Get Your Degree!
Private universities can be found throughout the State of Alabama and can vary greatly in size and enrollment. Most private institutions tend to specialize in specific areas of study and tend to have higher tuition costs as the school must fund its operations from tuition dollars without public funding that public universities receive. The level of education offered by private colleges varies from institution to institution. For example, some private institutions offer a full range of degree levels while others may focus on graduate or undergraduate degree programs. Private universities generally offer more individualized education programs with smaller class sizes than public schools.
2025 Best Private Colleges in Alabama
Samford University provides a variety of degree programs for students to assist them in their growth and development. The school is located in Birmingham, AL and operated as a private institution. The school maintains a Baptist affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Approximately 4,700 students are enrolled yearly at Samford University.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs Samford University offers:
- Legal Professions And Studies
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
Students applying for admission are most often asked to submit an application, school records, test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by the admissions office. Either the ACT or SAT exam must be taken in order to apply to this school. Scores between 23 to 29 on the ACT or 1040 to 1270 on the SAT are needed to greatly increase the chance of getting accepted. This school admits approximately 80 percent of students applying annually. Of those students accepted, about 32 percent attended the school. More information from the admissions office can be found at samford.edu.
Tuition is approximately $26,000 annually, though it may change based on any number of circumstances. Students should visit the school's net price calculator to determine cost. Housing is available for students, which costs around $4,400 each year. This school may help with costs by offering financial aid for students who are eligible by way of grants and loans.
The Samford University Bulldogs participate in a number of athletic programs, within the NCAA. Athletic programs offered may include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Football (NCAA Division I-AA)
Students who wish to learn more about Samford University can check out their website at http://www.samford.edu.
Enrollment
5,619
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Birmingham Southern College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Birmingham, Alabama, which is a predominantly urban area. The United Methodist affiliation at the school is an important part of the history, education and curriculum that defines the school. Nearly 1,500 students enroll at Birmingham Southern College yearly. Students may pick from many areas of study, including:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- History
- English Language And Literature
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
- Football (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
1,268
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
About
Spring Hill College, located in Mobile, Alabama, is a private liberal arts college founded in 1830 in the Roman Catholic Jesuit tradition. The school's founder is Michael Portier, first Bishop of Mobile. The school is the first Catholic institution to be founded in the American south, and the fifth oldest such institution in the United States. Spring Hill College is a member of Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In a U.S. News and World Report review in 2010, the school was ranked 14th among southern colleges offering bachelor and master degrees.
Academics
Spring Hill College offers a liberal arts education that provides a comprehensive education and exposure to multiple areas of study, with a focus on a given major. Students will choose a major, taking courses relating to the major throughout their four years of study alongside required general education courses. Student may opt to study add a minor degree to their studies through additional study. Master degree programs have individual admission requirements based on the program of study. All graduate programs require at least an undergraduate degree for admissions consideration.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students wishing to enroll at Spring Hill College must complete the online application and provide all the necessary information, including transcripts and test scores. Once submitted the information provided will be reviewed, and a determination made regarding the status of the applicant. Shortly thereafter, the applicant will be notified, and if admitted, will be supplied with the necessary information to begin their college career. Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships, and is awarded based on the information provided through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Enrollment
1,379
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
University of Mobile is a nonprofit private institution located in Mobile, Alabama and provides a large number of degree programs for students. The school maintains a Southern Baptist affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. University of Mobile has an annual student enrollment of approximately 1,700. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Education
- Theology And Religious Vocations
- Psychology
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Golf (NAIA Division I)
Enrollment
1,885
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Tuskegee University is a nonprofit private historically black institution located in Tuskegee, AL. Many historically black colleges and universities (also known as HBCUs) were founded after the civil war to provide newly freed African Americans with educational opportunities. As a land grant institution this school is among larger public institutions in the state of Alabama. Enrollment at Tuskegee University is nearly two thousand annually. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Agriculture Operations
- Engineering
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Psychology
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division II)
Enrollment
3,026
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Oakwood University is a nonprofit private historically black institution located in Huntsville, Alabama. Most historically black colleges and universities (also known as HBCUs) were founded after the civil war to provide newly freed African Americans with educational opportunities. The school's Seventh Day Adventists affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's vision. Approximately 1,900 students are enrolled per year at Oakwood University. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Psychology
- Theology And Religious Vocations
Enrollment
1,636
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Huntingdon College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Montgomery, Alabama, which is a predominantly urban area. The school maintains a United Methodist affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Nearly a thousand students enroll at Huntingdon College per year. Here is a list of some of the popular programs Huntingdon College offers:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Psychology
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Education
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Football (NCAA Division III)
- Golf (NCAA Division III)
- Soccer (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
1,081
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Judson College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Marion, AL, which is a predominantly rural area. The school maintains a Baptist affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. The school's smaller size in terms of enrollment, approximately 320 students, allows students to have a more hands on education due to class size and easier access to faculty.
