Top 3 Information Security Programs in Alabama 2025
Columbia Southern University
75 information security graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Auburn University
9 information security graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
University of Alabama in Huntsville
35 information security graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Alabama offers 9+ accredited information security 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)
Information Security Education in Alabama: Overview
Alabama offers 9 accredited information security programs, producing approximately 184 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 information security programs in the state are led by Columbia Southern University, Auburn University, University of Alabama in Huntsville, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Alabama Information Security Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Columbia Southern University | Orange Beach, AL | For-Profit | $5,528 | — | 69.6 |
| 2 | Auburn University | Auburn, AL | Public | $10,704 | 81% | 54.2 |
| 3 | University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | Public | $10,120 | — | 51.9 |
| 4 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | Public | $8,832 | — | 48.2 |
| 5 | The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | Public | $11,100 | 90% | 46.9 |
| 6 | Talladega College | Talladega, AL | Private | $12,130 | 77% | 40.8 |
| 7 | Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,568 | — | 40.5 |
| 8 | Troy University | Troy, AL | Public | $9,792 | — | 38.5 |
| 9 | Herzing University-Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | Private | $12,360 | 42% | 28.7 |
Top 5 Information Security Programs in Alabama: Side-by-Side
| School | Columbia Southern | Auburn | U of Alabama in Huntsville | U of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $5,528 | $10,704 | $10,120 | $8,832 | $11,100 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 81% | N/A% | N/A% | 90% |
| Annual Graduates | 75 | 9 | 35 | 32 | 3 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 50% | 74% | 88% | 76% |
| Type | For-Profit | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 69.6/100 | 54.2/100 | 51.9/100 | 48.2/100 | 46.9/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Security in Alabama
Alabama offers 4 bachelor's-level information security 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 information security typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Security Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Security 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 Information Security Schools for Master's Degrees in Alabama
For graduate study, Alabama offers 5 master's-level information security programs. Leading institutions include Auburn University, University of Alabama in Huntsville, University of Alabama at Birmingham. 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 information security master's programs for more options beyond Alabama.
Top 3 Information Security Master's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Auburn | $10,704 | 81% | 9 | 54.2 |
| #2 U of Alabama in Huntsville | $10,120 | N/A% | 35 | 51.9 |
| #3 U of Alabama at Birmingham | $8,832 | N/A% | 32 | 48.2 |
Most Affordable Information Security Colleges in Alabama
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information security 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 Information Security Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Security 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 Information Security Schools in Alabama
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information security 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)
- • Information Security Graduates: 75 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 69.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 75 information security 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 online B.S. Information Systems and Cyber Security at $278 per credit hour, which is stated to be less than half the cost of competitors on average. The program allows transfer of up to 75% of credits and includes all course materials in the cost.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Auburn University
Auburn, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,704 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Security Graduates: 9 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 50%
- • Ranking Score: 54.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 9 information security graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 54.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 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)
- • Information Security Graduates: 35 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 74%
- • Ranking Score: 51.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 35 information security graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 51.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 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)
- • Information Security Graduates: 32 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 48.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 32 information security graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 48.2 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 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.
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,100 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Security Graduates: 3 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 76%
- • Ranking Score: 46.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 3 information security graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 46.9 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (3 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The University of Alabama's Cyber Security BS program provides a rigorous, technical curriculum designed to impart the necessary knowledge, skills, and motivations to protect and defend digital information from attacks. The program prepares students for continued education at the graduate level and fosters dedication to excellence in education, research and service.
Admission Prerequisites
- •4 units English
- •4 units Social Sciences
- •3 units Mathematics
- •3 units Natural Sciences with two lab components
- •1 unit World Language
- •5 units Other Academic Courses
Program Details
- Credits: 122 credits
- Capstone Project Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
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.
Information Security 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
Information Security in Alabama FAQ
Based on 9 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Security 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.