Top 3 UX Design Programs in Alabama 2025
Auburn University
41 ux design graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
The University of Alabama
8 ux design graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
Samford University
2 ux design graduates annually, 79% graduation rate
- 1.Alabama offers 7+ accredited ux design 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)
UX Design Education in Alabama: Overview
Alabama offers 7 accredited ux design programs, producing approximately 82 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 ux design programs in the state are led by Auburn University, The University of Alabama, Samford University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Alabama UX Design Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Auburn University | Auburn, AL | Public | $10,704 | 81% | 66.1 |
| 2 | The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | Public | $11,100 | 90% | 50.7 |
| 3 | Samford University | Birmingham, AL | Private | $37,144 | 79% | 41.9 |
| 4 | Oakwood University | Huntsville, AL | Private | $20,722 | — | 40.8 |
| 5 | John C Calhoun State Community College | Tanner, AL | Public | $3,810 | — | 35.9 |
| 6 | Chattahoochee Valley Community College | Phenix City, AL | Public | $3,810 | — | 31.2 |
| 7 | George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville | Hanceville, AL | Public | $3,810 | — | 30.1 |
Top 5 UX Design Programs in Alabama: Side-by-Side
| School | Auburn | University of Alabama | Samford | Oakwood | John C Calhoun State... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $10,704 | $11,100 | $37,144 | $20,722 | $3,810 |
| Graduation Rate | 81% | 90% | 79% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 41 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 19 |
| Acceptance Rate | 50% | 76% | 82% | 51% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Private | Public |
| Score | 66.1/100 | 50.7/100 | 41.9/100 | 40.8/100 | 35.9/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in UX Design in Alabama
Alabama offers 4 bachelor's-level ux design programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Auburn University, The University of Alabama, Samford University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $68,964 in the Alabama market.
A bachelor's in ux design typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best UX Design Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 UX Design Bachelor's Programs in Alabama
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Auburn | $10,704 | 81% | 41 | 66.1 |
| #2 University of Alabama | $11,100 | 90% | 8 | 50.7 |
| #3 Samford | $37,144 | 79% | 2 | 41.9 |
Top UX Design Schools for Master's Degrees in Alabama
Master's-level ux design programs are limited in Alabama. Consider online graduate programs or neighboring states for advanced study options.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best ux design master's programs for more options beyond Alabama.
Most Affordable UX Design Colleges in Alabama
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable ux design programs in Alabama are at John C Calhoun State Community College ($3,810/year), Chattahoochee Valley Community College ($3,810/year), George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville ($3,810/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Alabama's competitive tech salaries.
At John C Calhoun State Community College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $15,240 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $68,964, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable UX Design Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable UX Design Programs in Alabama (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 John C Calhoun State... | $3,810 | $15,240 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 Chattahoochee Valley... | $3,810 | $15,240 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #3 George C Wallace State... | $3,810 | $15,240 | 0.4 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 UX Design Schools in Alabama
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 ux design 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)
- • UX Design Graduates: 41 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 50%
- • Ranking Score: 66.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 81% graduation rate
- 41 ux design graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 66.1 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (81%), program size (41 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 Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design is a nationally regarded, NASAD-accredited program that provides hands-on design instruction in a professional studio environment with emphasis on UI/UX among other design specializations. The program offers real-world experience through internships and networking opportunities while building strong portfolios.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- nationally regarded program
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,100 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 8 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 76%
- • Ranking Score: 50.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 8 ux design graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 50.7 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (8 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Samford University
Birmingham, AL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $37,144 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 79% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 2 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 82%
- • Ranking Score: 41.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 79% graduation rate
- 2 ux design graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 41.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (79%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (82% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Samford University is Alabama's top-ranked private university offering over 140 degree programs in a supportive, Christ-centered community with test-optional admissions and transfer-friendly policies.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.50
- Transfer Friendly
Rankings & Recognition
- Alabama's top-ranked private university
Oakwood University
Huntsville, AL • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $20,722 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 2 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 51%
- • Ranking Score: 40.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 2 ux design graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 40.8 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (2 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (51% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
John C Calhoun State Community College
Tanner, AL • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,810 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 19 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 35.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 19 ux design graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 35.9 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (19 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,520), and selectivity (N/A% 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.
UX Design 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 7)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
UX Design in Alabama FAQ
Based on 7 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
UX Design 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.