Top 3 Network Administration Programs in Alabama 2025
Columbia Southern University
75 network administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Auburn University
9 network administration graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
University of Alabama in Huntsville
35 network administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Alabama offers 10+ accredited network administration programs across public and private universities
- 2.Columbia Southern University leads with strong% 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)
Network Administration Education in Alabama: Overview
Alabama offers 10 accredited network administration programs, producing approximately 192 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 network administration programs in the state are led by Columbia Southern University, Auburn University, University of Alabama in Huntsville, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Alabama Network Administration Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Columbia Southern University | Orange Beach, AL | For-Profit | $5,528 | — | 69.6 |
| 2 | Auburn University | Auburn, AL | Public | $10,704 | 81% | 54.2 |
| 3 | University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | Public | $10,120 | — | 51.9 |
| 4 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | Public | $8,832 | — | 48.2 |
| 5 | The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | Public | $11,100 | 90% | 46.9 |
| 6 | Miles College | Fairfield, AL | Private | $11,164 | — | 44.6 |
| 7 | Talladega College | Talladega, AL | Private | $12,130 | 77% | 40.8 |
| 8 | Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,568 | — | 40.5 |
| 9 | Troy University | Troy, AL | Public | $9,792 | — | 38.5 |
| 10 | Herzing University-Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | Private | $12,360 | 42% | 31.3 |
Top 5 Network Administration Programs in Alabama: Side-by-Side
| School | Columbia Southern | Auburn | U of Alabama in Huntsville | U of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $5,528 | $10,704 | $10,120 | $8,832 | $11,100 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 81% | N/A% | N/A% | 90% |
| Annual Graduates | 75 | 9 | 35 | 32 | 3 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 50% | 74% | 88% | 76% |
| Type | For-Profit | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 69.6/100 | 54.2/100 | 51.9/100 | 48.2/100 | 46.9/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Network Administration in Alabama
Alabama offers 5 bachelor's-level network administration programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Columbia Southern University, The University of Alabama, Miles College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $68,964 in the Alabama market.
A bachelor's in network administration typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Network Administration Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Network Administration Bachelor's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Columbia Southern | $5,528 | N/A% | 75 | 69.6 |
| #2 University of Alabama | $11,100 | 90% | 3 | 46.9 |
| #3 Miles College | $11,164 | N/A% | 6 | 44.6 |
Top Network Administration Schools for Master's Degrees in Alabama
For graduate study, Alabama offers 5 master's-level network administration programs. Leading institutions include Auburn University, University of Alabama in Huntsville, University of Alabama at Birmingham. 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 network administration master's programs for more options beyond Alabama.
Top 3 Network Administration Master's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Auburn | $10,704 | 81% | 9 | 54.2 |
| #2 U of Alabama in Huntsville | $10,120 | N/A% | 35 | 51.9 |
| #3 U of Alabama at Birmingham | $8,832 | N/A% | 32 | 48.2 |
Most Affordable Network Administration Colleges in Alabama
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable network administration programs in Alabama are at Columbia Southern University ($5,528/year), Auburn University at Montgomery ($8,568/year), University of Alabama at Birmingham ($8,832/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 Network Administration Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Network Administration 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 Auburn University at... | $8,568 | $34,272 | 1 years | Public |
| #3 U of Alabama at Birmingham | $8,832 | $35,328 | 1 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Network Administration Schools in Alabama
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 network administration 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.
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,528 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 75 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 69.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 75 network administration graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 69.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (75 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
No specific Network Administration program information was found in the provided content to make a determination about what makes this program stand out.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Auburn University
Auburn, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,704 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 81% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 9 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 50%
- • Ranking Score: 54.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 9 network administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 54.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (9 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (50% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,120 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 35 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 74%
- • Ranking Score: 51.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 35 network administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 51.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (35 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (74% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,832 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 32 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 48.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 32 network administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 48.2 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (32 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,100 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 3 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 76%
- • Ranking Score: 46.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 3 network administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 46.9 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (3 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Management program focuses on experiential learning with entrepreneurship classes using hands-on approaches, while providing specialized concentrations in entrepreneurship, health care analytics, and human resource management with strong industry connections and career placement support.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $62,000
- Job Placement: 95% Positive Outcomes
- 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
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.
Network Administration 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 10)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Network Administration in Alabama FAQ
Based on 10 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Network Administration 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.