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Colleges with the lowest student debt in Alabama

Colleges whose graduates leave with the least federal student debt.

Colleges with the lowest student debt in Alabama5 schools

5 schools qualify, ranked by median debt.

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).
  • Has the median federal loan debt of graduates from federal data (College Scorecard).
  • Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
  • Ordered by median debt, lowest first.

Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.

  1. 1

    Samford University

    Birmingham, AL · Private nonprofit

    #2 in Alabama

    • Median debt $19,500
    • 77% graduate
  2. 2

    University of Alabama in Huntsville

    Huntsville, AL · Public

    #4 in Alabama

    • Median debt $20,705
    • 64% graduate
  3. 3

    Auburn University

    Auburn, AL · PublicHonor Roll

    #1 in Alabama

    • Median debt $21,000
    • 82% graduate
  4. 4

    University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Birmingham, AL · Public

    #5 in Alabama

    • Median debt $22,300
    • 64% graduate
  5. 5

    The University of Alabama

    Tuscaloosa, AL · Public

    #3 in Alabama

    • Median debt $22,750
    • 73% graduate

Compare cost and outcomes

SchoolNet price a yearMedian debtEarnings 10 years outGraduation rate
Samford University$32,622$19,500$58,46977%
University of Alabama in Huntsville$18,796$20,705$61,76764%
Auburn University$24,323$21,000$65,33782%
University of Alabama at Birmingham$18,749$22,300$54,50164%
The University of Alabama$22,420$22,750$59,22173%

Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.

This list in other states

The national list → · All top school lists →

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