Top Five Schools in Alabama
University of Alabama
The University of Alabama, founded in 1831, is the flagship institution of the University of Alabama System. It is the largest university in the state, with 19,471 undergraduate students and currently holds the 91st spot on the list of America's Best Colleges by U.S. News and World Report. It offers double-major programs, such as marine science with biology, chemistry or geology, leading to a bachelor's degree. This innovative program provides students with an opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary studies at the undergraduate level. The main campus of the University of Alabama (or 'Bama as it is colloquially called) is located in Tuscaloosa, in the north central part of the state.
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama lies along the eastern border of the state and is home to the distinguished Auburn University. Founded in 1856, Auburn University eventually became the first coeducational institution in the state of Alabama. Today, the university enrolls 19,367 undergraduates and provides students with the opportunity to choose from a multitude of academic majors that include recognized programs in engineering, business and architecture. Auburn is ranked #96 by U.S. News and World Report. One particularly distinguishing characteristic of Auburn is that it is one of only 13 American universities designated as a land-, sea- and space-grant research center.
Samford University
Samford University was founded in 1841 as a private, Baptist-affiliated university. It is located in Homewood, which is a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama. There are 2,882 undergraduate students enrolled at Samford, most of whom are originally from the state of Alabama or its nearest neighboring states. Students choose from a variety of degrees in business, applied sciences and divinity. Samford ranks #118, according to U.S. News and World Report's list of America's Best Colleges.
Troy University
Founded in 1887 as a teacher's college, Troy University has continued to change and grow throughout its history. The campus is located in southeastern Alabama, but has satellite campuses in 17 states and 11 other countries. All of the campuses combined have 20,069 undergraduate students engaged in various courses of study, and Troy has many courses offered in conjunction with the American Armed Forces. The university's commitment to distance learning makes it an ideal choice for Alabama residents who do not live near a major research university.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham, founded in 1936, is one of the three institutions in the University of Alabama's system. The university is highly renowned for its natural sciences and medical research programs and is one of the Southeast's larger research institutions. The University of Alabama currently has 11,284 undergraduate students and offers over 140 degree programs. Among its most prestigious programs is the nursing program, which is ranked 19th in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report.
