Alabama’s Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024

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Why invest in higher education if you won’t benefit from the best education you can get? Alabama’s best colleges and universities offer prestigious degree programs that prepare students to succeed in the job market.

10 Best Colleges in Alabama

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  1. University of Alabama
  2. Auburn University
  3. University of Alabama at Birmingham
  4. Samford University
  5. University of Alabama in Huntsville
  6. Tuskegee University
  7. University of South Alabama
  8. Jacksonville State University
  9. Troy University
  10. Alabama State University
  1. University of Alabama
  2. Auburn University
  3. Tuskegee University
  4. University of Alabama at Birmingham
  5. Samford University
  6. University of Alabama in Huntsville
  7. Alabama State University
  8. University of South Alabama
  9. Troy University
  10. Jacksonville State University
  1. Alabama State University 98%
  2. Troy University 95%
  3. University of Alabama at Birmingham 89%
  4. Samford University 84%
  5. University of Alabama 79%
  6. Jacksonville State University 76%
  7. University of Alabama in Huntsville 74%
  8. University of South Alabama 71%
  9. Auburn University 71%
  10. Tuskegee University 34%
  1. Jacksonville State University 21 to 1
  2. University of Alabama at Birmingham 20 to 1
  3. University of Alabama 20 to 1
  4. Auburn University 20 to 1
  5. University of Alabama in Huntsville 19 to 1
  6. Troy University 18 to 1
  7. University of South Alabama 17 to 1
  8. Alabama State University 15 to 1
  9. Samford University 12 to 1
  10. Tuskegee University 11 to 1
  1. Samford University $35,360
  2. Tuskegee University $22,614
  3. University of Alabama $10,780
  4. Auburn University $10,080
  5. University of Alabama in Huntsville $9,730
  6. Jacksonville State University $9,720
  7. Troy University $9,312
  8. University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,568
  9. Alabama State University $8,328
  10. University of South Alabama $8,256
  1. Samford University $20,935
  2. Tuskegee University $20,378
  3. University of Alabama $10,780
  4. University of Alabama in Huntsville $10,632
  5. Auburn University $10,080
  6. Jacksonville State University $9,600
  7. Troy University $8,550
  8. University of South Alabama $8,226
  9. University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,100
  10. Alabama State University $7,416
  1. Alabama State University
  2. Troy University
  3. Jacksonville State University
  4. University of South Alabama
  5. Tuskegee University
  6. University of Alabama in Huntsville
  7. Samford University
  8. University of Alabama at Birmingham
  9. Auburn University
  10. University of Alabama
  1. Jacksonville State University
  2. Troy University
  3. University of South Alabama
  4. Alabama State University
  5. University of Alabama in Huntsville
  6. Samford University
  7. University of Alabama at Birmingham
  8. Tuskegee University
  9. Auburn University
  10. University of Alabama
  1. Tuskegee University 34%
  2. Auburn University 71%
  3. University of South Alabama 71%
  4. University of Alabama in Huntsville 74%
  5. Jacksonville State University 76%
  6. University of Alabama 79%
  7. Samford University 84%
  8. University of Alabama at Birmingham 89%
  9. Troy University 95%
  10. Alabama State University 98%
  1. Tuskegee University 11 to 1
  2. Samford University 12 to 1
  3. Alabama State University 15 to 1
  4. University of South Alabama 17 to 1
  5. Troy University 18 to 1
  6. University of Alabama in Huntsville 19 to 1
  7. University of Alabama at Birmingham 20 to 1
  8. University of Alabama 20 to 1
  9. Auburn University 20 to 1
  10. Jacksonville State University 21 to 1
  1. University of South Alabama $8,256
  2. Alabama State University $8,328
  3. University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,568
  4. Troy University $9,312
  5. Jacksonville State University $9,720
  6. University of Alabama in Huntsville $9,730
  7. Auburn University $10,080
  8. University of Alabama $10,780
  9. Tuskegee University $22,614
  10. Samford University $35,360
  1. Alabama State University $7,416
  2. University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,100
  3. University of South Alabama $8,226
  4. Troy University $8,550
  5. Jacksonville State University $9,600
  6. Auburn University $10,080
  7. University of Alabama in Huntsville $10,632
  8. University of Alabama $10,780
  9. Tuskegee University $20,378
  10. Samford University $20,935

Key Takeaways

  • Alabama offers 78 colleges and universities

  • Among these are nationally recognized and respected institutions, which students from around the world travel to attend

  • Use this ranking to explore Alabama’s best colleges and universities measured by their influence, reputation, and academic offerings
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Should You Earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Alabama’s Colleges and Universities?

There’s more to Alabama than big football games and southern charm. The state is home to some of the country’s most thriving industries and job markets.

You might be surprised to learn that the aerospace and aviation rank among Alabama’s most prominent industries. Agriculture, metal industries, and tourism also are also among the state’s standout markets.

This means that even online students may seek out education in Alabama if they wish to build a professional or academic network within the state’s thriving markets.

