2026 College Rankings

Best Colleges in Alabama

About

The Top 50 Best Colleges in the US is College Raptor’s most prestigious rankings list. Updated annually, these schools are celebrated for their rich histories, stunning campuses, excellent academics, and vibrant student life. The institutions on this list are known for both academic excellence and impressive extracurricular opportunities, making them “dream schools” for students around the world. Use these rankings as a jumping-off point for you to create your own personalized rankings using our college match tool.

Methodology

Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. We’ve outlined our full methodology here.

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Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Samford University	4210	82.36	1,100 – 1,300	32176	49466	#1 2026 Best Colleges 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 13 to 1 student to faculty ratio and 93% first year retention rate....Read more Undergraduates 4,210 Acceptance Rate 82.4% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $32,176 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,466
2	Auburn University	27907	45.93	1,250 – 1,400	24524	54629	#2 2026 Best Colleges 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 73% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 27,907 Acceptance Rate 45.9% SAT Score 1,250 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $24,524 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,629
3	The University of Alabama	34389	76.65	1,110 – 1,370	21761	52233	#3 2026 Best Colleges 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 66% 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 Undergraduates 34,389 Acceptance Rate 76.7% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $21,761 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,233
4	University of Alabama at Birmingham	12382	88.42	1,120 – 1,380	17413	46572	#4 2026 Best Colleges 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 88% of students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham currently receive institutional......Read more Undergraduates 12,382 Acceptance Rate 88.4% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $17,413 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,572
5	University of Alabama in Huntsville	6800	68.57	1,130 – 1,370	19847	55610	#5 2026 Best Colleges 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 unknown for undergraduate applications and $60 for graduate applications. Approximately 92% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 6,800 Acceptance Rate 68.6% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $19,847 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,610
6	Spring Hill College	790	74.66	1,020 – 1,190	20271	41358	#6 2026 Best Colleges in Alabama Spring Hill College Mobile, AL Found in Mobile, Spring Hill College’s acceptance rate is 75% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 98% of students at Spring Hill College will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 790 Acceptance Rate 74.7% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $20,271 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,358
7	University of Montevallo	2545	55.79	1,010 – 1,240	17280	35406	#7 2026 Best Colleges in Alabama University of Montevallo Montevallo, AL Located in Montevallo, the University of Montevallo’s acceptance rate is 56% and requires $35 for undergraduate applications and $35 for graduate applications. Approximately 96% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 2,545 Acceptance Rate 55.8% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $17,280 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,406
8	University of North Alabama	8078	70.54	1,010 – 1,240	10441	38295	#8 2026 Best Colleges in Alabama University of North Alabama Florence, AL Based in Florence, the University of North Alabama accepted 71% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 91% of students at the University of North Alabama will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 8,078 Acceptance Rate 70.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $10,441 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,295
9	Tuskegee University	2400	31.43	940 – 1,120	35126	38332	#9 2026 Best Colleges 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 Animal Sciences, General. 93% of students receive institutional grant aid—$3,321 on average....Read more Undergraduates 2,400 Acceptance Rate 31.4% SAT Score 940 – 1,120 Avg. Net Price $35,126 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,332
10	University of South Alabama	9241	70.96	1,040 – 1,240	13613	41307	#10 2026 Best Colleges in Alabama University of South Alabama Mobile, AL Located in Mobile, the University of South Alabama’s acceptance rate is 71% and requests $45 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 90% of students attending the University of South Alabama currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 9,241 Acceptance Rate 71.0% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $13,613 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,307
11	Oakwood University	1279	50.7	930 – 1,110	22833	30969	#11 2026 Best Colleges 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 89% first year retention rate. andGeneral Studies are the most popular majors. Undergraduates 1,279 Acceptance Rate 50.7% SAT Score 930 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $22,833 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,969
12	Huntingdon College	880	67.93	1,010 – 1,200	22642	42147	#12 2026 Best Colleges in Alabama Huntingdon College Montgomery, AL Based in Montgomery, Huntingdon College accepts 68% of applicants. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. Approximately 100% of students attending Huntingdon College currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 880 Acceptance Rate 67.9% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $22,642 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,147
