15 Best Colleges In Alabama

Overview

Located in Mobile, AL, the University of South Alabama is situated on a 1,200-acre campus in the scenic Gulf Coast region. Almost 16,000 students are enrolled at USA. This public, co-educational university was founded in 1963 and has a 20:1 student/faculty ratio. Today the university includes two hospitals, a cancer center, and a physician’s group.

Features

The University of South Alabama’s goal is to deliver experiential learning and quality research opportunities to its students. USA has almost two dozen research and service centers that give students the ability to enhance leadership skills and make a difference in the community. There are more than 100 majors and 93 degree programs at USA. Some of the most popular ones include:

• Registered Nursing
• Health Studies
• Education
• Coaching

Notables

The University of South Alabama placed #88 for its engineering coursework in U.S. News & World Report’s category for schools that do not offer an engineering doctorate. To foster student connections, USA allows students to join learning communities where they can live and study with fellow classmates. Students can also get involved in over 200 student organizations, including sororities and fraternities. Also, the campus includes nature trails for hiking, biking, and jogging.

Overview

Huntingdon College originally began as a women’s school in 1854, and 100 years later the college became fully co-educational in 1954. Today, around 1,100 undergraduate students attend Huntingdon. The average class size is 17 students and the student/faculty ratio is 14:1. This private, liberal arts college is located in Montgomery, AL and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church which undertook leadership of the school in 1872.

Features

Huntingdon College guides students to expand their knowledge and spiritual well-being so that they can better serve their communities. Traditional, full-time students receive a laptop, study abroad, fixed tuition, and fixed book costs as part of the Huntingdon Plan that aims to maximize the student experience. Huntingdon makes available almost 40 areas of study leading to an undergraduate degree. The most popular majors include:

• Business Administration
• Education
• Biomedical Sciences
• Fitness Studies
• Psychology

Notables

In the South, Huntingdon College is ranked #10 overall and also #10 for best value, according to U.S. News & World Report. Huntingdon placed #4 among best schools for veterans. Additionally, Huntingdon has received accolades from Princeton Review and Washington Monthly. For three consecutive years, Huntingdon has made the list for the President’s Community Service Honor Roll.

Overview

Huntsville, AL is home to Oakwood University, situated on a 1,200-acre campus. Founded in 1896 by Seventh-day Adventists, Oakwood enrolls almost 1,800 students and 97% are undergraduates. This private, liberal arts school is co-educational and has a student/faculty ratio of 14:1. Oakwood is recognized as a historically black university.

Features

“God First!” is the slogan of Oakwood University and the curriculum is based on a Christian-centered education. Service learning through ministry and mission outreach are a large part of the Oakwood community. Faculty nurture students and form relationships that help students become educated leaders upon graduation. Approximately 58 undergraduate majors form the majority of studies at Oakwood. Some of the most popular choices are:

• Health Professions
• Education
• Business Administration
• Religion and Theology
• Communication

Notables

Oakwood University placed #1 among historically black colleges and universities by Ebony Magazine. Oakwood was named as the #47 school among institutions in the South and #49 among historically black colleges and universities, according to U.S. News & World Report. Oakwood is one of the top schools to send African American students to medical school and has one of the top 10 medical programs in the state. Graduation rates are high at Oakwood as compared to other historically black universities.

Overview

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University is located in Normal, AL only five minutes from Huntsville. AAMU’s 2,300-acre campus was planned by F. L. Olmsted, who also laid out Central Park in NYC. The history of AAMU begins in 1875 when William Hooper Council, a former slave, founded the school. Today, almost 5,000 undergraduate students and 875 graduate students attend AAMU. The student/faculty ratio is 20:1. This public, co-educational, land-grant institution is also recognized as a historically black university.

