Choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions you will make, and with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. Alabama has large flagship universities, regional public schools, historically Black colleges and universities, faith-based colleges, and flexible online options. This guide ranks the 25 best colleges in Alabama for 2027 and explains what makes each one stand out.

Looking at other states or at the whole country? See our list of the best colleges in America, and compare Arizona to see how the state stacks up.

The Best Colleges in Alabama 2027

 

1. Auburn University

Auburn is Alabama’s land-grant university and one of the state’s two flagship campuses, known for its programs in engineering, business, agriculture, architecture, and veterinary medicine. Students join a large, spirited campus community, and the school’s alumni network is among the most loyal in the South. Strong co-op and internship ties with employers across the Southeast help graduates move into careers quickly. Engineering is a standout here. See our guide to the best colleges for aerospace engineering.

 

2. University of Alabama at Birmingham

UAB is a major public research university built around a large academic medical center. It is especially strong in health sciences, nursing, biomedical research, and public health, and it is one of the largest employers in the state. Students can find clinical placements, research roles, and internships close to campus in Birmingham. For health careers, see our guides to the best colleges for nursing.

 

3. The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa is the state’s flagship public university. It offers a wide range of programs, including business, engineering, communication, and law, and is known for its honors college and Crimson Tide athletics. A large campus, extensive student life, and a big alumni base make it a popular choice for in-state and out-of-state students. Business students can also see our national guide to the best colleges for accounting.

 

4. University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama is the main public university on the Gulf Coast and is closely tied to the city of Mobile. It has strong programs in health care, engineering, and business, along with a medical school and teaching hospitals through USA Health. Its coastal location gives students access to maritime, health care, and industrial employers along the Gulf.

 

5. The University of Alabama in Huntsville

UAH sits in the heart of Huntsville, known as the Rocket City, and works closely with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the defense and technology companies near Redstone Arsenal. It is a leading choice for engineering, science, and computing. Nearby, Cummings Research Park is one of the largest research parks in the country, creating abundant internships and jobs.

 

6. Samford University

Samford is a private Baptist university in the Birmingham area with a strong reputation for teaching and community. It offers well-regarded programs in business, pharmacy, law, nursing, and education, and its classes are smaller than at the state’s large public schools. The campus emphasizes service and faith, and students benefit from close relationships with faculty. See our list of the best Christian colleges for more faith-based options.

 

7. Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville State is a regional public university in northeast Alabama known for affordable tuition, practical programs, and a strong online offering. Popular fields include business, criminal justice, nursing, and education. Its football program and campus traditions add to a lively student experience. Compare options in our guide to the best online colleges in Alabama.

 

8. Auburn University at Montgomery

Auburn University at Montgomery is a separate public university in the state capital, known for serving working students and commuters. It offers programs in business, nursing, education, and the liberal arts. Montgomery’s government offices and businesses give students internships and career connections.

 

9. The University of West Alabama

The University of West Alabama is a small public university in western Alabama with a close-knit campus and affordable tuition. It serves many first-generation students and offers programs in education, business, nursing, and the sciences. Small classes and personal attention are central to the student experience.

 

10. Troy University

Troy University has campuses across Alabama and an extensive online and international presence, making it one of the more flexible options in the state. It is known for programs in business, nursing, education, and criminal justice. Many students use its online and evening formats to balance study with work or military service. See our guide to the best online colleges in Alabama.

 

11. University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama is a public university in the Shoals region of northwest Alabama. It offers programs in business, nursing, education, and the sciences in a friendly campus setting. Students appreciate the scenic location and the strong sense of community.

 

12. Tuskegee University

Founded in 1881 by Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee is one of the best-known historically Black universities in the country and is home to a National Historic Site. The scientist George Washington Carver taught here, and the university is known for its programs in engineering, veterinary medicine, architecture, and agriculture. The Tuskegee Airmen trained nearby, which adds to its place in American history. Veterinary science is a standout. See our guide to the best colleges for veterinary science.

 

13. Faulkner University

Faulkner is a private Christian university in Montgomery affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It offers programs in business, education, the liberal arts, and law, and it serves many working adults through evening and online options. Its smaller class sizes and faith-centered community appeal to students who want a close-knit campus setting.

 

14. University of Montevallo

The University of Montevallo is a small public liberal arts university south of Birmingham. It is known for its fine arts programs, especially music and theatre, as well as for its education and business programs. Small classes and close faculty attention are its main strengths.

