 | 81% | 82.6 |
| 2 | University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | Public | $8,976 | 99% | 70.8 |
| 3 | The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | Public | $11,100 | 90% | 65.2 |
| 4 | Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,568 | — | 59.5 |
| 5 | University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | Public | $10,120 | — | 58.9 |
| 6 | Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | Private | $19,594 | 87% | 57.2 |
| 7 | University of Montevallo | Montevallo, AL | Public | $12,090 | 97% | 49.2 |
| 8 | Alabama A & M University | Normal, AL | Public | $8,610 | 65% | 47.5 |
| 9 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | Public | $8,832 | — | 42.6 |
| 10 | University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | Private | $24,580 | 79% | 41.9 |
| 11 | Oakwood University | Huntsville, AL | Private | $20,722 | — | 41.5 |
| 12 | Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,328 | — | 34.2 |
Top 5 Computer Engineering Programs in Alabama: Side-by-Side
| School | Auburn | U of South Alabama | University of Alabama | Auburn University at... | U of Alabama in Huntsville |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $10,704 | $8,976 | $11,100 | $8,568 | $10,120 |
| Graduation Rate | 81% | 99% | 90% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 225 | 91 | 83 | 157 | 114 |
| Acceptance Rate | 50% | 65% | 76% | 93% | 74% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 82.6/100 | 70.8/100 | 65.2/100 | 59.5/100 | 58.9/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Engineering in Alabama
Alabama offers 12 bachelor's-level computer engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Auburn University, University of South Alabama, The University of Alabama. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $68,964 in the Alabama market.
A bachelor's in computer engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Auburn | $10,704 | 81% | 225 | 82.6 |
| #2 U of South Alabama | $8,976 | 99% | 91 | 70.8 |
| #3 University of Alabama | $11,100 | 90% | 83 | 65.2 |
Top Computer Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Alabama
For graduate study, Alabama offers 6 master's-level computer engineering programs. Leading institutions include Auburn University, Auburn University at Montgomery, University of South Alabama. 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 computer engineering master's programs for more options beyond Alabama.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Master's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Auburn | $10,704 | 81% | 56 | 67.8 |
| #2 Auburn University at... | $8,568 | N/A% | 157 | 59.5 |
| #3 U of South Alabama | $8,976 | 99% | 5 | 51.4 |
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Colleges in Alabama
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer engineering programs in Alabama are at Alabama State University ($8,328/year), Auburn University at Montgomery ($8,568/year), Alabama A & M University ($8,610/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Alabama's competitive tech salaries.
At Alabama State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $33,312 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $68,964, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in Alabama (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Alabama State | $8,328 | $33,312 | 1 years | Public |
| #2 Auburn University at... | $8,568 | $34,272 | 1 years | Public |
| #3 Alabama A & M | $8,610 | $34,440 | 1 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Engineering Schools in Alabama
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer engineering 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.
Auburn University
Auburn, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,704 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 225 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 50%
- • Ranking Score: 82.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 225 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 82.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (225 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (50% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Auburn's Computer Engineering program offers a comprehensive 124-credit curriculum with required capstone design courses and systematic career outcome tracking through their First Destination Survey process.
Program Details
- Credits: 124
- Capstone Project Required
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,976 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 91 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 65%
- • Ranking Score: 70.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 91 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 70.8 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (91 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (65% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Computer Engineering at University of South Alabama integrates both electrical engineering and computer science classes, providing students with understanding of digital logic, systems theory, and embedded systems, with graduates in high demand because they understand both hardware and software.
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,100 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 83 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 76%
- • Ranking Score: 65.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 83 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 65.2 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (83 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The program provides broad knowledge of software and hardware components of modern computing and cyber-physical systems with detailed computer-systems design focus. Students are prepared for computer-oriented engineering careers with emphasis on design and applications of embedded computing systems.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •4 units English
- •4 units Social Sciences
- •3 units Mathematics
- •3 units Natural Sciences
- •1 unit World Language
- •5 units Other Academic Courses
Program Details
- Credits: 128 credits
- Capstone Project Required
Auburn University at Montgomery
Montgomery, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,568 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 157 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 93%
- • Ranking Score: 59.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 157 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 59.5 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (157 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (93% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,120 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 114 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 74%
- • Ranking Score: 58.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 114 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 58.9 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (114 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (74% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Computer Engineering program emphasizes integration of hardware/software and computer systems issues, especially in real-time, embedded, and networked systems, with access to contemporary engineering design and modeling tools throughout the curriculum. UAH's location as anchor tenant for the second-largest research park in the nation provides close partnerships with major employers like NASA and the U.S. Army.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Computer Engineering 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 12)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Engineering in Alabama FAQ
Based on 12 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Engineering 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.