2023 Top Public Universities in Alabama

• Birmingham, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  2,239 reviews

Senior: I loved my experience with the University of Alabama at Birmingham so far! The campus is exhilarating, especially because it stretches over several blocks of Birmingham. There are "blue lights" on every block, making it a pretty safe campus. The dorms are nice, and so is the recreation center. The cafeteria always has good food, but there's also tons of restaurants around the city to choose from! This campus is probably the best in Alabama for diversity within the students. Overall, it's a great school with great students.... Read 2,239 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $16,978

• SAT range 1090-1340

• Auburn, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  2,491 reviews

Freshman: Auburn University is a great state university! There are plenty of opportunities to explore campus and make connections. Every year they have over a month’s worth of freshman related events to go to, it’s very welcoming. Advisors are friendly and I have had no problems with my professors. Study and you will get the most out of your classes, though Auburn has plenty of free tutoring/aid for students as well! The only things that have been a problem are parking and housing. I live off campus, but I have heard about the hygiene of on some on campus buildings being below par. Parking is also extremely limited, and there is a lot of construction going on in Auburn. There’s nothing wrong with the academia itself, but be prepared to take extra time to park in designated areas and walk to classes. Investing in a scooter or bike may be wise, but arranging your schedule to be manageably walkable also works. AU is very thorough with campus safety so the only issue there is extra exercise.... Read 2,491 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $24,028

• SAT range 1150-1320

• Tuscaloosa, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  4,661 reviews

Sophomore: Alabama was my last-choice college because I was set on an Ivy League-level school, but I’m so happy I chose to go here! Nothing beats not having to pay for my education and graduating without debt. My professors have been great (for the most part), and I’m pretty happy with my overall academic experience. Green life is pretty big here and dominates things like SGA and some broader aspects of student life. I’m not one to join a sorority because of their strict rules and unappealing culture, but I haven’t struggled to make friends without it. There are over 500 clubs and organizations to get plugged into that will certainly help you get to know other people! My most negative experience were the dorms last year. I paid $1,100/month for a tiny bedroom, shared bathroom, living room, and a kitchenette with no stove or oven. This year, I’m only paying $550/month to have my own bed and bath off-campus in a house with my friends. Like every college, they really rip you off freshman year.... Read 4,661 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $20,518

• SAT range 1070-1330

• Huntsville, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  858 reviews

Freshman: I have loved the UAH so far. The staff has helped me me in every aspect of my educational journey. The professors are very personable and really up front with all students. Class sizes are small so there is always a good relationship between the students and the professors, which helps when those final grades come around!... Read 858 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $16,990

• SAT range 1170-1430

• Mobile, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,628 reviews

Freshman: I love USA! I came from a very small, local high school, so South's campus and classes have been both overwhelming and fantastic. The only drawbacks I've found have been how difficult it can be to find specific information, especially for first-time freshmen. They've handled the pandemic relatively well, requiring masks inside buildings and amply allowing for social distancing. I'm a commuter student, but it doesn't seem like living on campus would be worth your money in the same way it has been in years past.... Read 1,628 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $14,822

• SAT range 1000-1190

• Jacksonville, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  1,030 reviews

Alum: I graduated back in December 2021, and JSU is one of those universities that goes under the radar and doesn't really get the credit they truly deserve. The professors and the community are true salt of the earth types that you want supporting you and your journey through college. Food here is great both on campus and in town, especially if you like wings! Those who want to save a bit more money can attend one of the Gadsden State CC campuses in Anniston and Gadsden, less than 30 minutes in either direction from JSU. Athletics currently is transitioning to D-1A/FBS, and the football stadium is being renovated as a combo field house/residence hall. The issue with JSU is its lack of adequate parking and housing, which is the primary reason the acceptance rate is so low for an affordable public institution. If you're a fan of southern hospitality and brotherhood, it doesn't get more wholesome than JSU. There is a reason people call Jacksonville "home", but it's up to you to find out.... Read 1,030 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $13,616

• SAT range 840-1070

• Florence, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  978 reviews

Senior: I'm part of a small department (the Entertainment Industry), so my experience is definitely different than other programs. I've had an overall good experience! There's definitely been some weird times with Covid, but even with that I've been able to learn a lot and make great friends. My classes have been good and beneficial, and the equipment/opportunities that we have available with the studios, lab, and mics are incredible. I'm a big fan of most of my professors, and have rarely had any issues with them. I couple of programs that I've been a part of are underfunded (and the university seems to not value giving funds to the arts, but rather pours it all into athletics), but we make do.... Read 978 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $13,279

• SAT range 1020-1180

• Troy, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  1,926 reviews

Senior: I love attending Troy University and have felt very accomplished at this school. I have done my very best work since attending and my hard work is paying off. I would change the cost of online courses, as they are about $1,164 per course. This is disheartening for me because I have three courses left before my anticipated graduation and after eleven years in school, I am unable to finish because I do not have the finances to pay for them. I am hopeful that by applying for scholarships and grants, that I will be able to reap my reward of finally walking across that graduation stage after so many years!... Read 1,926 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $13,257

