Top 3 Machine Learning Programs in Alabama 2025
Auburn University
66 machine learning graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
University of South Alabama
50 machine learning graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
Auburn University at Montgomery
157 machine learning graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Alabama offers 8+ accredited machine learning 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)
Machine Learning Education in Alabama: Overview
Alabama offers 8 accredited machine learning programs, producing approximately 303 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 machine learning 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 Machine Learning 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% | 54.8 |
| 6 | Oakwood University | Huntsville, AL | Private | $20,722 | — | 42.7 |
| 7 | Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | Private | $21,500 | — | 38.4 |
| 8 | Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,328 | — | 35.7 |
Top 5 Machine Learning 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 | 8 |
| 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 | 54.8/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Machine Learning in Alabama
Alabama offers 8 bachelor's-level machine learning 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 machine learning typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning Schools for Master's Degrees in Alabama
For graduate study, Alabama offers 1 master's-level machine learning 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 machine learning master's programs for more options beyond Alabama.
Top 3 Machine Learning Master's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Auburn University at... | $8,568 | N/A% | 157 | 65.5 |
Most Affordable Machine Learning Colleges in Alabama
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable machine learning 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 Machine Learning Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning Schools in Alabama
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 machine learning 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)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 66 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 50%
- • Ranking Score: 69.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 66 machine learning 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 Engineering's AI programs are the first of their kind in Alabama, offering both online and on-campus options with three core courses in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data mining. The program allows students to specialize in areas like cyber security or computer networks while developing skills to solve complex engineering problems and problems of societal importance.
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credit hours
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- first of their kind in Alabama
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,976 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 50 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 65%
- • Ranking Score: 68.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 50 machine learning 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.
Auburn University at Montgomery
Montgomery, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,568 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 157 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 93%
- • Ranking Score: 65.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 157 machine learning 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
The Master of Science in Data Science and Engineering program offers an excellent balance between theory and application with two formal options (data engineering and data science), available both on-campus and online. The program includes bridge courses for students without traditional CS backgrounds and features a required capstone experience for real-world application.
Admission Prerequisites
- •COMP1210 Introduces Fund. of Comp.
- •COMP2210 Fund. of Computing II
- •COMP3270 Algorithms
- •STAT3600/3610 Prob and Stat I and II
- •MATH1610/1620 Calculus I and II
- •MATH2660 Topics in Linear Algebra
- •at least one statistics course at the 3000-level or above
- •knowledge of at least one modern programming language
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credit hours
- Capstone Project Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, AL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $19,594 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 31%
- • Ranking Score: 55.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 5 machine learning 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 provided content does not contain specific information about a Machine Learning program at Tuskegee University. The content mentions an Information Systems and Computer Security M.S. program and general university information, but no details about machine learning curriculum, faculty, or program specifics are explicitly stated.
Rankings & Recognition
- #4 HBCU in the Nation
University of Montevallo
Montevallo, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,090 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Machine Learning Graduates: 8 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 54%
- • Ranking Score: 54.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 8 machine learning graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 54.8 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (8 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.
Machine Learning 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 8)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Machine Learning in Alabama FAQ
Based on 8 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Machine Learning 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.