Top 3 Information Systems Programs in Alabama 2025
The University of Alabama
201 information systems graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
Auburn University
75 information systems graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
University of South Alabama
51 information systems graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
- 1.Alabama offers 18+ accredited information systems programs across public and private universities
- 2.The University of Alabama leads with 90% 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 Systems Education in Alabama: Overview
Alabama offers 18 accredited information systems programs, producing approximately 853 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 systems programs in the state are led by The University of Alabama, Auburn University, University of South Alabama, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Alabama Information Systems Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | Public | $11,100 | 90% | 79.6 |
| 2 | Auburn University | Auburn, AL | Public | $10,704 | 81% | 68.3 |
| 3 | University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | Public | $8,976 | 99% | 65.9 |
| 4 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | Public | $8,832 | — | 58.7 |
| 5 | Columbia Southern University | Orange Beach, AL | For-Profit | $5,528 | — | 56.7 |
| 6 | Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,568 | — | 56.7 |
| 7 | University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | Public | $10,120 | — | 54 |
| 8 | Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | Private | $21,930 | — | 53 |
| 9 | University of Montevallo | Montevallo, AL | Public | $12,090 | 97% | 52.4 |
| 10 | Athens State University | Athens, AL | Public | $7,530 | — | 45.3 |
| 11 | Strayer University-Alabama | Birmingham, AL | For-Profit | $13,725 | — | 44.2 |
| 12 | Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | Public | $10,290 | 62% | 43.7 |
| 13 | South University-Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | For-Profit | $15,732 | 65% | 43.3 |
| 14 | University of North Alabama | Florence, AL | Public | $10,200 | — | 41.2 |
| 15 | Oakwood University | Huntsville, AL | Private | $20,722 | — | 39.3 |
| 16 | Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,328 | — | 37 |
| 17 | Troy University | Troy, AL | Public | $9,792 | — | 34.8 |
| 18 | University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL | Public | $9,100 | — | 34.1 |
Top 5 Information Systems Programs in Alabama: Side-by-Side
| School | University of Alabama | Auburn | U of South Alabama | U of Alabama at Birmingham | Columbia Southern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $11,100 | $10,704 | $8,976 | $8,832 | $5,528 |
| Graduation Rate | 90% | 81% | 99% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 201 | 75 | 51 | 124 | 53 |
| Acceptance Rate | 76% | 50% | 65% | 88% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | For-Profit |
| Score | 79.6/100 | 68.3/100 | 65.9/100 | 58.7/100 | 56.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Systems in Alabama
Alabama offers 17 bachelor's-level information systems programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are The University of Alabama, Auburn University, University of South Alabama. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $68,964 in the Alabama market.
A bachelor's in information systems typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Systems Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Systems Bachelor's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Alabama | $11,100 | 90% | 201 | 79.6 |
| #2 Auburn | $10,704 | 81% | 75 | 68.3 |
| #3 U of South Alabama | $8,976 | 99% | 51 | 65.9 |
Top Information Systems Schools for Master's Degrees in Alabama
For graduate study, Alabama offers 8 master's-level information systems programs. Leading institutions include The University of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 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 information systems master's programs for more options beyond Alabama.
Top 3 Information Systems Master's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Alabama | $11,100 | 90% | 62 | 68.8 |
| #2 U of Alabama at Birmingham | $8,832 | N/A% | 124 | 58.7 |
| #3 Auburn University at... | $8,568 | N/A% | 116 | 56.7 |
Most Affordable Information Systems Colleges in Alabama
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information systems programs in Alabama are at Columbia Southern University ($5,528/year), Athens State University ($7,530/year), Alabama State University ($8,328/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 Systems Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Systems 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 Athens State | $7,530 | $30,120 | 0.9 years | Public |
| #3 Alabama State | $8,328 | $33,312 | 1 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Information Systems Schools in Alabama
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information systems 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.
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,100 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 201 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 76%
- • Ranking Score: 79.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 201 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 79.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (201 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 MIS program culminates with a two-semester, industry-sponsored practicum project that provides hands-on experience solving real business problems. With 95% positive outcomes and graduates earning an average starting salary of $72,895, the program offers more than 90 scholarships exclusively for MIS majors and places graduates at leading companies like AT&T, IBM, and Home Depot.
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •MIS 221 Business Programming I with grade of C- or higher
- •at least 61 semester hours of college credit
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.5
Program Details
- Capstone Project Required
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $72,895
- Job Placement: 95% positive outcomes
- Top Employers: Alfa, AT&T, Equifax, IBM, Home Depot, HP, Lowe's, P&G, Southern Co., Walmart
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Auburn University
Auburn, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,704 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 75 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 50%
- • Ranking Score: 68.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 75 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 68.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (75 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (50% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Information Systems Management program provides tools and resources for software application design and development, database design and administration, project management, and systems analysis, with hands-on experience in multiple software environments including ArcGIS, Java, MySQL, R, and Linux. Students gain comprehensive skills to bridge the gap between information technology specialists and end-users while preparing for internships between junior and senior years.
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,976 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 51 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 65%
- • Ranking Score: 65.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 51 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 65.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (51 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (65% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
South's information technology program prepares students to work in complex network and web environments using technologies developed by computer engineers, computer scientists and information scientists to meet the needs of today's organizations.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,832 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 124 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 58.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 124 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 58.7 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (124 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,528 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 53 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 56.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 53 information systems graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 56.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (53 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 Information Technology and Information Systems programs at $278 per credit hour for undergraduates, which is stated to be less than half the cost of competitors on average. Students can transfer up to 75% of credits for a Bachelor's degree and all course materials are included in the cost.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
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 Systems 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 18)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Information Systems in Alabama FAQ
Based on 18 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Systems 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.