Top 3 Game Development Programs in Alabama 2025
Auburn University
66 game development graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
University of South Alabama
50 game development graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
Auburn University at Montgomery
157 game development graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Alabama offers 9+ accredited game development 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)
Game Development Education in Alabama: Overview
Alabama offers 9 accredited game development programs, producing approximately 300 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 game development programs in the state are led by Auburn University, University of South Alabama, Auburn University at Montgomery, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Alabama Game Development Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Auburn University | Auburn, AL | Public | $10,704 | 81% | 69.7 |
| 2 | University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | Public | $8,976 | 99% | 68.1 |
| 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 | — | 43.7 |
| 7 | Samford University | Birmingham, AL | Private | $37,144 | 79% | 40.9 |
| 8 | Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,328 | — | 35.7 |
| 9 | Herzing University-Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | Private | $12,360 | 42% | 28 |
Top 5 Game Development Programs in Alabama: Side-by-Side
| School | Auburn | U of South Alabama | Auburn University at... | Tuskegee | U of Montevallo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $10,704 | $8,976 | $8,568 | $19,594 | $12,090 |
| Graduation Rate | 81% | 99% | N/A% | 87% | 97% |
| Annual Graduates | 66 | 50 | 157 | 5 | 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 50% | 65% | 93% | 31% | 54% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Private | Public |
| Score | 69.7/100 | 68.1/100 | 65.5/100 | 55.3/100 | 49.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Game Development in Alabama
Alabama offers 8 bachelor's-level game development programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Auburn University, University of South Alabama, Tuskegee University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $68,964 in the Alabama market.
A bachelor's in game development typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Game Development Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Game Development Bachelor's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Auburn | $10,704 | 81% | 66 | 69.7 |
| #2 U of South Alabama | $8,976 | 99% | 50 | 68.1 |
| #3 Tuskegee | $19,594 | 87% | 5 | 55.3 |
Top Game Development Schools for Master's Degrees in Alabama
For graduate study, Alabama offers 1 master's-level game development programs. Leading institutions include Auburn University at Montgomery. 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 game development master's programs for more options beyond Alabama.
Top 3 Game Development Master's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Auburn University at... | $8,568 | N/A% | 157 | 65.5 |
Most Affordable Game Development Colleges in Alabama
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable game development 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 Game Development Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Game Development 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 Game Development Schools in Alabama
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 game development 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)
- • Game Development Graduates: 66 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 50%
- • Ranking Score: 69.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 66 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 69.7 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 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 offers an online Video Game Design and Development certificate program through career training that teaches programming languages, game asset creation, and use of Unity Engine, culminating in the creation of three complete games including a 3D arcade game, first-person adventure, and custom game project.
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,976 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 50 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 65%
- • Ranking Score: 68.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 50 game development graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 68.1 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 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.
Why Choose This Program
The University of South Alabama offers an online Video Game Design and Development certificate course through their Center for Continuing Education, providing comprehensive training in programming languages, game development techniques, and Unity Engine proficiency with hands-on experience creating three complete games.
Auburn University at Montgomery
Montgomery, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,568 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 157 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 93%
- • Ranking Score: 65.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 157 game development 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
Auburn University offers computer science and software engineering programs through both undergraduate and graduate degrees, including online master's options for working professionals. The Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering is noted as the college's largest department.
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Health Care Systems Inc., Southeast Forest Products
Rankings & Recognition
- Top 50 Public University in the Nation U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- Top 10% of Research Institutions Higher Education Research and Development Survey
- Top 10 Best College Campuses Niche.com, 2025
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, AL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $19,594 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 31%
- • Ranking Score: 55.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 5 game development 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
The Bachelor of Arts in Design is a four-year, 131 credit hour program that explores creative and scientific approaches to design, allowing students to experiment with design, fabrication, and testing of artifacts ranging from furniture to entire indoor spaces. However, the program is not currently approved for VA Education Benefits.
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 131 credits
Rankings & Recognition
- Tuskegee University is ranked as the #4 HBCU in the Nation
University of Montevallo
Montevallo, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,090 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Game Development Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 54%
- • Ranking Score: 49.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 1 game development 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
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Alabama with strong job growth.
Game Development 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 9)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Game Development in Alabama FAQ
Based on 9 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Game Development 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.