Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2025
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
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
- #1 Best HBCU Online Master's Programs #6 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2025
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
30%
Graduation
67%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1092/21
Career Outlook for degree at Tuskegee University
Cost of Degree: $23,440Expenses: $20,014Starting Salary: $42,200Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Tuskegee University known for?
Tuskegee University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #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
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: $38,144Expenses: $19,312Starting Salary: $59,800Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
- #20 Most Influential HBCUs in the US Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
28%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
934/18
Career Outlook for degree at Alabama State University
Cost of Degree: $11,248Expenses: $12,682Starting Salary: $30,600Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Alabama State University known for?
Alabama State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Engineering
- Education
- Medical
- History
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Alabama 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Alabama 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2025 #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
62%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1170/21
Career Outlook for degree at Spring Hill College
Cost of Degree: $23,270Expenses: $18,086Starting Salary: $51,300Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Spring Hill College known for?
Spring Hill College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Communications
- Education
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- History
- Business
- Chemistry
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $12,714Expenses: $10,430Starting Salary: $29,500Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Miles College known for?
Miles College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #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
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: $23,920Expenses: $14,420Starting Salary: $40,700Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Faulkner University known for?
Faulkner University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Law
- History
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Business
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 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: $28,650Expenses: $13,290Starting Salary: $43,600Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Huntingdon College known for?
Huntingdon College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- History
- Sociology
- Communications
- Political Science
- Education
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
- #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
Tuition + fees
$14K
Graduation
35%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Talladega College
Cost of Degree: $15,650Expenses: $10,004Starting Salary: $23,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #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
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: $9,436Expenses: $13,346Starting Salary: $38,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #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
Tuition + fees
$20K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
47%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Oakwood University
Cost of Degree: $21,838Expenses: $18,584Starting Salary: $37,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
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: $22,750Expenses: $17,630Starting Salary: $53,100Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Birmingham–Southern College known for?
Birmingham–Southern College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Medical
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Communications
- History
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
55%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Montevallo
Cost of Degree: $13,710Expenses: $15,428Starting Salary: $36,100Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Montevallo known for?
University of Montevallo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Literature
- History
- Sociology
- Mathematics
- Social Work
- Political Science
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $11,392Expenses: $15,286Starting Salary: $33,700Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Stillman College known for?
Stillman College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- History
- Mathematics
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Business
- Biology
- Chemistry
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
- #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
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: $10,990Expenses: $12,972Starting Salary: $40,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
46%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Mobile
Cost of Degree: $26,120Expenses: $17,226Starting Salary: $38,700Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Mobile known for?
University of Mobile’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- History
- Political Science
- Nursing
- Computer Science
- Business
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
- #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
Tuition + fees
$10K
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Athens State University
Cost of Degree: $9,840Starting Salary: $42,400What 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
- #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
Tuition + fees
$10K
Graduation
50%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Amridge University
Cost of Degree: $10,470Starting Salary: $47,600What 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
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.
