2026 Best Value Science & Tech Schools in Alabama
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech degree programs in Alabama? Our ranking highlights 79 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed 39 schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Alabama
Explore the best-value schools below:
Columbia Southern University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Science & Tech degree schools in Alabama. Set in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,224. Columbia Southern University Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,447 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,534. That is a strong return on a $25,447 median debt. See the full Columbia Southern University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at George C Wallace State Community College Dothan earned it the #2 place in Alabama. This public school is set in Dothan, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $4,980, with out-of-state students paying around $8,850. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $9,942. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,399 ten years after entry. Set against $9,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full George C Wallace State Community College Dothan report
You'll get strong value at Chattahoochee Valley Community College, which ranked #3 this year. This public school is set in Phenix City, AL. Students from in state pay about $5,100 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,970. The median Science & Tech program debt is $13,204. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,438. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Chattahoochee Valley Community College
James H Faulkner State Community College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Science & Tech ranking in Alabama. Set in Bay Minette, AL, James H Faulkner State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $8,910. James H Faulkner State Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $14,326 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,894 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about James H Faulkner State Community College
Out of the 39 schools in Alabama in this year's value ranking, Southern Union State Community College landed the #5 spot. Set in Wadley, AL, Southern Union State Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,030, with out-of-state students paying around $8,874. Students borrow a median of $11,555 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Southern Union State Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,597 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,555 median debt. Get the full Southern Union State Community College report
John C Calhoun State Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Tanner, AL, John C Calhoun State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,120, with out-of-state students paying around $8,990. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $13,839. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,192. Set against $13,839 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full John C Calhoun State Community College report
Northwest Shoals Community College placed #7 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Alabama. This public school is set in Muscle Shoals, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,131, compared with $9,001 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,312 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,828 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northwest Shoals Community College
George C Wallace State Community College Selma offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Selma, AL, George C Wallace State Community College Selma is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,740, compared with $8,610 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $15,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,598. That is a strong return on a $15,250 median debt. More on George C Wallace State Community College Selma
Shelton State Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Tuscaloosa, AL, Shelton State Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,127, with out-of-state students paying around $8,997. Students borrow a median of $10,688 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,014. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Shelton State Community College profile
Lawson State Community College Birmingham Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Lawson State Community College Birmingham Campus is a public school based in Birmingham, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $8,910. Lawson State Community College Birmingham Campus Science & Tech students take on a median of $11,769 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,701. That is a strong return on a $11,769 median debt. More on Lawson State Community College Birmingham Campus
Jefferson State Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Jefferson State Community College is a public school based in Birmingham, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,100, compared with $8,970 for out-of-state students. Jefferson State Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $15,083 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,719 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Jefferson State Community College report
Bevill State Community College landed the #12 spot for value in Alabama this year. Located in Jasper, AL, Bevill State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,734, compared with $8,346 for out-of-state students. Bevill State Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $11,040 in debt. Median earnings reach $34,107 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,040 median debt. See the full Bevill State Community College profile
George C Wallace State Community College Hanceville ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Hanceville, AL, George C Wallace State Community College Hanceville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,220, with out-of-state students paying around $9,090. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $13,146. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,842 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,146 median debt. See the full George C Wallace State Community College Hanceville profile
Lurleen B Wallace Community College placed #14 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Alabama. Lurleen B Wallace Community College is a public school based in Andalusia, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,190, compared with $9,060 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $7,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,307. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lurleen B Wallace Community College
Gadsden State Community College placed #15 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Alabama. Based in Gadsden, AL, Gadsden State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,272, with out-of-state students paying around $7,368. Students borrow a median of $9,312 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Gadsden State Community College alumni report median earnings of $32,937 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Gadsden State Community College
Northeast Alabama Community College landed the #16 spot for value in Alabama this year. Northeast Alabama Community College is a public school based in Rainsville, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $8,910. Students borrow a median of $7,459 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,913. That is a strong return on a $7,459 median debt. Get the full Northeast Alabama Community College report
University Of West Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Livingston, AL, University Of West Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,990, compared with $20,090 for out-of-state students. University Of West Alabama Science & Tech students take on a median of $31,894 in debt. University Of West Alabama alumni report median earnings of $44,232 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,894 median debt. University Of West Alabama admits about 43% of applicants. Get the full University Of West Alabama report
Bishop State Community College landed the #18 spot for value in Alabama this year. Located in Mobile, AL, Bishop State Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,340 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,210. Graduates carry a median of $13,712 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $29,916. Set against $13,712 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Bishop State Community College profile
Athens State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Athens, AL, Athens State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,020 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,700 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $27,389. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,273 ten years after entry. Set against $27,389 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Athens State University
University Of Alabama At Birmingham offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,098, with out-of-state students paying around $22,562. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,162. University Of Alabama At Birmingham alumni report median earnings of $54,501 a decade after entry. Set against $26,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Alabama At Birmingham admits about 88% of applicants. See the full University Of Alabama At Birmingham profile
Auburn University placed #21 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Alabama. This public school is set in Auburn, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $22,803. Median earnings reach $65,337 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Auburn University admits about 46% of applicants. Read more about Auburn University