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The Affordability and Quality of Academic Programs in Alabama

You’ve probably heard of well-known Alabama schools like Alabama University and Auburn University, but there’s many other great schools to consider, too.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Education’s 2020-2021 IPEDS Survey, Alabama ranks as the 11th most affordable state in terms of average college tuition. While out-of-state tuition typically runs higher than in-state tuition, the affordability of Alabama’s schools helps to mitigate the expense.

Affordability shouldn’t be confused with cheapness, either. Alabama’s schools are recognized both nationally and internationally for the robustness of their academic offerings. This is particularly true for the state’s research universities, which operate at the forefront of various fields.

The Bottom Line: Prospective students have many reasons to consider earning a degree from one of Alabama’s esteemed colleges and universities.

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Ranking the Best Colleges and Universities in Alabama

This ranking of the top colleges and universities in Alabama focuses on schools that offer the best bachelor’s degrees, and whose faculty is most influential and well-recognized. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Alabama.

  1. #1

    University of Alabama

    Tuscaloosa , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Alabama

    Cost of Degree: $11,940
    Expenses: $20,084
    Starting Salary: $51,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about the University of Alabama?

    35 current University of Alabama faculty have earned one of the most prestigious academic awards in the nation, the NSF Career Award. This means that students at the University of Alabama learn from some of the most influential minds in science.

    The University of Alabama set its new enrollment record in the Fall of 2022. This is a sign of a thriving school that continues to grow and improve.

    • The University of Alabama is great for students who:

      Enjoy large, thriving student bodies and enjoy working with peers.

    • The University of Alabama might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer working alone and value smaller, more intimate learning environments.

    University of Alabama’s Online Degrees

    BS in Food and Nutrition
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Hospitality Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Development and Family Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Child Life
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Environmental Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Environmental Sciences, Consumer Sciences
    Degree Concentrations
    • Consumer Affairs
    • Family Financial Planning and Counseling
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS/BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 25/ 125
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Mechanical Engineering
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Commerce and Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Business
    • Management
    • Accounting
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  2. #2

    Auburn University

    Auburn , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Auburn University

    Cost of Degree: $12,176
    Expenses: $22,226
    Starting Salary: $56,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about the Auburn University?

    Auburn has ranked as the 6th fastest growing city in America since 2010. This means that the University’s students are positioned in a thriving market filled with both professional and academic opportunities.

    Auburn University is well-known for a highly active and involved alumni network, which is mirrored on-campus by its many student organizations, clubs, and student directed initiatives.

    • Auburn University is great for students who:

      Wish to build a network with their peers to leverage both academically and professionally.

    • Auburn University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Might struggle to afford out-of-state tuition, which has been on the rise in recent years.

    Auburn University’s Online Degrees

    BSBA in Accountancy
    Degree Concentrations
    • Second Degree
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in None
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1209/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Cost of Degree: $8,832
    Expenses: $20,077
    Starting Salary: $48,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about the University of Alabama-Birmingham?

    The University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) is well-known for its interdisciplinary approach to higher education, which is most prominently exercised in its research innovative facilities and medical center.

    The location of UAB in the city of Birmingham positions it in one of the state’s most expansive and thriving markets. This is leveraged in the University of Alabama-Birmingham’s many academic and corporate partners throughout the city’s various bustling industries.

    • UAB is great for students who:

      Wish to pursue a business, medical, or research-oriented degree program.

    • UAB might not be the best for students who:

      Cannot leverage the University’s many networks and resources in Birmingham.

    University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Online Degrees

    BS in Community Health and Human Services
    Degree Concentrations
    • Human Services
    • Community Health
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    Degree Concentrations
    • Financial Management Concentration
    • Investments and Institutions Concentration
    • Real Estate Concentration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Care Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Concentration Tracks
    • Clinical Manager
    • Pre-professional
    • LongTerm Care Administration
    • Fast Tracks
    • Health Informatics
    • Healthcare Quality and Safety
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120-125
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Industrial Distribution
    Degree Concentrations
    • Engineering or Medical Equipment and Supplies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • International Business Dynamics
    • Management Planning and Control
    • Operations Management
    • Project Managemen
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Systems
    Degree Concentrations
    • Data Analytics
    • Cybersecurity Management
    • Operations Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 125
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. #4

    Samford University

    Birmingham , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Samford University

    Cost of Degree: $36,725
    Expenses: $17,209
    Starting Salary: $59,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about the Samford University?

    Samford University displays a unique commitment to student success outcomes. Unlike many colleges and universities, Samford offers various programs to help students find employment after graduation.

    We particularly love Samford University’s focus on fostering internship opportunities. Even as an online student, Samford offers internship opportunities. The success of these initiatives are evidenced in the fact that 97% of graduates are employed or enrolled in further study within 6 months.

    • Samford University is great for students who:

      Want a career-focused education with many opportunities for professional development.

    • Samford University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer larger universities with more students, instructors, and/or degree programs.

    Samford University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1300/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Alabama in Huntsville

    Cost of Degree: $11,878
    Expenses: $18,000
    Starting Salary: $52,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about the University of Alabama-Huntsville?

