Rankings / By State
Best Colleges in Alabama
- 30
- Schools
- $44,965
- Avg. Earnings
- 46%
- Avg. Graduation
- $17,191
- Avg. Net Price
- $22,897
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $31,701 at the low end to $65,337 at the top. That 2.1× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Lurleen B Wallace Community College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $32,307 against $2,792 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is Lurleen B Wallace Community College, at $2,792 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: Auburn University graduates 81% of its students, well above the 46% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Marion Military Institute: graduates owe only 0.16× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to University of Alabama in Huntsville ($61,767 earnings), not the highest earner, Auburn University ($65,337). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Lurleen B Wallace Community College ($2,792/yr) and Tuskegee University ($35,013/yr) produce graduates earning $32,307 and $49,641 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $32,221 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Lurleen B Wallace Community College outperforms Auburn University: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with Lurleen B Wallace Community College and Auburn University. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $44K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 University of Alabama in Huntsville #1 overall | $61,767 ▲ +37% vs avg | $18,796 | 63% | 69 |
| 2 Auburn University #2 overall | $65,337 ▲ +45% vs avg | $24,323 | 81% | 69 |
| 3 Samford University #3 overall | $58,469 ▲ +30% vs avg | $32,622 | 78% | 68 |
| $54,501 ▲ +21% vs avg | $18,749 | 63% | 68 | |
| $59,221 ▲ +32% vs avg | $22,420 | 74% | 67 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Colleges in Alabama
This analysis ranks 30 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $44,965 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 46% and an average net price of $17,191.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Lurleen B Wallace Community College — Net Price: $2,792 | Graduation Rate: 42%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Auburn University — 81% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Auburn University — Median alumni earnings: $65,337
Our Analysis Found
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Alabama Opportunity Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about higher education and opportunity in Alabama?
$43,534
Median earnings (10yr)
45%
Median graduation rate
$17,635
Median net price
1.9%
Avg. mobility rate
Students tend to study where they live and work where they study, which makes a state's colleges its most important economic development asset. This ranking evaluates how well institutions across Alabama serve that role: producing graduates with strong earnings, keeping talent in the regional economy, and offering affordable paths for local students.
Start with the medians across these 30 schools. Graduates earn a median of $43,534 ten years after enrollment. The median graduation rate is 45%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $17,635 a year with about $24,465 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 43% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.9%.
For Alabama, the institutions that combine manageable costs with strong graduate outcomes are the ones building the local workforce. With a median net price of $17,635 and graduates earning a median of $43,534, these schools sit where the talent pipeline and economic development meet.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
University of Alabama in Huntsville lands at #1 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $61,767 a decade after enrolling, 37% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,796 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Auburn University lands at #2 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $65,337 a decade after enrolling, 45% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,323 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Samford University lands at #3 with a 68/100 composite, led by academic quality (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $58,469 a decade after enrolling, 30% above this list's average, and net price runs $32,622 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
University of Alabama at Birmingham lands at #4 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $54,501 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,749 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
The University of Alabama lands at #5 with a 67/100 composite, led by academic quality (77/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $59,221 a decade after enrolling, 32% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,420 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Jacksonville State University lands at #6 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (60/100). Graduates earn a median $45,235 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,279 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
University of South Alabama lands at #7 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $49,379 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,648 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
University of Montevallo lands at #8 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $42,957 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,683 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
University of North Alabama lands at #9 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (61/100). Graduates earn a median $45,415 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,170 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Spring Hill College lands at #10 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $51,500 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,449 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
University of Mobile lands at #11 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $43,611 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,382 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Auburn University at Montgomery lands at #12 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $44,391 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,224 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Enterprise State Community College lands at #13 with a 63/100 composite, led by value per dollar (76/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $42,572 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,609 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Jefferson State Community College lands at #14 with a 63/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $40,719 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,086 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Chattahoochee Valley Community College lands at #15 with a 63/100 composite, led by value per dollar (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $36,438 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,244 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Huntingdon College lands at #16 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $49,601 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,566 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Marion Military Institute lands at #17 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $59,644 a decade after enrolling, 33% above this list's average, and net price runs $8,627 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
