Is a research university right for me?–

Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students. Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines. Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you. If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel. Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well. Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.

Is a liberal arts college right for me?–

Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students. Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom). Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships, but also more pleasurable walks across campus. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers. Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.

Is an online college right for me?–

Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available. Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degress you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no disctinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online. Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whehter you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college. Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands. Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain. Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands balancing work and life, or becuase the online colleges afford them the chance to attend a better school without moving. If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are aynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc. The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors. Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions. If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find, well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.

Best Research Universities in Alabama 2023

By James Barham

Published: Apr 22, 2022
Updated: May 22, 2023

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 2022

University of Alabama

60%

Auburn University

54%

University of Alabama at Birmingham

46%

Samford University

44%

University of Alabama in Huntsville

41%

University of South Alabama

37%

Columbia Southern University

20%

University of Alabama at Birmingham

89%

Samford University

84%

University of Alabama

79%

University of Alabama in Huntsville

74%

University of South Alabama

71%

Auburn University

71%

Columbia Southern University

39 to 1

University of Alabama at Birmingham

20 to 1

University of Alabama

20 to 1

Auburn University

20 to 1

University of Alabama in Huntsville

19 to 1

University of South Alabama

17 to 1

Samford University

12 to 1

Samford University

$35,360

University of Alabama

$10,780

Auburn University

$10,080

University of Alabama in Huntsville

$9,730

University of Alabama at Birmingham

$8,568

University of South Alabama

$8,256

Columbia Southern University

$5,775

Samford University

$20,935

University of Alabama

$10,780

University of Alabama in Huntsville

$10,632

Auburn University

$10,080

University of South Alabama

$8,226

University of Alabama at Birmingham

$8,100

Columbia Southern University

$3,900

Columbia Southern University

20%

University of South Alabama

37%

University of Alabama in Huntsville

41%

Samford University

44%

University of Alabama at Birmingham

46%

Auburn University

54%

University of Alabama

60%

Auburn University

71%

University of South Alabama

71%

University of Alabama in Huntsville

74%

University of Alabama

79%

Samford University

84%

University of Alabama at Birmingham

89%

Samford University

12 to 1

University of South Alabama

17 to 1

University of Alabama in Huntsville

19 to 1

University of Alabama at Birmingham

20 to 1

University of Alabama

20 to 1

Auburn University

20 to 1

Columbia Southern University

39 to 1

Columbia Southern University

$5,775

University of South Alabama

$8,256

University of Alabama at Birmingham

$8,568

University of Alabama in Huntsville

$9,730

Auburn University

$10,080

University of Alabama

$10,780

Samford University

$35,360

Columbia Southern University

$3,900

University of Alabama at Birmingham

$8,100

University of South Alabama

$8,226

Auburn University

$10,080

University of Alabama in Huntsville

$10,632

University of Alabama

$10,780

Samford University

$20,935

Table of Contents

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

How do we determine Alabama's best colleges and universities?

Methodology

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great! If you are serious about finding the best colleges and universities for a bachelor’s degree, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching and whether their graduates are themselves advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence in their fields of study.

Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Concentrated Influence provides a ranking that is freer from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

To rank the influence of schools, we first determine the influence of scholars and professionals based on the number of citations and publications they have had over the past 10 years. In addition to publications and citations, we consider the web links to and from these sources, and the page views of those sources. We then match the influential people to their alma maters and institutions of employment, so that their influence is attributed to those schools. Our machine-learning Influence Ranking algorithm produces a numerical score of academic achievements, merits, and citations across Wikipedia, wikidata, Crossref, Semantic Scholar and an ever-growing body of data. If you are interested in exploring how and why we rank by influence, explore our methodology in more depth.

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).

Best Research Universities in Alabama 2022

#1
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa , AL
#10 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2023 #1 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
72%
Student body
35K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/27
What is University of Alabama known for?

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

Law
Sociology
History
Business
Social Work
Biology
Education
Communications
Political Science
Anthropology

Most Influential Alumni

Edward O. Wilson
Timothy Leary
George Armitage Miller
Bernie Madoff
Gay Talese
Harper Lee
Nathan Jacobson
George W. Snedecor
Joe Namath
Albert Brewer
Autherine Lucy
Jan Crawford
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
Compare school
#2
Auburn University
Auburn , AL
#2 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2023 #2 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2023
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2023
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
81%
Student body
28K
Median SAT/ACT
1240/28
What is Auburn University known for?