    The University of Alabama-Huntsville offers an impressive number of degree programs–89 degrees across more than 100 areas of study. Many of which can be completed entirely online.

    The University of Alabama-Huntsville also demonstrates an admirable commitment to research. With 17 research centers and average R&D expenses of nearly $150 million, students will enjoy many opportunities to pursue research interests and expand their studies through interdisciplinary inquiry.

    • UAH is great for students who:

      Wish to pursue bachelor’s degree in a STEM program.

    • UAH might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a liberal arts curriculum.

    University of Alabama in Huntsville’s Online Degrees

    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 26
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS/BA in Professional Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Engineering Technology
    • Organizational Studies
    • Leadership Strategies and Dynamics
    • Technology
    • Science and Society
    • General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. #6

    Tuskegee University

    Tuskegee , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    34%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    952/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Tuskegee University

    Cost of Degree: $22,614
    Expenses: $19,310
    Starting Salary: $42,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about the Tuskegee University?

    We love that Tuskegee University is the only historically black college or university to offer a fully accredited veterinary science program. As such, Tuskegee Veterinary College alumni make up a whopping 75% of the world’s African American vets.

    And Tuskegee University is the number one producer of African American aerospace engineers in the country. This accomplishments alone make Tuskegee University standout as a tour de force for African American students.

    • Tuskegee University is great for students who:

      Wish to participate in the University’s rich history of African American achievement.

    • Tuskegee University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a larger university with more degree programs, peers, and instructors.

  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1086/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of South Alabama

    Cost of Degree: $9,116
    Expenses: $14,589
    Starting Salary: $46,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about the University of South Alabama?

    The University of South Alabama (USA) offers outstanding student support options.

    For undergraduate students in particular, these support systems help students to make the most of their degrees: Career Services, a Center for Academic Excellence, and a First-Year Advising Center. At the Center for Academic Excellence for example, students can find tutoring and mentoring opportunities.

    • The University of South Alabama is great for students who:

      Want a large selection of on-campus academic programs with an excellent average student-faculty ratio (17:1).

    • The University of South Alabama might not be the best fit for students who:

      Want a better selection of online degree programs.

    University of South Alabama’s Online Degrees

    BA/BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Administrative Sciences
    • Appliied Arts
    • Applied Sciences
    • Community Services
    • Human Services
    • Liberal Studies
    • Professional Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 59
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    955/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Jacksonville State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,952
    Expenses: $12,038
    Starting Salary: $38,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about the Jacksonville State university?

    We love Jacksonville State University’s commitment to online education. Today, JSU students can explore more than 40 accredited and fully online degree programs.

    And despite its middling size, JSU offers many out of the norm courses and degree paths that may interest students who like to think outside the box.

    • Jacksonville State University is great for students who:

      Are creative and want to supplement their degree program with unique and interesting courses.

    • Jacksonville State University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a more career-focused curriculum and would rather not explore tangential subjects.

    Jacksonville State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Law Enforcement
    • Offender Rehabilitation
    • Corrections
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Family and Consumer Sciences
    Degree Concentrations
    • Human Sciences
    • Child Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Integrated Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 129
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Management with a Minor in Public Safety Telecommunications, Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. #9

    Troy University

    Troy , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1020/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Troy University

    Cost of Degree: $9,312
    Expenses: $13,665
    Starting Salary: $41,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about the Troy University?

    Troy University stands out as one of the top schools for earning a degree online in Alabama. Troy University (TU) has expanded its online offerings year over year, and today offers more than 109 fully online degree programs.

    What makes these programs particularly special is that they often offer generous financial aid packages, credit transfer policies, and even accelerated learning options (in some cases).

    • Troy University is great for students who:

      Wish to pursue online education affordably and efficiently.

    • Troy University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer working alone and value smaller, more intimate learning environments.

    Troy University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Global Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting and Finance
    • Data Analytics
    • General Business
    • Human Resource Management
    • Information Systems
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Risk Management Insurance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Hospitality Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Hospitality
    • Sport and Tourism Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Science, Applied Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interpreter
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Geographic Information Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Occupational Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Political Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • American Politics and Public Administration
    • International Politics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in History
    Degree Concentrations
    • American and Latin American History
    • European/Asian/African History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Resource Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Social Science
    • Geography
    • Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. #10

    Alabama State University

    Montgomery , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    946/17

    Career Outlook for degree at Alabama State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,068
    Expenses: $11,042
    Starting Salary: $30,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Alabama State University?

    Alabama State University (ASU) offers affordable degree programs designed to prepare students for the job market. Today, ASU carries forward it’s rich history as one of Alabama’s most prominent historically black colleges or universities through its grants, academics, and research initiatives.

    • Alabama State University is great for students who:

      Wish to earn an online Bachelor’s of Psychology or an Online Bachelor’s of Marketing.

    • Alabama State University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a larger selection of available degrees.

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Honorable Mentions

When limiting a ranking to ten choices, we will inevitably exclude great schools. If none of the schools ranked above matched your needs or expectations, considering looking into these other great schools:

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here