Best value colleges in the South in Alabama
Colleges in the South with an Academic Excellence grade of B+ or better, ranked by Value: net price after aid, earnings and debt.
Best value colleges in the South in Alabama5 schools
5 schools qualify, ranked by Value.
How this list is made
- Schools in Alabama.
- Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
- Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
- In the South (U.S. Census Bureau region).
- Has a Value score from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by Value, highest first.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, AL · Public#4 in Alabama
- Value grade B+ · Top 25%
- Net price $18,796 a year
- 2
Auburn University
Auburn, AL · PublicHonor Roll#1 in Alabama
- Value grade B · Top 39%
- Net price $24,323 a year
- 3
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL · Public#5 in Alabama
- Value grade B · Top 41%
- Net price $18,749 a year
- 4
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL · Public#3 in Alabama
- Value grade B · Top 46%
- Net price $22,420 a year
- 5
Samford University
Birmingham, AL · Private nonprofit#2 in Alabama
- Value grade B-
- Net price $32,622 a year
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | $18,796 | $20,705 | $61,767 | 64% |
| Auburn University | $24,323 | $21,000 | $65,337 | 82% |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | $18,749 | $22,300 | $54,501 | 64% |
| The University of Alabama | $22,420 | $22,750 | $59,221 | 73% |
| Samford University | $32,622 | $19,500 | $58,469 | 77% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.