Best Colleges in Alabama (2023 Rankings)

Whether you're graduating high school or pursuing a graduate degree, Alabama is home to plenty of top colleges and academic programs. From large four-year universities to small liberal arts colleges, we'll introduce the state's best higher education institutions (in no particular order).

We focused our methodology on factors like average graduation rate, financial aid, and online program offerings instead of our personal football team fandom. However, some of Alabama's top schools also happen to be home to some of the best teams in the country!

Samford University, Homewood

Tuition: $34,198

Fast facts:

• 3,576 undergraduate students
• Acceptance rate: 84%
• Graduation rate: 66% (4-year), 77% (6-year)

Founded in 1841, Samford University is a private Baptist college with an impressive record of academic success. Samford offers over 180 undergraduate fields of study and 65 graduate programs in everything from theology, law, health care, and education.

Samford is also home to the Bulldogs, their 17 NCAA Division I varsity sports teams that compete in the Southern Conference. The school's student athletes are known for their prowess both on and off the field with an impressive 98% graduation success rate.

You might also like: University of Montevallo, Montevallo

Auburn University

In-state Tuition: $11,796

Out-of-state Tuition: $31,956

Fast facts:

• 24,505 undergraduate students
• Acceptance rate: 85%
• Graduation rate: 51% (4-year), 79% (6-year)

Established in 1856, Auburn University is one of the South's largest and most prestigious public colleges. Auburn is not only a top research university with a Carnegie R1 classification but the home of the Auburn Tigers, one of the region's most celebrated athletics departments.

If you plan to head to Auburn, make sure to master the university's legendary "war eagle" battle cry! Set on a beautiful 1,841-acre campus, Auburn offers over 150 majors to choose from, more than 300 student organizations and clubs, and a thriving Greek scene composed of 50 organizations.

You might also like: Auburn University at Montgomery, Montgomery

The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

In-state Tuition: $11,620

Out-of-state Tuition: $31,090

Fast facts:

• 31,670 undergraduate students
• Acceptance rate: 80%
• Graduation rate: 52% (4-year), 72% (6-year)

Not since Batman met the Joker has there been a rivalry more legendary than Auburn vs. Alabama, home of the Crimson Tide. Whether you're a student athlete or a huge football fan, you'll feel right at home at the University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa, a large public college where the rallying cry is "Roll Tide!"

Set on a gorgeous 1,200-acre campus, UA was established as the state's flagship university back in 1831. Ever since, UA has earned a reputation for academic excellence and offers nearly 200 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs to choose from.

You might also like: University of West Alabama, Livingston

Birmingham-Southern College, Birmingham

Tuition: $18,900

Fast facts:

• 1,129 undergraduate students
• Acceptance rate: 60%
• Graduation rate: 65% (4-year), 71% (6-year)

If you're looking for a smaller college experience, check out Birmingham-Southern College, a small Christian college with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 13. BSC offers a great range of bachelor's degree programs in everything from Media and Film Studies to Computer Science.

With an emphasis on real-world experience, BSC offers students the chance to study abroad or apply for one of 3800 approved internships. With over 80 student organizations and 22 varsity sports teams, BSC is a welcoming environment with a tight-knit student body.

You might also like: Talladega College, Talladega  

University of Alabama at Birmingham

In-state Tuition: $8,568

Out-of-state Tuition: $20,400

Fast facts:

• 13,878 undergraduate students
• Acceptance rate: 81%
• Graduation rate: 38% (4-year), 61% (6-year)

Whether you want to earn a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has got you covered. The university offers over 240 certificate and degree options, including 50 master's and 37 doctoral degree programs.

UAB is particularly well known for its research, clinical health programs, and postdoctoral training opportunities. Head over to the on-campus Adventure Recreation department where you can rent gear for your next outdoor adventure, sign up for an intramural sports team, or cheer on the Blazers at the next big game.

You might also like: Oakwood University, Huntsville

The University of Alabama, Huntsville

In-state Tuition: $11,338

Out-of-state Tuition: $23,734

Fast facts:

• 8,027 undergraduate students
• Acceptance rate: 77%
• Graduation rate: 31% (4-year), 57% (6-year)

If you're looking for next-level graduate or undergraduate research opportunities, check out the University of Alabama in Huntsville, one of the state's most research-intensive public universities. UAH students and faculty collaborate with experts from NASA, the United States Army, and the Defense Intelligence Agency.

