Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024

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Interested in attending a STEM school in Alabama? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.

Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024

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  1. University of Alabama
  2. Auburn University
  3. University of Alabama at Birmingham
  4. Samford University
  5. University of Alabama in Huntsville
  6. University of South Alabama
  7. Columbia Southern University
  1. University of Alabama
  2. Auburn University
  3. University of Alabama at Birmingham
  4. Samford University
  5. University of Alabama in Huntsville
  6. University of South Alabama
  7. Columbia Southern University
  1. University of Alabama at Birmingham 87%
  2. Samford University 83%
  3. University of Alabama 80%
  4. University of Alabama in Huntsville 78%
  5. University of South Alabama 65%
  6. Auburn University 44%
  1. Columbia Southern University 28 to 1
  2. Auburn University 20 to 1
  3. University of Alabama 19 to 1
  4. University of Alabama at Birmingham 18 to 1
  5. University of Alabama in Huntsville 17 to 1
  6. University of South Alabama 16 to 1
  7. Samford University 14 to 1
  1. Samford University $36,725
  2. University of Alabama $11,100
  3. Auburn University $10,392
  4. University of Alabama in Huntsville $10,120
  5. University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,832
  6. University of South Alabama $8,616
  7. Columbia Southern University $6,015
  1. Samford University $21,265
  2. University of Alabama $11,100
  3. University of Alabama in Huntsville $10,632
  4. Auburn University $10,386
  5. University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,424
  6. University of South Alabama $8,424
  7. Columbia Southern University $4,020
  1. Columbia Southern University
  2. University of South Alabama
  3. University of Alabama in Huntsville
  4. Samford University
  5. University of Alabama at Birmingham
  6. Auburn University
  7. University of Alabama
  1. Columbia Southern University
  2. University of South Alabama
  3. University of Alabama in Huntsville
  4. Samford University
  5. University of Alabama at Birmingham
  6. Auburn University
  7. University of Alabama
  1. Auburn University 44%
  2. University of South Alabama 65%
  3. University of Alabama in Huntsville 78%
  4. University of Alabama 80%
  5. Samford University 83%
  6. University of Alabama at Birmingham 87%
  1. Samford University 14 to 1
  2. University of South Alabama 16 to 1
  3. University of Alabama in Huntsville 17 to 1
  4. University of Alabama at Birmingham 18 to 1
  5. University of Alabama 19 to 1
  6. Auburn University 20 to 1
  7. Columbia Southern University 28 to 1
  1. Columbia Southern University $6,015
  2. University of South Alabama $8,616
  3. University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,832
  4. University of Alabama in Huntsville $10,120
  5. Auburn University $10,392
  6. University of Alabama $11,100
  7. Samford University $36,725
  1. Columbia Southern University $4,020
  2. University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,424
  3. University of South Alabama $8,424
  4. Auburn University $10,386
  5. University of Alabama in Huntsville $10,632
  6. University of Alabama $11,100
  7. Samford University $21,265

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

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 7 research universities in Alabama. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).

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Best Research Universities in Alabama 2023

  1. #1

    University of Alabama

    Tuscaloosa , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1270/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Alabama

    Cost of Degree: $11,940
    Expenses: $20,084
    Starting Salary: $51,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  2. #2

    Auburn University

    Auburn , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    44%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1300/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Auburn University

    Cost of Degree: $12,176
    Expenses: $22,226
    Starting Salary: $56,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1305/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Cost of Degree: $8,832
    Expenses: $20,077
    Starting Salary: $48,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  4. #4

    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
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1328/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Alabama in Huntsville

    Cost of Degree: $11,878
    Expenses: $18,000
    Starting Salary: $52,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Alabama in Huntsville known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1101/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of South Alabama

    Cost of Degree: $9,116
    Expenses: $14,589
    Starting Salary: $46,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  7. #7

    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
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Find the Best Research Universities in Alabama for Your Area of 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.

  1. Auburn University
  2. University of Alabama
  3. University of Alabama at Birmingham
  4. University of Alabama in Huntsville
  5. Samford University

Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.

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