University Of South Alabama came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Mobile, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,116, compared with $19,092 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,513. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,379. Set against $26,513 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Alabama has an acceptance rate of 71%. See the full University Of South Alabama profile
The University Of Alabama ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. The University Of Alabama is a public school based in Tuscaloosa, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,180, compared with $34,172 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,496 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,221. That is a strong return on a $24,496 median debt. The University Of Alabama has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read the full report on The University Of Alabama
University Of North Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. University Of North Alabama is a public school based in Florence, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,120, compared with $22,320 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $24,291. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Alabama
Troy University placed #25 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Alabama. Located in Troy, AL, Troy University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,176, compared with $20,352 for out-of-state students. Troy University Science & Tech students take on a median of $26,439 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,062 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,439 median debt. Troy University admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on Troy University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Alabama
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Herzing University Birmingham landed the #26 spot for value in Alabama this year. Based in Birmingham, AL, Herzing University Birmingham is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,450. Students borrow a median of $29,954 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,909. That is a strong return on a $29,954 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Herzing University Birmingham
University Of Alabama At Huntsville ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. University Of Alabama At Huntsville is a public school based in Huntsville, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,132, with out-of-state students paying around $26,408. University Of Alabama At Huntsville Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,797 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,767. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Alabama At Huntsville profile
Auburn University At Montgomery landed the #28 spot for value in Alabama this year. Based in Montgomery, AL, Auburn University At Montgomery is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,700, while out-of-state students pay about $20,668. Graduates carry a median of $29,746 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,391. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Auburn University At Montgomery
Jacksonville State University placed #29 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Alabama. Set in Jacksonville, AL, Jacksonville State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,894, while out-of-state students pay about $23,334. Jacksonville State University Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,751 in debt. Jacksonville State University alumni report median earnings of $45,235 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,751 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Jacksonville State University report
University Of Montevallo came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Montevallo, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,948, while out-of-state students pay about $26,968. Students borrow a median of $25,096 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,957. Set against $25,096 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 54% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Montevallo profile
Alabama State University landed the #31 spot for value in Alabama this year. Based in Montgomery, AL, Alabama State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,248, while out-of-state students pay about $19,576. Graduates carry a median of $33,709 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,502 ten years after entry. Set against $33,709 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Alabama State University
South University Montgomery came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Montgomery, AL, South University Montgomery is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,895. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $48,920. South University Montgomery alumni report median earnings of $34,421 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full South University Montgomery profile
Alabama A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Alabama A And M University is a public school based in Normal, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,024, while out-of-state students pay about $18,634. Alabama A And M University Science & Tech students take on a median of $31,896 in debt. Alabama A And M University alumni report median earnings of $40,628 a decade after entry. Set against $31,896 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Alabama A And M University
Faulkner University placed #34 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Alabama. This private not-for-profit school is set in Montgomery, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,920. Graduates carry a median of $29,942 in student loans. Faulkner University alumni report median earnings of $43,457 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,942 median debt. Faulkner University admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Faulkner University profile
Samford University placed #35 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Alabama. Located in Birmingham, AL, Samford University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,150. Graduates carry a median of $21,039 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,469 ten years out. Set against $21,039 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Samford University
University Of Mobile landed the #36 spot for value in Alabama this year. Set in Mobile, AL, University Of Mobile is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $26,910. Students borrow a median of $30,127 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $43,611 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Mobile
Tuskegee University placed #37 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Alabama. Tuskegee University is a private not-for-profit school based in Tuskegee, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $25,386. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $29,356. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,641 ten years after entry. Set against $29,356 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 49%. Read the full report on Tuskegee University
Huntingdon College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Montgomery, AL, Huntingdon College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,070. Huntingdon College Science & Tech students take on a median of $28,252 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,601. Set against $28,252 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. Read the full report on Huntingdon College
Oakwood University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Huntsville, AL, Oakwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $22,512. Graduates carry a median of $43,375 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,488 ten years after entry. Set against $43,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. See the full Oakwood University profile
Reid State Technical College placed #40 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Alabama. Read more about Reid State Technical College
Blue Cliff Career College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Read the full report on Blue Cliff Career College
Spring Hill College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Read the full report on Spring Hill College
Amridge University landed the #43 spot for value in Alabama this year. Get the full Amridge University report
Bluefield University Edward Via College Auburn placed #44 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Alabama. Read more about Bluefield University Edward Via College Auburn
Fortis College Montgomery Atlanta Highway offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Read more about Fortis College Montgomery Atlanta Highway
J F Drake State Community And Technical College landed the #46 spot for value in Alabama this year. More on J F Drake State Community And Technical College
Paul Mitchell The School Birmingham offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Read the full report on Paul Mitchell The School Birmingham
Brown Beauty Barber School offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Read the full report on Brown Beauty Barber School
Paul Mitchell The School Huntsville ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Read the full report on Paul Mitchell The School Huntsville
University Of Alabama System Office landed the #50 spot for value in Alabama this year. Read the full report on University Of Alabama System Office
More Science & Tech Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 39 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 79 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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