• SAT range 930-1090

• Livingston, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  327 reviews

Freshman: Hi, I am a newly enrolled college student at University of West Alabama. West Alabama college is refreshing from the busy overpopulated other colleges in the area. Though I have yet to officially start classes until august, the campus website has helped me a lot. It made it very easy to find all the information, like housing. The campus is small so I am less likely to get lost on my first day of class. In result, the small campus allow smaller classes. Smaller classes allow more hands on time with student and teacher. There are more things I like about the university but I wish they could change how students can not see a visual of the dorm rooms, when picking.... Read 327 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $15,685

• SAT range 860-1020

• Montevallo, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  749 reviews

Junior: I can honestly say I cannot imagine being this happy with any other university. I had high standards, as someone wanting to attend college here since the age of 14, but I was not disappointed in the slightest. The Elementary Education program creates such a close-knit and knowledgable group of students that I am so excited to see teach. As a pretty quiet person myself, there are people in my Elementary Ed classes I wouldn't even imagine speaking to or having anything in common with, but everyone is so extremely supportive and it truly feels like a big family. The professors in my department are very well-respected and knowledgable, while still clear that I can go to them with any personal issue I need advice on. The surrounding town is also amazing, there is so much to do while still keeping the small-town energy that draws a lot of students to campus. This University, especially the Elementary Education program, have exceeded my expectations in every way. I cannot recommend it more!... Read 749 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $18,702

• SAT range 990-1220

• Montgomery, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  752 reviews

Freshman: Auburn University at Montgomery is an excellent institution to begin your studies at, with its lower student to teacher ratio, it offers a more personal experience in my opinion. Other schools I have toured in the past where seemingly overwhelming by the massive class sizes. At AUM, I have the privilege to experience a more detailed experience as well as a abundance of academic success tools, centers, and programs. The educators want you to succeed here and will do everything in their power to see you do so. The support systems are amazing at this facility and gives you the extra push that you need to finish strong!... Read 752 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $14,182

• SAT range 910-1150

• Normal, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  1,113 reviews

Freshman: Alabama A&M University is a great school! The people are the friendliest of all and they are so supportive to each other. The staff is super nice and the professors really try their best to make sure you understand the lectures. The school has so many fun activities to do year around and there are always opportunities approaching! The scenery is beautiful. There are also so many things to do around the area! The only thing is would love to change is the transportation, we have campus buses that take us anywhere expect the Health and Wellness Center. It’s almost the farthest away from campus with no transportation.... Read 1,113 reviews

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $15,373

• SAT range 840-1020

• Montgomery, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.38 out of 5  1,201 reviews

Freshman: Alabama state is an excellent university. It has lots of school spirit and a great campus life, living in campus has its ups and downs and the only down is the dorm it’s self, but it’s not that bad once you get use to it. The band plays a big actually a huge part in the school. Joining things is fun, i joined the university choir and gospel choir and i love it, we are going to New Your to preform In May 2023! I love my HBCU and it loves me and this is only my freshman year 2022-2023.... Read 1,201 reviews

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 99%

• Net price $13,282

• SAT range 880-1020

• Athens, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  632 reviews

Alum: As a non-traditional student who had made many stops on my educational journey, I was not expecting much from Athens State when I arrived. I thought it was going to be just another in a line of schools that failed to fully interest me, but were necessary for my goals. This assumption could not have been further from the truth. Drs. Moyers and White were the kind of professors I had always been looking for. They provided incredible feedback and insight on papers and instructed in ways that brought life to the texts. The office of the financial aid was also incredibly helpful. When I was going to have a short discrepancy that would have cost me a few hundred dollars and potentially kept me from achieving my degree, they worked with me to find a scholarship to cover the amount. I am proud to call myself an Athens State alumnus and hope this review steers you in that direction. You will not regret it!... Read 632 reviews

• grade unavailable

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• Athens, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

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• Tuscaloosa, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.63 out of 5  84 reviews

Freshman: Alabama is a beautiful campus to start off with. Although it is a large school it has a small school feel. I have really blossomed at Alabama and have excelled in all my classes. I enjoy the faculty at Alabama and really feel I am receiving a great education. There are so many activities on campus, and easy to get involved in as many clubs/activities as you want or as little as you want. There is something for everyone. It has been a great experience so far, I look forward to what is yet to come. Roll Tide!... Read 84 reviews

• grade unavailable

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• Troy, AL•

• 4 Year (Online)

• •
  Rating 4.69 out of 5  13 reviews

Alum: Troy University is a wonderful institute. The experience of obtaining an education from this university is a lifetime memory. The university provides extensive knowledge on improving the Earth and building change in the global environment. I would recommend this UNiversity to all high school graduates searching for equality and international communication. This college teaches students that leadership is within each person. Everyone has a purpose, and the steps to change require self-growth. Troy shows students that everyone can relate to one another. Family is a relationship that extends further than the individual. A family requires a collective of individuals with the determination to pursue their passions to make a change. Troy University encourages students to pursue their passions and walk strong on their path to leadership. This University is a family of loving people, leaders, innovators, and artists. I will always have love in my heart for Troy University.... Read 13 reviews

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• Birmingham, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 2.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Freshman: I've haven't started yet but can't wait until I do. I feel this is my time to accomplished more in my life. Plus their very flexible when it comes to me working and spending time with my family. I know this is my time to do something for myself.... Read 3 reviews

• grade unavailable

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