Features

Alabama A&M University challenges students to grow intellectually, pursue discovery, and give back to the community. As a land-grant university, AAMU seeks to educate and train students to become successful in their chosen career paths while also serving the greater good. Approximately 75% of students volunteer in the community. AAMU has over 40 undergraduate degree programs and 27 postgraduate programs. Popular majors are the following:

• Engineering
• Agricultural Science
• Health Studies
• Business Management

Notables

U.S. News & World Report ranked Alabama A&M University as #26 among historically black colleges and universities and #43 among public institutions in the South. AAMU is in the top 10 schools to graduate minority engineers and in the top 5 to confer doctoral degrees in agriculture.

Overview

The University of Montevallo is Alabama’s only public liberal arts institution of higher learning. Located in the town of Montevallo, the university was founded as a women’s school in 1896. Men were admitted in 1956, and more than 3,000 students currently attend the school. The student/faculty ratio is 16:1 and class sizes are generally small.

Features

The University of Montevallo seeks to combine the traditional liberal arts education found at small colleges with the lower tuition costs typical of public universities. Challenging academics and community engagement go hand in hand at Montevallo. Students are promised a unique approach to education that incorporates experiential learning. Montevallo offers 75 majors across 38 programs leading to a degree. Popular majors include:

• Education
• Social Work
• Health Studies
• Visual & Performing Arts

Notables

Among public universities in the South, the University of Montevallo is #13, and among all Southern schools, Montevallo placed #37, according to U.S. News & World Report. Montevallo also earned the #26 place as a best choice for veterans and the #31 place as a top value in education. For several consecutive years, Montevallo has been recognized as a College of Distinction and is the only school in the state to receive this honor.

Overview

Alabama State University is one of the country’s oldest schools whose original purpose was to educate African Americans. In 1867, ASU’s legacy began when nine former slaves contributed $500 to open the school. Today, nearly 5,400 students attend ASU and around 600 of those are graduate students. Located in Montgomery, AL, the university has a 20:1 student/faculty ratio. ASU is recognized as a historically black university.

Features

High quality academics and research as well as the betterment of the surrounding community are all part of the education at Alabama State University. Students are taught to be critical thinkers and doers, to be globally aware, and to advance discovery. ASU gives students a choice of almost 50 degree programs for undergraduate and graduate students. ASU’s popular majors include:

• Secondary Education
• Criminal Justice
• Health Studies
• Biology
• Computer Science

Notables

U.S. News & World Report scored Alabama State University as #35 among historically black colleges and universities. ASU is also in the top 3 of historically black colleges and universities to graduate students with a teaching degree. At ASU, students can get involved in more than 70 organizations, including sororities and fraternities. There are ample opportunities for community service and improving the lives of others.

Overview

Auburn University at Montgomery was created in 1967 to provide an educated workforce for employers in Montgomery, AL. Although AUM started out as a commuter campus for working professionals, the university has grown to include traditional full-time students. This public, co-educational institution has around 3,700 undergraduate and 550 graduate students. Class sizes are small on average and the student/faculty ratio is 16:1.

Features

Auburn University at Montgomery wants students to find what excites them so that they are truly motivated in their careers. Rigorous academics, including an intensive writing seminar, build students’ intellect. A common reading assignment for the entire campus opens the door for scholarly discourse and student connections. AUM has more than 90 areas of study. The most popular majors are:

• Health Studies
• Business Marketing
• Education
• Biomedical Science

Notables

Princeton Review considers Auburn University at Montgomery to be one of the top schools in the Southeast, with particular distinction for the university’s College of Business. U.S. News & World Report makes note of AUM’s graduate school program for public affairs and also the part-time MBA degree. Lastly, AUM is gaining recognition for its online course offerings which are among the best in the state.

Overview

1961 marked the year of inception for the University of Mobile. Founded by the Alabama Baptist State Convention, UM was first known as Mobile College. Currently, UM enrolls almost 1,600 students including around 125 graduate students. The student/faculty ratio is 13:1 and most classes have less than 20 students. This private, co-educational university is located in the suburbs of Mobile, AL and maintains strong ties to the Southern Baptist faith.