University of West Alabama lands at #18 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $44,232 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,684 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Faulkner University lands at #19 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $43,457 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,085 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Tuskegee University lands at #20 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (29/100). Graduates earn a median $49,641 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $35,013 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Stillman College lands at #21 with a 57/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $35,421 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,258 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Lurleen B Wallace Community College lands at #22 with a 52/100 composite, led by value per dollar (95/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (25/100). Graduates earn a median $32,307 a decade after enrolling, 28% below this list's average, and net price runs $2,792 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Troy University lands at #23 with a 52/100 composite, led by academic quality (59/100) and pulled down by social mobility (52/100). Graduates earn a median $42,062 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,527 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Oakwood University lands at #24 with a 51/100 composite, led by social mobility (63/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $42,488 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,669 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Alabama A & M University lands at #25 with a 48/100 composite, led by social mobility (54/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $40,628 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,621 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Alabama State University lands at #26 with a 47/100 composite, led by social mobility (56/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $34,502 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,435 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Talladega College lands at #27 with a 47/100 composite, led by value per dollar (52/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (47/100). Graduates earn a median $32,229 a decade after enrolling, 28% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,560 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Herzing University-Birmingham lands at #28 with a 46/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (57/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $36,909 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,651 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Miles College lands at #29 with a 44/100 composite, led by social mobility (57/100) and pulled down by academic quality (35/100). Graduates earn a median $32,627 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,271 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Lawson State Community College lands at #30 with a 38/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (23/100). Graduates earn a median $31,701 a decade after enrolling, 29% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,275 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 30 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
When considering higher education options in Alabama, prospective students face a diverse array of choices. Each institution on this list shares a commitment to providing quality education, but they also differ significantly in outcomes that matter most to students and families. The average earnings for graduates across these 28 schools sit at $45,258, making it clear that some schools deliver better returns on investment than others.
The schools listed here are ranked based on a composite score that takes into account key factors such as graduation rates, average earnings, student debt, and mobility after graduation. Auburn University stands out with an impressive 81% graduation rate and earnings of $65,337, demonstrating a strong return for students willing to invest in their education. In contrast, Marion Military Institute, while having lower earnings at $59,644 and a graduation rate of just 33%, offers a much lower net price of $8,627, highlighting important trade-offs for prospective students.
For example, compare Auburn University and Samford University. Auburn's higher graduation rate of 81% and average earnings of $65,337 may appeal to those prioritizing a strong post-college outcome. On the other hand, Samford University has a solid graduation rate of 78% but lower earnings at $58,469 and a higher net price of $32,622. This contrast emphasizes the importance of aligning educational choices with personal priorities and financial realities.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 21 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.9%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Tuskegee University leads the group at 5.2%, with Lurleen B Wallace Community College (3.1%) and Spring Hill College (2.6%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 13% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Stillman College enrolls the most, at 29.6%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 18.1% across the list, peaking at 39.6% at Spring Hill College.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.23, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Samford University is highest at 1.70.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Looking closely at the data reveals a telling pattern. Auburn University outperforms Marion Military Institute in both graduation rates (81% vs. 33%) and average earnings after graduation ($65,337 vs. $59,644). This disparity highlights how important it is to consider both outcomes and investment.
As you sift through these 28 schools, think about what matters most to you. Are you focused on graduation rates, or are you more concerned about minimizing debt? Weigh these metrics against personal priorities like location, academic programs, and campus culture. Each student's journey is unique, and the best choice will fit your individual goals.
Ultimately, the data underscores the critical link between education and future stability. By understanding the potential earnings and debt levels associated with different schools, families can make informed decisions that pave the way for a stable life post-graduation. Every choice impacts the path ahead, so it's essential to choose wisely.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Colleges in Alabama: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Colleges in Alabama ranking? +
University of Alabama in Huntsville in Huntsville, AL ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Colleges in Alabama ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $61,767 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 63% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Auburn University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $65,337 ten years after enrollment, well above the $44,965 average across the 30 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Lurleen B Wallace Community College leads: graduates earn a median $32,307 against net price of about $2,792 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Auburn University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 81%, compared with a 46% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $17,191 a year across the 30 ranked schools with cost data. Lurleen B Wallace Community College is among the most affordable at roughly $2,792. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Colleges in Alabama ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 30 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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