🥇
$11,380
Tuition/yr
73%
Grad rate
85.1
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best information security degree programs: Columbia Southern, U of Alabama, Troy
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $5,528 to $12,360/year
Columbia Southern offers the most affordable option at $5,528/yr
Information Security degree programs available: 5 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
Information Security 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 Information Security programs
We rank 9 accredited information security 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 Information Security Degree Programs in Alabama Worth It?
Answer
$98,520
Yes. The best information security degree programs in Alabama deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $98,520 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $9,904/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Information Security Degree Rankings in Alabama
Compare the top-ranked Information Security programs in Alabama by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Information Security Programs in Alabama
3
Programs ranked
$9,167
Avg tuition/yr
52%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Alabama ranks among the nation's top destinations for information security education, with 4 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 1 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Columbia Southern, U of Alabama, Troy, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Alabama information security 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 $5,528 to $12,360 annually, with an average of $9,695/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 66%, with the highest reaching 90%. 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 information security degrees in Alabama, these top-ranked information security schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
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Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, ALPrivate for-profit
$5,944
Tuition/yr
33%
Grad rate
71.9
Hakia Score
Best Master's Information Security Programs in Alabama
7
Programs ranked
$9,950
Avg tuition/yr
59%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Alabama offers 5 master's degree programs in information security, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Alabama in Huntsville, U of Alabama at Birmingham, 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 $10,071/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 information security schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
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$11,016
Tuition/yr
82%
Grad rate
89.3
Hakia Score
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University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, ALPublic
$10,374
Tuition/yr
64%
Grad rate
82.1
Hakia Score
Show all 7 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,832 | 33% | 61.9 |
| #7 | Strayer University-Alabama | Birmingham, AL | Private for-profit | $13,725 | — | 59.3 |
Information Security Degree Costs & Tuition in Alabama
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $9,904/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $24,760/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,476/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $59,424 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $14,856 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Security Students in Alabama
State Aid Programs
Alabama residents pursuing information security degrees have access to multiple federal and state funding mechanisms. The primary federal resource is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available through (Federal Student Aid), which determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs. Beyond federal aid, Alabama offers the Alabama Student Assistance Program, a need-based grant program specifically designed for Alabama residents attending in-state institutions. This state-level support complements federal Pell Grants and Direct Loans, making higher education more accessible across the state's 12 institutions offering information security programs.
Key Programs & Amounts
Individual institutions provide additional scholarship opportunities. Auburn University, ranked #1 for bachelor's programs in the state, and the University of South Alabama, the top-ranked master's program, both offer merit-based and need-based scholarships to qualified information security students. Community colleges, such as John C Calhoun State Community College and Jefferson State Community College, provide affordable entry points with tuition at $3,810, allowing students to complete general education requirements before transferring via Alabama's STARS transfer system. The (Alabama Commission on Higher Education) administers both institutional and state grant programs, ensuring coordinated financial aid across all public and participating private institutions statewide.
Information Security Degree ROI Calculator, Alabama
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information security 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.
Information Security Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a information security degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$133,333
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)$2,712,662
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)$140,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.9%
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
Information Security 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 Information Security Graduates in Alabama
Find information security jobs in Alabama. These major employers across Alabama metro areas are actively hiring information security degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Information Security Jobs in Huntsville
ALNASA Marshall Space Flight Center
government
Redstone Arsenal
defense
Dynetics
defense
SAIC
defense
Boeing
aerospace
Information Security Jobs in Birmingham
ALRegions Financial
finance
BBVA USA
finance
Shipt
tech
Protective Life
insurance
Information Security Jobs in Mobile
ALAirbus
aerospace
Austal USA
defense
AM/NS Calvert
manufacturing
Transfer Pathways for Information Security Degrees in Alabama
State Transfer System
Alabama provides a structured transfer pathway for students seeking to advance from community colleges to four-year institutions. The STARS (Statewide Transfer and Articulation Reporting System), managed through https://stars.troy.edu/, connects students attending Alabama's 26 two-year institutions with 36 four-year universities, helping seamless credit transfer and degree completion. This system ensures that coursework completed at community colleges like John C Calhoun State Community College ($3,810 tuition), Jefferson State Community College ($3,810 tuition), and Bevill State Community College ($3,556 tuition) transfers directly toward bachelor's degrees, reducing overall costs and time to degree completion. Students beginning with associate's degrees can transition into bachelor's information security programs at Auburn University, the University of South Alabama, or the University of Alabama with minimal credit loss.