Students can choose from a few areas of study, including:
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual And Performing Arts
- English Language And Literature
- Education
- Security And Protective Services
The admissions process starts with the submission of an application, school records, and test scores, which are then reviewed by the admissions office. Most common standardized test scores among applicants accepted to this school are within the range of 19 to 25 for the ACT exam, or 1260 to 1610 for the SAT exam. This school has an acceptance rate of about 74 percent of which only 38 percent chose to attend.
Tuition is approximately $16,000 for the year, though it may vary based on different types of circumstances. Students may check the school's tuition calculator to determine a more personalized cost estimate. Housing is available for students, which costs around $5,300 each year. Some students at this school may be eligible for financial aid, which is generally offered as grants or student loans.
For a complete list of academic programs offered, enrollment information, admissions information, and more, please visit the school's website at http://www.judson.edu.
Enrollment
268
Student to Faculty Ratio
5:1
Talladega College is a nonprofit private historically black institution located in Talladega, Alabama. Most historically black colleges and universities (also known as HBCUs) were established after the civil war to provide newly freed African Americans with educational opportunities. The school maintains a United Church of Christ affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Talladega College, with only approximately 710 students enrolled, provides a high ratio of teachers to students and personalized education as part of its commitment to students.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs Talladega College offers:
- African-American Studies
- Business Administration
- Psychology
- English and Language Arts Teacher Education
- Computer
The school has an open enrollment policy, admitting all applicants that meet the basic requirements for admission. Submission of transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendations may be required for certain programs.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is around $12,000, but may change each year. Students are encouraged to use the school's tuition calculator to better estimate their personal tuition costs. School housing is available on-campus for students. The annual cost of housing is around $2,600. This school may provide financial aid for students who qualify as scholarships, grants, and loans.
The Talladega College "Tornadoes" compete in a number of intercollegiate sports through participation in the NAIA. Available athletic programs offered may include the following:
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Golf (NAIA Division I)
- Soccer (NAIA Division I)
Students may visit the school's http://www.talladega.edu to see additional information.
Enrollment
1,212
Student to Faculty Ratio
22:1
Enrollment
755
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Faulkner University provides a variety of program options for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Montgomery, AL and operated as a private institution. The school's Churches of Christ affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's vision. Around three thousand students enroll at Faulkner University yearly.
A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Legal Professions And Studies
- Security And Protective Services
- Education
- Psychology
Students applying for admission are generally asked to submit an application, transcripts, records, standardized test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by the admissions staff. A SAT or ACT exam may be required prior to applying, with scores within the range of 790 to 1404 for the SAT exam and within the range of 17 to 25 on the ACT is common among students accepted to Faulkner University. This school has an acceptance rate of around 58 percent of which only 46 percent chose to attend. More information from the admissions office can be found here.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is nearly $17,000 per year. Tuition prices may change for any number of reasons, and therefore students should use the school's price of attendance calculator to get a better idea of their costs. Housing may be available for students who wish to live on-campus at an estimated cost of $3,600 annually. Financial aid may be offered to students that meet the necessary requirements in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
The Faulkner University "Eagles" have a number of intercollegiate athletic programs through participation in the NAIA. Available athletic programs offered may include but not limited to:
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Football (NAIA Division I)
- Golf (NAIA Division I)
Enrollment
3,178
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Stillman College is a nonprofit private historically black institution located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Many historically black colleges and universities (also known as HBCUs) were founded after the civil war to provide newly freed African Americans with educational opportunities. The Presbyterian Church affiliation at the school is an important part of the history, education and vision that defines the school. Stillman College has an annual student enrollment of approximately 1,100. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Nursing
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Sports Medicine
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Football (NCAA Division II)
Enrollment
797
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
Miles College is a nonprofit private historically black institution located in Fairfield, AL. A majority of historically black colleges and universities (also known as HBCUs) were established after the civil war to provide newly freed African Americans with educational opportunities. The school maintains a Christian Methodist Episcopal affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Miles College has an annual student enrollment of nearly a thousand.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs Miles College offers:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Security And Protective Services
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Communications And Journalism
- Public Administration And Social Services
The school maintains an open enrollment policy, accepting all applicants that meet the minimum requirements for admission. Submission of school records, test scores, and admissions essays may be requested for certain programs. More information regarding admissions can be found at miles.edu.
