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U.S. News ranks Alabama’s best colleges for 2026. See list
Jennifer LindahlMontgomery Advertiser
July 16, 2026, 11:59 a.m. CT
Whether you’re looking for a large SEC campus, a private university or a growing research institution, Alabama offers no shortage of highly ranked colleges
U.S. News & World Report named seven schools among the state’s best in its latest Best Colleges rankings for 2026
U.S. News & World Report ranked Auburn University as the state’s highest-ranked university, with the University of Alabama at Birmingham and The University of Alabama following right behind
Which other colleges in Alabama made the rankings? Here’s what U.S. News & World Report says are the best colleges in the state
Best Alabama colleges for 2026: Auburn leads state rankings
Auburn University ranked as Alabama’s best college but took the No. 102 spot on the USNWR national rankings. It also ranked No. 46 nationally for the lowest acceptance rates. In Fall 2024, Auburn had 27,907 undergraduate students enrolled.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham ranked No. 2 in the state, No. 132 nationally and No. 68 among top public schools. It is known for its small class sizes, with 51% of courses having fewer than 20 students
The University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa, is the largest school on U.S. News’ list and ranks at No. 3 in the state and No. 169 nationally. The SEC powerhouse had 34,389 students enrolled in the fall of 2024. Despite the large campus size, 43% of classes have fewer than 20 students
Best colleges in Alabama 2026
Here’s how the seven Alabama colleges and universities stacked up in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings
- Auburn University (Auburn, No. 102)
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (Birmingham, No. 132)
- The University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, No. 169)
- Samford University (Birmingham, No. 179)
- University of Alabama at Huntsville (Huntsville, No. 242)
- University of South Alabama (Mobile, No. 363-tied)
- Alabama State University (Montgomery, No. 395)
Jennifer Lindahlis a Breaking and Trending Reporter in Alabama for USA TODAY’s Deep South Connect Team. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email atjlindahl@usatodayco.com