Features

The University of Mobile teaches to a Christian-based curriculum that develops each student’s faith and personal calling. Quality academics allow students to use what they’ve learned and apply it to a higher purpose. Multiple activities exist for service, including campus ministry and outreach. Incoming freshmen participate in the First Year Experience to ease their transition into college life. UM offers 48 academic disciplines that lead to a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The most popular majors are:

• Education
• Health Studies
• Business Administration
• Philosophy

Notables

Among southern institutions of higher learning, the University of Mobile is #8, according to U.S. News & World Report. UM was ranked #3 for best schools for veterans. Among Christian colleges and universities, UM is consistently among the top 25 in the U.S. as ranked by Christian reviewers.

Overview

Tuskegee University has a proud legacy that includes its founding in 1881 by Dr. Booker T. Washington. Dr. George Washington Carver also played an influential role in the school’s history. Located in Tuskegee, AL, nearly 2,500 undergraduate and 500 graduate students attend the university. The student/faculty ratio is 14:1 and class sizes are generally small. This private, co-educational institution is recognized as a historically black university.

Features

Tuskegee University focuses on a career-minded education that forges ethical and socially conscious professionals who can lead in the 21st century. Strong academics form the foundation of Tuskegee’s curriculum. Students can participate in more than 100 clubs, including sororities and fraternities which are a large part of student life. More than 50 degree programs for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students are available. Popular majors include:

• Engineering
• Psychology
• Biomedical Science
• Health Studies

Notables

U.S. News & World Report named Tuskegee University as #4 among historically black colleges and universities and as #24 among Southern institutions of higher education. Tuskegee has an excellent reputation in conferring STEM degrees to African Americans, primarily in math, materials science, veterinary science, and engineering (chemical, mechanical, electrical, and aerospace). As a side note, the famous Tuskegee Airmen began at the university.

Overview

Jacksonville State University is a public, co-educational institution located in Jacksonville, AL. The school’s initial purpose was to educate the people and children of Northeast Alabama. JSU has since grown to become the preeminent university in the region. Currently, more than 8,600 students attend JSU. The majority of students (87%) are undergraduates. Nearly 200 students are from foreign countries. The student/faculty ratio is 18:1.

Features

The academic environment at Jacksonville State University is designed to maximize each student’s ability to learn. Faculty and staff are attentive to students’ academic needs while campus residence halls are meant to strengthen the sense of living while learning and are integrated into student life. The university has 45 programs leading to an undergraduate or graduate degree. JSU’s most popular majors are:

• Registered Nursing
• Criminal Justice
• Liberal Arts
• Business Management
• Education

Notables

Jacksonville State University is the #41 school for higher education in the South and the #98 institution among all Southern universities, according to U.S. News & World Report. At JSU, there are over 100 organizations for students including student media, student government, service groups, and special interest clubs. Additionally, JSU awards online degrees across 35 areas of study.

Overview

Tuscaloosa, AL is where Stillman College makes its home on a 105-acre campus about 50 miles from Birmingham. The school was founded in 1876 by the Presbyterian Church. Today this private, liberal arts college enrolls approximately 1,000 students who enjoy small class sizes and personal attention. Stillman is recognized as a historically black college.

Features

As is traditional in liberal arts schools, Stillman College emphasizes excellence in its teaching and reaches out to students who may have varied academic backgrounds in order to foster their success. Building character, professionalism, and leadership are woven into the academic curriculum. Students are encouraged to work toward the greater good of society. Stillman gives students a choice of 15 areas of study leading to a degree. Some popular majors include:

• Biology
• Business Administration
• Education
• Nursing

Notables

In the recent past, Stillman College has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top tier school in the South. Stillman is also known for pioneering the availability of wireless technology on its campus. In addition, selected degree programs come with guaranteed outcomes for qualifying students. For adult students with work experience, Stillman Management Institute provides evening and online coursework.

Overview

Located in Livingston, AL, the University of West Alabama is home to more than 4,000 students. Approximately half are undergraduates and half are graduate students. The school was founded in 1835 as a female academy. Men were admitted around 1900. Today almost 80% of students are female. This public, liberal arts institution has a student/faculty ratio of 17:1. Nearly 2,800 students are pursuing online degrees.

