Alabama’s Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023
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
- University of Alabama 20 to 1
- Auburn University 20 to 1
- Troy University 18 to 1
- University of South Alabama 17 to 1
- Alabama State University 15 to 1
- Samford University 12 to 1
- Tuskegee University 11 to 1
- Samford University $35,360
- Tuskegee University $22,614
- University of Alabama $10,780
- Auburn University $10,080
- Troy University $9,312
- Alabama State University $8,328
- Samford University $20,935
- Tuskegee University $20,378
- University of Alabama $10,780
- Auburn University $10,080
- Troy University $8,550
- Alabama State University $7,416
- Tuskegee University 11 to 1
- Samford University 12 to 1
- Alabama State University 15 to 1
- University of South Alabama 17 to 1
- Troy University 18 to 1
- University of Alabama 20 to 1
- Auburn University 20 to 1
- Alabama State University $8,328
- Troy University $9,312
- Auburn University $10,080
- University of Alabama $10,780
- Tuskegee University $22,614
- Samford University $35,360
- Alabama State University $7,416
- Troy University $8,550
- Auburn University $10,080
- University of Alabama $10,780
- Tuskegee University $20,378
- 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
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.
Back to TopThe 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.
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 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2023 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2023 #1 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2023 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
72%
Student body
35K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/27
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
- The University of Alabama is great for students who:
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2023 #2 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2023 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
81%
Student body
28K
Median SAT/ACT
1240/28
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
- Auburn University is great for students who:
- #3 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2023 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2023 #3 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2023 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
62%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1209/26
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
- UAB is great for students who:
- #4 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2023 #11 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #1 Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2023 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
79%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/26
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
- Samford University is great for students who:
- #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2023 #4 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2023 #5 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2023 #5 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2023
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
61%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1300/27
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
- UAH is great for students who:
- #1 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #6 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2000-2020 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2023
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2023
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023
- #6 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2023
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
34%
Graduation
57%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
952/21
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.
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2023 #5 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2023 #6 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2023 #7 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2023
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
47%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1086/23
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
- The University of South Alabama is great for students who:
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2023 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2023 #6 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2023
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
50%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
955/21
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
- Jacksonville State University is great for students who:
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2023 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2023 #7 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2023 #8 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2023
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
52%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1020/21
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
- Troy University is great for students who:
- #20 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2000-2020 #3 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2023 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2023 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
28%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
946/17
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.
- Alabama State University is great for students who:
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:
