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.
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.
Back to TopYou’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.
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.
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
72%
Student body
35K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/27
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.
Enjoy large, thriving student bodies and enjoy working with peers.
Prefer working alone and value smaller, more intimate learning environments.
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
81%
Student body
28K
Median SAT/ACT
1240/28
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.
Wish to build a network with their peers to leverage both academically and professionally.
Might struggle to afford out-of-state tuition, which has been on the rise in recent years.
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
62%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1209/26
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.
Wish to pursue a business, medical, or research-oriented degree program.
Cannot leverage the University’s many networks and resources in Birmingham.
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
79%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/26
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.
Want a career-focused education with many opportunities for professional development.
Prefer larger universities with more students, instructors, and/or degree programs.
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
61%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1300/27
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.
Wish to pursue bachelor’s degree in a STEM program.
Prefer a liberal arts curriculum.
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
34%
Graduation
57%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
952/21
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.
Wish to participate in the University’s rich history of African American achievement.
Prefer a larger university with more degree programs, peers, and instructors.
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
47%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1086/23
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.
Want a large selection of on-campus academic programs with an excellent average student-faculty ratio (17:1).
Want a better selection of online degree programs.
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
50%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
955/21
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.
Are creative and want to supplement their degree program with unique and interesting courses.
Prefer a more career-focused curriculum and would rather not explore tangential subjects.
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
52%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1020/21
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).
Wish to pursue online education affordably and efficiently.
Prefer working alone and value smaller, more intimate learning environments.
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
28%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
946/17
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.
Wish to earn an online Bachelor’s of Psychology or an Online Bachelor’s of Marketing.
Prefer a larger selection of available degrees.
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: