Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2024

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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 2024

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  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
  1. Tuskegee University
  2. Samford University
  3. Alabama State University
  4. Spring Hill College
  5. Miles College
  6. Faulkner University
  7. Huntingdon College
  8. Auburn University at Montgomery
  9. Talladega College
  10. Oakwood University
  1. Alabama State University 97%
  2. Auburn University at Montgomery 92%
  3. University of Mobile 84%
  4. Samford University 83%
  5. Faulkner University 82%
  6. Spring Hill College 73%
  7. University of West Alabama 69%
  8. Oakwood University 68%
  9. Huntingdon College 66%
  10. Stillman College 65%
  1. Talladega College 22 to 1
  2. University of West Alabama 18 to 1
  3. Stillman College 15 to 1
  4. Auburn University at Montgomery 15 to 1
  5. University of Mobile 14 to 1
  6. Alabama State University 14 to 1
  7. Miles College 14 to 1
  8. Huntingdon College 14 to 1
  9. Athens State University 14 to 1
  10. Samford University 14 to 1
  1. Samford University $36,725
  2. Huntingdon College $28,350
  3. University of Mobile $25,880
  4. Faulkner University $23,920
  5. Tuskegee University $22,614
  6. Spring Hill College $21,732
  7. Birmingham–Southern College $21,250
  8. Oakwood University $20,040
  9. Talladega College $13,866
  10. Miles College $12,714
  1. Huntingdon College $22,500
  2. Samford University $21,265
  3. Tuskegee University $20,378
  4. Talladega College $16,000
  5. Faulkner University $15,325
  6. Oakwood University $13,680
  7. University of Mobile $13,405
  8. Amridge University $10,800
  9. University of Montevallo $10,512
  10. Athens State University $8,352
  1. Amridge University
  2. Athens State University
  3. University of Mobile
  4. University of West Alabama
  5. Talladega College
  6. Stillman College
  7. University of Montevallo
  8. Huntingdon College
  9. Oakwood University
  10. Miles College
  1. Amridge University
  2. University of Mobile
  3. Athens State University
  4. University of West Alabama
  5. Stillman College
  6. University of Montevallo
  7. Birmingham–Southern College
  8. Oakwood University
  9. Talladega College
  10. Auburn University at Montgomery
  1. Tuskegee University 30%
  2. Birmingham–Southern College 57%
  3. University of Montevallo 60%
  4. Stillman College 65%
  5. Huntingdon College 66%
  6. Oakwood University 68%
  7. University of West Alabama 69%
  8. Spring Hill College 73%
  9. Faulkner University 82%
  10. Samford University 83%
  1. Tuskegee University 7 to 1
  2. Birmingham–Southern College 10 to 1
  3. Oakwood University 11 to 1
  4. University of Montevallo 12 to 1
  5. Spring Hill College 12 to 1
  6. Amridge University 12 to 1
  7. Faulkner University 13 to 1
  8. University of Mobile 14 to 1
  9. Alabama State University 14 to 1
  10. Miles College 14 to 1
  1. Athens State University $7,230
  2. Auburn University at Montgomery $8,232
  3. Alabama State University $8,328
  4. Amridge University $9,000
  5. University of West Alabama $9,100
  6. Stillman College $11,392
  7. University of Montevallo $12,090
  8. Miles College $12,714
  9. Talladega College $13,866
  10. Oakwood University $20,040
  1. University of West Alabama $6,678
  2. Spring Hill College $7,329
  3. Alabama State University $7,416
  4. Auburn University at Montgomery $7,812
  5. Athens State University $8,352
  6. University of Montevallo $10,512
  7. Amridge University $10,800
  8. University of Mobile $13,405
  9. Oakwood University $13,680
  10. Faulkner University $15,325

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

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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.

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Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2023

  1. #1

    Samford University

    Birmingham , AL
    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: $36,725
    Expenses: $17,209
    Starting Salary: $59,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  2. #4

    Faulkner University

    Montgomery , AL
    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
  3. 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: $9,100
    Expenses: $12,598
    Starting Salary: $38,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
  4. 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: $21,250
    Expenses: $17,770
    Starting Salary: $53,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #8

    Miles College

    Fairfield , AL

    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:

  6. #9

    Oakwood University

    Huntsville , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Oakwood University

    Cost of Degree: $20,040
    Expenses: $18,584
    Starting Salary: $37,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  7. #10

    Huntingdon College

    Montgomery , AL

    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: $28,299
    Expenses: $13,140
    Starting Salary: $43,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #11

    University of Montevallo

    Montevallo , AL

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Montevallo

    Cost of Degree: $13,710
    Expenses: $14,335
    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

  9. #12

    Stillman College

    Tuscaloosa , AL

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Stillman College

    Cost of Degree: $11,392
    Expenses: $16,660
    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
  10. #13

    Talladega College

    Talladega , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Talladega College

    Cost of Degree: $13,886
    Expenses: $13,834
    Starting Salary: $23,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  11. #14

    University of West Alabama

    Livingston , AL
    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: $12,636
    Starting Salary: $40,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
  12. #15

    University of Mobile

    Mobile , AL

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Mobile

    Cost of Degree: $25,780
    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

  13. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Athens State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,540
    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
  14. #17

    Amridge University

    Montgomery , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Amridge University

    Cost of Degree: $9,950
    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
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Alabama’s Best Small College in 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.

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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