Choose from over 100 areas of study including arts and humanities, business, education, and science. You'll find plenty of fun student life options including over 175 student organizations.

You might also like: Huntingdon College, Montgomery

Tuskegee University

Tuition: $22,614

Fast facts:

• 2,280 undergraduate students
• Acceptance rate: 61%
• Graduation rate: 28% (4-year), 52% (6-year)

Tuskegee University is one of the nation's most highly-rated Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the only one to have been deemed a National Historic Site. Founded by Booker T. Washington in 1881, Tuskegee offers more than 64 degree programs and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

From Aerospace Studies to Nursing, Tuskegee offers a solid selection of degrees to pursue. Get involved with one of the many student organizations you'll find on campus, or cheer on the NCAA Division II Golden Tigers sports teams.

You might also like: Alabama A&M University, Huntsville

Troy University

In-state Tuition: $8,908

Out-of-state Tuition: $16,708

Fast facts:

• 12,712 undergraduate students
• Acceptance rate: 92%
• Graduation rate: 27% (4-year), 50% (6-year)

Home of the Trojans, Troy University is a public institution that offers over 170 undergraduate majors and minors and 120 graduate degree programs. Troy has extension campuses in Phenix City, Dothan, and Montgomery, not to mention an impressive selection of online degree programs.

If you choose to opt for the main campus, you'll enjoy a 16:1 student-faculty ratio and over 150 student clubs and organizations to explore. Troy also celebrates international culture through study abroad programs and on-campus cultural performances.

You might also like: Jacksonville State University (JSU), Jacksonville 

Spring Hill College, Mobile

Tuition: $41,868

Fast facts:

• 1,061 undergraduate students 
• Acceptance rate: 54%
• Graduation rate: 46% (4-year), 57% (6-year)

Spring Hill College is a small private Catholic school with over 50 undergraduate fields of study to choose from. Whether you're interested in humanities, theology, or anything in between, Spring Hill offers a small 13:1 student-faculty ratio to ensure you'll get plenty of support.

The university also offers a great online college experience, particularly when it comes to master's and certification options. Get involved with one of over 70 student organizations, including Greek life, gaming, and LGBTQ+ clubs.

You might also like: University of Mobile, Mobile

University of South Alabama, Mobile

In-state Tuition: $8,396

Out-of-state Tuition: $16,292

Fast facts:

• 9,050 undergraduate students
• Acceptance rate: 73%
• Graduation rate: 26% (4-year), 45% (6-year)

You'll find the University of South Alabama on a beautiful 1,200-acre campus  with plenty of bike and walking trails. Undergraduates enjoy a choice of 50 bachelor's degree programs, while graduates will find 38 master's and 13 doctoral degree options.

With concentrations in everything from animation and creative writing to marine science and criminal justice, there's plenty of great options. A charter member of the Sun Belt Conference, the University of South Alabama Jaguars includes 17 sports teams that compete at the NCAA Division I level.

You might also like: University of North Alabama, Florence

Alabama colleges FAQ

What is the number one best college in Alabama?

It depends on who you ask! While football fans usually name Auburn and Alabama as their top college, Samford University is a top academic contender.
 

What is the most beautiful college campus in Alabama?

We'd have to go with the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa due to its stunning historic architecture. Otherwise, check out University of South Alabama in Mobile where you'll find beautiful gardens and trails.
 

Are there any Historically Black Colleges In Alabama?

Absolutely! Alabama is actually home to more HBCUs than any other state in America. Colleges like Tuskegee University, Alabama State University, Alabama A&M University, and Oakwood University are all solid HBCUs worth looking into.

Find the perfect Alabama school with College Rover

Alabama is home to so many great schools that it'd be easy to spend a fortune on enrollment application fees. That's why College Rover has a collection of user-friendly tools designed to help you narrow things down.

Discover the best colleges based on your own custom criteria or compare your top choices side by side. With College Rover, you'll find the best colleges for you in just a few clicks.

College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.