🥇
$8,976
Tuition/yr
99%
Grad rate
71.4
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best data science degree programs: U of South Alabama, Auburn, Tuskegee
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $8,328 to $20,722/year
U of South Alabama offers the most affordable option at $8,976/yr
Data Science degree programs available: 2 master's in Alabama
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Major employers: NASA Marshall, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, SAIC
Tech hubs in Huntsville and Birmingham
Hakia Research 2026
Data Science degree programs near 44+ cities across Alabama
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Alabama Data Science programs
We rank 9 accredited data science programs in Alabama using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyAre Data Science Degree Programs in Alabama Worth It?
Answer
$98,520
Yes. The best data science degree programs in Alabama deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $98,520 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $12,712/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Science Degree Rankings in Alabama
Compare the top-ranked Data Science programs in Alabama by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Data Science Programs in Alabama
7
Programs ranked
$12,712
Avg tuition/yr
91%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Alabama ranks among the nation's top destinations for data science education, with 7 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 5 public and 2 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of South Alabama, Auburn, Tuskegee, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Alabama data science programs earn a median salary of $83,742, 15% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Huntsville, Birmingham, Mobile metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including NASA Marshall, Boeing, Lockheed Martin.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $8,328 to $20,722 annually, with an average of $12,712/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 91%, with the highest reaching 99%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Alabama's leading technology employers. For students seeking data science degrees in Alabama, these top-ranked data science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
🥈
$10,704
Tuition/yr
81%
Grad rate
69.7
Hakia Score
#4
$8,568
Tuition/yr
53.8
Hakia Score
Show all 7 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Oakwood University | Huntsville, AL | Private | $20,722 | — | 42.7 |
| #7 | Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,328 | — | 35.7 |
Best Master's Data Science Programs in Alabama
2
Programs ranked
$9,636
Avg tuition/yr
81%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Alabama offers 2 master's degree programs in data science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Auburn University at Mont..., Auburn, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Alabama earn a median salary of $98,520, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Huntsville, Birmingham, Mobile creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with NASA Marshall, Boeing, Lockheed Martin actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $9,636/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Alabama's data science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
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$8,568
Tuition/yr
65.5
Hakia Score
🥈
$10,704
Tuition/yr
81%
Grad rate
59.7
Hakia Score
Data Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Alabama
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $12,712/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $31,780/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,178/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $76,272 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $19,068 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Science Students in Alabama
State Aid Programs
Alabama residents pursuing data science degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways designed to make higher education more affordable. The Alabama Student Assistance Program provides need-based grants specifically for Alabama residents attending in-state institutions, making it a critical resource for students enrolled at universities like Auburn University, The University of Alabama, and University of South Alabama. Additionally, all students can access federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), administered by the U.S. Department of Education. This federal aid includes grants, loans, and work-study opportunities available regardless of state residency.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal programs, individual institutions offering data science programs provide institutional scholarships and merit-based aid. Students should explore scholarship opportunities directly through their chosen institution's financial aid office. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education oversees both need-based and merit-based funding to support students across the state's 14 institutions offering data science programs. For comprehensive information about all available aid options, including federal grants and loans, visit the Federal Student Aid website. Many students also benefit from employer sponsorship, particularly those in proximity to major employers like Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville and UAB Health System in Birmingham, which often offer tuition assistance programs for employees and their dependents.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator, Alabama
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data science degree in Alabama. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a data science degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+697%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,289,731
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$114,286
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,325,139
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$120,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.1%
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Data Science Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Alabama metro areas
Huntsville$108K
Birmingham$103K
Mobile$99K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Huntsville | $108K |
| Birmingham | $103K |
| Mobile | $99K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Data Science Graduates in Alabama
Find data science jobs in Alabama. These major employers across Alabama metro areas are actively hiring data science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Science Jobs in Huntsville
ALNASA Marshall Space Flight Center
government
Redstone Arsenal
defense
Dynetics
defense
SAIC
defense
Boeing
aerospace
Data Science Jobs in Birmingham
ALRegions Financial
finance
BBVA USA
finance
Shipt
tech
Protective Life
insurance
Data Science Jobs in Mobile
ALAirbus
aerospace
Austal USA
defense
AM/NS Calvert
manufacturing
Transfer Pathways for Data Science Degrees in Alabama
State Transfer System
Alabama's higher education system facilitates smooth transfer pathways through the STARS (Statewide Transfer and Articulation Reporting System), a comprehensive framework connecting 26 two-year community colleges to 36 four-year institutions. This system ensures that credits earned at associate's level institutions like John C Calhoun State Community College, H Councill Trenholm State Community College, and Jefferson State Community College transfer seamlessly to bachelor's programs at Auburn University, The University of Alabama, and other major universities. STARS maintains articulation agreements that guarantee course equivalencies, allowing students to complete foundational coursework in data science, mathematics, and computer science at the community college level before advancing to upper-level bachelor's or master's programs.
