🥇
$10,704
Tuition/yr
81%
Grad rate
69.7
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best machine learning degree programs: Auburn, U of South Alabama, U of Montevallo
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $8,328 to $21,500/year
U of South Alabama offers the most affordable option at $8,976/yr
Machine Learning degree programs available: 1 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
Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning programs
We rank 9 accredited machine learning 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 Machine Learning Degree Programs in Alabama Worth It?
Answer
$98,520
Yes. The best machine learning degree programs in Alabama deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $98,520 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $13,810/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Machine Learning Degree Rankings in Alabama
Compare the top-ranked Machine Learning programs in Alabama by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs in Alabama
8
Programs ranked
$13,810
Avg tuition/yr
91%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Alabama ranks among the nation's top destinations for machine learning education, with 8 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 5 public and 3 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Auburn, U of South Alabama, U of Montevallo, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Alabama machine learning 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 $8,328 to $21,500 annually, with an average of $13,810/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 91%, with the highest reaching 99%. 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 machine learning degrees in Alabama, these top-ranked machine learning schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
🥈
$8,976
Tuition/yr
99%
Grad rate
68.1
Hakia Score
#5
$8,568
Tuition/yr
54.0
Hakia Score
Show all 8 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Oakwood University | Huntsville, AL | Private | $20,722 | — | 42.7 |
| #7 | Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,328 | — | 35.7 |
| #8 | Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | Private | $21,500 | — | 38.4 |
Best Master's Machine Learning Programs in Alabama
1
Programs ranked
$8,568
Avg tuition/yr
0%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Alabama offers 1 master's degree programs in machine learning, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Auburn University at Mont..., 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 $8,568/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 machine learning schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
🥇
$8,568
Tuition/yr
65.5
Hakia Score
Machine Learning Degree Costs & Tuition in Alabama
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $13,810/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $34,525/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,453/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $82,860 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $20,714 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Machine Learning Students in Alabama
State Aid Programs
Alabama residents pursuing machine learning degrees have access to several financial aid pathways designed to make higher education affordable. The primary state-level resource is the Alabama Student Assistance Program, which provides need-based grants specifically for Alabama residents attending in-state institutions. This program complements federal aid options available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens doors to Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study opportunities. All Alabama colleges and universities participate in the federal student aid system, meaning machine learning students can leverage multiple funding sources to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal programs, individual institutions offer institutional scholarships and merit-based awards for computer science and engineering students, categories that often overlap with machine learning programs. The College Scorecard provides detailed information about net price calculations, the actual cost after grants and scholarships, for specific schools in Alabama. Many of Alabama's major universities, including those ranked in the top machine learning programs, offer graduate assistantships and research fellowships that provide tuition coverage plus stipends. Students should contact their institution's financial aid office directly to explore discipline-specific scholarships and funding opportunities.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator, Alabama
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a machine learning 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.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a machine learning degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+1064%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,967,896
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
$147,619
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)$3,003,304
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)$155,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return5.5%
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
Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning Graduates in Alabama
Find machine learning jobs in Alabama. These major employers across Alabama metro areas are actively hiring machine learning degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Machine Learning Jobs in Huntsville
ALNASA Marshall Space Flight Center
government
Redstone Arsenal
defense
Dynetics
defense
SAIC
defense
Boeing
aerospace
Machine Learning Jobs in Birmingham
ALRegions Financial
finance
BBVA USA
finance
Shipt
tech
Protective Life
insurance
Machine Learning Jobs in Mobile
ALAirbus
aerospace
Austal USA
defense
AM/NS Calvert
manufacturing
Transfer Pathways for Machine Learning Degrees in Alabama
State Transfer System
Alabama's 26 community colleges provide cost-effective entry points into machine learning education through associate degree and certificate programs. The state's STARS (Statewide Transfer and Articulation Reporting System) facilitates seamless transfer of credits from two-year institutions to four-year universities, enabling students to complete foundational coursework affordably before pursuing bachelor's or advanced degrees. STARS guarantees that credits earned through articulation agreements satisfy general education requirements and prerequisite courses at receiving institutions, reducing time-to-degree and total cost. This pathway is particularly valuable given Alabama's average public in-state tuition disparity: community college tuition averages $3,810 versus $9,589 at four-year public institutions (IPEDS).