How Transfers Work
The Alabama Student Assistance Program complements transfer pathways by providing need-based financial aid to Alabama residents attending in-state institutions, making the community college-to-university pathway particularly affordable. Many community colleges in Alabama have established 2+2 articulation agreements with four-year institutions, allowing students to complete lower-division coursework (mathematics, computer science fundamentals, general education) at the community college level before transferring to pursue upper-division information security specializations. Students interested in exploring alternative pathways should review cybersecurity in Alabama, network administration in Alabama, and information technology in Alabama, which offer complementary transfer options. The College Scorecard provides detailed transfer outcome data for participating institutions.
Why Pursue an Information Security Degree in Alabama?
Industry & Workforce
Alabama is a growing hub for information security education, with 12 institutions offering dedicated programs across associate, bachelor's, and master's degree levels (IPEDS). The state boasts 5 bachelor's programs and 7 master's programs, producing 89 bachelor's completions and 95 master's completions annually. This strong educational infrastructure positions Alabama among the more accessible states for pursuing cybersecurity expertise. Leading institutions like Auburn University, the University of South Alabama, and the University of Alabama consistently rank among the nation's best information security programs, providing students with instruction and industry connections.
Salary Outlook
Alabama's major metropolitan areas. Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, and Montgomery, host significant technology employers and government agencies that drive demand for security professionals. Huntsville, in particular, benefits from Redstone Arsenal's federal presence, while Birmingham and surrounding regions attract talent to UAB Health System operations and manufacturing companies like Mercedes-Benz and Honda Manufacturing. Public in-state tuition at four-year institutions averages $9,589, significantly lower than the national average, making Alabama an affordable choice for domestic students. For students exploring similar programs nationwide, Alabama's offerings are complementary to programs in information security in Texas and information security in California. Additionally, related fields like cybersecurity in Alabama and network administration in Alabama provide alternative or complementary career pathways.
Information Security Program Availability in Alabama
9 Programs
Alabama offers 9 accredited information security programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Huntsville, Birmingham, Mobile.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Information Security Job Market & Salary Data in Alabama
Employment Outlook
Alabama's information security job market is experiencing steady growth, supported by a strong higher education infrastructure and diverse employer base. The state hosts 12 institutions offering information security programs, with 184 total completions annually across bachelor's and master's degree levels (IPEDS). Major metropolitan areas including Birmingham-Hoover, Huntsville, Mobile, and Montgomery are driving demand for skilled security professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Alabama's technology and defense sectors continue to expand, creating competitive employment opportunities for information security graduates.
Salaries by Metro
The Huntsville region, anchored by Redstone Arsenal, serves as a major employment hub for information security professionals. Central Alabama, particularly Birmingham, hosts the UAB Health System and Mercedes-Benz manufacturing operations, both requiring strong cybersecurity infrastructure. Students completing information security degrees at University of Alabama in Huntsville (35 completions) and Auburn University (top-ranked bachelor's program) benefit from proximity to these major employers. The state's average public in-state tuition of $9,589 makes Alabama an affordable option compared to national averages, and the Alabama Student Assistance Program provides additional need-based support for state residents.
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 Information Security Programs in Alabama
Online Programs
0 available in Alabama
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$8,914/yr$9,904/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 Information Security Programs in Other States
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Florida
- Total Programs
- 52
- Median Tuition
- $3,700
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Georgia
- Total Programs
- 38
- Median Tuition
- $2,500
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Tennessee
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $20,400
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Mississippi
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $3,700
Best Information Security Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $1,300
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 30
- Median Tuition
- $4,300
Best Information Security Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 48
- Median Tuition
- $6,200
Best Information Security Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 57
- Median Tuition
- $17,800
Information Security Degree Programs in Alabama: FAQ
What are the best information security degree programs in Alabama?
The best information security degree programs in Alabama based on our methodology are: 1) Columbia Southern University (highly ranked), 2) The University of Alabama, and 3) Troy University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Alabama offers 9 total accredited programs across 6 public and 2 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 4 bachelor's programs.
How much do information security degree programs cost in Alabama?
Information Security degree program costs in Alabama vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $9,904/year, while private institutions average $21,789/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $2,476/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $39,616 at public schools to $87,155 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 information security degree graduates earn in Alabama?
Information Security 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 information security degree programs in Alabama?
Yes, Alabama offers 0 accredited online Information Security 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 information security degree graduates in Alabama?
Major Information Security 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 an information security degree program worth it in Alabama?
An information security degree program in Alabama offers strong ROI with a $98,520 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $9,904/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 information security degree programs take in Alabama?
Standard completion times for information security 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 information security degree students in Alabama?
Alabama information security 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.