Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2025
Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Alabama.
Key Takeaways
- The best private colleges in Alabama maintain small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratios. This intimate setup fosters strong professor-student relationships and personalized academic support, which enhances learning and engagement.
- Many of Alabama’s best private institutions emphasize broad liberal arts education, encouraging interdisciplinary exploration. This approach allows students to sample various fields before selecting a major, enriching their educational experience and preparing them for versatile career paths.
- Top private schools in Alabama offer a unique cultural and historical environment, especially for students interested in historically black colleges. Additionally, community service and values-based learning are integral to the college experience at these institutions, promoting personal growth and a sense of community responsibility.
10 Best Private Colleges in Alabama in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best private colleges in Alabama saw a considerable amount of movement. Talladega College gained the most ranking positions as a result of the college launching the Career Success Center, designed to support students in securing internships, networking opportunities, and career placements, effectively preparing them for post-graduation success.
Additionally, Talladega College has joined the HBCU Transformation Project, which focuses on expanding enrollment, improving graduation rates, and increasing financial resources for student support. Another unique feature includes the development of a state-of-the-art stadium-sized field for athletic and community events, providing students with updated facilities that foster school spirit and engagement. These advancements aim to make Talladega College more appealing by blending academic rigor, career support, and a vibrant campus life.
This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 14 private universities in Alabama. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in Alabama, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.
Best Private Colleges in Alabama
- #1 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #6 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2024
- #3 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #2 Best HBCU Online Programs
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
30%
Graduation
67%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1092/21
Career Outlook for degree at Tuskegee University
Cost of Degree: $23,440Expenses: $20,014Starting Salary: $42,200Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Tuskegee University known for?
Tuskegee University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #12 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024
- #5 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2024
- #5 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration 2025
- #4 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama
- #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Nursing Programs (PhDs)
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs 2025
- #13 Best Online Master's in Sports Management 2025
- #14 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees 2025
- #15 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2025
- #16 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
- #19 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
78%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1175/26
Career Outlook for degree at Samford University
Cost of Degree: $38,144Expenses: $19,312Starting Salary: $59,800Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Samford University known for?
Samford University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2025 #7 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2024 #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
62%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1170/21
Career Outlook for degree at Spring Hill College
Cost of Degree: $23,270Expenses: $18,086Starting Salary: $51,300Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Spring Hill College known for?
Spring Hill College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Communications
- Education
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- History
- Business
- Chemistry
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2024
Tuition + fees
$13K
Graduation
26%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Miles College
Cost of Degree: $12,714Expenses: $10,430Starting Salary: $29,500Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Miles College known for?
Miles College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #16 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2025
Other Rankings
- #10 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2024
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Alabama 2024
- #3 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2025
- #6 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
- #9 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts 2025
- #10 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies 2025
- #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
- #11 Best Online Master's in Biology
- #12 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama
- #15 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
- #24 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2025
- #10 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
33%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1040/20
Career Outlook for degree at Faulkner University
Cost of Degree: $23,920Expenses: $14,420Starting Salary: $40,700Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Faulkner University known for?
Faulkner University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Law
- History
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Faulkner University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business
- 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
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Forensic Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Christian Ministry
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Humanities
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Biblical Studies
- Required Credits: 122
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health And Rehabilitation Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Counseling Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in General/Clinical Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2025 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2025 #10 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2024
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
50%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1090/21
Career Outlook for degree at Huntingdon College
Cost of Degree: $28,650Expenses: $13,290Starting Salary: $43,600Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Huntingdon College known for?
Huntingdon College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- History
- Sociology
- Communications
- Political Science
- Education
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
- #19 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #6 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2025 #2 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$14K
Graduation
35%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Talladega College
Cost of Degree: $15,650Expenses: $10,004Starting Salary: $23,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Talladega College known for?
Talladega College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Talladega College’s Online Degrees
BA in Computer Information System
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Organizational Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #7 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2025 #9 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2024 #2 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024 #13 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$20K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
47%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Oakwood University
Cost of Degree: $21,838Expenses: $18,584Starting Salary: $37,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Oakwood University known for?
Oakwood University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Oakwood University’s Online Degrees
BS in Organizational Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Church Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$21K
Acceptance
57%
Graduation
65%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1215/25
Career Outlook for degree at Birmingham–Southern College
Cost of Degree: $22,750Expenses: $17,630Starting Salary: $53,100Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Birmingham–Southern College known for?
Birmingham–Southern College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Medical
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Communications
- History
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2025 #3 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024 #16 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
25%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Stillman College
Cost of Degree: $11,392Expenses: $15,286Starting Salary: $33,700Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Stillman College known for?
Stillman College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- History
- Mathematics
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Business
- Biology
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
Stillman College’s Online Degrees
BS in Education
Degree Concentrations
- Elementary Education
- Special Education
- Required Credits: 118
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 114
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #1 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #7 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Alabama #2 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
33%
Student body
31K
What is Columbia Southern University known for?
Columbia Southern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Columbia Southern University’s Online Degrees
BSBA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Occupational Safety And Health
Degree Concentrations
- Construction Safety
- Fire Science
- Oil And Gas
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Systems And Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Arson Investigation
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Fire Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Fire Investigation
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Homeland Security
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Emergency Medical Services Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
46%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Mobile
Cost of Degree: $26,120Expenses: $17,226Starting Salary: $38,700Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Mobile known for?
University of Mobile’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- History
- Political Science
- Nursing
- Computer Science
- Business
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Alabama 2024 #3 Best Online Associate in Web Design #4 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024 #9 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Other Rankings
- #12 Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #18 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
- #18 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
- #20 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
- #21 Best Online Associate in Human Resources
- #23 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Graduation
50%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Amridge University
Cost of Degree: $10,470Starting Salary: $47,600What is Amridge University known for?
Amridge University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Amridge University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Human Resource Leadership
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Management
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Systems Management
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Human Development
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Alabama’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.