Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2023

Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2023
By James Barham
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.

10 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2022

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

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

Alabama's Best Small Colleges and Universities Badge
Download Badge

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.

Back to Top

Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2022

  4. #4

    Faulkner University

    Montgomery , AL
    #17 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2023 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2023 #3 Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2023 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    19%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1097/20

    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
  5. #5

    Auburn University at Montgomery

    Montgomery , AL
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2023 #9 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2023 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/20

    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
  10. #9

    Oakwood University

    Huntsville , AL
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2023 #7 Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    1K

    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
  13. #11

    University of Montevallo

    Montevallo , AL

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1102/22

    What is University of Montevallo known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. #12

    Stillman College

    Tuscaloosa , AL
    #8 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2023 #10 Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    15%

    Student body

    <1K

    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
  15. #13

    Talladega College

    Talladega , AL
    #20 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #9 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    1K

    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
  16. #14

    University of West Alabama

    Livingston , AL

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    5K

    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
  19. #16

    Athens State University

    Athens , AL

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Student body

    2K

    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
  20. #17

    Amridge University

    Montgomery , AL

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    <1K

    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
Back to Top

Alabama’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
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.

This website uses cookies to enhance the user experience. Read the Privacy Policy for more.