Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2024

Badge for BEST IN ALABAMA GRADUATE SCHOOLS

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Alabama offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

10 Best Grad Schools in Alabama

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  1. University of Alabama
  2. Auburn University
  3. University of Alabama at Birmingham
  4. Samford University
  5. University of Alabama in Huntsville
  6. Tuskegee University
  7. University of South Alabama
  8. Troy University
  9. Alabama State University
  10. Faulkner University
  1. University of Alabama
  2. Auburn University
  3. Tuskegee University
  4. University of Alabama at Birmingham
  5. Samford University
  6. University of Alabama in Huntsville
  7. Alabama State University
  8. University of South Alabama
  9. Troy University
  10. Faulkner University
  1. Alabama State University 97%
  2. Troy University 95%
  3. Auburn University at Montgomery 92%
  4. University of Alabama at Birmingham 87%
  5. University of Mobile 84%
  6. Samford University 83%
  7. Faulkner University 82%
  8. University of Alabama 80%
  9. University of Alabama in Huntsville 78%
  10. University of West Alabama 69%
  1. Columbia Southern University 28 to 1
  2. Auburn University 20 to 1
  3. Alabama A&M University 19 to 1
  4. University of Alabama 19 to 1
  5. University of Alabama at Birmingham 18 to 1
  6. University of West Alabama 18 to 1
  7. University of Alabama in Huntsville 17 to 1
  8. University of South Alabama 16 to 1
  9. Troy University 16 to 1
  10. Auburn University at Montgomery 15 to 1
  1. Samford University $36,725
  2. University of Mobile $25,880
  3. Faulkner University $23,920
  4. Tuskegee University $22,614
  5. University of Alabama $11,100
  6. Auburn University $10,392
  7. University of Alabama in Huntsville $10,120
  8. Troy University $9,312
  9. University of West Alabama $9,100
  10. Amridge University $9,000
  1. Samford University $21,265
  2. Tuskegee University $20,378
  3. Faulkner University $15,325
  4. University of Mobile $13,405
  5. University of Alabama $11,100
  6. Amridge University $10,800
  7. University of Alabama in Huntsville $10,632
  8. Auburn University $10,386
  9. Alabama A&M University $10,128
  10. Troy University $8,550
  1. Amridge University
  2. University of Mobile
  3. University of West Alabama
  4. Columbia Southern University
  5. Alabama A&M University
  6. Auburn University at Montgomery
  7. Faulkner University
  8. Alabama State University
  9. Troy University
  10. University of South Alabama
  1. Amridge University
  2. University of Mobile
  3. Columbia Southern University
  4. University of West Alabama
  5. Alabama A&M University
  6. Auburn University at Montgomery
  7. Faulkner University
  8. Troy University
  9. University of South Alabama
  10. Alabama State University
  1. Tuskegee University 30%
  2. Auburn University 44%
  3. University of South Alabama 65%
  4. Alabama A&M University 68%
  5. University of West Alabama 69%
  6. University of Alabama in Huntsville 78%
  7. University of Alabama 80%
  8. Faulkner University 82%
  9. Samford University 83%
  10. University of Mobile 84%
  1. Tuskegee University 7 to 1
  2. Amridge University 12 to 1
  3. Faulkner University 13 to 1
  4. University of Mobile 14 to 1
  5. Samford University 14 to 1
  6. Alabama State University 14 to 1
  7. Auburn University at Montgomery 15 to 1
  8. University of South Alabama 16 to 1
  9. Troy University 16 to 1
  10. University of Alabama in Huntsville 17 to 1
  1. Columbia Southern University $6,015
  2. Auburn University at Montgomery $8,232
  3. Alabama State University $8,328
  4. Alabama A&M University $8,610
  5. University of South Alabama $8,616
  6. University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,832
  7. Amridge University $9,000
  8. University of West Alabama $9,100
  9. Troy University $9,312
  10. University of Alabama in Huntsville $10,120
  1. Columbia Southern University $4,020
  2. University of West Alabama $6,678
  3. Alabama State University $7,416
  4. Auburn University at Montgomery $7,812
  5. University of South Alabama $8,424
  6. University of Alabama at Birmingham $8,424
  7. Troy University $8,550
  8. Alabama A&M University $10,128
  9. Auburn University $10,386
  10. University of Alabama in Huntsville $10,632

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 Grad Schools Badge
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There are 16 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Alabama. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Alabama is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

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Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2023

  1. #1

    University of Alabama

    Tuscaloosa , AL
    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: $11,940
    Expenses: $20,084
    Starting Salary: $51,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #2

    Auburn University

    Auburn , AL
    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: $12,176
    Expenses: $22,226
    Starting Salary: $56,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. 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: $20,077
    Starting Salary: $48,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #4

    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
  5. #8

    Troy University

    Troy , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Troy University

    Cost of Degree: $9,312
    Expenses: $13,665
    Starting Salary: $41,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. 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

  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    27%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    931/17

    Career Outlook for degree at Alabama A&M University

    Cost of Degree: $10,024
    Expenses: $14,210
    Starting Salary: $35,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #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

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Alabama’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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.

  1. University of Alabama
  2. Auburn University
  3. University of Alabama at Birmingham
  4. Tuskegee University
  5. University of Alabama in Huntsville
  6. Samford University
  7. University of South Alabama
  8. Jacksonville State University
  9. Troy University
  10. Alabama A&M University
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