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

Engineering
Economics
Business
History
Mathematics
Earth Sciences
Education
Communications
Political Science
Chemistry

Most Influential Alumni

Ken Mattingly
Kay Ivey
Paul Rudolph
Charles Barkley
Richard Roll
Mark Thornton
Michael S. Rogers
Jan Davis
Richard Marcinko
Henry Hartsfield
George W. Snedecor
Randy Thornhill
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
Compare school
#3
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham , AL
#3 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2023 #3 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2023
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2023
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
62%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1209/26
What is University of Alabama at Birmingham known for?

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

Medical
Biology
Nursing
Chemistry
Business
History
Education
Mathematics
Anthropology
Physics

Most Influential Alumni

Regina Benjamin
Caitlín R. Kiernan
Rebecca Bace
Lee Morin
Lawrence J. DeLucas
Jason Thrasher
Amit Singh
Graeme McDowell
Hadiyah-Nicole Green
William R. Jacobs Jr.
Shannon Shorr
Clancy Blair
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
Compare school
#4
Samford University
Birmingham , AL
#4 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2023 #11 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #1 Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2023 #1 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
79%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/26
What is Samford University known for?

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

Nursing
Law
Religious Studies
Education
History
Medical
Business
Political Science
Philosophy
Communications

Most Influential Alumni

Albert Mohler
Bobby Bowden
Wayne Flynt
Deidre Downs
Ed Stetzer
Fred L. Lowery
Raleigh Kirby Godsey
Janie Shores
Kevin Newsom
W. Eugene Davis
Karon O. Bowdre
Amie Beth Dickinson
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
Compare school
#5
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville , AL
#4 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2023 #4 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2023 #5 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2023 #5 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
61%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1300/27
What is University of Alabama in Huntsville known for?

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

Engineering
Physics
Biology
Education
Chemistry
Business
Computer Science
Nursing
Mathematics
History

Most Influential Alumni

Jan Davis
J. N. Reddy
Travis S. Taylor
Destin Sandlin
Adriel Johnson
Barbara Askins
Toyin Ojih Odutola
Robin Henderson
Cam Talbot
Daniel Dumbacher
J. Caleb Clanton
Monserrate Román
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
Compare school
#6
University of South Alabama
Mobile , AL
#5 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2023 #5 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2023 #7 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2023 #7 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
47%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1086/23
What is University of South Alabama known for?

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

Criminal Justice
Biology
Chemistry
Medical
Earth Sciences
Anthropology
Mathematics
History
Physics
Engineering

Most Influential Alumni

Harold G. White
Michael Kearney
Paul Bearer
Dan Povenmire
Jackie Johnson
David Freese
Rodger McFarlane
Eddie Stanky
Juan Pierre
Luis Gonzalez
Mike Dow
Mark Mostert
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
Compare school
#7
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach , AL
#1 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2023 #8 Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2023
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
33%
Student body
14K
What is Columbia Southern University known for?

Columbia Southern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Criminal Justice
Computer Science
Business
Social Work
Medical
Psychology
Political Science

Most Influential Alumni

Muhammad al-Mukhtar al-Shinqiti
Steven Nordhaus
Florence Gravellier
Mike Loychik
Earl Jaques Jr.
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
Compare school

Build your own college rankings

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Research Universities, Liberal Arts Colleges, Online Colleges

In pursuing a bachelor’s degree, you will need to choose between three kinds of schools: research universities, liberal arts colleges, and online colleges.

Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students.

Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines. Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you. If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel.

Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well.
Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.

Learn more about research universities by reading about the best research universities in the US.

Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree.

Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students. Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom).
Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships, but also more pleasurable walks across campus. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers. Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.

Learn more about liberal arts colleges by reading about the best liberal arts colleges in the US.

Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available. Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degress you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no disctinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online. Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whehter you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college.

Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands. Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain.
Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands balancing work and life, or becuase the online colleges afford them the chance to attend a better school without moving. If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are aynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc.
The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors. Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions.

If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.

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 research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.

Best Research Universities in Alabama 2023

Best Research Universities in Alabama 2022

Colleges and Universities in Alabama

What are Alabama’s Colleges & Universities?

Best Research Universities in Alabama 2022

Most Influential Alumni

University of Alabama’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Most Influential Alumni

Auburn University’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Most Influential Alumni

University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Most Influential Alumni

Samford University’s Online Degrees

Most Influential Alumni

University of Alabama in Huntsville’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Most Influential Alumni

University of South Alabama’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Most Influential Alumni

Columbia Southern University’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

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