Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Alabama 2025
Columbia Southern University
75 cybersecurity graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Tuskegee University
6 cybersecurity graduates annually, 87% graduation rate
Auburn University
9 cybersecurity graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
- 1.Alabama offers 11+ accredited cybersecurity programs across public and private universities
- 2.Columbia Southern University leads with strong% 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)
Cybersecurity Education in Alabama: Overview
Alabama offers 11 accredited cybersecurity programs, producing approximately 198 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 cybersecurity programs in the state are led by Columbia Southern University, Tuskegee University, Auburn University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Alabama Cybersecurity Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Columbia Southern University | Orange Beach, AL | For-Profit | $5,528 | — | 69.6 |
| 2 | Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | Private | $19,594 | 87% | 57.7 |
| 3 | Auburn University | Auburn, AL | Public | $10,704 | 81% | 54.2 |
| 4 | University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | Public | $10,120 | — | 51.9 |
| 5 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | Public | $8,832 | — | 48.2 |
| 6 | The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | Public | $11,100 | 90% | 46.9 |
| 7 | Strayer University-Alabama | Birmingham, AL | For-Profit | $13,725 | — | 45.9 |
| 8 | Talladega College | Talladega, AL | Private | $12,130 | 77% | 40.8 |
| 9 | Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,568 | — | 40.5 |
| 10 | Troy University | Troy, AL | Public | $9,792 | — | 38.5 |
| 11 | Herzing University-Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | Private | $12,360 | 42% | 28.7 |
Top 5 Cybersecurity Programs in Alabama: Side-by-Side
| School | Columbia Southern | Tuskegee | Auburn | U of Alabama in Huntsville | U of Alabama at Birmingham |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $5,528 | $19,594 | $10,704 | $10,120 | $8,832 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 87% | 81% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 75 | 6 | 9 | 35 | 32 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 31% | 50% | 74% | 88% |
| Type | For-Profit | Private | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 69.6/100 | 57.7/100 | 54.2/100 | 51.9/100 | 48.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cybersecurity in Alabama
Alabama offers 4 bachelor's-level cybersecurity programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Columbia Southern University, The University of Alabama, Troy University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $68,964 in the Alabama market.
A bachelor's in cybersecurity typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Columbia Southern | $5,528 | N/A% | 75 | 69.6 |
| #2 University of Alabama | $11,100 | 90% | 3 | 46.9 |
| #3 Troy | $9,792 | N/A% | 10 | 38.5 |
Top Cybersecurity Schools for Master's Degrees in Alabama
For graduate study, Alabama offers 6 master's-level cybersecurity programs. Leading institutions include Tuskegee University, Auburn University, University of Alabama in Huntsville. 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 cybersecurity master's programs for more options beyond Alabama.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Master's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Tuskegee | $19,594 | 87% | 6 | 57.7 |
| #2 Auburn | $10,704 | 81% | 9 | 54.2 |
| #3 U of Alabama in Huntsville | $10,120 | N/A% | 35 | 51.9 |
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Colleges in Alabama
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cybersecurity programs in Alabama are at Columbia Southern University ($5,528/year), Auburn University at Montgomery ($8,568/year), University of Alabama at Birmingham ($8,832/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 Cybersecurity Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity 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 Auburn University at... | $8,568 | $34,272 | 1 years | Public |
| #3 U of Alabama at Birmingham | $8,832 | $35,328 | 1 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Cybersecurity Schools in Alabama
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 cybersecurity 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.
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,528 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 75 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 69.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 75 cybersecurity graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 69.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (75 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 a B.S. Information Systems and Cyber Security program fully online with tuition rates significantly below competitors and transfer credit acceptance up to 75% of the degree. The program includes an Accelerated Bachelor to Master's pathway for continued education.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, AL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $19,594 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 6 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 31%
- • Ranking Score: 57.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 6 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 57.7 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (6 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (31% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Auburn University
Auburn, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,704 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 9 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 50%
- • Ranking Score: 54.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 9 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 54.2 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (9 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (50% 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)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 35 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 74%
- • Ranking Score: 51.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 35 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 51.9 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (35 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (74% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,832 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 32 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 48.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 32 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 48.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (32 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Security Analyst opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Penetration Tester
SOC 15-1212Penetration Tester opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Security Engineer
SOC 15-1212Security Engineer opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Incident Responder
SOC 15-1212Incident Responder opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity 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 11)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Cybersecurity in Alabama FAQ
Based on 11 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cybersecurity 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.