Best Value Colleges in Alabama
Top Value Alabama Colleges
Below you will find a list of the best value colleges in Alabama that we found to provide the best value for students. In our study, we utilized a number of data sources from the US Census Bureau to the US Department of Education coupled with student and alumni feedback to ascertain the important elements of value in a college education. Our team collected college data and arrived at the top Alabama colleges for you to research further. Remember to use your best judgment and prioritize your academic goals and career aspirations to narrow down your list of top colleges.
Heritage Christian University (Florence, AL) is a private Bible college that traces back its history since 1871. It is affiliated with the Churches of Christ. The university provides students with comprehensive education and integrates the Church’s teachings and beliefs in its academics. The university is recognized by the Association for Biblical Higher Education. HCU grants associate, and bachelor’s degrees across a variety of disciplines including Biblical Studies. It also offers graduate-level education and awards Master of Arts, Master of Ministry, or Master of Divinity. HCU values the formation of the students’ spiritual foundation. Aside from academic development, students are also exposed to Field Education Programs that integrate personal reflections. Graduates of HCU programs can seek employment assistance from the university as well as academic counseling for undergraduates. Students can also seek financial assistance through scholarships, grants, and loans.
Brown Aveda Institute – Rocky River (Rocky River, OH) trains students who are interested in cosmetology. The institute is recognized by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences, Inc. Its main focus is to train students and individuals to have a career in cosmetology, nail technology, as well as hair design. Founders Nancy Brown, Ed Brown, and Holly Brown and all Board Members and staff have experience in the field; therefore, students can guarantee to get first-hand knowledge and training. Students are trained at the Aveda Cosmetology School where they perform actual services provided, they are supervised by professionals.
Downey Adult School (Downey, CA) is a public institution that educates and trains students and adults through career-focused programs since 1940. The institute is committed in providing quality education, and industry-based training. Graduates from the institute are expected to be skilled and equipped to take on roles across their chosen industry. DAS offers a wide range of technical and vocational programs. It has programs in allied health, dental assisting, legal, and cosmetology. It also provides education to individuals seeking to learn English as a second language. DAS provides opportunity to adults who seek to earn their high school diploma. The program is designed for working adults. Courses can be accessed online, and coursework can be done based on the pacing of the student. Adult students can still have personal consultation with DAS instructors.
Spring Hill College (Mobile, AL) is a private Jesuit college founded in 1830. It was established and founded by the first Bishop in Mobile, Michael Portier. The college is one of the oldest Catholic higher education institutions in the United States. SHC awards bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a wide range of academic disciplines including Philosophy and Theology and several Pre-Professional programs. The college also offers online graduate programs. SHC has an international exposure. It manages an academic center in Italy and gives students an opportunity to study abroad through the Cooperative Center for Study Abroad consortium. The college aims to develop students to be leaders and pioneers across different fields. Through the years, Spring Hill produced notable alumni in science, nursing, research, and other fields. Catholic affiliation is highlighted across the curriculum and everyday activities in the college.
Birmingham Southern College (Birmingham, AL) is a liberal arts college that was founded in 1856. The institution is affiliated with the United Methodist church. The teachings of the church are valued and highlighted across the history, education, and curriculum of the college. This institution is the result of a merger between Southern University and Birmingham College. It focuses on providing undergraduate education and awarding bachelor’s degrees. The college offers 50 majors, minors, and specialty programs. Students at BSC can enjoy a balanced student life through several active organizations and interest groups on campus as well as a long list of Greek organizations. Overall, the college fosters small class sizes, close advising, and hands-on experiences.
University of Mobile (Mobile, AL) is a private university that was established in 1952. It values its Southern Baptist affiliation which is highlighted across its academic programs and activities. The first name of the institution was Mobile College until it was changed to University of Mobile in 1993. UM awards undergraduate and graduate-level degrees including doctoral degrees. Programs are organized across several schools and colleges: College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Christian Studies, School of Education, School of Nursing, and The Alabama School of the Arts. UM also offers engineering programs in partnership with Auburn University and the University of South Alabama. The university also offers several online bachelor’s and master’s programs as well as programs offered through a blended learning approach. UM aims to develop students holistically; it has dedicated activities focused on faith and service. Up to date, the university is continuously expanding its academic programs.
