Best Universities in Alabama

Alabama is home to a diverse array of colleges and universities, ranging from prestigious public research institutions to private liberal arts colleges and historically black universities. Here are the top 10 universities in Alabama.

1. University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a renowned public research university located in Birmingham, Alabama. With a strong emphasis on research and innovation, UAB offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various disciplines. The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse student body, contributing to its vibrant academic community.

U.S. News Ranking:

UAB is ranked #147 (tie) in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

UAB has an enrollment of over 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Degrees Offered:

UAB offers a wide range of degrees across disciplines, including programs in health sciences, engineering, business, arts and sciences, and education.

Acceptance Rate:

The acceptance rate at UAB is approximately 81%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at UAB is around 1150.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Some of the most popular extracurricular activities at UAB include student organizations, community service initiatives, intramural sports, and cultural events.

Famous Alumni:

1. Randall Woodfin – Mayor of Birmingham
2. Courteney Cox – Actress
3. Deidre Downs – Miss America 2005
4. David Adkisson – Former CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance
5. Janice Bryant Howroyd – Founder and CEO of The ActOne Group

Top Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. UAB Health System
2. Regions Financial Corporation
3. Southern Company
4. BBVA USA
5. Alabama Power Company

2. Auburn University

Auburn University, located in Auburn, Alabama, is a prestigious public research institution known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and rich traditions. Established in 1856, Auburn offers a diverse array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in fields ranging from engineering and agriculture to business and the arts.

U.S. News Ranking:

Auburn University is ranked #97 (tie) in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

Auburn University has an enrollment of approximately 30,000 students, including both undergraduate and graduate students.

Degrees Offered:

Auburn offers over 140 undergraduate majors and more than 180 graduate programs through its various colleges and schools.

Acceptance Rate:

The acceptance rate at Auburn University is around 75%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at Auburn is approximately 1250.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Extracurricular activities at Auburn University include student government, Greek life, intramural sports, academic clubs, and cultural organizations.

Famous Alumni:

1. Tim Cook – CEO of Apple Inc.
2. Bo Jackson – Former professional athlete
3. Octavia Spencer – Academy Award-winning actress
4. Charles Barkley – NBA Hall of Famer and sports analyst
5. Jimmy Wales – Co-founder of Wikipedia

Top Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. Boeing
2. NASA
3. IBM
4. Google
5. Alabama Power Company

3. The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa, is the state’s oldest and largest public university. Founded in 1831, it offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Known for its strong academic reputation and vibrant campus life, UA provides students with opportunities for research, service, and leadership development.

U.S. News Ranking:

The University of Alabama is ranked #143 (tie) in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

UA has an enrollment of over 38,000 students, including undergraduate and graduate students.

Degrees Offered:

The university offers more than 200 academic programs across 12 colleges and schools, covering disciplines such as engineering, business, education, law, and the arts.

Acceptance Rate:

The acceptance rate at the University of Alabama is approximately 53%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at UA is around 1200.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Popular extracurricular activities at UA include Greek life, student organizations, community service projects, intramural sports, and cultural events.

Famous Alumni:

1. Harper Lee – Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “To Kill a Mockingbird”
2. Joe Scarborough – Television host and former congressman
3. Richard Shelby – U.S. Senator for Alabama
4. Deontay Wilder – Professional boxer and former WBC heavyweight champion
5. Sela Ward – Emmy Award-winning actress

Top Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. Mercedes-Benz U.S. International
2. Regions Financial Corporation
3. UAB Health System
4. Alabama Power Company
5. BBVA USA

4. Samford University

Samford University, located in Homewood, is a private Christian university with a reputation for academic excellence and a commitment to service. Founded in 1841, it offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in various fields, including business, education, divinity, law, and the arts.

U.S. News Ranking:

Samford University is ranked #155 (tie) in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

Samford has an enrollment of approximately 5,600 students, including undergraduate and graduate students.

Degrees Offered:

The university offers more than 170 undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations, as well as over 30 graduate and professional programs.

Acceptance Rate:

The acceptance rate at Samford University is around 83%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at Samford is approximately 1200.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Extracurricular activities at Samford include religious organizations, service clubs, academic societies, intramural sports, and performing arts groups.

Famous Alumni:

1. Jim Nabors – Actor and singer known for his role as Gomer Pyle
2. Deidre Downs – Miss America 2005
3. Howard Ballard – Former NFL player
4. Tim Cook – CEO of Apple Inc. (attended Samford University for two years before transferring)
5. Terry Bowden – College football coach and sports analyst

Top Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. Regions Financial Corporation
2. UAB Health System
3. BBVA USA
4. Southern Company
5. Alabama Power Company

5. Troy University

Troy University, located in Troy, Alabama, is a comprehensive public university founded in 1887. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, both on-campus and online, to a diverse student body. With a focus on student success and community engagement, Troy University provides students with opportunities for academic excellence and personal growth.

