Home to Huntsville, this year's best city for tech jobs, Alabama has a lot to offer IT professionals. The same holds true for students; Alabama has some of the nation's top colleges for computer science and engineering. The best computer science schools in Alabama include Auburn University in Auburn, University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, and UAB in Birmingham.
This page will explore the top-ranked computer science schools in Alabama, as well as the best online tech schools for Alabamians. We'll also look at possible career outcomes for computing professionals in-state, including the highest-paying cities and technology roles in the Heart of Dixie.
Top Computer Science Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
- Associate of Science in IT
Top Computer Science Programs:
- BS in IT, Minor: Microsoft Networking
- BS in IT, Minor: Cisco Networking
- BS in IT, Software Development
Best CS Schools in Alabama
Compare the best colleges for computer science in Alabama.
Auburn University
Auburn University is one of the Top 100 Computer Science Schools in America, according to US News & World Report, and is the best college for computer science in Alabama. Accolades for Auburn's Samuel Ginn College of Engineering include providing the nation's first public bachelor's program in software engineering, and being named an NSA and DHS Center of Academic Excellence for research and education in cybersecurity.
- CS Research Areas include:
- Augmented and virtual reality
- Data science and analytics
- Artificial intelligence & machine learning
- Cybersecurity and cyber-physical systems
- Software & mobile application development
- Embedded and energy-efficient computing
- View all programs at Auburn
- Campus Locations:
- Samuel Ginn College of Engineering | 1301 Shelby Center | Auburn, Alabama 36849
University of Alabama
Beyond its famed Crimson Tide athletics program, prominent Greek system and sprawling campus, the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa is a top-notch educational institution. When it comes to computer science, UA features undergraduate and graduate programs in cutting-edge CS domains such as big data analytics, cybersecurity, high-performance computing, robotics, mobile computing, and sustainable Internet of Things.
- Computer Science Degrees include:
- Computer Science, BS
- Cyber Security, BS
- Computer Science, MS
- Computer Science, Ph.D.
- View all programs at UA
- Campus Locations:
- University of Alabama | Department of Computer Science | Box 870290 | Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0290
Top-Paying CS Jobs in Alabama
If you decide to work in Alabama after graduation, here's how much you can earn in the state's top-paying computer science roles.
| CS Career Path | Average Salary in AL |
|---|---|
| Information Technology Manager | $128,150 |
| Database Architect | $123,770 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $121,780 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $121,370 |
| Computer Scientist | $118,390 |
| Network Architect | $114,250 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Regional CS Salaries in Alabama
Here are the Alabama cities and metropolitan areas that pay the highest wages to IT and computer science professionals.
| Location in Alabama | Average Tech Salary |
|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL | $104,150 |
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $87,400 |
| Mobile, AL | $80,960 |
| Montgomery, AL | $79,750 |
| Decatur, AL | $78,310 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
Higher-education insiders answer common questions from prospective CS students in Alabama.
Is Auburn University good for computer science?
Yes, Auburn University is Alabama's top-ranked college for computer science. Auburn is also the 82nd ranked computer science program in the nation, according to US News & World Report.
Does UAB have a good computer science program?
University of Alabama in Birmingham has a solid computer science program featuring marketable CS majors in bioinformatics, digital forensics and more. UAB is the 3rd ranked computer science school in Alabama, after Auburn and the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
Online Computer Schools in Alabama
These top-rated online CS schools are accepting Alabama residents.
Capella University
Capella University offers online computer science degrees that focus on the skills, platforms and certifications that employers demand.
- Computer Science Programs in:
- Data Management and Analytics
- Information Assurance & Cybersecurity
- Networking with Cisco & Microsoft Technologies
- Web and Software Development
- View all programs at Capella
Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU's online computer science programs feature experiential learning and hands-on projects to provide the skills needed for success in the modern IT workforce.
- Undergraduate & Graduate Programs in:
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Business Intelligence & Analytics
- Graphic Design & 3D Animation
- Information Security
- View all programs at SNHU