University of Montevallo (Montevallo, AL) is a public university and the only university of its kind that fosters a liberal arts curriculum across the state. The university was originally founded as the Alabama Girls’ Industrial School (AGIS) in 1896. The education it offers is exclusive for girls who are interested in career-focused programs leading to a high school diploma. It eventually became a state college in 1923 but still exclusively provides education to women. In 1956, UM became a coeducational learning institution. The university awards undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students have the opportunity to maximize their learning at the campus through several academic resources including James Wylie Shepherd Observatory and Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve. The university fosters an active Greek life. UM also boasts its notable and socially relevant faculty and alumni.
Auburn University (Auburn, AL) is one of the few public research universities that has a designated land, sea and space grant. The university was founded as the East Alabama Male College in 1856. It was recognized as the first four-year coeducational school across the state in 1892. The name Auburn University was coined in 1960 to acknowledge the wider variety of academic programs the university can offer. The U.S. News & World Report have been ranking the university among the best not just in AL but also in the United States. The university grants both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Auburn houses some of the pioneer academic programs in the nation. ROTC programs across three branches of services are available in Auburn. The university is proud to produce graduates that are now high-ranking servicemen, NASA astronauts, and others. The university also participates in sporting events and has an active Greek culture.
Tuskegee University (Tuskegee, AL) is a private, historically black land-grant university that was established in 1881. The university is known for its education and service, as well as its history. The campus is recognized by the National Park Service as a Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site. The recognition is because of its historic relevance and role as a higher education institution for African Americans. The university awards baccalaureate, master’s, doctorate, and professional degrees across a variety of disciplines from agriculture, arts and sciences, business, and others. The university is also popular in being the only historically black university that offers several programs. The university also manages the National Center for Bioethics in Research and Health Care, first of its kind in the nation. Tuskegee has a long list of relevant faculty and notable alumni.
University of Alabama at Birmingham (Birmingham, AL) is a public university established in 1969. The university has a large selection of majors and degree programs. The university awards undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as professional programs. UAB is internationally recognized for its research and activities in the medical field. The university was established as a response to the rapid growth across the area and the need for higher learning education providers. UAB fosters comprehensive academic curriculum and interdisciplinary research. UAB manages the one of the largest academic medical centers in the United States, the UAB Health System. The university is popular to foreign students and as well as students from neighboring states.
Samford University (Birmingham, AL) is a private Christian university, founded as Howard College in 1841. The university was originally built as a school for men. Several years after the Civil War, the university was established as a coeducational learning institution. Samford University is packed with history and through time the location of the campus also changed across the state. Today, the campus houses undergraduates and graduate students including students who pursue doctoral and professional studies. The university offers several online and study abroad programs. It also has programs for non-degree seekers. The university is also an active member of the NCAA. Samford produced notable alumni across politics and governance, entertainment, science, and others.
University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL) is a public research university established in 1820. The university is the oldest and largest university across the state. It also serves as the flagship campus of the University of Alabama System. The university was part of several historical moments in the state and across the United States. The campus was one of the centers of activities during the American Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. Today, the university boasts an award-winning set of faculty and alumni that has Goldwater Scholars, Rhodes Scholars, Truman Scholars, Hollings Scholars, and Boren Scholars. The university has a very high research activity strengthening its graduate programs. Dormitories are established within the university grounds and about 30% of the student population use it.
University of West Alabama (Livingston, AL) is a public university founded as Livingston Female Academy in 1835. It began as a church-supported school for young women. It was the first higher education institution in the state that was made exclusively for the education of women. Today, the university manages several academic colleges and divisions awarding undergraduate and graduate degrees. UWA offers on-campus and online programs. Interested students can choose from a wide range of programs across a variety of disciplines. Students who opt for either set up are allowed to seek financial assistance and scholarships. Students who opt to live on-campus must apply and submit necessary requirements. The university also gives students a balanced academic and social life by providing activities, and student-led organizations.
University of Alabama in Huntsville (Huntsville, AL) is a public university and one of the members of the University of Alabama System. The university was established in 1950. It awards baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees across a wide range of academic disciplines. It also offers continuing and professional education for interested students. Online learning format is also available as well as certification programs. The university also helps students who have documented disabilities. The university also manages an Honors College. This college is designed to enrich academic and community experience for undergraduates across all disciplines. It also houses the UAH Propulsion Research Center (PRC) which promotes interdisciplinary research for both undergraduate and graduate level. The students can avail spaced across five residence halls. Interested students can also join the active Greek community across the campus.
Oakwood University (Huntsville, AL) is a private, historically black Seventh-day Adventist university established in 1896. It awards associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. Academic programs offered in the university are on arts and sciences, business, education, allied health, and theology. It also has LEAP that houses the adult degree completion program. Oakwood University is actively participating in competitions within the state as well as across the nation. The university values its affiliation with the Seventh-Day Adventist church thus its identity, ethics, values, relationships, and curricula highlight the teachings of the church. On the other hand, the U.S. News & World Report considers that Oakwood is still one of the best regional colleges and universities in the U.S.
