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Colleges where the most freshmen return in Alabama

Colleges ranked by first-year retention: the share of full-time freshmen who come back for a second year.

Colleges where the most freshmen return in Alabama5 schools

5 schools qualify, ranked by first-year retention.

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 a first-year retention rate from federal data (College Scorecard).
Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
Ordered by retention rate, highest first.

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

1
Auburn University
Auburn, AL · PublicHonor Roll
#1 in Alabama
- 95% of freshmen return
- 82% graduate
2
Samford University
Birmingham, AL · Private nonprofit
#2 in Alabama
- 93% of freshmen return
- 77% graduate
3
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL · Public
#3 in Alabama
- 89% of freshmen return
- 73% graduate
4
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, AL · Public
#4 in Alabama
- 84% of freshmen return
- 64% graduate
5
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL · Public
#5 in Alabama
- 80% of freshmen return
- 64% graduate

Compare cost and outcomes

School	Net price a year	Median debt	Earnings 10 years out	Graduation rate
Auburn University	$24,323	$21,000	$65,337	82%
Samford University	$32,622	$19,500	$58,469	77%
The University of Alabama	$22,420	$22,750	$59,221	73%
University of Alabama in Huntsville	$18,796	$20,705	$61,767	64%
University of Alabama at Birmingham	$18,749	$22,300	$54,501	64%

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

The national list → · All top school lists →

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