1. University of Alabama (UA)
Overview
Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Founded in 1831, the University of Alabama (UA) is the state’s flagship university and is widely recognized for its academic programs, athletics, and campus culture. Known as the “Capstone of Higher Education” in Alabama, UA has a long-standing tradition of excellence in research, education, and public service.
UA is famous for its strong business, engineering, and law programs, as well as its highly competitive athletic teams, particularly the Crimson Tide football team, which has brought national championships to the school and enhanced its reputation across the country.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #170 National Universities
- Number of Students: Over 38,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, Law, and PhD programs
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Average SAT Score: 1070-1330
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Greek life (one of the largest systems in the U.S.)
- Crimson Tide Athletics
- Student Government Association (SGA)
- Honors College activities
- Volunteer programs and community service
Famous Alumni
- Joe Namath – NFL Hall of Fame quarterback
- Harper Lee – Pulitzer Prize-winning author of To Kill a Mockingbird
- Condoleezza Rice – Former U.S. Secretary of State
- Bear Bryant – Legendary football coach
- Jimmy Wales – Co-founder of Wikipedia
Top Employers
- Mercedes-Benz U.S. International
- Lockheed Martin
- AT&T
- The University of Alabama System
- Boeing
2. Auburn University (AU)
Overview
Location: Auburn, Alabama
Founded in 1856, Auburn University (AU) is a land-grant university and one of the largest in Alabama. Auburn has a reputation for providing a student-centered education with a strong emphasis on research, public service, and agriculture. It’s known for engineering, business, and veterinary medicine programs.
Auburn is also recognized for its vibrant campus life, with traditions like the “Tiger Walk” and “Toomer’s Corner” celebrations, where students and fans roll trees with toilet paper to celebrate victories.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #93 National Universities
- Number of Students: Around 30,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Professional degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Average SAT Score: 1160-1300
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Auburn Tigers Athletics
- Greek life
- Student Government Association (SGA)
- The Auburn Plainsman (student newspaper)
- Research and innovation clubs
Famous Alumni
- Tim Cook – CEO of Apple
- Bo Jackson – Professional athlete in both NFL and MLB
- Octavia Spencer – Academy Award-winning actress
- Charles Barkley – NBA Hall of Fame player and analyst
- Jimmy Buffett – Musician and businessman
Top Employers
- Lockheed Martin
- Delta Air Lines
- East Alabama Medical Center
- Auburn University
- Southern Company
3. University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
Overview
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Founded in 1969, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has rapidly grown into a top-tier research university, particularly in health sciences and medical research. Located in the state’s largest city, UAB has close ties with medical institutions, making it one of the most prominent universities in Alabama for medical and health-related fields.
UAB is well-known for its medical school, which is ranked among the best in the nation, and its hospital, which is a leading research facility in the Southeast.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #137 National Universities
- Number of Students: Over 22,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, Medical, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Average SAT Score: 1130-1310
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- UAB Blazers Athletics
- Health professions clubs and organizations
- Research programs in health and sciences
- Campus-wide volunteering and service projects
- Cultural and arts organizations
Famous Alumni
- Regina Benjamin – 18th Surgeon General of the United States
- Deidre Downs – Miss America 2005
- Derrick Thomas – NFL Hall of Fame linebacker
- Michael Sterling – Attorney and former mayoral candidate in Atlanta
- Kirklin Clinic founders – Pioneers in medical research and surgery
Top Employers
- UAB Health System
- Children’s of Alabama
- Southern Company
- Regions Financial Corporation
- Alabama Power
4. Samford University
Overview
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Founded in 1841, Samford University is a private Christian university that combines a strong liberal arts education with professional preparation in areas like law, business, and health sciences. Known for its beautiful Georgian-Colonial architecture and close-knit campus, Samford ranks as one of the top private universities in the state.
Samford is well-regarded for its nursing, pharmacy, and law programs. Its commitment to Christian values is also a defining aspect of its mission.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #127 National Universities
- Number of Students: Around 5,700
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, Law, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Average SAT Score: 1060-1250
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Greek life
- Campus ministries and faith-based organizations
- Samford Bulldogs Athletics
- Mock trial and debate teams
- Volunteer and service learning opportunities
Famous Alumni
- Tony Hale – Emmy-winning actor
- James Spann – Meteorologist
- Sara Evans – Country music artist
- Rev. John Howard Payne – Christian missionary
- Nina Reeves – Author and educator
Top Employers
- Alabama Baptist Convention
- Birmingham Schools System
- Samford University
- Brookwood Baptist Health
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
5. University of South Alabama (USA)
Overview
Location: Mobile, Alabama
The University of South Alabama (USA) was founded in 1963 as a public research institution. Located in the vibrant Gulf Coast city of Mobile, USA is known for its strong focus on healthcare, marine science, and engineering. The university also operates the USA Health System, including hospitals and clinics that provide invaluable hands-on experience for students in the health professions.
USA is particularly recognized for its medical programs and coastal research initiatives, serving as a hub for scientific study related to the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding environments.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #263 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 14,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, Medical, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Average SAT Score: 1010-1210
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Jaguars Athletics
- Coastal research and environmental clubs
- Medical and health professions organizations
- Student Government Association (SGA)
- Community outreach and service programs
Famous Alumni
- Scott Hunter – Former NFL quarterback
- Stewart McLaurin – President of the White House Historical Association
- Sara Rogers – Miss Alabama USA 2018
- Josh Donaldson – MLB player, 2015 American League MVP
- Ladarius Webb – Former NFL player, Baltimore Ravens
Top Employers
- USA Health System
- Austal USA
- Mobile County Public Schools
- Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility
- Chevron Corporation
6. Tuskegee University
Overview
Location: Tuskegee, Alabama
Founded in 1881 by Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee University is a private historically Black university (HBCU) with a rich history of innovation, particularly in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine. It played a key role in the development of higher education for African Americans during segregation and remains a center of Black academic excellence today.
