Alabama university campus representing data analytics education
Updated December 2025

Best Data Analytics Programs in Alabama: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 8 top accredited data analytics programs in Alabama. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Huntsville, Birmingham, Mobile.

Programs Ranked8
Median Salary$98,520
Cost of Living89.3%
Tech Hubs3

Top 3 Data Analytics Programs in Alabama 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, ALPublic

99 data analytics graduates annually, 90% graduation rate

$11K
Tuition/yr
90%
Grad Rate
79.4
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Auburn University

Auburn, ALPublic

75 data analytics graduates annually, 81% graduation rate

$11K
Tuition/yr
81%
Grad Rate
77.7
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

Faulkner University

Montgomery, ALPrivate

51 data analytics graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$22K
Tuition/yr
60.7
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Alabama offers 8+ accredited data analytics programs across public and private universities
  • 2.The University of Alabama leads with 90% 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)

Data Analytics Education in Alabama: Overview

Alabama offers 8 accredited data analytics programs, producing approximately 293 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 data analytics programs in the state are led by The University of Alabama, Auburn University, Faulkner University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Alabama Data Analytics Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa, ALPublic$11,10090%79.4
2Auburn UniversityAuburn, ALPublic$10,70481%77.7
3Faulkner UniversityMontgomery, ALPrivate$21,930โ€”60.7
4University of South AlabamaMobile, ALPublic$8,97699%59.6
5University of MontevalloMontevallo, ALPublic$12,09097%54.7
6University of Alabama in HuntsvilleHuntsville, ALPublic$10,120โ€”51.6
7Troy UniversityTroy, ALPublic$9,792โ€”37.9
8University of North AlabamaFlorence, ALPublic$10,200โ€”32.9

Top 5 Data Analytics Programs in Alabama: Side-by-Side

SchoolUniversity of AlabamaAuburnFaulknerU of South AlabamaU of Montevallo
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$11,100
$10,704
$21,930
$8,976
$12,090
Graduation Rate
90%
81%
N/A%
99%
97%
Annual Graduates
99
75
51
17
5
Acceptance Rate
76%
50%
66%
65%
54%
Type
Public
Public
Private
Public
Public
Score
79.4/100
77.7/100
60.7/100
59.6/100
54.7/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Analytics in Alabama

Alabama offers 6 bachelor's-level data analytics programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are The University of Alabama, Auburn University, University of South Alabama. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $68,964 in the Alabama market.

A bachelor's in data analytics typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Data Analytics Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Data Analytics Bachelor's Programs in Alabama

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 University of Alabama
$11,100
90%
99
79.4
#2 Auburn
$10,704
81%
75
77.7
#3 U of South Alabama
$8,976
99%
17
59.6

Top Data Analytics Schools for Master's Degrees in Alabama

For graduate study, Alabama offers 4 master's-level data analytics programs. Leading institutions include Auburn University, Faulkner University, The University of 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 data analytics master's programs for more options beyond Alabama.

Top 3 Data Analytics Master's Programs in Alabama

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Auburn
$10,704
81%
24
60.8
#2 Faulkner
$21,930
N/A%
51
60.7
#3 University of Alabama
$11,100
90%
29
59.6

Most Affordable Data Analytics Colleges in Alabama

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data analytics programs in Alabama are at University of South Alabama ($8,976/year), Troy University ($9,792/year), University of Alabama in Huntsville ($10,120/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Alabama's competitive tech salaries.

At University of South Alabama, a 4-year degree costs approximately $35,904 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $68,964, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1.1 years. See our Most Affordable Data Analytics Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Data Analytics Programs in Alabama (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 U of South Alabama
$8,976
$35,904
1.1 years
Public
#2 Troy
$9,792
$39,168
1.2 years
Public
#3 U of Alabama in Huntsville
$10,120
$40,480
1.2 years
Public

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Data Analytics Schools in Alabama

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 data analytics 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.

#1

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
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Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $11,100 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Data Analytics Graduates: 99 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 79.4 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 90% graduation rate
  • 99 data analytics graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 79.4 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (99 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

The Data Science BS program is interdisciplinary, supported by both Mathematics and Computer Science departments, providing comprehensive training in mathematical theory and algorithms for large data sets. The program requires completion of a minor or second major and offers internship, undergraduate research, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Admission Prerequisites
  • โ€ขCalculus I
  • โ€ขCalculus II
  • โ€ขCalculus III
  • โ€ขIntroduction to Linear Algebra
  • โ€ขDiscrete Mathematics
  • โ€ขCS I for Majors
  • โ€ขCS II for Majors
  • โ€ขData Structures and Algorithms
Admissions
  • Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
  • Credits: 63
  • Capstone Project Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Machine Learning/Artificial IntelligenceNumerical Linear AlgebraSocial Media Data AnalyticsHigh Performance ComputingReinforcement Learning
#2

Auburn University

Auburn, AL โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-CampusOnline
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Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $10,704 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Data Analytics Graduates: 75 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 50%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 77.7 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 81% graduation rate
  • 75 data analytics graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 77.7 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (75 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 Business Analytics program offers hands-on experience with industry-standard tools like SAS, Tableau, Python, SAP, R, and Watson, while providing excellent job placement rates since its foundation in 2013. Students benefit from corporate engagement through internships, visits, and job shadowing opportunities in this growing field critical for organizational competitiveness.

Admissions
  • Min GPA: 2.75 undergraduate or 3.0 graduate
Career Outcomes
  • Job Placement: excellent placement rates
#3

Faulkner University

Montgomery, AL โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $21,930 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Data Analytics Graduates: 51 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 66%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 60.7 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 51 data analytics graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 60.7 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (51 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (66% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#4

University of South Alabama

Mobile, AL โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
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Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $8,976 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Data Analytics Graduates: 17 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 65%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 59.6 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 99% graduation rate
  • 17 data analytics graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 59.6 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (17 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (65% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

No specific information about a Data Analytics program was found in the provided content. The pages contain general university information but do not explicitly mention a Data Analytics program or its details.

#5

University of Montevallo

Montevallo, AL โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $12,090 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Data Analytics Graduates: 5 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 54%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 54.7 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 97% graduation rate
  • 5 data analytics graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 54.7 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (5 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (54% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

$68,964
Starting Salary
$98,520
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
352
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$90,452

Systems Analyst

SOC 15-1211
+10%

Systems Analyst opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$103,020

IT Manager

SOC 15-1299
+15%

IT Manager opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$96,848
+15%

Technical Consultant opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$107,322

Database Administrator opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$93,799

Data Analytics Programs in Other States

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Alabama if...
  • 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
Consider other states if...
  • You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
  • You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Alabama's 8)
  • You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration

Data Analytics in Alabama FAQ

Ranking Methodology

Based on 8 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Data Analytics degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

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

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

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