Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2024
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
- Samford University
- Tuskegee University
- Faulkner University
- Birmingham–Southern College
- Spring Hill College
- Miles College
- Oakwood University
- Columbia Southern University
- Huntingdon College
- Stillman College
- Tuskegee University
- Samford University
- Spring Hill College
- Miles College
- Faulkner University
- Huntingdon College
- Talladega College
- Oakwood University
- Birmingham–Southern College
- Stillman College
- University of Mobile 84%
- Samford University 83%
- Faulkner University 82%
- Spring Hill College 73%
- Oakwood University 68%
- Huntingdon College 66%
- Stillman College 65%
- Birmingham–Southern College 57%
- Tuskegee University 30%
- Columbia Southern University 28 to 1
- Talladega College 22 to 1
- Stillman College 15 to 1
- Huntingdon College 14 to 1
- University of Mobile 14 to 1
- Miles College 14 to 1
- Samford University 14 to 1
- Faulkner University 13 to 1
- Amridge University 12 to 1
- Spring Hill College 12 to 1
- Samford University $36,725
- Huntingdon College $28,350
- University of Mobile $25,880
- Faulkner University $23,920
- Tuskegee University $22,614
- Spring Hill College $21,732
- Birmingham–Southern College $21,250
- Oakwood University $20,040
- Talladega College $13,866
- Miles College $12,714
- Huntingdon College $22,500
- Samford University $21,265
- Tuskegee University $20,378
- Talladega College $16,000
- Faulkner University $15,325
- Oakwood University $13,680
- University of Mobile $13,405
- Amridge University $10,800
- Spring Hill College $7,329
- Columbia Southern University $4,020
- Amridge University
- University of Mobile
- Talladega College
- Stillman College
- Huntingdon College
- Columbia Southern University
- Oakwood University
- Miles College
- Spring Hill College
- Birmingham–Southern College
- Amridge University
- University of Mobile
- Columbia Southern University
- Stillman College
- Birmingham–Southern College
- Oakwood University
- Talladega College
- Huntingdon College
- Faulkner University
- Miles College
- Tuskegee University 30%
- Birmingham–Southern College 57%
- Stillman College 65%
- Huntingdon College 66%
- Oakwood University 68%
- Spring Hill College 73%
- Faulkner University 82%
- Samford University 83%
- University of Mobile 84%
- Tuskegee University 7 to 1
- Birmingham–Southern College 10 to 1
- Oakwood University 11 to 1
- Amridge University 12 to 1
- Spring Hill College 12 to 1
- Faulkner University 13 to 1
- Huntingdon College 14 to 1
- University of Mobile 14 to 1
- Miles College 14 to 1
- Samford University 14 to 1
- Columbia Southern University $6,015
- Amridge University $9,000
- Stillman College $11,392
- Miles College $12,714
- Talladega College $13,866
- Oakwood University $20,040
- Birmingham–Southern College $21,250
- Spring Hill College $21,732
- Tuskegee University $22,614
- Faulkner University $23,920
- Columbia Southern University $4,020
- Spring Hill College $7,329
- Amridge University $10,800
- University of Mobile $13,405
- Oakwood University $13,680
- Faulkner University $15,325
- Talladega College $16,000
- Tuskegee University $20,378
- Samford University $21,265
- 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?
- 7 Research Universities
- 20 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 16 Graduate Schools
- 14 Public Colleges & Universities
- 13 Private Colleges & Universities
- 12 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 18 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 20 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 23 Community Colleges
- 20 Online Colleges Undergrad
- 21 Online Master’s Programs
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.
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
- #4 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #11 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #1 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2024
- #4 Best Research Universities 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
- #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)
- #11 Best Online Master's in Sports Management
- #13 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2024
- #15 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
- #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
- #18 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
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: $36,725Expenses: $17,209Starting Salary: $59,800Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
- #1 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #6 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #6 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2024
- #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
- #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: $22,614Expenses: $19,310Starting 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
- #17 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2024
Other Rankings
- #10 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2024
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Alabama 2024
- #3 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
- #6 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts
- #7 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2024
- #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
- #17 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies
- #25 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2024
- #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
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2024
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: $21,250Expenses: $17,770Starting Salary: $53,100Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts 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: $21,732Expenses: $17,140Starting 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
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts 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:
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2024 #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: $20,040Expenses: $18,584Starting Salary: $37,400Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
- #1 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #7 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024 #1 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students #1 Most Affordable Online Associate 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
$28K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
50%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1090/21
Career Outlook for degree at Huntingdon College
Cost of Degree: $28,299Expenses: $13,140Starting 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
- #8 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2024 #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: $16,660Starting 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
- #20 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #9 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2024 #2 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024 #11 HBCU MBA Programs Online
Tuition + fees
$14K
Graduation
35%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Talladega College
Cost of Degree: $13,886Expenses: $13,834Starting Salary: $23,900Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
46%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Mobile
Cost of Degree: $25,780Expenses: $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 #7 Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Other Rankings
- #9 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #10 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts
- #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
- #21 Best Online Associate in Human Resources
- #25 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
Tuition + fees
$10K
Graduation
50%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Amridge University
Cost of Degree: $9,950Starting 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 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.
Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.