Alabama is well-known for beautiful scenery and exceptional food. It’s also home to outstanding institutions of higher education.

If you’re looking to pursue higher education in the heart of Dixie, look no further than these best colleges and universities in Alabama.

Auburn University – Many people consider Auburn one of the best places to live in Alabama, and students at the university also enjoy the city and all it has to offer. This school focuses on research as a result of being a land, sea, and space grant institution. Freshmen live on campus, but all other students must find off-campus housing. In-state students can expect to pay approximately $11,276 a year in tuition and fees.

Faulkner University – This small, private university offers a Christian-based liberal arts education for more than 70 different degrees. The school attract students from across the United States and from other countries; half of these students are minorities, and more women than men attend this school at a ratio of 2:1. Tuition, room, and board are $29,240 annually.

Samford University – A Christian University that is slightly larger than Faulkner, Samford is also a liberal arts school. Students experience small classes that focus on communication, culture and a Biblical focus.  Tuition and fees cost approximately $31,650/year.

University of Alabama – Birmingham – The university in Birmingham offers research and internship opportunities, so in addition to a degree in your field of study, you’ll have hands-on experience as well. Students from this school have experienced continued successes as Rhodes, Fulbright, Marshal and Truman Scholars. Students from this The University of Alabama also has recognized campuses in Tuscaloosa and Huntsville. Expect to pay $10,710 annually in tuition and fees.

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University

Ranked as a top Tier 2 college, this small university sits on a vast campus dedicated to academics, professional work, and technical skills. AAMU focuses not only on teaching and research but also community service. Students experience a lab-style education that encourages hands-on exploration and learning. Tuition and fees at AAMU are less than $10,000 per year.

Stillman College

If you’re looking for a top-notch Tier 2 liberal arts education, Stillman is your choice. Stillman College has a long tradition of educating students from diverse background and preparing them for leadership, scholarship and service. The university is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)Expect to pay a little less than $12,000 in tuition and fees.

These six colleges and universities represent some of the best of Alabama, and they draw students from around the world to experience higher education in a southern U.S. setting.

 Click here to learn more about the ranking methodology that we used to compile this list.

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