Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2025

Badge for BEST IN ALABAMA SMALL COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Published:
Updated:

Small colleges in Alabama are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.

Key Takeaways

  • Many of the best small colleges in Alabama are situated on historic campuses, some with buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offering students a unique blend of tradition and modern education.
  • With smaller class sizes, the institutions in our ranking provide individualized attention, fostering close relationships between students and faculty, which enhances academic support and mentorship opportunities.
  • The best small colleges in Alabama emphasize community involvement, encouraging students to participate in local service projects and internships, thereby enriching their educational experience and fostering civic responsibility.

10 Best Small Colleges in Alabama in 2025

  1. Tuskegee University
    +1
  2. Samford University
    –1
  3. Alabama State University
  4. Spring Hill College
    +3
  5. Miles College
    +3
  6. Faulkner University
    –2
  7. Huntingdon College
    +3
  8. Talladega College
    +5
  9. Auburn University at Montgomery
    –4
  10. Oakwood University
    –1

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best small colleges in Alabama saw a considerable amount of movement. Talladega College gained the most ranking positions as the college has introduced significant improvements to enhance the student experience. The launch of the Dr. Jewel Plummer Cobb Honors Program provides high-achieving students with enriched academic opportunities, fostering intellectual growth and excellence. The college has also gained national recognition as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity by the Department of Defense, highlighting its commitment to preparing students for careers in critical and emerging fields.

Additionally, campus developments such as the renovation of Callanan Gymnasium now include modernized facilities like a weight-training room, new offices, lounge areas, and an esports lab, offering enhanced athletic and recreational opportunities. These advancements underscore Talladega College’s dedication to creating a dynamic and well-rounded educational environment for its students.

The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Alabama is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 18 small colleges in Alabama. The list below of the best small colleges in Alabama. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.

Best Small Colleges in Alabama

  2. #2

    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 Private 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:

    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
    Compare school
  6. #5

    Miles College

    Fairfield , AL
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    26%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Miles College

    Cost of Degree: $12,714
    Expenses: $10,430
    Starting Salary: $29,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Miles College known for?

    Miles College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Faulkner University

    Montgomery , AL
    #16 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1040/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Faulkner University

    Cost of Degree: $23,920
    Expenses: $14,420
    Starting Salary: $40,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Faulkner University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Faulkner University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Forensic Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Christian Ministry
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Humanities
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Biblical Studies
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health And Rehabilitation Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Counseling Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General/Clinical Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Huntingdon College

    Montgomery , AL
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2025 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Huntingdon College

    Cost of Degree: $28,650
    Expenses: $13,290
    Starting Salary: $43,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Huntingdon College known for?

    Huntingdon College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Talladega College

    Talladega , AL
    #19 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #6 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2025 #7 Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Talladega College

    Cost of Degree: $15,650
    Expenses: $10,004
    Starting Salary: $23,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Talladega College known for?

    Talladega College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Talladega College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Computer Information System
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Auburn University at Montgomery

    Montgomery , AL
    #9 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024 #9 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama #11 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Auburn University at Montgomery

    Cost of Degree: $9,436
    Expenses: $13,346
    Starting Salary: $38,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Auburn University at Montgomery known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Auburn University at Montgomery’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing (Bsn To Msn)
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  12. #10

    Oakwood University

    Huntsville , AL
    #7 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2025 #8 Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2025 #2 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024 #13 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Oakwood University

    Cost of Degree: $21,838
    Expenses: $18,584
    Starting Salary: $37,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Oakwood University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Oakwood University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Organizational Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Church Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Birmingham–Southern College

    Birmingham , AL
    #8 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2025 #9 Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1215/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Birmingham–Southern College

    Cost of Degree: $22,750
    Expenses: $17,630
    Starting Salary: $53,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Birmingham–Southern College known for?

    Birmingham–Southern College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    University of Montevallo

    Montevallo , AL
    #11 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama #15 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Montevallo

    Cost of Degree: $13,710
    Expenses: $15,428
    Starting Salary: $36,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Montevallo known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Stillman College

    Tuscaloosa , AL
    #9 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2025 #3 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024 #16 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Stillman College

    Cost of Degree: $11,392
    Expenses: $15,286
    Starting Salary: $33,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Stillman College known for?

    Stillman College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Stillman College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Elementary Education
    • Special Education
    • Required Credits: 118
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 114
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  16. #14

    University of West Alabama

    Livingston , AL
    #2 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024 #7 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024 #10 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) #11 Best Online Master's in Biology
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    930/19

    Career Outlook for degree at University of West Alabama

    Cost of Degree: $10,990
    Expenses: $12,972
    Starting Salary: $40,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of West Alabama known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of West Alabama’s Online Degrees

    BS in Early Childhood Development
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Safety
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Special Education: Collaborative Teacher, K-6/6-12
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Integrated Marketing Communications
    Degree Concentrations
    • Integrated Marketing Communications Program Requirements
    • Graphic Design
    • Sports Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Sport Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Administration
    • Multidisciplinary
    • Required Credits: 120-123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  18. #15

    University of Mobile

    Mobile , AL
    #10 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Mobile

    Cost of Degree: $26,120
    Expenses: $17,226
    Starting Salary: $38,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Mobile known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  19. #16

    Athens State University

    Athens , AL
    #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Alabama #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024 #10 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024 #14 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Athens State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,840
    Starting Salary: $42,400
    What is Athens State University known for?

    Athens State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Athens State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Acquisition And Contract Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Advanced Manufacturing Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Logistics And Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Occupational Health And Safety Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management Of Cybersecurity Operations
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management Of Technology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Early Instructor
    • Instructional Design
    • Military Instructor
    • Post-Secondary Instructor
    • Secondary Instruction
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Individualized Degree Program
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Religion
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  20. #17

    Amridge University

    Montgomery , AL
    #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Alabama 2024 #3 Best Online Associate in Web Design #4 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024 #12 Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Amridge University

    Cost of Degree: $10,470
    Starting Salary: $47,600
    What is Amridge University known for?

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

    Amridge University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Resource Leadership
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Systems Management
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Development
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
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Alabama’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest

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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.

Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in New Jersey and Maine.

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