Birmingham, Alabama, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Alabama’s colleges have secured impressive rankings in the latest U.S. News & World Report. Auburn University is the highest-ranked Alabama college at No. 102 nationally. UAB shines with the state’s top nursing program at No. 13, while Tuskegee University leads in social mobility. The report highlights the state’s commitment to quality education and value, with multiple institutions ranking highly in various categories, including best value for students and support for veterans.
Birmingham, Alabama — Alabama colleges have achieved notable rankings in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report, showcasing the state’s commitment to higher education. Among these, Auburn University leads the pack as the highest-ranked Alabama college, landing at No. 102 nationally and No. 49 among Top Public Schools.
The rankings reveal significant strengths in various programs, particularly in the field of nursing. The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) boasts the top nursing program in Alabama, earning a No. 13 spot nationally. Other notable nursing programs in the state include the University of Alabama at No. 22 and Auburn University at No. 40.
In addition to nursing, the state’s colleges have made strides in the “Best Value Schools” category. The University of Montevallo holds a commendable No. 6 ranking among southern regional universities, while the University of North Alabama ranks No. 38, Tuskegee University at No. 42, and Troy University at No. 43 in the same category.
Tuskegee University Leads in Social Mobility
Tuskegee University has been recognized for its outstanding performance in social mobility, earning the top spot at No. 1 among southern regional universities. Additionally, it ranks No. 9 for undergraduate teaching programs in the same category.
Veteran Friendly Institutions
In terms of support for veterans, the University of Montevallo is recognized as the tenth best college for veterans among southern regional universities. Other Alabama institutions such as the University of North Alabama at No. 13, Troy University at No. 22, and Auburn University at Montgomery at No. 34 are also ranked in the top 50.
Enrollment and Innovation
Auburn University has experienced significant growth, reporting a 25% increase in enrollment, now totaling 27,907 undergraduate students. Additionally, Auburn has been recognized for its innovation, securing a No. 48 ranking among national universities.
The rankings highlight the continuous improvement seen in several universities across Alabama. The University of Alabama has improved its overall national ranking to No. 169, moving up two spots from the previous year. UAB has improved as well, rising four spots to No. 132 nationally.
Other Alabama institutions such as Samford University at No. 179, University of Alabama at Huntsville at No. 242, and University of South Alabama at No. 363 have also been ranked nationally, underscoring a positive trajectory in the state’s educational landscape.
Assessment Criteria
The U.S. News & World Report rankings assess over 1,700 colleges and universities based on a variety of factors, including academics and institutional values, allowing prospective students to make informed decisions about their education.
FAQ
What is the highest-ranked college in Alabama according to the U.S. News & World Report 2026?
Auburn University is ranked as the highest Alabama college overall at No. 102 nationally and No. 49 among Top Public Schools.
Which Alabama college has the top nursing program?
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) boasts the top nursing program in Alabama, ranking No. 13 nationally.
How is Tuskegee University recognized in the rankings?
Tuskegee University was ranked No. 1 among southern regional universities for social mobility.
What are the rankings of Alabama colleges for “Best Value Schools”?
Alabama’s “Best Value Schools” rankings include:
- University of Montevallo: No. 6
- University of North Alabama: No. 38
- Tuskegee University: No. 42
- Troy University: No. 43
What is Aubrun University’s national ranking for innovation?
Auburn University was ranked No. 48 among national universities for innovation.
Key Features of Alabama Colleges
| College/University | National Ranking | Special Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | No. 102 | Top Public Schools No. 49; Innovation No. 48 |
| UAB | No. 132 | Top Nursing Program No. 13 |
| University of Alabama | No. 169 | Nursing No. 22 |
| University of Montevallo | No. 6 (Best Value Schools) | 10th best college for veterans |
| Tuskegee University | No. 1 (Social Mobility) | No. 9 in undergraduate teaching |
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Alabama Schools Shine in Rankings
- Google Search: 2026 US News Ranks Alabama Colleges
- Montgomery Advertiser: Best College Rankings in Alabama
- Wikipedia: Auburn University
- CBS Sports: Ranking Top Backcourts in College Basketball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nursing
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
