2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama

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First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

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Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Auburn University	95	45.92	1,250 – 1,400	25242	54629	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama Auburn University Auburn, AL Found in Auburn, Auburn University’s acceptance rate is 46% and requests $50 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 78% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 95 % 2.2% Acceptance Rate 45.9% SAT Score 1,250 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $25,242 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,629
2	Samford University	93	82.36	1,100 – 1,300	34926	49466	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama Samford University Birmingham, AL Founded in 1841, Samford University was originally was called Howard College and was converted to a military hospital during the Civil War. Today the school has a 14 to 1 student to faculty ratio and 93% first year retention rate....Read more First Year Retention Rate 93 % 5.7% Acceptance Rate 82.4% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $34,926 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,466
3	The University of Alabama	89	76.65	1,180 – 1,400	22559	52233	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL Found in Tuscaloosa, The University of Alabama accepts 77% of applicants and charges $40 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 76% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. 89% of students continued studying at The University of Alabama after completing their first year....Read more First Year Retention Rate 89 % 3.5% Acceptance Rate 76.7% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $22,559 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,233
4	University of Alabama in Huntsville	84	68.57	1,190 – 1,410	19396	55610	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville, AL Located in Huntsville, the University of Alabama in Huntsville’s acceptance rate is 69%. They request $30 for undergraduate applications and $60 for graduate applications. Approximately 91% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % 3.7% Acceptance Rate 68.6% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $19,396 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,610
5	Tuskegee University	81	48.68	970 – 1,210	24344	38332	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama Tuskegee University Tuskegee, AL Tuskegee University, a historically black college or university, is the only HBCU to have a fully accredited College of Veterinary Medicine, and the school's most popular major is Veterinary Medicine. 61% of students receive institutional grant aid—$16,781 on average....Read more First Year Retention Rate 81 % 11.0% Acceptance Rate 48.7% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $24,344 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,332
6	University of Alabama at Birmingham	80	88.18	1,150 – 1,380	17997	46572	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL Found in Birmingham, the University of Alabama at Birmingham accepted 88% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $40 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. Approximately 76% of students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham currently receive institutional......Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % 2.4% Acceptance Rate 88.2% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $17,997 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,572
7	University of North Alabama	80	87.31	1,040 – 1,240	11745	38295	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama University of North Alabama Florence, AL Based in Florence, the University of North Alabama accepted 87% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 90% of students at the University of North Alabama will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % 2.6% Acceptance Rate 87.3% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $11,745 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,295
8	University of South Alabama	76	70.96	1,040 – 1,240	16074	41307	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama University of South Alabama Mobile, AL Located in Mobile, the University of South Alabama’s acceptance rate is 71% and requests $35 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 93% of students attending the University of South Alabama currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % Acceptance Rate 71.0% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $16,074 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,307
9	University of Mobile	74	77.89	1,110 – 1,310	22382	37411	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama University of Mobile Mobile, AL Based in Mobile, the University of Mobile accepted 78% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 65% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % 2.8% Acceptance Rate 77.9% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $22,382 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,411
10	University of Montevallo	73	53.85	1,010 – 1,240	17890	35406	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama University of Montevallo Montevallo, AL Located in Montevallo, the University of Montevallo’s acceptance rate is 54% and requires $35 for undergraduate applications and $35 for graduate applications. Approximately 98% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % Acceptance Rate 53.9% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $17,890 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,406
11	Columbia Southern University	71	0	--	13117	55140	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama Columbia Southern University Orange Beach, AL First Year Retention Rate 71 % 20.3% Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $13,117 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,140
12	Oakwood University	71	45.22	880 – 1,130	26730	30969	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama Oakwood University Huntsville, AL Sitting on 1,185 acres in Huntsville, Oakwood University is a historically black, Seventh-day Adventist institution. The school, whose motto is "God First," has an 71% first year retention rate. General Studies, and Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist are the most popular majors. First Year Retention Rate 71 % 10.9% Acceptance Rate 45.2% SAT Score 880 – 1,130 Avg. Net Price $26,730 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,969
