Rankings / By State

Best Data Science Colleges in Alabama

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 13 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$45,080

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

45%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$17,237

Avg. Net Price

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In Alabama, students interested in data science have a range of colleges that focus on this growing field. These schools share a commitment to equipping graduates with the skills needed to thrive in a data-driven world. With average earnings of $45,080 for graduates, the potential for a solid return on investment is clear.

The best programs on this list stand out due to strong outcomes, including earnings potential, graduation rates, and manageable debt levels. Schools like Auburn University and the University of Alabama in Huntsville exemplify this balance, showing how program concentration can lead to better job placements and financial success after graduation.

Auburn University tops the list with impressive earnings of $65,337 and a graduation rate of 81%. In contrast, the University of Alabama at Montgomery offers lower earnings at $44,391 and a graduation rate of just 34%. This stark difference highlights the importance of evaluating both financial outcomes and completion rates when choosing a data science program.

Key Findings

Auburn University graduates earn an average of $65,337, the highest among Alabama colleges.

The average graduation rate for data science programs in Alabama is 45%.

University of Alabama in Huntsville has a lower net price of $18,796 compared to Auburn's $24,323.

University of Alabama at Birmingham has $22,300 in average debt for graduates.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 13

Avg. earnings at 10yr $45,080

Avg. graduation rate 45%

Avg. net price $17,237

Avg. median debt $24,571

How We Ranked

Data Science programs in Alabama ranked by outcomes and program concentration

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

University of Alabama in Huntsville

Huntsville, AL

Graduation63%

Earnings$61,767

Net Price$18,796

View full profile →

Auburn University

Auburn, AL

Graduation81%

Earnings$65,337

Net Price$24,323

View full profile →

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, AL

Graduation63%

Earnings$54,501

Net Price$18,749

View full profile →

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Accredited schools accepting applicants in this field.

Full Rankings

University of Alabama in Huntsville

Huntsville, AL · 6,591 students · Public

The University of Alabama in Huntsville, with around 6,600 students, offers a unique blend of research opportunities and a strong sense of community. Although the graduation rate is 63%, the campus fosters an environment for innovation and personal growth, especially in STEM fields.

69% accepted 63% graduate $61,767 earnings

University's full profile

Auburn University

Auburn, AL · 26,816 students · Public

With over 26,000 students, Auburn University is a vibrant hub of learning in Alabama. The school has a strong graduation rate of 81%, which suggests that students find support and community throughout their academic journey.

46% accepted 81% graduate $65,337 earnings

Auburn's full profile

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, AL · 11,635 students · Public

Situated in Birmingham, UAB is home to over 11,600 students and offers a dynamic urban experience. The graduation rate of 63% might seem low, but the university’s focus on health sciences and research equips students with valuable skills for the job market.

88% accepted 63% graduate $54,501 earnings

University's full profile

Auburn University at Montgomery

Montgomery, AL · 2,542 students · Public

Auburn University at Montgomery may be smaller, with about 2,500 students, but it provides a close-knit learning environment. The graduation rate is lower at 34%, yet this campus can be a great fit for students seeking a more personalized education experience.

92% accepted 34% graduate $44,391 earnings

Auburn's full profile

University of South Alabama

Mobile, AL · 8,879 students · Public

Located in Mobile, the University of South Alabama boasts a vibrant campus life for its nearly 9,000 students. The school has a 71% acceptance rate and a graduation rate of 53%, indicating that while many students enroll, completing their degree can be a challenge for some.

71% accepted 53% graduate $49,379 earnings

University's full profile

University of North Alabama

Florence, AL · 5,811 students · Public

With a welcoming community in Florence, the University of North Alabama serves over 5,800 students. The university's acceptance rate of 87% suggests it's a place where many students can find their fit and succeed academically, despite a graduation rate of 54% that points to challenges for some.

87% accepted 54% graduate $45,415 earnings

University's full profile

Jefferson State Community College

Birmingham, AL · 5,470 students · Public

Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham serves as a gateway for many students looking to start their higher education journey. With an enrollment of about 5,470 and a 24% graduation rate, the college aims to support students who may need more time or resources to complete their studies.

24% graduate $40,719 earnings

Jefferson's full profile

Troy University

Troy, AL · 9,805 students · Public

In the charming town of Troy, Troy University educates nearly 10,000 students and offers a diverse range of programs. While the graduation rate sits at 48%, the university's high acceptance rate of 96% indicates it's committed to welcoming students from all walks of life, though some may face challenges in completing their degrees.

96% accepted 48% graduate $42,062 earnings

Oakwood University

Huntsville, AL · 1,153 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Huntsville, Alabama, Oakwood University fosters a vibrant community with a focus on holistic student development. The school's commitment to nurturing its students is reflected in the 47% graduation rate, demonstrating that many students find the support they need to succeed academically and personally.

45% accepted 47% graduate $42,488 earnings

Oakwood's full profile

#10

Talladega College

Talladega, AL · 701 students · Private nonprofit

With a welcoming acceptance rate of 85%, Talladega College offers a supportive environment for students seeking a private education in Alabama. The college's community is focused on providing accessible opportunities, especially for the 67% of students who receive Pell Grants, making it an appealing choice for those who need financial assistance.

85% accepted 43% graduate $32,229 earnings

Talladega's full profile

#11

Alabama A & M University

Normal, AL · 6,124 students · Public

With a large student body of over 6,100, Alabama A & M University offers a diverse campus experience in Normal, Alabama. However, the graduation rate sits at 26%, indicating that many students face challenges in completing their degrees, which could be a concern for those looking for strong support systems.

58% accepted 26% graduate $40,628 earnings

Alabama's full profile

#12

Alabama State University

Montgomery, AL · 3,477 students · Public

Alabama State University, situated in Montgomery, is known for its commitment to accessibility with a remarkable acceptance rate of 98%. This high acceptance level indicates a welcoming atmosphere, but the graduation rate of 30% raises questions about the support structures available for students navigating their college journey.

98% accepted 30% graduate $34,502 earnings

Alabama's full profile

#13

Miles College

Fairfield, AL · 1,155 students · Private nonprofit

Miles College, located in Fairfield, Alabama, serves a diverse student body of 1,155 individuals. With 72% of its students receiving Pell Grants, this institution is committed to supporting students from lower-income backgrounds. While the graduation rate sits at 20%, it’s a place where students can find community and connection, often leading to meaningful relationships that transcend class boundaries.

20% graduate $32,627 earnings

A closer look at Auburn University and the University of Alabama in Huntsville reveals why Auburn outperforms with its higher earning graduates. While Auburn’s average earnings sit at $65,337, Huntsville lags behind at $61,767. This discrepancy can often be attributed to the strength of the program's connections to industry and the opportunities available to students upon graduation.

After reviewing these schools, consider what matters most to you or your student. Are you prioritizing lower debt or higher graduation rates? Look at factors like campus culture, location, and available resources in data science to find the right fit. This holistic approach ensures that you choose a program that aligns with your personal and financial goals.

The path from college to a stable future is pivotal for many families. Choosing the right data science program can lead to a secure career, but it's crucial to weigh the trade-offs between debt, earnings, and graduation rates. Each decision impacts not just the student's future but also their family's financial health. A thoughtful choice today can set the stage for a more stable tomorrow.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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