Undergraduate tuition is approximately $12,000 for the year, though it may change based on any number of circumstances. Students may check the school's tuition calculator to get a more personalized estimate of costs. On-campus housing is available for students, which costs about $4,200 each year. Miles College may offer financial aid for students who qualify in the form of grants and loans.
The Miles College Golden Bears participate in a number of athletic programs, with competitions managed and overseen by the NCAA. Athletic programs offered include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division II)
Contact information, tuition information, areas of study, and more may be accessed on school's website at http://www.miles.edu.
Enrollment
1,550
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Alabama Private Colleges

Alabama is home to a number of private colleges across the state. Schools include Birmingham Southern College, Huntingdon College, and University of Mobile to name a few on the list. The diversity of programs offered by private colleges is purposeful to provide a major that interests a large variety of graduate and undergraduate students. All in all, Alabama is home to nearly 100 colleges and universities of all types and affiliations. To find a list of private colleges in Alabama near you, simply research the schools below. You will also learn more about each private college in Alabama as related to tuition, majors, graduation rate, accreditation, application process, degrees, grants, scholarships, enrollment, acceptance rate, student to teacher ratio, online degrees, rankings, reviews, financial aid, and educational emphasis.
Alabama Private School Majors and Online Degree Programs

Private colleges in Alabama provide students an array of degree tracks to pursue ranging from undergraduate programs to upper-level graduate degrees and graduate certificates. These private colleges across the State of Alabama offer a wide diversity of programs to choose from includingliberal arts,teaching,engineering,computer science, andfinancedegree programs. Visit the private schools below to learn more about each school and degree path that may be a great fit for you.
List of Large 4-Year Private Universities in Alabama
- Gadsden State Community College (GSCC) in Montgomery, AL
- University of Montevallo in Mobile, AL
Small to Medium Sized 4-Year Universities
The 4-year schools listed below have a small to medium sized student body and may offer a wide range of associate and bachelor's degrees. Get more information about each school by clicking the links below.
- Chattahoochee Valley Community College (CVCC) in Birmingham, AL
- Enterprise State Community College in Montgomery, AL
- Huntingdon College in Birmingham, AL
- Reid State Technical College in Huntsville, AL
- Selma University in Birmingham, AL
- Stillman College (Springhill) in Mobile, AL
- Talladega College in Tuscaloosa, AL
- Trenholm State Technical College (Trenholm State) in Talladega, AL
- University of Mobile in Fairfield, AL
4-Year Colleges with a Special Focus on an Area of Study
The schools below are grouped by their special area of focus. To learn about admissions, tuition & fees, programs offered, and more click on the school names below.
Special-Focus Institutions
- Bevill State Community College in Daphne, AL
Theological Seminaries, Bible Colleges, and Other Faith-Related Institutions
- J F Drake State Technical College (Drake State) in Florence, AL
- Shelton State Community College in Selma, AL
Notes: Tuition & fee amounts are for both Alabama in-state residents and out of state students, unless noted otherwise. The tuition information displayed is an estimate, which we calculated based on historical data and should be solely used for informational purposes only. Please contact the respective school for information about the current school year.
Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.