Choosing the right university is a crucial decision as it can influence the career path to a large extent. Not only does each educational institute have varying eligibility criteria and admission requirements, but it also offers different facilities and opportunities that may be suitable for one student and may not benefit the other at all. Thus, exploring universities in Alabama and shortlisting the right ones is a significant part of the admission process.
Once you’ve decided that Alabama is your choice of location, you can have your pick of public, private or community colleges. Choose the university depending on the rankings, prerequisites, average fees and returns on investment. To help in your decision-making process, we have compiled a list of universities in Alabama and their subsequent details. Continue reading to find out!
Top Public Universities In Alabama
Public universities are educational institutes that are owned by the state or receive a considerable amount of funding from the government. These usually have several diverse courses, including rare and uncommon ones. One significant reason to choose a public university is that it is relatively cheaper when compared to a private institute. On top of it, you can easily access financial aid, like awards, grants or scholarships.
Public universities in Alabama have in-depth coursework that is aligned with the needs of students. The campuses are also larger comparatively and have huge classroom strengths. Because of this, international students can find all-inclusive, diverse communities. Check out some of the top public universities in the state of Alabama listed below.
| University | Acceptance Rate | Average Annual Tuition Fees | SAT | ACT |
| Auburn University | 71% | $23,873 | 1150 – 1320 | 25 – 31 |
| University of Alabama – Birmingham | 89% | $16,990 | 1140 – 1340 | 23 – 30 |
| University of Alabama | 79% | $21,263 | 1070 – 1370 | 21 – 31 |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | 74% | $17,302 | 1170 – 1420 | 24 – 31 |
| University of South Alabama | 71% | $14,984 | 980 – 1190 | 19 – 26 |
| University of West Alabama | 74% | $15,435 | 880 – 980 | 17 – 21 |
| Troy University | 95% | $12,486 | 920 – 1150 | 17 – 25 |
| University of North Alabama | 90% | $12,379 | 1020 – 1180 | 20 – 26 |
| Jacksonville State University | 76% | $13,426 | 1010 – 1240 | 16 – 23 |
| University of Montevallo | 90% | $17,207 | 970 – 1200 | 19 – 26 |
| Alabama State University | 98% | $12,875 | 880 – 1020 | 15 – 20 |
| Alabama A&M University | 72% | $12,921 | 840 – 1030 | 15 – 20 |
Top Private Universities In Alabama
As the name suggests, private universities aren’t owned or influenced by the government in any way. The administration may receive occasional funding or awards from the state, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that the institute is owned or operated by them. Because of this, these universities are usually more expensive than public universities.
Private universities typically have a lower acceptance rate, meaning they accept fewer applicants even if the campuses and classrooms are large. Moreover, they have a better student-to-faculty ratio, which allows them to focus on each student’s individual needs. Check out some of the best private universities in Alabama listed in the following table.
| University | Acceptance Rate | Average Annual Tuition Fees | SAT | ACT |
| Samford University | 84% | $31,871 | 1100 – 1290 | 23 – 29 |
| University of Mobile | 64% | $21,638 | 1010 – 1160 | 20 – 27 |
| Spring Hill College | 72% | $21,781 | 970 – 1060 | 17 – 21 |
| Tuskegee University | 34% | $36,907 | 920 – 1130 | 18 – 25 |
| Faulkner University | 65% | $19,439 | 990 – 1170 | 16 – 23 |
| Birmingham-Southern College | 66% | $22,888 | 1090 – 1240 | 22 – 28 |
| Huntingdon College | 69% | $23,664 | 980 – 1070 | 19 – 25 |
| Oakwood University | 73% | $22,484 | 850 – 1110 | 16 – 23 |
| Stillman College | 76% | $14,760 | 740 – 910 | 14 – 17 |
| Herzing University | 94% | $26,887 | NA | NA |
Top Community Colleges In Alabama
Community colleges are institutes providing tertiary two-year-long education. While they focus on undergraduate degrees, these are offered as associate degrees, remedial classes, diplomas, and certificates. Students often choose to complete their courses at community college and then transfer to a four-year college or university to acquire their bachelor’s degrees.