Tuskegee is famous for the Tuskegee Airmen, the pioneering African American pilots who fought in World War II, as well as its pioneering research in agriculture and animal science.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
- Number of Students: Approximately 3,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral programs
- Acceptance Rate: 52%
- Average SAT Score: 960-1180
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Tuskegee Golden Tigers Athletics
- Greek life (Divine Nine fraternities and sororities)
- Agricultural and engineering clubs
- Tuskegee Airmen Legacy initiatives
Famous Alumni
- Booker T. Washington – Founder of Tuskegee University
- George Washington Carver – Pioneer in agricultural science
- Lonnie Johnson – Inventor of the Super Soaker
- Tom Joyner – Radio personality and philanthropist
- Ralph Ellison – Author of Invisible Man
Top Employers
- Tuskegee University
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Alabama Power
- Lockheed Martin
- Veterinary hospitals nationwide
7. Alabama A&M University
Overview
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Established in 1875, Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AAMU) is another prominent HBCU in Alabama. Located in Huntsville, one of the nation’s top cities for technology and aerospace, AAMU has strong programs in engineering, agricultural science, and business. The university is a vital part of Alabama’s agricultural and technological industries.
Known for its mission to provide access to education for African Americans, AAMU has a long history of research and development in sustainable agriculture and STEM fields.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #39 HBCUs
- Number of Students: About 6,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Average SAT Score: 890-1110
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Bulldogs Athletics
- Engineering and robotics clubs
- Marching Maroon & White Band
- Research programs in agriculture and STEM
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
Famous Alumni
- Ruben Studdard – Singer and American Idol winner
- Albert Sloan – Former president of Miles College
- Edgar Glover – NASA engineer
- Lou Brock – Baseball Hall of Fame player
- Oscar W. Adams Jr. – First African American Alabama Supreme Court Justice
Top Employers
- NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center
- Redstone Arsenal
- Lockheed Martin
- Boeing
- Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries
8. Birmingham-Southern College (BSC)
Overview
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Founded in 1856, Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) is a private liberal arts college located in Birmingham. Known for its personalized education and small class sizes, BSC provides students with a tight-knit community where academics and leadership development are central. It is known for its emphasis on service learning and study abroad programs.
BSC has consistently been ranked as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the Southeast and is especially noted for its pre-law, pre-health, and arts programs.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #129 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: Around 1,200
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate degrees only
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Average SAT Score: 1110-1290
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Service-learning projects
- The Honor Council (student-led judicial body)
- Theatre and performing arts
- BSC Panthers Athletics
- Greek life
Famous Alumni
- Condoleezza Rice – Former U.S. Secretary of State (also an alum of UA)
- Kathryn Stockett – Author of The Help
- William Gray – Former U.S. Congressman
- George Lindsay – Actor from The Andy Griffith Show
- Jeanne Jackson – CEO of Walmart.com
Top Employers
- Birmingham-Southern College
- Regions Financial Corporation
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
- Children’s of Alabama
- Alabama Power
9. University of North Alabama (UNA)
Overview
Location: Florence, Alabama
The University of North Alabama (UNA) is the state’s oldest public university, established in 1830. Located in the historic Shoals region, UNA is known for its programs in business, education, and the arts. With its focus on experiential learning, UNA offers students numerous opportunities to engage with the local community and industries.
UNA’s scenic campus and commitment to small class sizes make it an attractive option for students seeking a blend of traditional and modern education.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #54 Regional Universities South
- Number of Students: About 8,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
- Average SAT Score: 1020-1230
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- UNA Lions Athletics
- Marching band and performing arts
- Business and entrepreneurship clubs
- Study abroad programs
- Greek life
Famous Alumni
- W.C. Handy – Father of the Blues
- George Lindsey – Actor
- Jessie Gillis – Renowned educator
- Ronnie Flippo – Former U.S. Congressman
- Doyle Alexander – Former MLB player
Top Employers
- North Alabama Medical Center
- Florence City Schools
- TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority)
- Bank Independent
- 3M Corporation
10. Huntingdon College
Overview
Location: Montgomery, Alabama
Huntingdon College, established in 1854, is a private liberal arts institution in the capital city of Montgomery. The college has a strong tradition of Methodist values and offers a close-knit campus environment where students receive personalized education in a wide range of liberal arts disciplines.
Huntingdon is particularly known for its programs in education, business, and the arts, with a focus on preparing students for leadership and service in their communities.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #13 Regional Colleges South
- Number of Students: Around 900
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate degrees only
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Average SAT Score: 970-1170
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Hawks Athletics
- Campus ministry and service organizations
- Greek life
- Visual and performing arts clubs
- Leadership programs
Famous Alumni
- Jeff Sessions – Former U.S. Attorney General and Senator
- Terri Sewell – U.S. Congresswoman
- Beth Holloway – Educator and author
- Dexter Hobbs – Civil rights leader
- Langford Moore – Founder of Moore Medical Group
Top Employers
- Montgomery Public Schools
- Baptist Health
- State of Alabama
- Huntingdon College
- Jackson Hospital