Features

The University of West Alabama’s highest priority is to provide a first-rate education to the West Alabama region and beyond. Coursework aims to strengthen students’ skills in critical inquiry, writing, speaking, and application of technology. UWA incorporates diversity, inclusion, and respect for others into the curriculum. The university has more than 90 programs of study, plus additional selections for online programs. Popular majors are:

• Physical Education and Coaching
• Biology
• Education
• Kinesiology and Exercise Science

Notables

In keeping with the emphasis on quality academics, all classes are taught by professors, and professors also serve as advisors. UWA’s online courses for its master’s degree in psychology, master’s degree in school counseling, and bachelor’s degree in accounting all were recognized as among the most affordable in the country. Also at UWA, there is an active Greek system of 13 sororities and fraternities.

Overview

Talladega College’s legacy began in 1867 when William Savery and Thomas Tarrant, two former slaves, spearheaded the purchase of a school building with the help of General Wager Swayne and the American Missionary Association. This private, liberal arts institution is located in Talladega, AL with 800 students enrolled. The student/faculty ratio is 12:1. Talladega was the state’s first institution to welcome students of any ethnicity and is the state’s oldest, private, historically black college.

Features

Talladega College bases its educational foundation on liberal arts and academic distinction. Students realize that learning is a lifelong pursuit and 80% of students go to graduate school. Good character and giving back to the community are also important ideals at Talladega. The college offers 17 majors at the bachelor’s level. Some of the more popular majors:

• Education
• Sociology
• Business Administration
• Criminal Justice
• Mass Media Studies

Notables

The marching band at Talladega has grown in talent over the past 5 years and provides more than $500,000 in scholarships for students. Almost 30 student organizations are available, including 8 sororities and fraternities. As a side note, Talladega’s anatomy students learn from a human cadaver, which is rare among Alabama schools.

Overview

Faulkner University began as Montgomery Bible College in 1942 with the purpose of giving religious training to ministers. Located in Montgomery, AL, the university has almost 3,300 students. This private, liberal arts university has a student/faculty ratio of 15:1 and an average class size of 12 students. Faulkner is affiliated with Churches of Christ.

Features

The mission of Faulkner University has never wavered since its founding. Faulkner is dedicated to Christian education including daily worship and bible study. Key elements of the student experience include academics based on the liberal arts, spiritual development, and outreach. Each student volunteers 160 hours of community service. There are 70 degree programs at Faulkner with 15 graduate programs and 7 online programs. Popular majors are:

• Business Management
• Human Resources
• Criminal Justice
• Education
• Fitness Administration

Notables

Faulkner University is one of the most affordable private schools in the state. Also, Faulkner was a leader in establishing evening and weekend classes for adult students. The School of Law at Faulkner is accredited by the ABA, a distinction held by only 3 schools in Alabama. In addition, students can join in over 30 student clubs. Faulkner’s Dinner Theater welcomes all students to participate and is the only dinner theater in Montgomery.

Overview

Almost 1,700 students attend Miles College, located in Fairfield, AL not far from Birmingham. The student/faculty ratio is 14:1. This private, liberal arts college was founded in 1898 and maintains ties to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Miles is recognized as a historically black college and has a proud history of civic engagement and social justice.

Features

Faculty who truly care about students is a main tenet of education at Miles College and an important factor in student success. At Miles, academics are challenging and civic involvement is encouraged. Graduates of Miles become global citizens and leaders of society. There are 28 degree programs for undergraduates at Miles. Some of the school’s popular majors are:

• Business Management
• Homeland Security
• Social Work
• Biology
• Communication

Notables

Distinct to Miles College is its partnership with the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Students at Miles can study within the college’s Intelligence Center of Academic Excellence for a unique opportunity to prepare for a career with the Intelligence Community (FBI, CIA, and Naval Intelligence). In addition, Miles extends both a First Year Enrichment program and a Freshman Studies program to students so that incoming freshman can succeed in their collegiate studies.