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 for 2017-2018.
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS): National Center for Education Statistics
College Scorecard: U.S. Department of Education
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS): National Center for Education Statistics
College Scorecard: U.S. Department of Education
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 |
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.
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that 84 percent of Alabamans had high school diplomas in 2010, yet only 23 percent had bachelor's or graduate degrees. The state is taking great strides to improve those numbers. Several colleges, non-profits and state organizations are helping fill the gap through dedicated outreach programs that enhance college readiness, affordability and more. Here are some of them.
Blueprints College Access Initiative promotes college readiness among Alabama's low-income high school students. The organization uses a peer-mentoring system connecting high school students with current college students. It also offers in-classroom workshops, after-school tutoring and support, financial aid information, and relationships with college students and professors to create a "college-positive" culture.
The Black Belt region of Alabama is historically one of the poorest in the state with more than 25 percent of adults living below the poverty line. Higher education rates also tend to be low. Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, or GEAR UP, is a grant program that increases the number of college-ready low-income students. According to the organization, it services nearly 9,300 students in 52 schools across the region.
This scholarship program through Alabama A&M University in Huntsville and Alabama State University in Montgomery offers graduates of any public community or technical college the opportunity to complete a four-year degree for free. Each university can choose up to 500 awardees each year through 2018, its final year, when they choose up to 250 award winners.
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.
Source: CollegeBoard
Source: IPEDS
Source: IPEDS
* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.
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.
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.
![]() |
Average Annual Net Price |
![]() |
Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.
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.
Annual
Median Earnings
10 Years
After Entering
College
Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
![]() |
Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After Entering College |
![]() |
Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.
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.
Median
Federal Student
Loan Debt After
Graduation
Only for undergraduates who completed college; does not include Parent-PLUS loans.
![]() |
Median Federal Student Loan Debt After Graduation |
![]() |
Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.
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.
area | composite index | housing | groceries | utilities | transportation | health care | misc. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tuscaloosa | 99% | 75% | 104% | 107% | 104% | 82% | 115% |
Statewide Average | 91% | 75% | 99% | 101% | 93% | 86% | 98% |
Montgomery | 93% | 85% | 98% | 107% | 91% | 82% | 95% |
Mobile | 92% | 76% | 102% | 107% | 96% | 88% | 95% |
Huntsville | 91% | 71% | 93% | 100% | 95% | 96% | 101% |
Birmingham | 91% | 80% | 99% | 98% | 91% | 85% | 95% |
Source: The Council for Community and Economic Research
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:
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. |
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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. | |||
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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). | |||
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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'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. |
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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. | |||
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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. | |||
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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
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.
This resource explains Alabama college financial aid programs in detail, including who may apply, program descriptions and application procedures.
ACHE gives prospective students and their families information on grant and financial aid programs, and can be a resource for searching for state-wide initiatives and improvements on higher education in the state.
ACE is a non-profit organization formed to help participating communities establish and prepare for a more vibrant future. Prospective participants must have a commitment to the ACE program and be able to support its ideals.
Hub for all relevant information for Alabama's two-year community colleges. Info includes veterans' services, adult education and job opportunities.
From kindergarten through post-secondary education, this site has information for students at all levels.
This program, through the US Department of Education, can help students navigate the price of going to different colleges in Alabama.
This organization advocates for Alabama's 14 public universities and colleges and their students.
SACS is the primary accreditation agency for colleges in Alabama, and has information on its members.