How Transfers Work
Students following the transfer pathway complete an associate degree or general education requirements at community colleges like John C Calhoun State Community College, H Councill Trenholm State Community College, or Jefferson State Community College, then transfer to bachelor's programs at Auburn University, The University of Alabama, or University of South Alabama. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education and STARS maintain updated articulation agreements ensuring program-to-program alignment. Students should also explore related pathways in Computer Science and Data Analytics to maximize flexibility. Financial aid through the Alabama Student Assistance Program supports both community college and four-year students, further reducing transfer barriers.
Why Pursue a Machine Learning Degree in Alabama?
Industry & Workforce
Alabama offers a strong ecosystem for machine learning education with 13 institutions offering programs across multiple degree levels (IPEDS). The state produces 184 bachelor's degree completions and 157 master's degree completions annually, demonstrating strong program capacity and graduate pipeline development. Top-ranked institutions like Auburn University and The University of Alabama anchor the state's ML education landscape, providing students with access to faculty and resources without requiring relocation to traditional tech hubs.
Salary Outlook
Alabama's major metropolitan areas. Birmingham-Hoover, Huntsville, Mobile, and Montgomery, host significant technology employers including Redstone Arsenal, UAB Health System, Mercedes-Benz, and Honda Manufacturing, creating abundant internship and employment opportunities for graduates. The state's average public in-state tuition of $9,589 for four-year institutions positions Alabama competitively against national averages (College Scorecard), while 26 two-year institutions provide affordable entry points through the STARS transfer system. Students exploring related fields should consider Alabama's strong Data Science and Artificial Intelligence programs, which complement machine learning expertise.
Machine Learning Program Availability in Alabama
8 Programs
Alabama offers 8 accredited machine learning programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Huntsville, Birmingham, Mobile.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Machine Learning Job Market & Salary Data in Alabama
Employment Outlook
Alabama's machine learning job market is growing steadily, supported by a strong tech infrastructure and diverse employer base across the state. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, tech employment in Alabama has been expanding, with particular strength in data science and machine learning roles. The state's average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions is $9,589, making education accessible for aspiring ML professionals. With 13 institutions offering machine learning programs and 184 bachelor's degree completions annually, Alabama is building a strong pipeline of qualified talent to meet industry demand.
Salaries by Metro
The strongest job markets for machine learning professionals are concentrated in Alabama's major metropolitan areas. The Birmingham-Hoover metro area and Huntsville lead the state in tech hiring, while Mobile and Montgomery offer growing opportunities. For career planning and salary data, the College Scorecard provides detailed employment outcomes for graduates. Students seeking graduate-level education have options at 2 institutions offering master's programs, with 157 completions annually, providing advanced credentials for competitive positions. Prospective students should explore programs at top schools like Auburn University and University of South Alabama to maximize career readiness in Alabama's evolving tech landscape.
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 Machine Learning Programs in Alabama
Online Programs
0 available in Alabama
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$12,429/yr$13,810/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 Machine Learning Programs in Other States
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Florida
- Total Programs
- 37
- Median Tuition
- $31,200
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Georgia
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $9,800
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Tennessee
- Total Programs
- 38
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Mississippi
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $10,300
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 179
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 73
- Median Tuition
- $9,000
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 119
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Machine Learning Degree Programs in Alabama: FAQ
What are the best machine learning degree programs in Alabama?
The best machine learning degree programs in Alabama based on our methodology are: 1) Auburn University (81% graduation rate), 2) University of South Alabama, and 3) University of Montevallo. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Alabama offers 8 total accredited programs across 5 public and 3 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 8 bachelor's programs.
How much do machine learning degree programs cost in Alabama?
Machine Learning degree program costs in Alabama vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $13,810/year, while private institutions average $30,382/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $3,453/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $55,240 at public schools to $121,528 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 machine learning degree graduates earn in Alabama?
Machine Learning 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 machine learning degree programs in Alabama?
Yes, Alabama offers 0 accredited online Machine Learning 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 machine learning degree graduates in Alabama?
Major Machine Learning 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 a machine learning degree program worth it in Alabama?
A machine learning degree program in Alabama offers strong ROI with a $98,520 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $13,810/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 machine learning degree programs take in Alabama?
Standard completion times for machine learning 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 machine learning degree students in Alabama?
Alabama machine learning 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.