Most affordable colleges with strong academics in Alabama
The lowest net prices among colleges with an Academic Excellence grade of B or better.
Most affordable colleges with strong academics in Alabama5 schools
5 schools qualify, ranked by net price.
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 net price from federal data (the average yearly cost after grants, College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by net price, lowest first.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL · Public#5 in Alabama
- Net price $18,749 a year
- 64% graduate
- 2
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, AL · Public#4 in Alabama
- Net price $18,796 a year
- 64% graduate
- 3
- 4
- 5
Samford University
Birmingham, AL · Private nonprofit#2 in Alabama
- Net price $32,622 a year
- 77% graduate
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | $18,749 | $22,300 | $54,501 | 64% |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | $18,796 | $20,705 | $61,767 | 64% |
| The University of Alabama | $22,420 | $22,750 | $59,221 | 73% |
| Auburn University | $24,323 | $21,000 | $65,337 | 82% |
| 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.
This list in other states
- Arizona 4
- Arkansas 5
- California 63
- Colorado 6
- Connecticut 13
- District of Columbia 5
- Florida 21
- Georgia 9
- Illinois 21
- Indiana 21
- Iowa 16
- Kansas 4
- Kentucky 7
- Louisiana 3
- Maine 9
- Maryland 15
- Massachusetts 47
- Michigan 20
- Minnesota 19
- Missouri 18
- Nebraska 8
- New Hampshire 5
- New Jersey 17
- New York 79
- North Carolina 17
- Ohio 33
- Oklahoma 4
- Oregon 11
- Pennsylvania 60
- Rhode Island 9
- South Carolina 10
- Tennessee 10
- Texas 20
- Utah 4
- Vermont 6
- Virginia 20
- Washington 13
- Wisconsin 15