Community colleges have the advantage of low tuition fees, easier application procedures, higher acceptance rates, technical and career-focused degrees, and flexible schedules. Furthermore, the classrooms are often smaller, allowing faculties to focus more on their students. The following table contains information about the best community colleges in Alabama.
| College | Acceptance Rate | Average Annual Tuition Fees |
| Wallace Community College – Dothan | 100% | $1,274 |
| Marion Military Institute | 45% | $13,138 |
| Gadsden State Community College | 100% | $4,890 |
| Lurleen B. Wallace Community College | 100% | $9,037 |
| Northeast Alabama Community College | 100% | $3,109 |
| Snead State Community College | 100% | $7,877 |
| Wallace Community College – Selma | 100% | $2,247 |
| Enterprise State Community College | 100% | $3,064 |
| Northwest-Shoals Community College | 100% | $3,493 |
| J.F. Drake State Technical College | 100% | $5,746 |
| Calhoun Community College | 100% | $7,459 |
| Chattahoochee Valley Community | 100% | $3,596 |
| Bevill State Community College | 100% | $8,762 |
Popular Courses
After graduating from high school or your degree college, you may feel confused about which course to select. It is essential to decide sooner as you almost certainly have to select it at the time of application. For instance, when you explore the University of Alabama admissions, the application form will require you to add your major.
The major you pick can potentially make or break your career, depending on its ROI. To help you make the decision faster, we have mentioned some of the top courses offered by the best colleges in Alabama and their average salaries in the table below.
| Course | Average Annual Salary | Course | Average Annual Salary |
| Liberal Arts & Humanities | $28,355 | Accounting | $46,825 |
| Nursing | $57,713 | Psychology | $31,098 |
| Business Administration & Management | $38,806 | Computer & Information Sciences | $66,674 |
| Allied Health and Medical Courses | $25,487 | Biology | $34,101 |
| Law & Crime | $36,209 | Teaching & Professional Development | $37,751 |
| Quality Control & Technical Courses | $70,187 | Marketing | $40,537 |
| Finance & Management | $50,412 | Cosmetology & Related Courses | $14,791 |
| Fire Protection | $68,679 | Engineering Courses | $75,677 |
| Communication & Media | $33,220 | Human Development | $27,241 |
Admission Requirements
As an international student, verifying the eligibility criteria and prerequisites for admission at any educational institute must be a top priority. Although these requirements differ in different universities, we can derive a few standard ones as listed below.
- Minimum GPA requirements
- A valid high school diploma or equivalent
- Scores of standardised tests like SAT, ACT, etc.
- Scores of English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL
- A bachelor’s degree in relevant subjects (for master’s applicants)
- All official academic transcripts
- Letter of recommendation (minimum 2)
- CV/Resume
- Details of work experience (depending on the course)
- Financial documents
- Valid passport and visa documents
The requirements mentioned here will vary. Thus, it is advisable to go through the university’s website for accurate information. Once you’re certain about the eligibility criteria and admission requirements, check out the intakes, acceptance rate, deadlines, and available courses to get a complete picture.
Cost Of Living In Alabama
Why consider the cost of living? The cost of studying includes not just one but two significant factors – the annual tuition fees and the living expenses. While the tuition costs can be managed by selecting a cheaper university or course, living expenses are a non-negotiable cost that each student must take care of.
