Best Alabama Colleges & Universities

Alabama College Leaderboard: Rankings

Future Alabama college students have much to consider when researching programs. Some students focus on tuition costs and financial aid, for instance, while others are more concerned with class sizes, graduation rates or alumni earnings. Finding the right balance can be tricky. Students can use this ranking to identify Alabama colleges that scored highest in overall quality and value.

Methodology +

Minimum Qualifications

• Located in Alabama
• Public or private not-for-profit
• Institutionally accredited
• At least 5 total programs

Ranking Metrics

• Median annual alumni earnings 10 years after entering the college
• In-state tuition and fees for undergraduates
• Student/teacher ratio
• % of students receiving institutional financial aid (first-time, full-time undergrads)
• Average amount of institutional aid awarded per student (first-time, full-time undergrads)
• Availability of placement services upon completion
• Availability of academic/career counseling services
• Availability of employment services
• 3-year student cohort loan default rate

Data Sources

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS): National Center for Education Statistics

• Latest 'Final Release' data available as of Fall 2016

College Scorecard: U.S. Department of Education

• Latest data available as of Fall 2016

Minimum Qualifications

• Located in Alabama
• Public or private not-for-profit
• Institutionally accredited
• At least 10 total programs

Ranking Metrics

• Median annual alumni earnings 10 years after entering the college
• In-state tuition and fees for undergraduates
• Student/teacher ratio
• 6-year graduation rate
• % of students receiving institutional financial aid (first-time, full-time undergrads)
• Average amount of institutional aid awarded per student (first-time, full-time undergrads)
• Availability of placement services upon completion
• Availability of academic/career counseling services
• Availability of employment services
• 3-year student cohort loan default rate

Data Sources

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS): National Center for Education Statistics

• Latest 'Final Release' data available as of Fall 2016

College Scorecard: U.S. Department of Education

• Latest data available as of Fall 2016

• 2-Year Colleges
• 4-Year Colleges

Rank	School Name	Score	Tuition Fees	Alumni Earnings	Student/Teacher Ratio	Gift Financial Aid	Description	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate	# Online Programs	# Total Programs	Placement Services	Credit for Experience
1	Enterprise State Community College	99.82	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 43%		13%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
2	Gadsden State Community College	99.6	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 25%		14%	N/A	4	N/A	Yes	Yes
3	Wallace State Community College – Hanceville	99.49	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 21%		20%	N/A	1	N/A	Yes	Yes
4	Southern Union State Community College	99.01	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 32%		14%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
5	Lurleen B Wallace Community College	98.91	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 35%		21%	N/A	2	N/A	Yes	Yes
6	H Councill Trenholm State Technical College	98.69	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 30%		33%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
7	Jefferson Davis Community College	98.68	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 30%		30%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	No
8	J F Drake State Community and Technical College	98.55	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 22%		15%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
9	Faulkner State Community College	97.85	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 26%		10%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	No
10	Jefferson State Community College	97.62	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 15%		7%	N/A	3	N/A	Yes	Yes
11	Northeast Alabama Community College	97.56	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 30%		24%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	No
12	Wallace Community College – Dothan	97.52	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 11%		15%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
13	Bevill State Community College	97.49	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 38%		14%	N/A	1	N/A	Yes	Yes
14	Wallace Community College – Selma	97.04	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 19%		25%	N/A	3	N/A	Yes	Yes
15	Lawson State Community College-Birmingham Campus	96.7	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 32%		18%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
16	Snead State Community College	96.39	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 65%		32%	N/A	3	N/A	Yes	Yes
17	Bishop State Community College	96.08	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 21%		11%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	No
18	Calhoun State Community College	95.88	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 14%		13%	N/A	2	N/A	No	Yes
19	Remington College-Mobile Campus	95.65	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 79%		59%	81%	0	N/A	Yes	No
20	Shelton State Community College	94.87	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 19%		8%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	No
21	Central Alabama Community College	90.99	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 38%		9%	N/A	0	N/A	No	Yes
22	Chattahoochee Valley Community College	89.03	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 42%		13%	N/A	0	N/A	No	No
23	Northwest-Shoals Community College	87.98	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 46%		13%	N/A	2	N/A	No	No
24	Alabama Southern Community College	87.86	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 41%		23%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	No
25	Reid State Technical College	87.67	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 59%		34%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	No
26	J F Ingram State Technical College	86	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A		31%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	No