How Transfers Work
The transfer pathway model offers significant financial benefits. Community college tuition averages $3,810 annually, compared to $9,589 for public four-year institutions in-state, making the 2+4 model an economical choice for many Alabama residents. Associate's degree programs in data science or related fields prepare students for immediate employment while creating a foundation for bachelor's degree completion. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education oversees STARS implementation and financial aid coordination. Students pursuing this pathway should also explore Computer Science in Alabama and Data Analytics in Alabama as complementary transfer options. For detailed transfer information, consult studentaid.gov and institutional transfer advisors who can identify courses meeting bachelor's degree prerequisites and major requirements.
Why Pursue a Data Science Degree in Alabama?
Industry & Workforce
Alabama offers a strong data science education landscape with 14 institutions offering data science programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). The state supports 11 bachelor's programs and 3 master's programs, producing 187 bachelor's completions and 181 master's completions annually. This growing ecosystem positions Alabama as an emerging hub for data science education in the Southeast, with strong institutional support from research universities and regional campuses dedicated to workforce development in high-demand fields.
Salary Outlook
Alabama's major metropolitan areas. Birmingham-Hoover, Huntsville, Mobile, and Montgomery, host significant employers actively recruiting data science professionals. The state's economic anchors include Redstone Arsenal, the UAB Health System, Mercedes-Benz, and Honda Manufacturing, all requiring skilled data scientists to optimize operations and drive innovation. For prospective students, Alabama's public in-state tuition averages $9,589 at four-year institutions, making it an affordable option compared to national standards. Top-ranked programs like Auburn University (ranked #1 for bachelor's) and The University of Alabama (ranked #1 for online bachelor's) deliver quality education at accessible price points. Students interested in related fields should explore Data Analytics in Alabama and Machine Learning in Alabama for complementary career pathways.
Data Science Program Availability in Alabama
7 Programs
Alabama offers 7 accredited data science programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Huntsville, Birmingham, Mobile.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Data Science Job Market & Salary Data in Alabama
Employment Outlook
Alabama's data science job market is experiencing significant growth, supported by a diverse employer base across multiple industries and geographic regions. The state's major metropolitan areas. Birmingham-Hoover, Huntsville, Mobile, and Montgomery, serve as primary hubs for data science employment opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Alabama's technology and data-driven sectors continue to expand, creating demand for skilled professionals in data analysis, machine learning, and business intelligence. The state's strategic location and established industries make it an attractive market for both entry-level and experienced data scientists.
Salaries by Metro
Several major employers actively recruit data science talent across Alabama. Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, the Mercedes-Benz manufacturing facility, and Honda Manufacturing operations represent significant employment centers for technical professionals. Additionally, the UAB Health System in Birmingham represents a growing sector for healthcare data analytics and research applications. These employers value graduates from Alabama's 14 institutions offering data science programs, with 11 bachelor's programs and 3 master's programs producing 187 bachelor's completions and 181 master's completions annually (IPEDS Program Data). Students interested in exploring career pathways should also investigate related fields such as Data Analytics in Alabama, Machine Learning in Alabama, and Artificial Intelligence in Alabama to understand the full spectrum of opportunities available.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Alabama$64,038$142,854
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Data Science Programs in Alabama
Online Programs
0 available in Alabama
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$11,441/yr$12,712/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Data Science Programs in Other States
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Florida
- Total Programs
- 49
- Median Tuition
- $13,500
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Georgia
- Total Programs
- 30
- Median Tuition
- $7,200
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Tennessee
- Total Programs
- 40
- Median Tuition
- $16,500
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Mississippi
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $9,700
Best Data Science Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 180
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 43
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Best Data Science Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 77
- Median Tuition
- $8,700
Best Data Science Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 120
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Data Science Degree Programs in Alabama: FAQ
What are the best data science degree programs in Alabama?
The best data science degree programs in Alabama based on our methodology are: 1) University of South Alabama (99% graduation rate), 2) Auburn University, and 3) Tuskegee University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Alabama offers 7 total accredited programs across 5 public and 2 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 7 bachelor's programs.
How much do data science degree programs cost in Alabama?
Data Science degree program costs in Alabama vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $12,712/year, while private institutions average $27,966/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $3,178/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $50,848 at public schools to $111,866 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can data science degree graduates earn in Alabama?
Data Science professionals in Alabama earn a median salary of $98,520, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $64,038, while senior roles exceed $142,854. Salaries vary by metro area: Huntsville ($108,372), Birmingham ($103,446) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online data science degree programs in Alabama?
Yes, Alabama offers 0 accredited online Data Science programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from various state universities. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire data science degree graduates in Alabama?
Major Data Science employers in Alabama include NASA Marshall, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, SAIC, Dynetics. The Huntsville and Birmingham metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Alabama universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Alabama's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a data science degree program worth it in Alabama?
A data science degree program in Alabama offers strong ROI with a $98,520 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $12,712/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($111,328), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do data science degree programs take in Alabama?
Standard completion times for data science degree programs in Alabama are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Alabama community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Alabama university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for data science degree students in Alabama?
Alabama data science degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Alabama state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Alabama's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Alabama salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.