# Best Nursing Colleges in Alabama

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 23 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-nursing-alabama

## Methodology

Nursing 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

Choosing the right nursing college is a crucial decision for anyone looking to enter this vital field. In Alabama, 23 schools stand out for their nursing programs, each offering unique paths towards a career in healthcare. With an average earning potential of $46,377 for graduates, these options are worth exploring.

What really sets the top nursing colleges apart are the significant outcomes that prospective students should weigh. Metrics like graduation rates, debt levels, and actual earnings provide a clearer picture of what it means to earn a nursing degree in Alabama. The list below highlights schools that not only excel in these areas but also reflect a commitment to student success.

For instance, Auburn University tops the list with impressive earnings of $65,337 and a graduation rate of 81%. In contrast, the University of South Alabama has a lower graduation rate of 53% and average earnings of $49,379. This stark difference illustrates how program effectiveness can vary widely, giving students valuable context for their choices.

## Key Findings

- Auburn University leads with $65,337 average earnings and an 81% graduation rate.
- Samford University has a net price of $32,622, which is higher than most on the list.
- The average graduation rate for all schools listed is just 49%, highlighting variability in student success.
- University of South Alabama graduates face an average debt of $24,929, one of the highest on the list.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Samford University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/samford-university) | Birmingham, AL | 78% | $58,469 | $32,622 | $19,500 | 0.33x |
| 2 | [University of South Alabama](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-south-alabama) | Mobile, AL | 53% | $49,379 | $17,648 | $24,929 | 0.5x |
| 3 | [University of Alabama at Birmingham](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-alabama-at-birmingham) | Birmingham, AL | 63% | $54,501 | $18,749 | $22,300 | 0.41x |
| 4 | [Jacksonville State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/jacksonville-state-university) | Jacksonville, AL | 53% | $45,235 | $14,279 | $22,189 | 0.49x |
| 5 | [University of Mobile](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-mobile) | Mobile, AL | 56% | $43,611 | $22,382 | $26,500 | 0.61x |
| 6 | [Spring Hill College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/spring-hill-college) | Mobile, AL | 54% | $51,500 | $20,449 | $27,000 | 0.52x |
| 7 | [University of Alabama in Huntsville](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-alabama-in-huntsville) | Huntsville, AL | 63% | $61,767 | $18,796 | $20,705 | 0.34x |
| 8 | [Auburn University at Montgomery](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/auburn-university-at-montgomery) | Montgomery, AL | 34% | $44,391 | $13,224 | $25,000 | 0.56x |
| 9 | [University of North Alabama](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-north-alabama) | Florence, AL | 54% | $45,415 | $12,170 | $22,077 | 0.49x |
| 10 | [Jefferson State Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/jefferson-state-community-college) | Birmingham, AL | 24% | $40,719 | $9,086 | $9,689 | 0.24x |
| 11 | [Tuskegee University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/tuskegee-university) | Tuskegee, AL | 56% | $49,641 | $35,013 | $27,000 | 0.54x |
| 12 | [The University of Alabama](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-university-of-alabama) | Tuscaloosa, AL | 74% | $59,221 | $22,420 | $22,750 | 0.38x |
| 13 | [Auburn University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/auburn-university) | Auburn, AL | 81% | $65,337 | $24,323 | $21,000 | 0.32x |
| 14 | [University of West Alabama](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-west-alabama) | Livingston, AL | 36% | $44,232 | $12,684 | $24,944 | 0.56x |
| 15 | [University of Montevallo](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-montevallo) | Montevallo, AL | 52% | $42,957 | $17,683 | $24,000 | 0.56x |
| 16 | [Huntingdon College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/huntingdon-college) | Montgomery, AL | 47% | $49,601 | $22,566 | $27,000 | 0.54x |
| 17 | [Faulkner University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/faulkner-university) | Montgomery, AL | 38% | $43,457 | $22,085 | $23,000 | 0.53x |
| 18 | [Coastal Alabama Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/coastal-alabama-community-college) | Bay Minette, AL | 29% | $34,894 | $13,644 | $11,000 | 0.32x |
| 19 | [Oakwood University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/oakwood-university) | Huntsville, AL | 47% | $42,488 | $25,669 | $27,000 | 0.64x |
| 20 | [Troy University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/troy-university) | Troy, AL | 48% | $42,062 | $16,527 | $25,000 | 0.59x |
| 21 | [Alabama State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/alabama-state-university) | Montgomery, AL | 30% | $34,502 | $20,435 | $31,000 | 0.9x |
| 22 | [Lawson State Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lawson-state-community-college) | Birmingham, AL | 26% | $31,701 | $6,275 | N/A | N/A |
| 23 | [George C Wallace State Community College-Selma](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/george-c-wallace-state-community-college-selma) | Selma, AL | 40% | $31,598 | $9,272 | N/A | N/A |

## 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 Nursing Colleges in Alabama." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-nursing-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/.