Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2024

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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.

10 Best Private Colleges in Alabama

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  1. Samford University
  2. Tuskegee University
  3. Faulkner University
  4. Birmingham–Southern College
  5. Spring Hill College
  6. Miles College
  7. Oakwood University
  8. Columbia Southern University
  9. Huntingdon College
  10. Stillman College
  1. Tuskegee University
  2. Samford University
  3. Spring Hill College
  4. Miles College
  5. Faulkner University
  6. Huntingdon College
  7. Talladega College
  8. Oakwood University
  9. Birmingham–Southern College
  10. Stillman College
  1. University of Mobile 84%
  2. Samford University 83%
  3. Faulkner University 82%
  4. Spring Hill College 73%
  5. Oakwood University 68%
  6. Huntingdon College 66%
  7. Stillman College 65%
  8. Birmingham–Southern College 57%
  9. Tuskegee University 30%
  1. Columbia Southern University 28 to 1
  2. Talladega College 22 to 1
  3. Stillman College 15 to 1
  4. Huntingdon College 14 to 1
  5. University of Mobile 14 to 1
  6. Miles College 14 to 1
  7. Samford University 14 to 1
  8. Faulkner University 13 to 1
  9. Amridge University 12 to 1
  10. Spring Hill College 12 to 1
  1. Samford University $36,725
  2. Huntingdon College $28,350
  3. University of Mobile $25,880
  4. Faulkner University $23,920
  5. Tuskegee University $22,614
  6. Spring Hill College $21,732
  7. Birmingham–Southern College $21,250
  8. Oakwood University $20,040
  9. Talladega College $13,866
  10. Miles College $12,714
  1. Huntingdon College $22,500
  2. Samford University $21,265
  3. Tuskegee University $20,378
  4. Talladega College $16,000
  5. Faulkner University $15,325
  6. Oakwood University $13,680
  7. University of Mobile $13,405
  8. Amridge University $10,800
  9. Spring Hill College $7,329
  10. Columbia Southern University $4,020
  1. Amridge University
  2. University of Mobile
  3. Talladega College
  4. Stillman College
  5. Huntingdon College
  6. Columbia Southern University
  7. Oakwood University
  8. Miles College
  9. Spring Hill College
  10. Birmingham–Southern College
  1. Amridge University
  2. University of Mobile
  3. Columbia Southern University
  4. Stillman College
  5. Birmingham–Southern College
  6. Oakwood University
  7. Talladega College
  8. Huntingdon College
  9. Faulkner University
  10. Miles College
  1. Tuskegee University 30%
  2. Birmingham–Southern College 57%
  3. Stillman College 65%
  4. Huntingdon College 66%
  5. Oakwood University 68%
  6. Spring Hill College 73%
  7. Faulkner University 82%
  8. Samford University 83%
  9. University of Mobile 84%
  1. Tuskegee University 7 to 1
  2. Birmingham–Southern College 10 to 1
  3. Oakwood University 11 to 1
  4. Amridge University 12 to 1
  5. Spring Hill College 12 to 1
  6. Faulkner University 13 to 1
  7. Huntingdon College 14 to 1
  8. University of Mobile 14 to 1
  9. Miles College 14 to 1
  10. Samford University 14 to 1
  1. Columbia Southern University $6,015
  2. Amridge University $9,000
  3. Stillman College $11,392
  4. Miles College $12,714
  5. Talladega College $13,866
  6. Oakwood University $20,040
  7. Birmingham–Southern College $21,250
  8. Spring Hill College $21,732
  9. Tuskegee University $22,614
  10. Faulkner University $23,920
  1. Columbia Southern University $4,020
  2. Spring Hill College $7,329
  3. Amridge University $10,800
  4. University of Mobile $13,405
  5. Oakwood University $13,680
  6. Faulkner University $15,325
  7. Talladega College $16,000
  8. Tuskegee University $20,378
  9. Samford University $21,265
  10. Huntingdon College $22,500

Colleges and Universities in Alabama

Online students and traditional students alike have a lot of options in the state of Alabama. The 54 colleges and universities in Alabama allow students to pursue associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in many fields all over the state, as well as through a variety of excellent online degree programs. Some of the most notable degree areas include law, nursing, biology, history, engineering, and religious studies.