U.S. News Ranking:

Troy University is ranked #298-#389 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

Troy University has an enrollment of over 18,000 students across its various campuses and online programs.

Degrees Offered:

The university offers more than 170 undergraduate and graduate programs, including degrees in business, education, arts and sciences, nursing, and criminal justice.

Acceptance Rate:

The acceptance rate at Troy University is approximately 90%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at Troy University varies but is typically around 1050-1150.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Popular extracurricular activities at Troy University include student government, Greek life, intramural sports, academic clubs, and cultural organizations.

Famous Alumni:

1. Osi Umenyiora – Former NFL player and two-time Super Bowl champion
2. John Lewis – Civil rights leader and U.S. Congressman
3. DeMarcus Ware – Former NFL player and Super Bowl champion
4. Steve McLendon – NFL player
5. Lamar Smith – Former U.S. Congressman

Top Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. Lockheed Martin Corporation
2. Montgomery Public Schools
3. Wells Fargo
4. Amazon
5. Regions Financial Corporation

6. University of South Alabama (USA)

The University of South Alabama (USA), located in Mobile, Alabama, is a comprehensive public research university founded in 1963. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, as well as opportunities for research and community engagement. With its commitment to student success and academic excellence, USA prepares students for careers in various fields and fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration.

U.S. News Ranking:

The University of South Alabama is ranked #293-#381 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

USA has an enrollment of over 14,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Degrees Offered:

The university offers more than 100 academic programs across its colleges of arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, medicine, nursing, and allied health professions.

Acceptance Rate:

The acceptance rate at the University of South Alabama is approximately 81%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at USA is around 1100.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Extracurricular activities at USA include student organizations, community service projects, intramural sports, cultural events, and academic clubs.

Famous Alumni:

1. Jon Lieber – Former MLB pitcher
2. Sonequa Martin-Green – Actress known for her role in “The Walking Dead”
3. Catt Sadler – Television host and journalist
4. Joey Jones – Former professional football player and head coach of the South Alabama Jaguars football team
5. James R. Clapper – Former Director of National Intelligence

Top Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. University of South Alabama Health System
2. Airbus
3. Austal USA
4. Mobile County Public Schools
5. Infirmary Health

7. Jacksonville State University (JSU)

Jacksonville State University (JSU), located in Jacksonville, Alabama, is a comprehensive public university founded in 1883. Offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, JSU is committed to providing students with a transformative educational experience that prepares them for success in their careers and communities. With its focus on academic excellence, innovation, and engagement, JSU fosters a supportive learning environment where students can thrive.

U.S. News Ranking:

Jacksonville State University is ranked #298-#389 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

JSU has an enrollment of over 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Degrees Offered:

The university offers more than 100 academic programs through its colleges of arts and sciences, business and industry, education and professional studies, and health and human services.

Acceptance Rate:

The acceptance rate at Jacksonville State University is approximately 54%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at JSU varies but is typically around 1050-1150.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Popular extracurricular activities at JSU include Greek life, student organizations, intramural sports, academic clubs, and community service projects.

Famous Alumni:

1. Erin Hogg – Television journalist and anchor
2. Rashad Johnson – Former NFL player
3. Ashley Martin – Miss Alabama USA 1998
4. Steve Windom – Former Lieutenant Governor of Alabama
5. Rudy Abbott – Former baseball coach at JSU and member of the Alabama House of Representatives

Top Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. Jacksonville State University
2. Alabama Power Company
3. Regions Financial Corporation
4. Wells Fargo
5. Honda Manufacturing of Alabama

8. University of North Alabama (UNA)

The University of North Alabama (UNA), located in Florence, Alabama, is a comprehensive public university founded in 1830. Offering a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs, UNA is dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for successful careers and lifelong learning. With its strong emphasis on experiential learning, research, and community engagement, UNA fosters a dynamic learning environment where students can explore their passions and achieve their goals.

U.S. News Ranking:

The University of North Alabama is ranked #64 (tie) in Regional Universities South by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

UNA has an enrollment of over 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Degrees Offered:

The university offers more than 140 academic programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as specialist degrees and certificates.

Acceptance Rate:

The acceptance rate at the University of North Alabama is approximately 90%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at UNA varies but is typically around 1000-1100.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Extracurricular activities at UNA include Greek life, student organizations, intramural sports, academic clubs, and community service projects.

Famous Alumni:

1. Charles Barkley – NBA Hall of Famer and sports analyst
2. George Lindsey – Actor best known for his role as Goober Pyle on “The Andy Griffith Show”
3. William “Bill” Stanfill – Former NFL player and member of the College Football Hall of Fame
4. Tom Butler – Former Mayor of Florence, Alabama
5. Will Grimsley – Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist

Top Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. University of North Alabama
2. Huntsville Hospital
3. TVA
4. Regions Financial Corporation
5. Decatur City Schools

9. Alabama A&M University

Alabama A&M University, located in Huntsville, Alabama, is a public historically black university founded in 1875. Offering a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, Alabama A&M is committed to providing students with a transformative educational experience rooted in academic excellence, research, and service. With its strong focus on STEM education and agricultural studies, Alabama A&M prepares students for leadership roles in their fields and fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration.

