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University of North Alabama stands out with computer science costs under $12,000 annually, while private institutions like University of Mobile reach $19,603 in net price. The 20 Alabama programs span a $19,771 cost range, yet earnings vary by just $15,536 between the lowest and highest-paying graduates. Public universities dominate the most affordable options, claiming seven of the top eight spots. Alabama's aerospace sector, anchored by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville and Airbus manufacturing in Mobile, creates strong demand for computing graduates. University of Alabama graduates earn $64,281 annually, the highest among state programs, though their net costs reach $22,150. Troy University offers particularly strong value with $13,869 net costs and nearly 50% graduation rates. The state's automotive manufacturing growth, including Hyundai's Montgomery facility, continues expanding technology career opportunities for computer science graduates across Alabama's major metropolitan areas.
21
Programs
$11,024 – $32,977
Net Price Range
$55,966
Avg. Program Earnings
53.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,024 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
2 $13,461 $15,650 65.0%
3 $13,869 $9,792 46.8% 94.8%
4 $14,514 $12,714 25.7%
5 $14,559 $10,024 28.7% 68.4%
6 $14,596 $9,436 35.7% 92.2%
7 $14,850 $12,426 51.1% 78.5%
8 $14,975 $5,808 37.2%
9 $15,142 $9,676 52.6% 65.4%
10 $17,053 $13,710 49.4% 59.8%
11 $17,727 $8,832 62.4% 86.7%
12 $19,603 $26,120 55.5% 84.1%
13 $19,880 $11,770 61.9% 78.1%
14 $21,165 $23,920 37.7% 82.4%
15 $22,150 $11,900 73.7% 80.1%
16 $22,923 $13,920
17 $23,351 $22,750 64.2% 57.2%
18 $23,384 $21,838 49.9% 68.1%
19 $23,897 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
20 $30,795 $38,144 79.9% 83.3%
21 $32,977 $23,440 57.1% 29.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of North Alabama the most affordable computer science option?

University of North Alabama charges just $11,024 in net costs annually with a 95.68% acceptance rate. Graduates earn $56,415 on average while carrying $27,000 in debt. The Florence campus serves students seeking quality computer education without the premium costs of larger research universities.

How do public university costs compare to private institutions for computer science?

Public universities average significantly lower net costs, with six public schools under $16,000 annually. Private institutions like University of Mobile reach $19,603 in net costs despite smaller class sizes. Columbia Southern University breaks this pattern as a private school with $14,975 net costs and $58,092 graduate earnings.

Does University of Alabama justify its higher costs with better outcomes?

University of Alabama charges $22,150 in net costs but delivers $64,281 in average graduate earnings, the highest in the state. Their 73.7% graduation rate significantly exceeds most Alabama programs. Students graduate with $21,992 in debt, reasonable given their earning potential in Alabama's growing tech sector.

Which schools offer the best graduation rates for computer science students?

Talladega College leads with a 65% graduation rate despite charging just $13,461 in net costs. University of Alabama follows at 73.7% but costs $22,150 annually. University of Alabama at Birmingham achieves 62.4% graduation rates with moderate $17,727 net costs and strong $60,623 graduate earnings.

How do Alabama computer science graduates perform in the job market?

Graduate earnings range from $48,745 to $64,281 across Alabama programs, reflecting the state's growing tech opportunities. University of Alabama in Huntsville graduates earn $60,452 annually, benefiting from proximity to NASA and defense contractors. Columbia Southern University graduates average $58,092 despite the school's online focus and lower costs.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.