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 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 degrees you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no distinction 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. Whether 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 of balancing work and life, or because the online college affords 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 asynchronous, 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 2024

Q: 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 and make walks across campus more fun. 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.

Badge for BEST IN ALABAMA RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES

By Dr. James Barham

Published: Apr 22, 2022
Updated: Oct 26, 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 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

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 2023

#1
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa , AL
#13 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2025 #1 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
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: $11,900
Expenses: $21,482
Starting Salary: $51,600
Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is University of Alabama known for?

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

History
Social Work
Law
Business
Biology
Education
Mathematics
Anthropology
Political Science
Engineering

Most Influential Alumni

Edward O. Wilson
Timothy Leary
George Armitage Miller
Bernie Madoff
Gay Talese
Harper Lee
Nathan Jacobson
John Ridley Stroop
George W. Snedecor
Joe Namath
Mel Allen
Mohammad Ataul Karim
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 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2025 #2 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
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: $12,536
Expenses: $22,762
Starting Salary: $56,300
Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What 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

Kay Ivey
Paul Rudolph
Richard Roll
Charles Barkley
George W. Snedecor
Richard Marcinko
Mark Thornton
Lionel Richie
Randy Thornhill
Barry Moser
Eugene Sledge
Donald J. Boudreaux
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 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2025 #3 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
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: $20,547
Starting Salary: $48,400
Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is University of Alabama at Birmingham known for?

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

Medical
Nursing
Biology
History
Philosophy
Anthropology
Business
Education
Engineering
Computer Science

Most Influential Alumni

Rebecca Bace
Ray L. Watts
Eli Capilouto
Lawrence J. DeLucas
Hadiyah-Nicole Green
Graeme McDowell
David B. Allison
Clancy Blair
Bruce R. Korf
Selwyn M. Vickers
Ricardo Azziz
Jason Aaron
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
#5 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #12 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2025
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: $38,144
Expenses: $19,312
Starting Salary: $59,800
Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Samford University known for?

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

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

Most Influential Alumni

Albert Mohler
Bobby Bowden
Wayne Flynt
Ed Stetzer
Adam W. Greenway
Tony Hale
Billie Young
Doug Jones
Mamoru Shō
Gail Patrick
David Gordon Lyon
George W. Knight III
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 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2025 #5 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
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:

Engineering
Physics
Biology
Chemistry
Education
Computer Science
Nursing
Mathematics
History
Business

Most Influential Alumni

J. N. Reddy
G. K. Podila
Adriel Johnson
Dora Musielak
J. Caleb Clanton
Bruce W. Stallsmith
Wyatt Russell
Frances C. Roberts
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 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2025 #7 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
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: $9,676
Expenses: $16,133
Starting Salary: $46,800
Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What 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

Harold G. White
Mark Mostert
Michael Kearney
Dan Povenmire
Paul Bearer
David Freese
Eddie Stanky
Luis Gonzalez
Juan Pierre
Jon Lieber
Olga Pendleton
Jeffrey T. Williams
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 2024 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Alabama #9 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration #9 Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
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:

Criminal Justice
Computer Science
Business
Medical
Political Science
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 and make walks across campus more fun. 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 degrees you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no distinction 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. Whether 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 of balancing work and life, or because the online college affords 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 asynchronous, 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 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.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here

Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024

Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024

Colleges and Universities in Alabama

What are Alabama’s Colleges & Universities?

Best Research Universities in Alabama 2023

Career Outlook for degree at University of Alabama

Most Influential Alumni

University of Alabama’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Auburn University

Most Influential Alumni

Auburn University’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at University of Alabama at Birmingham

Most Influential Alumni

University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Samford University

Most Influential Alumni

Samford University’s Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at University of Alabama in Huntsville

Most Influential Alumni

University of Alabama in Huntsville’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at University of South Alabama

Most Influential Alumni

University of South Alabama’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

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