Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Alabama 2025
Auburn University
156 information technology graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
The University of Alabama
93 information technology graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
University of Alabama in Huntsville
168 information technology graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Alabama offers 43+ accredited information technology 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)
Information Technology Education in Alabama: Overview
Alabama offers 43 accredited information technology programs, producing approximately 1,358 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 technology programs in the state are led by Auburn University, The University of Alabama, University of Alabama in Huntsville, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Alabama Information Technology Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Auburn University | Auburn, AL | Public | $10,704 | 81% | 78.5 |
| 2 | The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | Public | $11,100 | 90% | 68 |
| 3 | University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | Public | $10,120 | — | 66.6 |
| 4 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | Public | $8,832 | — | 66.6 |
| 5 | University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | Public | $8,976 | 99% | 66.1 |
| 6 | Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,568 | — | 56.9 |
| 7 | Columbia Southern University | Orange Beach, AL | For-Profit | $5,528 | — | 56.8 |
| 8 | Troy University | Troy, AL | Public | $9,792 | — | 55 |
| 9 | Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | Private | $19,594 | 87% | 54.1 |
| 10 | Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | Public | $10,290 | 62% | 50.9 |
| 11 | Alabama A & M University | Normal, AL | Public | $8,610 | 65% | 49.3 |
| 12 | Athens State University | Athens, AL | Public | $7,530 | — | 47.1 |
| 13 | Samford University | Birmingham, AL | Private | $37,144 | 79% | 45.2 |
| 14 | Strayer University-Alabama | Birmingham, AL | For-Profit | $13,725 | — | 44.3 |
| 15 | South University-Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | For-Profit | $15,732 | 65% | 44.1 |
| 16 | University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | Private | $24,580 | 79% | 42.9 |
| 17 | University of North Alabama | Florence, AL | Public | $10,200 | — | 40.7 |
| 18 | Talladega College | Talladega, AL | Private | $12,130 | 77% | 39.5 |
| 19 | Oakwood University | Huntsville, AL | Private | $20,722 | — | 39.3 |
| 20 | Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | Private | $21,930 | — | 37.1 |
| 21 | Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,328 | — | 37.1 |
| 22 | John C Calhoun State Community College | Tanner, AL | Public | $3,810 | — | 35.9 |
| 23 | H Councill Trenholm State Community College | Montgomery, AL | Public | $3,810 | — | 33.7 |
| 24 | Jefferson State Community College | Birmingham, AL | Public | $3,810 | — | 33.6 |
| 25 | Bevill State Community College | Jasper, AL | Public | $3,556 | — | 32.8 |
Top 5 Information Technology Programs in Alabama: Side-by-Side
| School | Auburn | University of Alabama | U of Alabama in Huntsville | U of Alabama at Birmingham | U of South Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $10,704 | $11,100 | $10,120 | $8,832 | $8,976 |
| Graduation Rate | 81% | 90% | N/A% | N/A% | 99% |
| Annual Graduates | 156 | 93 | 168 | 198 | 51 |
| Acceptance Rate | 50% | 76% | 74% | 88% | 65% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 78.5/100 | 68.0/100 | 66.6/100 | 66.6/100 | 66.1/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Technology in Alabama
Alabama offers 22 bachelor's-level information technology programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Auburn University, The University of Alabama, University of Alabama in Huntsville. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $68,964 in the Alabama market.
A bachelor's in information technology typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Auburn | $10,704 | 81% | 156 | 78.5 |
| #2 University of Alabama | $11,100 | 90% | 93 | 68.0 |
| #3 U of Alabama in Huntsville | $10,120 | N/A% | 168 | 66.6 |
Top Information Technology Schools for Master's Degrees in Alabama
For graduate study, Alabama offers 10 master's-level information technology programs. Leading institutions include University of Alabama at Birmingham, Auburn University at Montgomery, University of South Alabama. 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 technology master's programs for more options beyond Alabama.
Top 3 Information Technology Master's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Alabama at Birmingham | $8,832 | N/A% | 198 | 66.6 |
| #2 Auburn University at... | $8,568 | N/A% | 116 | 56.9 |
| #3 U of South Alabama | $8,976 | 99% | 14 | 54.5 |
Most Affordable Information Technology Colleges in Alabama
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information technology programs in Alabama are at Gadsden State Community College ($3,048/year), Bevill State Community College ($3,556/year), John C Calhoun State Community College ($3,810/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Alabama's competitive tech salaries.
At Gadsden State Community College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $12,192 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $68,964, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable Information Technology Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Technology Programs in Alabama (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Gadsden State Community... | $3,048 | $12,192 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 Bevill State Community... | $3,556 | $14,224 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #3 John C Calhoun State... | $3,810 | $15,240 | 0.4 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Information Technology Schools in Alabama
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information technology 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)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 156 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 50%
- • Ranking Score: 78.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 156 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 78.5 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (156 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 hands-on experience with industry-standard software environments including ArcGIS, Java, MySQL, and R, while helping bridge the gap between IT specialists and end-users through comprehensive training in areas like software development, database administration, and systems analysis.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.75
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,100 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 93 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 76%
- • Ranking Score: 68.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 93 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 68.0 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (93 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The program emphasizes experiential learning through industry-sponsored practicum projects and offers over 90 scholarships exclusively for MIS majors. Students develop IT leadership skills through advanced coursework in solutions delivery, cyber security, and IT strategy, resulting in graduates who are highly sought after by firms across the nation.
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •MIS 221 Business Programming I
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.3
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credits
- Capstone Project Required
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $77,723
- Job Placement: 90.4% employment rate within 90 days of graduation
- Top Employers: Lockheed Martin, ExxonMobil, EY, Accenture, Ford, AT&T, Georgia Pacific, FedEx, Alabama Power, Dell Technologies, Oracle, Regions Bank, PWC, JP Morgan Chase
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- Ranked among public universities by U.S. News & World Report 2024
- Forbes Business School MBA Rankings Best Program in the South
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,120 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 168 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 74%
- • Ranking Score: 66.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 168 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 66.6 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (168 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (74% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
No specific Information Technology program details were found in the provided content from University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Available Scholarships
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,832 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 198 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 66.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 198 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 66.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (198 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,976 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 51 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 65%
- • Ranking Score: 66.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 51 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 66.1 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 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.
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 Technology 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 43)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Information Technology in Alabama FAQ
Based on 25 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Technology 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.