Public Four-Year Universities in Alabama

University of Alabama

Overview

The University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa, is the state’s flagship university. Founded in 1831, it is the oldest and largest public university in Alabama. The university is known for its strong emphasis on research, athletics, and a vibrant campus life.

Location

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Enrollment

Approximately 38,000 students

Academic Programs

The University of Alabama offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various fields, including engineering, business, law, arts and sciences, communication, and education.

Campus Life

The university boasts a dynamic campus life with numerous student organizations, Greek life, and a strong emphasis on sports, particularly football, with the Crimson Tide being a prominent team in college athletics.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include Harper Lee, author of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and Joe Namath, legendary NFL quarterback.

Auburn University

Overview

Auburn University, established in 1856, is located in Auburn, Alabama. It is renowned for its strong engineering and agricultural programs, as well as a close-knit campus community.

Location

Auburn, Alabama

Enrollment

Approximately 30,000 students

Academic Programs

Auburn University offers a diverse array of programs, including engineering, business, veterinary medicine, agriculture, and liberal arts. It is particularly known for its Samuel Ginn College of Engineering and College of Agriculture.

Campus Life

The campus life at Auburn is enriched by a variety of student organizations, Greek life, and traditions such as the Toomer’s Corner celebrations. Athletics, especially football, play a significant role in the university’s culture.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include Tim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc., and Charles Barkley, former NBA player and sports analyst.

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

Overview

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a research-intensive university located in the heart of Birmingham. Founded in 1969, UAB has quickly grown into a leading institution known for its medical and health sciences programs.

Location

Birmingham, Alabama

Enrollment

Approximately 22,000 students

Academic Programs

UAB offers comprehensive programs in health sciences, medicine, engineering, business, and arts and sciences. Its medical school and hospital are highly regarded, contributing significantly to healthcare advancements.

Campus Life

UAB’s urban campus provides students with access to numerous cultural and professional opportunities in Birmingham. The university supports a variety of student organizations, and its sports teams, the Blazers, compete in NCAA Division I.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include Regina Benjamin, 18th Surgeon General of the United States, and Marietta “Retta” Sirleaf, actress and comedian.

University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH)

Overview

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) is known for its strong emphasis on engineering, science, and technology. Established in 1950, UAH plays a crucial role in Huntsville’s high-tech and aerospace industries.

Location

Huntsville, Alabama

Enrollment

Approximately 10,000 students

Academic Programs

UAH offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with notable strengths in engineering, science, business, nursing, and liberal arts. Its proximity to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the Redstone Arsenal enhances its engineering and research programs.

Campus Life

UAH provides a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, research opportunities, and co-op programs. The Chargers, UAH’s athletic teams, compete in NCAA Division II.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include Jan Davis, NASA astronaut, and Kevin Turner, former COO of Microsoft.

Alabama State University

Overview

Alabama State University (ASU) is a historically black university (HBCU) located in Montgomery. Founded in 1867, ASU has a rich history of promoting African American education and culture.

Location

Montgomery, Alabama

Enrollment

Approximately 4,000 students

Academic Programs

ASU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with strengths in education, health sciences, business, and arts and sciences. It is known for its College of Education and its contributions to teacher education.

Campus Life

The campus life at ASU is vibrant, with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and a strong sense of community. The Hornets, ASU’s athletic teams, compete in NCAA Division I.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include Ralph David Abernathy, civil rights leader, and Fred Gray, prominent civil rights attorney.

Alabama A&M University

Overview

Alabama A&M University (AAMU), another prominent HBCU, is located in Normal, near Huntsville. Founded in 1875, AAMU has a strong emphasis on agricultural, mechanical, and technological education.

Location

Normal, Alabama (near Huntsville)

Enrollment

Approximately 5,000 students

Academic Programs

AAMU offers a wide range of programs, with particular strengths in agricultural sciences, engineering, business, and education. The university also emphasizes research and community engagement.