Rank	School Name	Score	Tuition Fees	Alumni Earnings	Student/Teacher Ratio	Gift Financial Aid	Description	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate	# Online Programs	# Total Programs	Placement Services	Credit for Experience
1	Samford University	99.79	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$ $	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 97%		71%	60%	2	N/A	Yes	No
2	University of Alabama at Birmingham	97.84	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 66%		48%	86%	17	N/A	Yes	Yes
3	Spring Hill College	97.76	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$ $	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 99%		62%	52%	1	N/A	Yes	No
4	Auburn University	97.72	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 65%		68%	83%	18	N/A	Yes	No
5	University of Alabama in Huntsville	97.5	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 66%		47%	82%	5	N/A	Yes	No
6	The University of Alabama	96.89	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 53%		67%	51%	22	N/A	Yes	Yes
7	Birmingham Southern College	96.36	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$$ $	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 99%		66%	53%	0	N/A	No	No
8	University of Mobile	95.47	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 97%		42%	58%	0	N/A	Yes	No
9	Troy University	95	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 45%		35%	44%	22	N/A	Yes	Yes
10	University of South Alabama	94.84	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 59%		37%	83%	8	N/A	Yes	No
11	Amridge University	94.53	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%		N/A	N/A	13	N/A	No	Yes
12	Huntingdon College	94.09	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$$ $$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%		47%	58%	0	N/A	Yes	No
13	Judson College	93.56	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 95%		37%	65%	15	N/A	Yes	Yes
14	Tuskegee University	93.35	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 24%		46%	49%	0	N/A	Yes	No
15	Oakwood University	92.84	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 85%		38%	48%	0	N/A	No	Yes
16	University of North Alabama	92.19	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 51%		32%	68%	11	N/A	Yes	No
17	Jacksonville State University	92.01	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 56%		29%	83%	14	N/A	Yes	Yes
18	University of Montevallo	91.87	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 62%		47%	74%	0	N/A	Yes	No
19	Faulkner University	91.4	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 92%		33%	N/A	6	N/A	Yes	No
20	Athens State University	91.36	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. N/A		N/A	N/A	10	N/A	Yes	Yes
21	Alabama State University	91.09	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 36%		26%	53%	3	N/A	Yes	Yes
22	University of West Alabama	90.98	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 47%		27%	72%	15	N/A	Yes	No
23	Auburn University at Montgomery	90.08	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 41%		20%	80%	6	N/A	Yes	No
24	Alabama A & M University	89.58	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 49%		32%	53%	1	N/A	Yes	No
25	Stillman College	87.48	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 100%		25%	59%	0	N/A	Yes	No
26	Talladega College	86.09	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 57%		25%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
27	Miles College	86	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $$ $$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 22%		15%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	No

Search, Compare and Research Alabama Colleges

College is a major investment in one’s future, so prospective students should evaluate schools carefully. Colleges in Alabama offer a diverse field of options from which to choose. This search tool allows aspiring students to research Alabama colleges and universities using criteria like tuition, location, enrollment and degree level.

Cost Analysis of Colleges in Alabama

For many people, the value of a degree program hinges on both its long- and short-term financial impact. One might consider which colleges in Alabama are most affordable, produce the highest-paid graduates or provide exceptional financial aid. The following rankings clear things up.

Alabama's Most Affordable Colleges

College affordability depends on a great number of factors. Tuition, for instance, varies with one's course load, degree level and residency, while financial aid availability is another key element. Certain schools are particularly successful on the cost front. This list highlights the most affordable colleges in Alabama based on net price.

• 1
  
  Amridge University$7,455
• 2
  
  Selma University$8,427
• 3
  
  Talladega College$9,062

• 4
  
  Heritage Christian University$9,346
• 5
  
  Huntsville Bible College$10,708
• 6
  
  Troy University$11,168

Average
Annual Net
Price

Cost for students awarded federal financial aid, after school and government aid is deducted. At public colleges, only applies to in-state students.

Alabama College Net Price vs. National Average

$15,599

Average Annual Net Price

$18,073

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Alabama Colleges With Top Alumni Earnings

Students want to know that their degrees will hold value in tomorrow's job market. After all, many graduates have student loans to pay off, licensing exams to pay for or professional organization membership expenses. The following clarifies which Alabama colleges have the highest-paid alumni.

• 1
  
  University of Alabama in Huntsville$46,600
• 2
  
  Samford University$45,800
• 3
  
  Auburn University$45,400

• 4
  
  Spring Hill College$43,800
• 5
  
  The University of Alabama$42,400
• 6
  
  Birmingham Southern College$41,900

Annual
Median Earnings
10 Years
After Entering
College

Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.