13	Troy University	71	96.04	970 – 1,210	12842	39392	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama Troy University Troy, AL Found in Troy, Troy University accepted 96% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $30 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 64% of students at Troy University will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 71% and 24% of students will graduate in......Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 2.7% Acceptance Rate 96.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $12,842 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,392
14	Alabama A & M University	70	57.95	810 – 1,020	17152	27851	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama Alabama A & M University Normal, AL Based in Normal, Alabama A & M University accepted 58% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They require $30 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 67% of students attending Alabama A & M University will receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 70%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 9.4% Acceptance Rate 58.0% SAT Score 810 – 1,020 Avg. Net Price $17,152 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $27,851
15	Alabama State University	70	97.55	850 – 1,040	13138	27453	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama Alabama State University Montgomery, AL Found in Montgomery, Alabama State University accepts 98% of applicants and requires $30 for undergraduate applications and $65 for graduate applications. About 57% of students attending Alabama State University currently receive institutional grant aid. The college’s first year retention rate is 70% and its four year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 16.7% Acceptance Rate 97.6% SAT Score 850 – 1,040 Avg. Net Price $13,138 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $27,453
16	Spring Hill College	70	76.57	930 – 1,340	22858	41358	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama Spring Hill College Mobile, AL Found in Mobile, Spring Hill College’s acceptance rate is 77% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 97% of students at Spring Hill College will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 6.1% Acceptance Rate 76.6% SAT Score 930 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $22,858 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,358
17	Auburn University at Montgomery	68	91.57	980 – 1,190	13945	38216	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama Auburn University at Montgomery Montgomery, AL Based in Montgomery, Auburn University at Montgomery accepted 92% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 96% of students at Auburn University at Montgomery currently receive institutional grant aid. The college’s first year retention......Read more First Year Retention Rate 68 % 3.0% Acceptance Rate 91.6% SAT Score 980 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $13,945 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,216
18	Huntingdon College	67	69.49	1,040 – 1,220	23055	42147	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama Huntingdon College Montgomery, AL Based in Montgomery, Huntingdon College accepts 69% of applicants. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. Approximately 99% of students attending Huntingdon College currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 67 % Acceptance Rate 69.5% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $23,055 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,147
19	Jacksonville State University	65	77.69	940 – 1,200	14221	40158	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama Jacksonville State University Jacksonville, AL Found in Jacksonville, Jacksonville State University’s acceptance rate is 78%. They request $35 for undergraduate applications and $35 for graduate applications. Approximately 100% of students at Jacksonville State University will receive institutional grant aid. At Jacksonville State University, there is a 65% first year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % 1.6% Acceptance Rate 77.7% SAT Score 940 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $14,221 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,158
20	University of West Alabama	65	42.65	890 – 1,090	13954	37106	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama University of West Alabama Livingston, AL Found in Livingston, the University of West Alabama accepted 43% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $30 for undergraduate applications and $40 for graduate applications. About 69% of students at the University of West Alabama currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending......Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % 6.6% Acceptance Rate 42.7% SAT Score 890 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $13,954 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,106
21	Faulkner University	64	73.07	970 – 1,080	19920	37313	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama Faulkner University Montgomery, AL Found in Montgomery, Faulkner University accepts 73% of applicants. They request $25 for undergraduate applications and $75 for graduate applications. About 88% of students at Faulkner University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 64 % 8.6% Acceptance Rate 73.1% SAT Score 970 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $19,920 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,313
22	Miles College	56	0	--	11064	25822	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama Miles College Fairfield, AL First Year Retention Rate 56 % Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $11,064 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $25,822
23	Talladega College	54	85.42	850 – 1,090	1267	22613	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama Talladega College Talladega, AL Based in Talladega, Talladega College accepted 85% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They require $25 for undergraduate applications. About 86% of students attending Talladega College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The college’s first year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 54 % 33.3% Acceptance Rate 85.4% SAT Score 850 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $1,267 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $22,613
24	Stillman College	53	62.25	800 – 930	15152	29790	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Alabama Stillman College Tuscaloosa, AL Located in Tuscaloosa, Stillman College’s acceptance rate is 62%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 45% of students attending Stillman College currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 53 % 32.9% Acceptance Rate 62.3% SAT Score 800 – 930 Avg. Net Price $15,152 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $29,790