13	Jacksonville State University	8663	77.69	940 – 1,200	14511	40158	#13 2026 Best Colleges 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 99% of students at Jacksonville State University will receive institutional grant aid. At Jacksonville State University, there is a 64% first year......Read more Undergraduates 8,663 Acceptance Rate 77.7% SAT Score 940 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $14,511 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,158
14	Auburn University at Montgomery	3326	91.57	980 – 1,190	15458	38216	#14 2026 Best Colleges 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 97% of students at Auburn University at Montgomery currently receive institutional grant aid. The college’s first year retention......Read more Undergraduates 3,326 Acceptance Rate 91.6% SAT Score 980 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $15,458 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,216
15	University of West Alabama	2673	87.11	860 – 1,080	14781	37106	#15 2026 Best Colleges in Alabama University of West Alabama Livingston, AL Found in Livingston, the University of West Alabama accepted 87% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $30 for undergraduate applications and $40 for graduate applications. About 64% of students at the University of West Alabama currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending......Read more Undergraduates 2,673 Acceptance Rate 87.1% SAT Score 860 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $14,781 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,106
16	Alabama State University	3322	95.64	850 – 1,040	13504	27453	#16 2026 Best Colleges in Alabama Alabama State University Montgomery, AL Found in Montgomery, Alabama State University accepts 96% of applicants and requires $25 for undergraduate applications and $30 for graduate applications. About 59% of students attending Alabama State University currently receive institutional grant aid. The college’s first year retention rate is 64% and its four year......Read more Undergraduates 3,322 Acceptance Rate 95.6% SAT Score 850 – 1,040 Avg. Net Price $13,504 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $27,453
17	Alabama A & M University	5845	66.22	840 – 1,040	14064	27851	#17 2026 Best Colleges in Alabama Alabama A & M University Normal, AL Based in Normal, Alabama A & M University accepted 66% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They require $30 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 66% of students attending Alabama A & M University will receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 58%....Read more Undergraduates 5,845 Acceptance Rate 66.2% SAT Score 840 – 1,040 Avg. Net Price $14,064 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $27,851
18	Talladega College	782	99.25	850 – 1,090	12450	22613	#18 2026 Best Colleges in Alabama Talladega College Talladega, AL Based in Talladega, Talladega College accepted 99% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They require $25 for undergraduate applications. About 63% of students attending Talladega College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The college’s first year......Read more Undergraduates 782 Acceptance Rate 99.3% SAT Score 850 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $12,450 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $22,613
19	Faulkner University	1793	66.13	950 – 1,130	19908	37313	#19 2026 Best Colleges in Alabama Faulkner University Montgomery, AL Found in Montgomery, Faulkner University accepts 66% of applicants. They request $25 for undergraduate applications and $75 for graduate applications. About 93% of students at Faulkner University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 1,793 Acceptance Rate 66.1% SAT Score 950 – 1,130 Avg. Net Price $19,908 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,313
20	Stillman College	779	74.22	890 – 970	12479	29790	#20 2026 Best Colleges in Alabama Stillman College Tuscaloosa, AL Located in Tuscaloosa, Stillman College’s acceptance rate is 74%. They request $15 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 53% of students attending Stillman College currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 779 Acceptance Rate 74.2% SAT Score 890 – 970 Avg. Net Price $12,479 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $29,790
21	Troy University	10222	96.04	970 – 1,210	12504	39392	#21 2026 Best Colleges 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 59% of students at Troy University will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 71% and 30% of students will graduate in......Read more Undergraduates 10,222 Acceptance Rate 96.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $12,504 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,392
22	Miles College	1151	59.17	--	14633	25822	#22 2026 Best Colleges in Alabama Miles College Fairfield, AL Located in Fairfield, Miles College accepts 59% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 34% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 1,151 Acceptance Rate 59.2% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,633 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $25,822
23	University of Mobile	1688	72.51	1,080 – 1,280	20503	37411	#23 2026 Best Colleges in Alabama University of Mobile Mobile, AL Undergraduates 1,688 Acceptance Rate 72.5% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $20,503 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,411
24	Amridge University	226	88.42	--	0	30377	#24 2026 Best Colleges in Alabama Amridge University Montgomery, AL Undergraduates 226 Acceptance Rate 88.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $30,377
25	Columbia Southern University	12213	100	--	14085	55140	#25 2026 Best Colleges in Alabama Columbia Southern University Orange Beach, AL Undergraduates 12,213 Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,085 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $55,140
26	South University-Montgomery	302	51.94	--	25157	34115	#26 2026 Best Colleges in Alabama South University-Montgomery Montgomery, AL Undergraduates 302 Acceptance Rate 51.9% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $25,157 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,115