Montgomery, Alabama, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Several Alabama universities have excelled in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, showcasing their strengths in nursing, value, and veteran programs. The University of Alabama at Birmingham leads with the top nursing program in the state, ranked 13th nationally. The University of Montevallo is recognized for its value, while Tuskegee University champions social mobility for economically disadvantaged students. Auburn University also made significant strides, further establishing Alabama’s educational excellence.
Montgomery, Alabama – Several Alabama universities excelled in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings, achieving top positions in various specialized categories, particularly in nursing, value, and veteran programs.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) boasts the top nursing program in Alabama, ranked No. 13 nationally. This program is consistently recognized for its excellence, evaluated through comprehensive surveys of academics and officials from nursing schools. Other notable nursing programs in Alabama include the University of Alabama ranked No. 22 and Auburn University at No. 40. The top nursing program in the nation belongs to Duke University.
The University of Montevallo has been showcased as sixth among southern regional universities in the “Best Value Schools” category. This ranking assesses factors such as tuition, financial aid, and student expenses. Other Alabama universities demonstrating value include University of North Alabama at No. 38, Tuskegee University at No. 42, and Troy University at No. 43.
Tuskegee University has achieved notable recognition, ranking No. 1 among southern regional universities for social mobility, specifically aimed at assisting economically disadvantaged students. Other Alabama schools ranked in the top 50 for this category include No. 28: University of Montevallo and No. 37: University of Mobile. Furthermore, Tuskegee University ranks No. 9 for best undergraduate teaching programs among southern regional universities.
Auburn University is also making waves on the national stage, ranked No. 35 among national universities and improving its position from the previous year by three spots, now No. 102 nationally and No. 49 among Top Public Schools. The university enrolled 27,907 undergraduate students in fall 2024 with a competitive acceptance rate standing at No. 46 nationally.
In terms of veteran programs, the University of Montevallo shines as the tenth best college for veterans among southern regional universities. Other Alabama institutions recognized in veteran programs include No. 13: University of North Alabama, No. 22: Troy University, No. 34: Auburn University at Montgomery, and No. 39: University of Mobile. The Citadel Military School holds the top position for veterans programs in the southern regional category.
In terms of overall rankings, the University of Alabama has also made strides, now positioned 169th overall out of 436 national universities. Its specific program rankings feature 22nd in nursing, 92nd in top public schools, 112th in economics, and a 73% average 6-year graduation rate for all students.
Overall, Alabama universities have demonstrated their strong educational offerings across various disciplines, ensuring a robust academic experience for students while maintaining commitment to accessibility and value.
Key Rankings Summary for Alabama Universities
| University | Nursing Rank | Best Value Schools Rank | Social Mobility Rank | Veteran Programs Rank | Overall National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAB | No. 13 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| University of Alabama | No. 22 | No. 154 | No. 426 | No. 122 | No. 169 |
| Auburn University | No. 40 | No. 43 | N/A | No. 34 | No. 102 |
| University of Montevallo | N/A | No. 6 | No. 28 | No. 10 | N/A |
| Tuskegee University | N/A | No. 42 | No. 1 | No. 22 | N/A |
FAQ
Which Alabama university has the best nursing program?
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) boasts the top nursing program in Alabama, ranked No. 13 nationally.
What university is ranked as the best for social mobility in Alabama?
Tuskegee University ranks No. 1 among southern regional universities for social mobility, assisting economically disadvantaged students.
How did Auburn University perform in the 2026 rankings?
Auburn University is ranked 35th among national universities, No. 102 nationally, and No. 49 among Top Public Schools.
Which Alabama school is recognized for its value?
The University of Montevallo is ranked sixth among southern regional universities in the “Best Value Schools” category.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: U.S. News Rankings for Alabama Schools
- Wikipedia: University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Montgomery Advertiser: Best College Rankings in Alabama
- Google Search: University of Alabama
- Axios: Auburn University College Rankings
- Google Scholar: Auburn University Rankings
- Tuscaloosa Thread: Alabama University National Rankings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tuskegee University
- CBS Sports: Top 10 Backcourts in College Basketball
- Google News: Auburn University 2026 Rankings
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.
