Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2026

Badge for BEST IN ALABAMA PRIVATE COLLEGES

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski

Updated: Feb 11, 2026

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.

Table of Contents

10 Best Private Colleges in Alabama in 2026

Tuskegee University
Samford University
Spring Hill College
Huntingdon College
+2
Miles College
–1
Faulkner University
–1
Talladega College
Oakwood University
Birmingham–Southern College
Stillman College

This guide ranks the best private colleges and universities in Alabama for 2026, focusing on institutions that award bachelor’s degrees. To be included a school must be accredited, private, non-profit, and offer a broad range of undergraduate programs; we identified 14 private universities that meet those criteria.

Use the list below to compare institutions by academic breadth, program strengths, campus environment, and post-graduate outcomes—factors that matter most when choosing a private college in Alabama. The entries emphasize what distinguishes each school rather than a single numerical score, so you can quickly find options aligned with your academic and professional goals.