Campus Life

AAMU provides a close-knit community with active student organizations, cultural events, and athletics. The Bulldogs, AAMU’s athletic teams, compete in NCAA Division I.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include Robert Mathis, former NFL player, and Ralph David Abernathy III, former Georgia State Senator.

Troy University

Overview

Troy University, established in 1887, is known for its global reach and diverse student body. Located in Troy, Alabama, the university has multiple campuses worldwide.

Location

Troy, Alabama

Enrollment

Approximately 18,000 students

Academic Programs

Troy offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, education, nursing, and the arts. Its international programs and online education platforms are particularly notable.

Campus Life

Troy’s campus life is enriched by numerous student organizations, cultural events, and a strong athletic presence. The Trojans, Troy’s athletic teams, compete in NCAA Division I.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include DeMarcus Ware, former NFL player, and Jill Dobson, television entertainment correspondent.

University of Montevallo

Overview

The University of Montevallo, founded in 1896, is known for its focus on liberal arts education. Located in Montevallo, Alabama, it is one of the few public liberal arts universities in the state.

Location

Montevallo, Alabama

Enrollment

Approximately 2,500 students

Academic Programs

Montevallo offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with strengths in the arts, humanities, education, and social sciences. The university emphasizes personalized education and student-faculty interaction.

Campus Life

The campus life at Montevallo is characterized by a strong sense of community, numerous student organizations, and cultural events. The Falcons, Montevallo’s athletic teams, compete in NCAA Division II.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include Tom Schedler, former Louisiana Secretary of State, and Douglas L. Peterson, President and CEO of S&P Global.

University of North Alabama (UNA)

Overview

The University of North Alabama, located in Florence, is the oldest four-year public institution in Alabama, founded in 1830. It offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on experiential learning.

Location

Florence, Alabama

Enrollment

Approximately 7,000 students

Academic Programs

UNA provides a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with notable strengths in business, education, nursing, and the arts. It emphasizes practical experience through internships and cooperative education.

Campus Life

UNA’s campus life includes a variety of student organizations, cultural events, and athletics. The Lions, UNA’s athletic teams, compete in NCAA Division I.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include W.C. Handy, known as the “Father of the Blues,” and Terry Bowden, college football coach.

Jacksonville State University (JSU)

Overview

Jacksonville State University, founded in 1883, is located in Jacksonville, Alabama. It is known for its strong programs in education, business, and public safety.

Location

Jacksonville, Alabama

Enrollment

Approximately 9,000 students

Academic Programs

JSU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with strengths in education, business, nursing, and the arts. The university also has a strong focus on public safety and emergency management.

Campus Life

JSU provides a vibrant campus life with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletics. The Gamecocks, JSU’s athletic teams, compete in NCAA Division I.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include Randy Owen, lead singer of the country band Alabama, and Heather Whitestone, Miss America 1995.

University of South Alabama (USA)

Overview

The University of South Alabama, established in 1963, is located in Mobile. It is known for its medical and health sciences programs, as well as a strong commitment to research and community engagement.

Location

Mobile, Alabama

Enrollment

Approximately 14,000 students

Academic Programs

USA offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with strengths in health sciences, engineering, business, and the arts. The university’s medical school and hospital are highly regarded.

Campus Life

USA’s campus life includes numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletics. The Jaguars, USA’s athletic teams, compete in NCAA Division I.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include Jo Bonner, U.S. Representative, and Glenn Andrews, former U.S. Representative.

University of West Alabama (UWA)

Overview

The University of West Alabama, located in Livingston, is known for its strong emphasis on education and teacher training. Founded in 1835, UWA has a rich history and a commitment to community service.

Location

Livingston, Alabama

Enrollment

Approximately 3,000 students

Academic Programs

UWA offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with strengths in education, business, and the sciences. The university is particularly known for its College of Education.

Campus Life

UWA provides a close-knit campus community with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletics. The Tigers, UWA’s athletic teams, compete in NCAA Division II.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include John Fleming, U.S. Representative, and Bobby Collins, former college football coach.