Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024
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
- University of Alabama
- Auburn University
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Samford University
- University of Alabama in Huntsville
- University of South Alabama
- Columbia Southern University
- University of Alabama
- Auburn University
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Samford University
- University of Alabama in Huntsville
- University of South Alabama
- Columbia Southern University
- University of Alabama at Birmingham 87%
- Samford University 83%
- University of Alabama 80%
- University of Alabama in Huntsville 78%
- University of South Alabama 65%
- Auburn University 44%
- Columbia Southern University 28 to 1
- Auburn University 20 to 1
- University of Alabama 19 to 1
- University of Alabama at Birmingham 18 to 1
- University of Alabama in Huntsville 17 to 1
- University of South Alabama 16 to 1
- Samford University 14 to 1
- Samford University $36,725
- University of Alabama $11,100
- Auburn University $10,392
- University of Alabama in Huntsville $10,120
- University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,832
- University of South Alabama $8,616
- Columbia Southern University $6,015
- Samford University $21,265
- University of Alabama $11,100
- University of Alabama in Huntsville $10,632
- Auburn University $10,386
- University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,424
- University of South Alabama $8,424
- Columbia Southern University $4,020
- Columbia Southern University
- University of South Alabama
- University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Samford University
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Auburn University
- University of Alabama
- Columbia Southern University
- University of South Alabama
- University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Samford University
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Auburn University
- University of Alabama
- Auburn University 44%
- University of South Alabama 65%
- University of Alabama in Huntsville 78%
- University of Alabama 80%
- Samford University 83%
- University of Alabama at Birmingham 87%
- Samford University 14 to 1
- University of South Alabama 16 to 1
- University of Alabama in Huntsville 17 to 1
- University of Alabama at Birmingham 18 to 1
- University of Alabama 19 to 1
- Auburn University 20 to 1
- Columbia Southern University 28 to 1
- Columbia Southern University $6,015
- University of South Alabama $8,616
- University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,832
- University of Alabama in Huntsville $10,120
- Auburn University $10,392
- University of Alabama $11,100
- Samford University $36,725
- Columbia Southern University $4,020
- University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,424
- University of South Alabama $8,424
- Auburn University $10,386
- University of Alabama in Huntsville $10,632
- University of Alabama $11,100
- 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?
- 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
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
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 2023
- #13 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2024 #1 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024
- #10 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
- #11 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #22 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
- #1 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #2 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs 2025
- #2 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #2 Best Online Master’s in Health Science 2025
- #2 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs
- #2 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
- #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
- #5 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #6 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #6 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
- #6 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #6 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
- #7 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2025
- #7 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
- #8 Best Online Master’s in Communications
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
- #8 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
- #11 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
- #11 Best Online Master’s in Engineering 2025
- #13 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2025
- #15 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #21 Best Online Master's in Management 2025
- #21 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
- #11 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
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: $11,940Expenses: $20,084Starting Salary: $51,600Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Alabama known for?
University of Alabama’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2024 #2 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
- #5 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs 2025
- #9 Best Online Master’s in Finance
- #11 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting 2025
- #12 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
- #18 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2025
- #20 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
- #22 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2025 Ranked for Students
- #1 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs 2025
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: $12,176Expenses: $22,226Starting Salary: $56,300Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Auburn University known for?
Auburn University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Economics
- Business
- History
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Political Science
- Education
- Earth Sciences
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
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 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Alabama
- #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #2 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #3 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs
- #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama
- #3 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
- #5 Best Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Ranked for Students in 2024
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #7 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
- #7 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
- #7 Best Online MBAs in Finance 2025
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
- #8 Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #9 Fastest Accelerated Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
- #9 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
- #9 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students 2025
- #10 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
- #10 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies 2025
- #12 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #16 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
- #18 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2025
- #3 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs 2025
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: $8,832Expenses: $20,077Starting Salary: $48,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Alabama at Birmingham known for?
University of Alabama at Birmingham’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #5 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #12 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2024
- #5 Best Grad Schools 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)
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
- #13 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
- #13 Best Online Master's in Sports Management 2025
- #15 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2025
- #16 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
- #19 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
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
- #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2024 #10 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Master's in Biology
- #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
- #6 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
- #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama
- #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs
- #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Information Technology 2025
- #10 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology 2025
- #11 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
- #20 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
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: $11,878Expenses: $18,000Starting Salary: $52,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024 #7 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2024
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: $9,116Expenses: $14,589Starting Salary: $46,800Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of South Alabama known for?
University of South Alabama’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Medical
- Earth Sciences
- History
- Physics
- Biology
- Engineering
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #1 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges 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
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.
Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.