Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Alabama 2025
Auburn University
222 computer science graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
The University of Alabama
93 computer science graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
University of South Alabama
50 computer science graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
- 1.Alabama offers 41+ accredited computer science 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 Science Education in Alabama: Overview
Alabama offers 41 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 1,298 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 science programs in the state are led by Auburn University, The University of Alabama, University of South Alabama, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Alabama Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Auburn University | Auburn, AL | Public | $10,704 | 81% | 82.6 |
| 2 | The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | Public | $11,100 | 90% | 66.6 |
| 3 | University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | Public | $8,976 | 99% | 64.8 |
| 4 | University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | Public | $10,120 | — | 64.7 |
| 5 | Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,568 | — | 59.7 |
| 6 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | Public | $8,832 | — | 57 |
| 7 | Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | Private | $19,594 | 87% | 56.1 |
| 8 | Troy University | Troy, AL | Public | $9,792 | — | 53.6 |
| 9 | University of Montevallo | Montevallo, AL | Public | $12,090 | 97% | 49.2 |
| 10 | Alabama A & M University | Normal, AL | Public | $8,610 | 65% | 48.6 |
| 11 | Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | Public | $10,290 | 62% | 46.9 |
| 12 | Samford University | Birmingham, AL | Private | $37,144 | 79% | 44.7 |
| 13 | Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | Private | $21,500 | — | 43.8 |
| 14 | Athens State University | Athens, AL | Public | $7,530 | — | 43.4 |
| 15 | University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | Private | $24,580 | 79% | 42.7 |
| 16 | Oakwood University | Huntsville, AL | Private | $20,722 | — | 41.6 |
| 17 | Talladega College | Talladega, AL | Private | $12,130 | 77% | 39.2 |
| 18 | University of North Alabama | Florence, AL | Public | $10,200 | — | 37.6 |
| 19 | Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | Private | $21,930 | — | 36.9 |
| 20 | John C Calhoun State Community College | Tanner, AL | Public | $3,810 | — | 35.3 |
| 21 | Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,328 | — | 34.2 |
| 22 | H Councill Trenholm State Community College | Montgomery, AL | Public | $3,810 | — | 33.3 |
| 23 | Jefferson State Community College | Birmingham, AL | Public | $3,810 | — | 33.1 |
| 24 | Bevill State Community College | Jasper, AL | Public | $3,556 | — | 32.4 |
| 25 | Gadsden State Community College | Gadsden, AL | Public | $3,048 | — | 31.1 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in Alabama: Side-by-Side
| School | Auburn | University of Alabama | U of South Alabama | U of Alabama in Huntsville | Auburn University at... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $10,704 | $11,100 | $8,976 | $10,120 | $8,568 |
| Graduation Rate | 81% | 90% | 99% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 222 | 93 | 50 | 168 | 157 |
| Acceptance Rate | 50% | 76% | 65% | 74% | 93% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 82.6/100 | 66.6/100 | 64.8/100 | 64.7/100 | 59.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in Alabama
Alabama offers 20 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Auburn University, The University of Alabama, University of South Alabama. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $68,964 in the Alabama market.
A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Auburn | $10,704 | 81% | 222 | 82.6 |
| #2 University of Alabama | $11,100 | 90% | 93 | 66.6 |
| #3 U of South Alabama | $8,976 | 99% | 50 | 64.8 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Alabama
For graduate study, Alabama offers 8 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include Auburn University at Montgomery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 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 science master's programs for more options beyond Alabama.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Auburn University at... | $8,568 | N/A% | 157 | 59.7 |
| #2 U of Alabama at Birmingham | $8,832 | N/A% | 121 | 57.0 |
| #3 U of South Alabama | $8,976 | 99% | 14 | 55.6 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in Alabama
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in Alabama are at Gadsden State Community College ($3,048/year), Bevill State Community College ($3,556/year), John C Calhoun State Community College ($3,810/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Alabama's competitive tech salaries.
At Gadsden State Community College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $12,192 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $68,964, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science Programs in Alabama (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Gadsden State Community... | $3,048 | $12,192 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 Bevill State Community... | $3,556 | $14,224 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #3 John C Calhoun State... | $3,810 | $15,240 | 0.4 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in Alabama
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer science 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 Science Graduates: 222 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 50%
- • Ranking Score: 82.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 222 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 82.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (222 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 Science program offers both traditional on-campus and fully online Bachelor's degree options with a comprehensive 122-credit curriculum. The program welcomes transfer students and provides fast-track options for students who already hold bachelor's degrees with a 2.5+ GPA.
Admission Prerequisites
- •60 hours of prerequisite courses
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.5
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 122
- Capstone Project Required
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,100 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 93 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 76%
- • Ranking Score: 66.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 93 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 66.6 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (93 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The University of Alabama's Computer Science program offers ABET-accredited education with 120 hours of foundational study designed for broad applicability across environments. The program provides dynamic coursework for both individual software development and large-scale system integration, supported by specialized research centers including the Alabama Center for the Advancement of AI.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •4 units English
- •4 units Social Sciences
- •3 units Mathematics (algebra I, algebra II, and 1 unit of geometry, trigonometry OR calculus)
- •3 units Natural Sciences with two lab components
- •1 unit World Language
Program Details
- Credits: 120 hours
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,976 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 50 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 65%
- • Ranking Score: 64.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 50 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 64.8 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (50 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (65% 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 Science Graduates: 168 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 74%
- • Ranking Score: 64.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 168 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 64.7 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (168 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (74% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UAH Computer Science offers strong industry connections with major employers like NASA and FBI, supported by $170 million in research expenditures across 17 high-tech research centers. The program is strategically located in Cummings Research Park, the nation's second-largest research park.
Admission Prerequisites
- •CALCULUS A
- •CALCULUS B
- •CALCULUS C
- •INTRO TO LINEAR ALGEBRA
- •INTRO TO PROBABILITY & STATIST
- •COMPUTER SCIENCE I
- •COMP SCI II: DATA STRUCTURES
- •INTRO OBJECT-ORIENTED PROG JAV
- •INTRO DISCRETE STRUCTURE
- •INTRO DESIGN/ANALYSIS OF ALG
- •INTRO TO OPERATING SYSTEMS
- •COMPUTER ORG & SWTCHNG THRY
- •INTRO DIGITAL COMP ARCHITECTUR
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: NASA, NOAA, U.S. Army, Federal Bureau of Investigation, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology
Rankings & Recognition
- anchor tenant for Cummings Research Park, the second-largest research park in the nation
Auburn University at Montgomery
Montgomery, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,568 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 157 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 93%
- • Ranking Score: 59.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 157 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 59.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 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.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Systems Architect
SOC 15-1252Systems Architect opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Technical Lead
SOC 15-1252Technical Lead opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Computer Science 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 41)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Science in Alabama FAQ
Based on 25 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science 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.