# Best Communications Colleges in Alabama

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 12 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-communications-alabama

## Methodology

Communications programs in Alabama ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Communications programs in Alabama are drawing attention for their potential to launch careers in a variety of fields, from public relations to media production. With average earnings of $46,049 for graduates, these schools are worth considering for anyone looking to make a mark in the communications sector.

What sets the strongest programs apart are their outcomes: graduation rates, average earnings, and manageable debt levels. For example, Auburn University leads the pack with an 81% graduation rate and average earnings of $65,337, while other schools on this list may have lower earnings or higher debt, suggesting a trade-off that students need to weigh carefully.

Take Auburn University and the University of Alabama, for instance. Auburn's graduates earn nearly $6,000 more annually than those from Alabama, yet the latter has a slightly lower net price. This kind of contrast highlights the importance of aligning your educational choice with your career goals and financial situation.

## Key Findings

- Auburn University graduates earn an average of $65,337, the highest in the state.
- The University of Alabama boasts a 74% graduation rate, making it a strong choice for completion.
- Samford University has a net price of $32,622, the highest among the top five.
- University of North Alabama has the lowest earnings at $45,415, which may impact debt repayment.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [The University of Alabama](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-university-of-alabama) | Tuscaloosa, AL | 74% | $59,221 | $22,420 | $22,750 | 0.38x |
| 2 | [Samford University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/samford-university) | Birmingham, AL | 78% | $58,469 | $32,622 | $19,500 | 0.33x |
| 3 | [Auburn University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/auburn-university) | Auburn, AL | 81% | $65,337 | $24,323 | $21,000 | 0.32x |
| 4 | [Spring Hill College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/spring-hill-college) | Mobile, AL | 54% | $51,500 | $20,449 | $27,000 | 0.52x |
| 5 | [University of Montevallo](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-montevallo) | Montevallo, AL | 52% | $42,957 | $17,683 | $24,000 | 0.56x |
| 6 | [University of Mobile](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-mobile) | Mobile, AL | 56% | $43,611 | $22,382 | $26,500 | 0.61x |
| 7 | [University of North Alabama](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-north-alabama) | Florence, AL | 54% | $45,415 | $12,170 | $22,077 | 0.49x |
| 8 | [University of West Alabama](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-west-alabama) | Livingston, AL | 36% | $44,232 | $12,684 | $24,944 | 0.56x |
| 9 | [Oakwood University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/oakwood-university) | Huntsville, AL | 47% | $42,488 | $25,669 | $27,000 | 0.64x |
| 10 | [Alabama State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/alabama-state-university) | Montgomery, AL | 30% | $34,502 | $20,435 | $31,000 | 0.9x |
| 11 | [Talladega College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/talladega-college) | Talladega, AL | 43% | $32,229 | $15,560 | $28,500 | 0.88x |
| 12 | [Miles College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/miles-college) | Fairfield, AL | 20% | $32,627 | $14,271 | $31,217 | 0.96x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Communications Colleges in Alabama." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-communications-alabama

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.