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Urban Colleges in Alabama

34 schools in Alabama. See our methodology.

Auburn University stands out among Alabama's 34 urban colleges with an impressive 79.2% graduation rate and $65,337 median earnings, making it the clear academic leader despite its $23,897 net cost. The state's urban college market spans dramatically from Auburn's selective 43.7% acceptance rate to University of North Alabama's open-door 95.7% admission policy. Community colleges like Northwest Shoals offer affordable entry points at $4,545 annually, while private institutions like Birmingham-Southern command $23,351 despite serving just 713 students. This educational diversity directly serves Alabama's expanding economy, where aerospace giants like Airbus and automotive manufacturers like Hyundai create high-skilled job opportunities. NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville particularly benefits from University of Alabama in Huntsville graduates, who earn $61,767 median salaries after completing programs at the $19,880 net cost institution. The Alabama Student Grant Program helps bridge affordability gaps, especially important given the wide earnings range from $31,349 to $65,337 among graduates. Birmingham and Mobile emerge as key educational hubs, hosting multiple institutions that feed talent into the state's growing manufacturing and aerospace sectors.
34
Schools
$14,705
Avg. Net Price
$42,046
Avg. Earnings
40.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in Alabama

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Small 25,732 $23,897 79.2%
2 City-Midsize 32,323 $22,150 73.7%
3 City-Midsize 713 $23,351 64.2%
4 City-Midsize 6,650 $19,880 61.9%
5 City-Midsize 12,118 $17,727 62.4%
6 City-Midsize 8,540 $15,142 52.6%
7 City-Small 6,928 $7,336 40.8%
8 City-Midsize 850 $19,514 56.1%
9 City-Small 1,924 $4,545 32.8%
10 City-Small 3,619 $3,568 32.2%
11 City-Midsize 5,443 $9,024 23.3%
12 City-Midsize 244 $25,655 47.5%
13 City-Midsize 1,253 $23,384 49.9%
14 City-Small 5,468 $11,024 54.0%
15 City-Midsize 761 $12,272 41.0%
16 City-Midsize 865 $21,401 46.9%
17 City-Midsize 339 $22,914 36.2%
18 City-Midsize 2,720 $6,564 26.4%
19 City-Small 3,053 $2,697 26.5%
20 City-Midsize 3,191 $10,880 21.5%
21 City-Midsize 2,100 $4,176 23.2%
22 City-Small 63 50.0%
23 City-Midsize 5,726 $14,559 28.7%
24 City-Midsize 1,584 $5,568 16.6%
25 City-Midsize 2,693 $14,596 35.7%
26 City-Midsize 719 $4,644 11.1%
27 City-Midsize 1,555 $21,165 37.7%
28 City-Midsize 302 $25,157 15.4%
29 City-Midsize 1,473 $22,923
30 City-Midsize 226 40.0%
31 City-Midsize 3,322 $13,889 30.2%
32 City-Small 136
33 City-Midsize 82 $11,562
34 City-Small

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Auburn University the top choice among Alabama urban colleges?

Auburn combines the highest graduation rate at 79.2% with top median earnings of $65,337, though it maintains selectivity with just 43.7% acceptance. The 25,732 enrollment provides substantial resources while the $23,897 net cost reflects strong value for career outcomes in Alabama's growing aerospace and automotive industries.

How much can students save by choosing community colleges in Alabama cities?

Community colleges offer dramatic savings, with Northwest Shoals costing just $4,545 compared to private colleges reaching $25,655. Gadsden State provides even lower costs at $3,568, though graduation rates typically range from 32-41% versus four-year institutions that achieve 50-79% completion rates.

Is University of Alabama worth the cost compared to other state options?

At $22,150 net cost, Alabama delivers strong value with 73.7% graduation rates and $59,221 median earnings. The 32,323 enrollment offers extensive resources and networking, while the 80.06% acceptance rate provides accessible entry to quality education serving the state's major employers.

Does Birmingham offer multiple college options for urban students?

Birmingham hosts three institutions: Birmingham-Southern College with 713 students earning $59,481 median salaries, UAB serving 12,118 students with $54,501 outcomes, and Jefferson State Community College offering affordable $9,024 access despite lower 23.3% graduation rates.

Where do Alabama urban college graduates find the highest-paying jobs?

Auburn graduates lead with $65,337 median earnings, followed by UAH at $61,767, particularly strong in Huntsville's aerospace sector. Birmingham-Southern achieves $59,481 despite small size, while University of Alabama reaches $59,221, reflecting the state's growing manufacturing and technology job market.

What graduation rate differences exist between Alabama's urban college types?

Four-year institutions show wide variation from Auburn's 79.2% to Stillman's 41%, while community colleges typically achieve 23-41% completion. University of North Alabama balances accessibility with 54% graduation rates, demonstrating that open admission doesn't necessarily compromise student success.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.