What is the best university in Tuscaloosa, Alabama?

What is the best university in Tuscaloosa, Alabama?

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There are three colleges or universities within the city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which are:

  • The University of Alabama: Founded in 1820 in Tuscaloosa, the University of Alabama is the oldest and largest public university in the state of Alabama. The total student population is 38,563, and the student-to-teacher ratio is 23 to 1. Boasting renowned academic programs as well as championship athletic teams, the university offers the most resources, facilities, and educational variety among schools in Tuscaloosa. The university is also the only Tuscaloosa institution to offer full degree programs in online formats. Tuition is $11,940 for in-state students, and $32,300 for out-of-state students, and 81% of students received some form of financial aid.
  • Stillman College: Originally named Tuscaloosa Institute, Stillman College is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) which was founded in 1876. The college offers a liberal arts curriculum with the intimacy of a small campus with an enrollment of only 677 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. Tuition is $11,392 per academic year, and 98% of students received some form of financial aid.
  • Shelton State Community College: With an enrollment of 4,607, Shelton State Community College is one of the largest two-year community colleges in the state of Alabama. The college offers affordable associate degrees for students in the Tuscaloosa community. The college is also home to the Alabama Stage and Screen Hall of Fame. The student-to-teacher ratio at Shelton is 21 to 1. Tuition is $4,980 for in-state students, and $8,730 for out-of-state students, and 76% of students received financial aid.

While Stillman College and Shelton State Community College offer great tuition rates and lower student-to-teacher ratios, the University of Alabama ranks by most metrics as the best university in Tuscaloosa. In addition to state-of-the-art educational facilities and resources on campus, the University of Alabama offers students the opportunity to earn a variety of undergraduate and graduate online degrees in eight different fields:


  • Arts and Sciences
  • Commerce and Business Administration
  • Communication and Information Sciences
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Human Environmental Sciences
  • Law
  • Nursing

With a freshman freshman retention rate of 86% and a graduation rate of 67%, the university’s online degree offerings rank third in our list of the Top 20 Best Online Colleges in Alabama. Online programs are designed to offer working professionals the schedule flexibility that allows them to maintain their employment while working towards a degree for promotion in their field. If you are employed in the city of Tuscaloosa and want to take online courses at Alabama, you will still be able to use their campus facilities. Being able to visit campus will also allow you to meet with other students and professors, giving you good networking opportunities in the city of Tuscaloosa. For a ranking of the best online colleges based on location, check out our list of The Best Online College or University by State and Location. If any of the programs on our list interest you, be sure to visit their website to request more information.