Alabama Alumni Salaries vs. National Average

$35,583

Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After Entering College

$42,759

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Colleges in Alabama That Produce the Least Student Debt

According to the Institute for College Access and Success, the average debt with which students graduated from Alabama colleges in 2015 was $29,425. This places the state in among the top 10 in the nation. Nonetheless, the same institute reported that 54 percent of students graduate with some debt. Graduates of the following institutions carry the lowest average educational debt in Alabama.

• 1
  
  Athens State University$18,832
• 2
  
  University of North Alabama$21,750
• 3
  
  Auburn University at Montgomery$21,791

• 4
  
  Auburn University$22,250
• 5
  
  University of West Alabama$22,500
• 6
  
  University of Alabama at Birmingham$23,117

Median
Federal Student
Loan Debt After
Graduation

Only for undergraduates who completed college; does not include Parent-PLUS loans.

Alabama College Grad Debt Vs. National Average

$27,010

Median Federal Student Loan Debt After Graduation

$23,145

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Cost of Living for Alabama College Students

Alabama already offers a lower-than-average cost of living, but those costs still vary by city or region. This reality can have a huge impact on students' budgets. Various factors contribute: one college town might offer the lowest living costs while another provides the lowest food costs. This table gives an in-depth view of these factors across the most populous cities in the state.

Source: The Council for Community and Economic Research

College Accreditation in Alabama

Accreditation certifies that institution meets established quality standards and best practices. Alabama colleges are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC). Some programs can also be nationally accredited within specific fields and disciplines. Examples of programmatic accreditation organizations:

• The American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) is a global advocate of quality construction programs and accredits specific schools, like the McWhorter School of Building Science at Auburn University.
• The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA ASHA) certifies programs at University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, University of Montevallo, and University of South Alabama.
• The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) oversees the nursing programs at colleges like Jacksonville State University, Samford University and University of Mobile.

Alabama College City Spotlight

Birmingham

According to the 2010 US Census, Birmingham is the biggest city in Alabama with more than 212,000 residents. The city has nine colleges and community colleges, and many post-doctoral schools in fields like dentistry, law and engineering. Here are some of its higher education institutions.

College Name	School Type	Annual Net Price	Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
Jefferson State Community College	Public	$8,799	$30,300
Established in 1965, JSCC serves fewer than 10,000 students across four campuses and has an average student age of 24 years. The community college is a leading producer of nursing degree graduates. It is also home to the Instructional Technology Academy, which focuses on professional development in technology-related fields.
Samford University	Private not-for-profit	$24,093	$45,800
SU is one of Alabama's top private Christian schools. It was founded in 1841, and has 5,206 students. Students can choose from fields like arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, law, nursing, and public health. It has 30 undergraduate degree programs and a 93 percent placement rate (into jobs or graduate schools).
University of Alabama at Birmingham	Public	$14,805	$40,300
UAB is a fast-growing research institution and medical center. In 1936 it was initially opened as an extension of the University of Alabama, but as of the 2016 spring semester there were 10,839 undergraduates enrolled, and 17,189 students total. Students don't have to study medicine; the university offers degrees in everything from anthropology and musical theater to accounting and mechanical engineering.

Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa's 2010 population was 95,334 - the fifth largest in the state - and University of Alabama students account for nearly a third of it. This institution, along with others in the town, translates to a high college attainment rate.

College Name	School Type	Annual Net Price	Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
Shelton State Community College	Public	$8,587	$24,300
SSCC is a public institution that strives to support its students through its commitment to excellence. The school has a complete environment for its students, with athletics, clubs and numerous degree programs. Among the fields one can study are industrial technologies, culinary arts, or behavioral sciences.
Stillman College	Private not-for-profit	$17,473	$24,700
A private college, Stillman is committed to providing a strong liberal arts education to its students. The school offers a variety of programs that are designed to benefit a diverse population through quality academics at various levels. The school is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and has fewer than 1,000 students. Across 11 disciplines, the school had a completion rate of 78.8 percent in the fall of 2014.
The University of Alabama	Public	$20,916	$42,400
By far the biggest university in Alabama, UA is also the oldest public institution. It had 37,100 students in fall of 2015. In addition to its diverse academic landscape, UA is also known for its stellar athletics. Teams in five different sports have secured 25 national championships. One can easily find Crimson Tide fans all over the country.

Source: College Scorecard

Resources for Prospective Alabama College Students

Aspiring students looking to go to college in Alabama have many online resources at their disposal. Continue your research at the following Alabama higher education websites.