Students in Alabama can study any of these subjects either online or through online courses. If you’re looking for educational flexible education, Alabama has over 20 colleges and universities offering online degree programs.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Students hoping to obtain a four-year degree at a larger university can attend one of the two largest - as well as rivalry - schools, the University of Alabama and Auburn University. Both schools’ tuition is about $11,000, though the University of Alabama’s student population, at nearly 36,000 students, is larger than Auburn’s.

Students also have the option of attending one of Alabama’s 18 private higher education institutes, many of which have religious affiliations. Tuition costs vary widely, from $4,000 per year to $36,000 per year. Student populations also vary widely, from less than 100 students to as many as 15,000 students.

Additionally, students who need more flexibility can take advantage of the satellite campuses, like at the University of North Alabama. Alabama also has a larger number of online college offerings. With 70 online degree programs offered at the University of Alabama alone, in-state residents have a lot of degree options, both for a traditional and online education.

For die-hard football fans and lovers of sweet tea, obtaining a higher education degree in Alabama can seem like an obvious choice. The Yellowhammer State, however, is also home to a unique mixture of coastal, mountainous, and swamp environments, making it a great choice for students who love soaking up the outdoors.

And if you’re looking for a mix of the campus experience and online education, many schools in Alabama have hybrid programs. With a hybrid program, you can take both online courses and classes on campus.


What are Alabama’s Colleges & Universities?


Alabama’s Best Overall

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

Alabama's Best Private Colleges and Universities Badge
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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.

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Best Private Colleges in Alabama

  1. #1

    Samford University

    Birmingham , AL
    Other Rankings

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

    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. #3

    Faulkner University

    Montgomery , AL
    Other Rankings

    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: $23,920
    Expenses: $14,420
    Starting Salary: $40,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Faulkner University known for?

    Faulkner University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
  3. 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: $21,250
    Expenses: $17,770
    Starting Salary: $53,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #5

    Spring Hill College

    Mobile , AL
    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: $21,732
    Expenses: $17,140
    Starting Salary: $51,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #6

    Miles College

    Fairfield , AL

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    26%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Miles College

    Cost of Degree: $12,714
    Expenses: $10,430
    Starting Salary: $29,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Miles College known for?

    Miles College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  6. #7

    Oakwood University

    Huntsville , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Oakwood University

    Cost of Degree: $20,040
    Expenses: $18,584
    Starting Salary: $37,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
  7. #8

    Columbia Southern University

    Orange Beach , AL
    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
  8. #9

    Huntingdon College

    Montgomery , AL

    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: $28,299
    Expenses: $13,140
    Starting Salary: $43,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. #10

    Stillman College

    Tuscaloosa , AL

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Stillman College

    Cost of Degree: $11,392
    Expenses: $16,660
    Starting Salary: $33,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Stillman College known for?

    Stillman College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
  10. #11

    Talladega College

    Talladega , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Talladega College

    Cost of Degree: $13,886
    Expenses: $13,834
    Starting Salary: $23,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  11. #12

    University of Mobile

    Mobile , AL

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Mobile

    Cost of Degree: $25,780
    Expenses: $17,226
    Starting Salary: $38,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Mobile known for?

    University of Mobile’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  12. #13

    Amridge University

    Montgomery , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Amridge University

    Cost of Degree: $9,950
    Starting Salary: $47,600
    What 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
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Alabama’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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.

  1. Tuskegee University
  2. Birmingham–Southern College
  3. Samford University
  4. Huntingdon College
  5. Spring Hill College
  6. Oakwood University
  7. Talladega College
  8. Judson College
  9. University of Mobile
  10. Faulkner University

Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.

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