The average annual cost of living in Alabama is $18,018. We arrive at this figure by considering the expenses for housing, transportation, groceries, clothes and recreation. Consider the following table for a detailed breakdown of these expenses.
| Item | Cost of living in Alabama (per month) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | $612 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | $937 |
| Transportation | $86 |
| Food | $397 |
| Utilities | $101 |
| Groceries | $94 |
| Clothes | $101 |
| Entertainment | $30 |
| Health Insurance | $80 |
| Total Cost Of Living With Off-Campus Accommodation | $1,502 |
| Total Cost Of Living With On-Campus Accommodation | $1,827 |
| Annual Cost Of Living | $18,018 |
Scholarships
Once you’ve gone through the finances of abroad education, you may realise that it is often too expensive for international students. One way to handle the finances is to apply for an education or student maintenance loan. These cover the tuition fees and may also have a provision for living expenses. However, students can also avail of scholarships and grants from the government or the university itself. Financial aid is usually disbursed on the basis of the student’s academic excellence, past merit, consistency in maintaining grades, leadership qualities, community service and financial background.
Check out some of the most helpful scholarships listed in the following table.
| Scholarships | Amount Awarded |
| Colonel Kathleen Swacina Scholarship | $1,500 |
| Hagan Scholarships | $60,000 |
| University Of Alabama In-State Merit Scholarships | $44,400 |
| The University of Minnesota National Scholarship | $60,000 |
| Linly Heflin Scholarship | $40,000 |
| Smith Scholarships | Flexible amount |
| ACHE Student Grant Programme | Flexible amount |
| ARRL Charles Clarke Cordle Memorial Scholarship | $1,000 |
| JSU Alabama Bush Memorial Scholarship | Flexible amount |
| Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarships | $5,000 |
| Tall Clubs International Student Scholarships | $1,000 |
| The DYB Scholarship Programme | $2,000 |
| Alabama’s Golf Association Women’s Scholarship Fund | $20,000 |
Maximum scholarships are offered by universities and are applicable to their students only. In order to get detailed information about the scholarship, eligibility, application, amount and deadlines, it is advisable to browse through the official website. For instance, if you’re looking for the University of Alabama scholarships, it is recommended to go through the university’s official page and get verified details there.
How To Choose A University?
Even after having all the data, choosing the right university may become a confusing decision. There are a few simple factors that you need to consider before deciding. To make it easier, we have listed these aspects here –
- Check the recognition and accreditation. While a university may have high rankings for certain subjects, it is essential that it is also officially recognised.
- Browse the curriculum and coursework of the selected subjects since it may pose an issue later. For instance, the major you pick may be taught sparingly.
- Consider the finances. Although you may manage the tuition fees via loans and grants, ultimately, you’ll have to pay it back in the long run. Thus, choose an institute within budget.
- Check the opportunities and facilities available for career advancement, like career support, placements, job fairs, and job prospects.
FAQs
Q1. What are the top universities in Alabama?
Ans: Auburn University, University of Alabama, Samford University, University of Mobile, Wallace Community College, and Marion Military Institute are some of the top universities and colleges in Alabama.
Q2. Can you list the most affordable universities in Alabama?
Ans: Troy University, University of North Alabama, Faulkner University, Stillman College, Enterprise State Community College, and Wallace Community College are some of the most affordable Alabama colleges and universities. Generally, public universities are cheaper than private ones, and community colleges have the lowest annual tuition fees.
Q3. What are the admission requirements for universities in Alabama?
Ans: Admission requirements usually differ in various universities, but some of the standard ones are minimum GPA requirements, a valid high school diploma or equivalent, scores of standardised exams and English proficiency tests, all official academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, CV/Resume, details of work experience, proof of finances, a valid passport and visa documents.
Q4. What is the average tuition cost at universities in Alabama?
Ans: The average cost of tuition in Alabama is $14,059. However, this figure depends on the type of college and desired course, among other factors.
Q5. Can you provide information about scholarships in Alabama?
Ans: To support the costs of tuition and living expenses, students can acquire financial aid, like scholarships, grants, awards or bursaries. These are made available by the US government, NGOs or universities. In order to get up-to-date detailed information about the scholarship’s eligibility, amount, application, and deadlines, browse through the official websites.
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I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further