U.S. News Ranking:

Alabama A&M University is ranked #298-#389 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

Alabama A&M University has an enrollment of over 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Degrees Offered:

The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs through its colleges of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences; Business and Public Affairs; Education, Humanities, and Behavioral Sciences; Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences; and Graduate Studies.

Acceptance Rate:

The acceptance rate at Alabama A&M University is approximately 92%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at Alabama A&M University varies but is typically around 900-1000.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Popular extracurricular activities at Alabama A&M University include student organizations, Greek life, community service projects, academic clubs, and intramural sports.

Famous Alumni:

1. John Stallworth – Former NFL player and Pro Football Hall of Famer
2. Norm Nixon – Former NBA player and sports commentator
3. Hazel O’Leary – Former U.S. Secretary of Energy
4. J.F. Drake – Former president of Alabama A&M University and namesake of the university’s library
5. Robert Mathis – Former NFL player and Super Bowl champion

Top Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. Alabama A&M University
2. Huntsville City Schools
3. NASA
4. Boeing
5. Redstone Arsenal

10. Faulkner University

Faulkner University, located in Montgomery, Alabama, is a private Christian university founded in 1942. Offering a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, Faulkner University is dedicated to providing students with a transformative educational experience that integrates faith and learning. With its commitment to academic excellence, service, and leadership development, Faulkner University prepares students to make a positive impact in their careers, communities, and the world.

U.S. News Ranking:

Faulkner University is ranked #298-#389 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

Faulkner University has an enrollment of approximately 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Degrees Offered:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Law.

Acceptance Rate:

The acceptance rate at Faulkner University is approximately 74%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at Faulkner University varies but is typically around 900-1000.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

Popular extracurricular activities at Faulkner University include religious organizations, community service projects, academic clubs, intramural sports, and cultural events.

Famous Alumni:

1. Tommy Tuberville – Former college football coach and U.S. Senator
2. Jimmy Wales – Co-founder of Wikipedia
3. Doug Jones – Former U.S. Senator
4. Mark Wills – Country music artist
5. Lucas Black – Actor known for his roles in “Sling Blade” and “NCIS: New Orleans”

Top Companies or Organizations Hiring Graduates:

1. Faulkner University
2. Montgomery Public Schools
3. Regions Financial Corporation
4. Alabama Department of Corrections
5. Montgomery City Government

Pros and Cons to Choose the State of Alabama

Choosing Alabama as a destination for higher education offers a unique set of advantages and disadvantages that prospective students should carefully consider. Below are some pros and cons to help individuals make an informed decision:

Pros:

1. Diverse Range of Institutions: Alabama offers a diverse array of colleges and universities, including prestigious public research institutions, private liberal arts colleges, and historically black universities, providing students with a wide range of options to suit their academic and personal preferences.
2. Lower Cost of Living: Compared to many other states, Alabama generally has a lower cost of living, including affordable housing and lower tuition rates at public universities, making it an attractive option for students seeking quality education without incurring substantial financial burden.
3. Southern Hospitality: Alabama is known for its warm and welcoming Southern hospitality, creating a friendly and supportive environment for students from all backgrounds. This welcoming atmosphere can contribute to a positive college experience and help students feel at home away from home.
4. Rich Cultural Heritage: Alabama boasts a rich cultural heritage, including significant contributions to music, literature, civil rights, and history. Students studying in Alabama have the opportunity to immerse themselves in this vibrant culture, enhancing their educational experience and broadening their perspectives.
5. Opportunities for Outdoor Activities: Alabama’s natural beauty, including its beaches, forests, and parks, provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and water sports. Students can enjoy a balance between academics and recreation, promoting overall well-being.

Cons:

1. Weather Variability: Alabama experiences a range of weather conditions, including hot and humid summers, mild winters, and occasional severe weather such as hurricanes and tornadoes. Students may need to adapt to these weather patterns, which can affect outdoor activities and campus life.
2. Limited Public Transportation: Public transportation options in Alabama, particularly outside major cities like Birmingham and Mobile, may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas. Students without access to a car may face challenges in getting around the state.
3. Political and Social Climate: Alabama, like many states, has its own political and social climate, which may not align with the views and values of all students. Some individuals may find certain aspects of the state’s culture or policies challenging or disagreeable.
4. Rural Areas: While Alabama offers vibrant urban centers like Birmingham and Huntsville, it also has rural areas where colleges and universities are located. Students considering institutions in rural areas should be prepared for a quieter lifestyle and limited access to amenities compared to urban settings.
5. Limited Career Opportunities in Certain Fields: While Alabama’s economy is diverse, certain industries may offer limited career opportunities compared to larger states or urban hubs. Students pursuing careers in specific fields may need to carefully consider job prospects and potential relocation after graduation.