Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Alabama 2025
Auburn University
155 software engineering graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
University of South Alabama
62 software engineering graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
Auburn University at Montgomery
157 software engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Alabama offers 12+ accredited software engineering 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)
Software Engineering Education in Alabama: Overview
Alabama offers 12 accredited software engineering programs, producing approximately 484 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 software engineering 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 Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Auburn University | Auburn, AL | Public | $10,704 | 81% | 82.4 |
| 2 | University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | Public | $8,976 | 99% | 70.5 |
| 3 | Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,568 | — | 65.5 |
| 4 | The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | Public | $11,100 | 90% | 55.3 |
| 5 | Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | Private | $19,594 | 87% | 55.3 |
| 6 | University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | Public | $10,120 | — | 54.3 |
| 7 | University of Montevallo | Montevallo, AL | Public | $12,090 | 97% | 49.7 |
| 8 | Oakwood University | Huntsville, AL | Private | $20,722 | — | 42.7 |
| 9 | University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | Private | $24,580 | 79% | 42.6 |
| 10 | Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | Public | $8,328 | — | 35.7 |
| 11 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | Public | $8,832 | — | 34 |
| 12 | Herzing University-Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | Private | $12,360 | 42% | 28 |
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Alabama: Side-by-Side
| School | Auburn | U of South Alabama | Auburn University at... | University of Alabama | Tuskegee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $10,704 | $8,976 | $8,568 | $11,100 | $19,594 |
| Graduation Rate | 81% | 99% | N/A% | 90% | 87% |
| Annual Graduates | 155 | 62 | 157 | 27 | 5 |
| Acceptance Rate | 50% | 65% | 93% | 76% | 31% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 82.4/100 | 70.5/100 | 65.5/100 | 55.3/100 | 55.3/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Alabama
Alabama offers 10 bachelor's-level software engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Auburn University, University of South Alabama, The University of Alabama. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $68,964 in the Alabama market.
A bachelor's in software engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Auburn | $10,704 | 81% | 155 | 82.4 |
| #2 U of South Alabama | $8,976 | 99% | 62 | 70.5 |
| #3 University of Alabama | $11,100 | 90% | 27 | 55.3 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Alabama
For graduate study, Alabama offers 3 master's-level software engineering programs. Leading institutions include Auburn University at Montgomery, Auburn University, University of Alabama in Huntsville. 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 software engineering master's programs for more options beyond Alabama.
Top 3 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Auburn University at... | $8,568 | N/A% | 157 | 65.5 |
| #2 Auburn | $10,704 | 81% | 39 | 61.1 |
| #3 U of Alabama in Huntsville | $10,120 | N/A% | 11 | 40.5 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Alabama
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in Alabama are at Alabama State University ($8,328/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 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 Software Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Software Engineering 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 Alabama at Birmingham | $8,832 | $35,328 | 1 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Software Engineering Schools in Alabama
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 software engineering 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)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 155 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 50%
- • Ranking Score: 82.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 155 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 82.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (155 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (50% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Auburn's Software Engineering program offers a comprehensive 122-credit curriculum with advanced courses in secure software processes and quality assurance, leading to strong career outcomes with an average starting salary of $75,731. The program is supported by major industry employers including Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, and ExxonMobil who actively recruit graduates.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 122
- Capstone Project Required
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $75,731
- Top Employers: Accenture, Aflac, Auburn University, Bentley Systems, Capgemini, CGI, ExxonMobil, Hexagon, J.B. Hunt, Lockheed Martin, Manhattan Associates, Microsoft, NCR, OCV, Radiance Technologies, Torch Technologies, US Air Force, US Navy
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,976 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 62 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 65%
- • Ranking Score: 70.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 62 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 70.5 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (62 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (65% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Computer Engineering at University of South Alabama integrates both electrical engineering and computer science classes, providing understanding of digital logic, systems theory, and embedded systems. Graduates are in high demand because they understand both hardware and software, starting with electronics and working up to hardware design and low-level software.
Auburn University at Montgomery
Montgomery, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,568 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 157 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 93%
- • Ranking Score: 65.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 157 software engineering 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.
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,100 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 27 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 76%
- • Ranking Score: 55.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 27 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 55.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (27 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 offers ABET-accredited Computer Engineering with extensive research centers including AI advancement and advanced manufacturing, plus guaranteed merit scholarships for qualifying students. The program emphasizes embedded systems design and hardware-software integration with strong industry preparation.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.5
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, AL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $19,594 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 31%
- • Ranking Score: 55.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 5 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 55.3 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 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
No Software Engineering program information was found in the provided content, which only contains navigation elements and general university information for Computer Engineering and Aerospace Science Engineering programs.
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.
Software Engineering 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 12)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Software Engineering in Alabama FAQ
Based on 12 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Software Engineering 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.