 

15. Huntingdon College

Huntingdon is a small private college in Montgomery affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It offers a liberal arts education with programs in business, education, the sciences, and the arts. Small classes and a close community help students get personal support.

 

16. University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a private Baptist university just outside Mobile. It offers programs in business, nursing, education, and the arts in a campus environment that emphasizes faith and service. Its Gulf Coast location provides students with local internship and career opportunities.

 

17. Spring Hill College

Founded in 1830, Spring Hill is one of the oldest Catholic colleges in the Southeast and a Jesuit institution. Its liberal arts curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, service, and the whole person, and its classes are small. Students often volunteer in the Mobile community as part of the college’s mission.

 

18. Alabama A&M University

Alabama A&M is a public, land-grant historically Black university near Huntsville. It has well-regarded programs in engineering, agriculture, business, and the sciences, and it benefits from the region’s large technology and aerospace industry. The university’s ties to nearby employers help students find internships in Huntsville. Read about the colleges with the largest enrollment of Black students.

 

19. Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University is a largely online private university based on the Gulf Coast. It serves working adults and military students with flexible programs in business, criminal justice, health care, and safety and fire sciences. Its flexible formats make it a practical option for students who cannot attend a campus. See our guide to the best online colleges in Alabama.

 

20. Talladega College

Founded in 1867, Talladega is the oldest private historically Black college in Alabama. The campus is a national historic landmark and is home to the Amistad Murals, a well-known work of art in the library. Small classes and a close community are central to its mission.

 

21. Oakwood University

Oakwood is a historically Black university in Huntsville affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It is known for programs in health sciences, religion, education, and the sciences. Its faith-based campus life and strong community appeal to many students. See our list of the best Christian colleges.

 

22. Stillman College

Stillman is a small historically Black college in Tuscaloosa affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Founded in 1876, it offers a liberal arts education with a strong focus on service and community. Small classes and close faculty relationships help students get individual attention.

 

23. Alabama State University

Alabama State is a public historically Black university founded in 1867 and located in the state capital. It offers programs in business, education, the sciences, and the arts, and its Montgomery location places students near important civil rights history. Students can find internships with state government and Montgomery employers. Read about the colleges with the largest enrollment of Black students.

 

24. Miles College

Miles College is a small historically Black college near Birmingham affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. It offers programs in business, education, and the liberal arts, with a strong emphasis on service. Its location near Birmingham gives students access to a large urban job market.

 

25. Herzing University, Birmingham

Herzing’s Birmingham campus is a career-focused school that offers programs in health care, business, and technology. Classes are designed for students who want practical training and flexible schedules. The shorter, job-oriented programs suit students who want to enter the workforce quickly.

How to Choose a College in Alabama

A ranking is a starting point. Before you apply, compare these factors:

• Programs: Check that the school is strong in the field you want to study.
• Size and setting: Decide whether you prefer a large flagship campus, a small college, or a flexible online option.
• Cost and aid: Compare tuition, scholarships, and net price, since in-state rates can make public schools much cheaper.
• Community: Consider whether you want an HBCU, a faith-based campus, or a large public university experience.

Plan your budget with the student aid calculator and college scholarships, check where you stand with the GPA calculator, and read how university admission is getting harder. Build your profile with ideas for summer activities to boost your college application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best college in Alabama in 2027?

Auburn University holds the top spot on this list, followed by the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Alabama.

Which historically Black colleges are in Alabama?

Seven schools on this list are HBCUs: Tuskegee University, Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University, Talladega College, Oakwood University, Stillman College, and Miles College.

Are there good online colleges in Alabama?

Yes. Troy University, Jacksonville State University, and Columbia Southern University all offer extensive online programs. See our guide to the best online colleges in Alabama.

Can Canadian students apply to colleges in Alabama?

Yes. Canadian students can apply to U.S. colleges as international applicants. Check each school’s admissions page for deadlines and financial aid information, and use our student aid calculator and scholarship guides to plan your costs.

Final Thoughts

Alabama offers a wide range of choices, from large research universities to small liberal arts colleges and historically Black institutions with deep roots. Compare programs, cost, and campus culture, visit when you can, and build a shortlist that matches your goals.

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• The Best Christian Colleges
• The Best Online Colleges in Alabama
• The Best Colleges For Accounting 2027

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