Top 3 Data Science Programs in Alabama 2025
University of South Alabama
67 data science graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
Auburn University
66 data science graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
Auburn University at Montgomery
157 data science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Alabama offers 7+ accredited data science 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)
Data Science Education in Alabama: Overview
Alabama offers 7 accredited data science programs, producing approximately 312 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 science programs in the state are led by University of South Alabama, Auburn University, Auburn University at Montgomery, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Alabama Data Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | Public | $8,976 | 99% | 71.4 |
| 2 | Auburn University | Auburn, AL | Public | $10,704 | 81% | 69.7 |
| 3 | Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,568 | — | 65.5 |
| 4 | Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | Private | $19,594 | 87% | 55.3 |
| 5 | University of Montevallo | Montevallo, AL | Public | $12,090 | 97% | 49.7 |
| 6 | Oakwood University | Huntsville, AL | Private | $20,722 | — | 42.7 |
| 7 | Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,328 | — | 35.7 |
Top 5 Data Science Programs in Alabama: Side-by-Side
| School | U of South Alabama | Auburn | Auburn University at... | Tuskegee | U of Montevallo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,976 | $10,704 | $8,568 | $19,594 | $12,090 |
| Graduation Rate | 99% | 81% | N/A% | 87% | 97% |
| Annual Graduates | 67 | 66 | 157 | 5 | 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 65% | 50% | 93% | 31% | 54% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Private | Public |
| Score | 71.4/100 | 69.7/100 | 65.5/100 | 55.3/100 | 49.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Science in Alabama
Alabama offers 7 bachelor's-level data science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of South Alabama, Auburn University, Tuskegee University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $68,964 in the Alabama market.
A bachelor's in data science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Data Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Data Science Bachelor's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of South Alabama | $8,976 | 99% | 67 | 71.4 |
| #2 Auburn | $10,704 | 81% | 66 | 69.7 |
| #3 Tuskegee | $19,594 | 87% | 5 | 55.3 |
Top Data Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Alabama
For graduate study, Alabama offers 2 master's-level data science programs. Leading institutions include Auburn University at Montgomery, Auburn University. 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 science master's programs for more options beyond Alabama.
Top 3 Data Science Master's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Auburn University at... | $8,568 | N/A% | 157 | 65.5 |
| #2 Auburn | $10,704 | 81% | 24 | 57.4 |
Most Affordable Data Science Colleges in Alabama
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data science programs in Alabama are at Alabama State University ($8,328/year), Auburn University at Montgomery ($8,568/year), University of South Alabama ($8,976/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 Data Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Data Science 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 U of South Alabama | $8,976 | $35,904 | 1.1 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Data Science Schools in Alabama
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 data 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.
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,976 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 67 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 65%
- • Ranking Score: 71.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 67 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 71.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (67 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (65% 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)
- • Data Science Graduates: 66 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 50%
- • Ranking Score: 69.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 66 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 69.7 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (66 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 MS in Data Science and Engineering offers excellent balance between theory and application with state-of-the-art technologies for big data applications. The program provides flexibility with both on-campus and online options, can be completed in 1-2 years on-campus or up to 6 years online, and includes bridge courses for students without traditional CS/engineering backgrounds.
Admission Prerequisites
- •at least one statistics course at the 3000-level or above
- •knowledge of at least one modern programming language
- •COMP1210 Introduces Fund. of Comp.
- •COMP2210 Fund. of Computing II
- •COMP3270 Algorithms
- •STAT3600/3610 Prob and Stat I and II
- •MATH1610/1620 Calculus I and II
- •MATH2660 Topics in Linear Algebra
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.75 on undergraduate coursework or 3.0 on graduate coursework
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credit hours
- Capstone Project Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Auburn University at Montgomery
Montgomery, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,568 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 157 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 93%
- • Ranking Score: 65.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 157 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 65.5 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 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.
Why Choose This Program
The Master of Science in Data Science and Engineering program offers an excellent balance between theory and application with two formal options (data engineering and data science), is available both on-campus and online, and includes bridge courses that allow students without computer science backgrounds to be admitted and brought up to speed.
Admission Prerequisites
- •COMP1210 Introduces Fund. of Comp.
- •COMP2210 Fund. of Computing II
- •COMP3270 Algorithms
- •STAT3600/3610 Prob and Stat I and II
- •MATH1610/1620 Calculus I and II
- •MATH2660 Topics in Linear Algebra
- •at least one statistics course at the 3000-level or above
- •knowledge of at least one modern programming language
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credit hours
- Capstone Project Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, AL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $19,594 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 31%
- • Ranking Score: 55.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 5 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 55.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (5 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (31% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
No Data Science program information was found in the provided content. The pages contain general university information and veterinary medicine program details, but do not mention a Data Science program.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.00
Rankings & Recognition
- #4 HBCU in the Nation
University of Montevallo
Montevallo, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,090 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 54%
- • Ranking Score: 49.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 1 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 49.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (54% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Data Analyst
SOC 15-2051Data Analyst opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2051Business Intelligence Analyst opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-2051Machine Learning Engineer opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Quantitative Analyst
SOC 15-2051Quantitative Analyst opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Data 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 7)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Data Science in Alabama FAQ
Based on 7 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Data 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.