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NCAA Division I Colleges in Alabama

10 schools in Alabama. See our methodology.

Auburn University leads Alabama's Division I market with the state's highest graduation rate at 79.2% and strongest earning potential at $65,337 annually. The 10 Division I programs span from ultra-affordable options like University of North Alabama at $11,024 net cost to Samford University at $30,795. Acceptance rates vary dramatically, with Alabama State welcoming 96.6% of applicants while Auburn maintains selectivity at 43.7%. These institutions connect directly to Alabama's expanding aerospace and automotive sectors, with graduates finding opportunities at major employers like Hyundai, Airbus, and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. The University of Alabama enrolls over 32,000 students in Tuscaloosa, making it the state's largest Division I program. Alabama A&M faces challenges with a 28.7% graduation rate, while several mid-tier universities like Jacksonville State and Troy serve regional needs with moderate costs around $14,000. The Alabama Student Grant Program supports in-state students across all these institutions. Birmingham hosts both UAB and Samford, offering urban opportunities in the state's medical and business center. Earnings potential ranges from $34,502 to over $65,000, reflecting Alabama's growing job market in engineering, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors that increasingly demand college-educated workers.
10
Schools
$17,790
Avg. Net Price
$49,475
Avg. Earnings
55.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division I Colleges in Alabama

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 25,732 $23,897 79.2% 43.7%
2 32,323 $22,150 73.7% 80.1%
3 12,118 $17,727 62.4% 86.7%
4 8,540 $15,142 52.6% 65.4%
5 3,828 $30,795 79.9% 83.3%
6 7,030 $14,850 51.1% 78.5%
7 5,468 $11,024 54.0% 95.7%
8 10,089 $13,869 46.8% 94.8%
9 5,726 $14,559 28.7% 68.4%
10 3,322 $13,889 30.2% 96.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Auburn University stand out among Alabama Division I schools?

Auburn combines the highest graduation rate at 79.2% with the strongest earning potential at $65,337 annually. The university maintains selectivity with a 43.7% acceptance rate while enrolling 25,732 students, making it Alabama's premier Division I institution for academic outcomes and career preparation.

How affordable are Alabama's Division I colleges compared to national averages?

Alabama offers strong value with net costs ranging from $11,024 at University of North Alabama to $30,795 at private Samford University. Most public options fall between $13,000-$23,000, well below national averages, while the Alabama Student Grant Program provides additional support for residents.

Is University of Alabama at Birmingham worth considering despite lower name recognition?

UAB delivers strong value at $17,727 net cost with a solid 62.4% graduation rate and $54,501 earning potential. The Birmingham location provides access to major medical centers and corporate headquarters, while the 86.7% acceptance rate offers good admission prospects for qualified students.

Does Alabama offer Division I options for students needing high acceptance rates?

Several Alabama schools welcome most applicants: Alabama State accepts 96.6%, University of North Alabama 95.7%, and Troy University 94.8%. These institutions provide Division I athletics and degree programs with net costs between $11,024-$13,889, though graduation rates vary significantly from 30.2% to 54%.

Where do Alabama Division I graduates typically find employment after college?

Graduates enter Alabama's growing aerospace and automotive sectors, with major employers including Hyundai, Airbus, and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. Earning potential ranges from $34,502 to $65,337, reflecting opportunities in engineering, healthcare, manufacturing, and business throughout the state's expanding economy.

Related

NCAA Division I Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Alabama Cheapest Programs in Alabama

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.