Judson College (Marion, AL) is a private Baptist college established more than a century ago in 1838. The college is focused on providing undergraduate education for women. It is recognized as the fifth-oldest women’s college in the United States. The college offers strong liberal arts programs. The experienced financial crisis due to the pandemic and sought donations to prevent the college from shutting down. The college continues traditions that began since the Civil War. The college participates in these social and civic events together with the Marion Military Institute. The aim of the college is to provide education to women same as the level of education men get across Ivy League schools.
Huntingdon College (Montgomery, AL) is a private Methodist affiliated college that was established in 1854. After the first World War, the college has become coeducational by admitting male students. Huntington’s first building was inspired by the design of highly recognized universities like Oxford in England and Harvard in the United States. Today, the college is named as one of the Fastest Growing Colleges in the United States. It offers a wide range of undergraduate majors and programs. It also provides opportunities for experiential learning through travel and hands-on training. Full-time day students are provided with their own laptops to help them with their education. The college is also an active member of the NCAA. It values sports, it even offers a Master of Athletic Training program.
Jacksonville State University (Jacksonville, AL) is a public university founded in 1883 as Jacksonville State Normal School. The university awards bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The first doctoral program the university offered was in Emergency Management. It also offers certificate programs and continuing education opportunities for professionals. JSU provides students with career-centered programs to prepare them to take on careers in certain industries. JSU aims to assist students and broaden their learning opportunities through study abroad programs, online education, and off-campus immersions. JSU manages campuses in Little River Canyon Center and McClellan Center. Students are also exposed to sports, variety of student organizations, and Greek life.
University of South Alabama (Mobile, AL) is a public research university that was created by the Alabama Legislature in 1963. The university has undergraduate and graduate programs including doctoral programs. The university offers a Doctoral degree in Pharmacy in collaboration with Auburn University. Online and continuing education are also available in the university. The school ranks among the top 25 best public universities in the south of the United States. It also maintains a low class ratio allowing students to gain a more hands-on experience. USA fosters an active Greek community and several housing provided are managed by these groups.
Troy University (Troy, AL) is a public university, originally founded as Troy State Normal School under the Alabama State University System. Today, the university is the flagship member of the Troy University System. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs including specialist and doctoral programs. Troy University extends its educational excellence across four campuses across the state, and several learning sites within the U.S. and internationally. Troy was ranked as one of the Most Innovative Universities in the country. This is evident in its flexibility in providing education both on-campus and online. The university also manages the Confucius Institute which is a public institution affiliated with the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China. This teaches students about the culture, language, and other related things to China. Students who aim to admit to Troy can seek scholarship grants and financial aids.
University of Northern Alabama (Florence, AL) is a public university that was established in 1830, making it the oldest public university across the state. The university started out as State Normal School in Florence and went to several name changes as it expanded as an educational institution. In 1974 it gained its current name as a reflection of being a comprehensive, regional university. The campus was designed with the aim of providing aesthetic and cultural enrichment and activities to nearby communities. The campus houses different areas to help students in their educational and social needs, one is the Mitchell Burford Science and Technology Building. It houses the facilities needed in learning engineering technology, biology, chemistry, industrial hygiene, physics, and earth science. The university offers academic programs as well as career-centered programs. It also provides on-campus and online courses and programs. The U.S. News & World Report recognizes UNA as one of America’s Best Colleges and it has the third highest international student enrollment of any institution in its category.
Stillman College (Tuscaloosa, AL) is a private Presbyterian and historically black college that fosters liberal arts curriculum. The college was established in 1876 as the Tuscaloosa Institute. The college focuses on awarding bachelor’s degrees both in Arts and Sciences. It offers several programs and majors in Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, and Education. The college is active in sports, performing arts, and fosters the Greek life. The college also offers specialized programs. It also delivers programs online. Stillman also manages a career center. It provides career advising, as well as internship programs.
Marion Military Institute (Marion, AL) is a public military junior college founded in 1842. MMI is recognized as the official state military college across the state, and it is also the nation’s oldest military junior college. The institute provides education and training for students who are interested in joining the force. It awards several associate degrees in Arts and Sciences. MMI is also historically relevant. The MMI Chapel and Lovelace Hall, and the President’s House are both recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Aside from military training, students are also exposed to sports. MMI is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Study abroad programs, financial assistance, and scholarships are also available for interested students.
Additional College Research
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