2025 Best Undergraduate Business Schools in Alabama
Published: September 1, 2022
By: Colleges of Distinction Staff
Jump to: Alabama State University | Samford University | Stillman College | University of Montevallo | Frequently Asked Questions
Alabama offers a compelling array of undergraduate business programs with a focus on academic excellence, practical experience, and a supportive environment. The diverse range of opportunities and the state’s unique cultural backdrop make Alabama an appealing destination for students seeking a well-rounded business education.
Every school on this list has already gotten our stamp of approval for the way they enrich every students’ education through the Four Distinctions. And with the addition of the business badge, you can be sure that these institutions offer hands-on business programs that produce experienced, responsible leaders for the booming corporate world.
We have thoroughly researched the business programs at these Alabama Colleges of Distinction and verified that they exhibit all of the following characteristics:
- Multidisciplinary exposure across all aspects of business
- Real-world experience through internships and other forms of engagement with actual firms
- Industry connections that help students build their network and access to professional growth
- Business ethics that emphasize how a firm’s obligations extend beyond its shareholders
- Collaborative learning, in both business and general education courses, that stress the nuances of an efficient team
- Dedicated advisors and counselors who have a clear understanding of students’ academic and post-graduate milestones
Student success is the primary focus of our Colleges of Distinction, and these business degree-granting CoDs are no exception. With different types of business degrees to help students pursue their desired industry, the 2025 Alabama Business Colleges of Distinction provide a stable foundation for entrepreneurial minds.
Alabama State University
Montgomery, AL ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
Alabama State University is a public HBCU in Montgomery, Alabama. Students can explore their interests and passions through over 40 undergraduate and graduate programs and over 70 clubs and organizations.
Acceptance rate 99% • Net price $13,282 • SAT Range 844-1049 • Students submitting SAT scores 30%
Total Undergrad Population 3,614 • Setting City: Midsize • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 32% • Retention rate 62% • Student-to-faculty ratio 15:1
Business Majors Offered
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Accounting and Related Services
Finance and Financial Management Services
Marketing
Samford University
Homewood, AL ‧ Christian ‧ 4-year
Founded in 1841, Samford University is the largest independently supported university in the state of Alabama. The serene suburban campus, with its rolling hills and stately Georgian Colonial architecture, provides the ideal college environment. On top of that, Samford is only minutes away from Birmingham, a diverse metropolitan area of 1 million people that is rich in culture, history, and spirit.
Few universities offer both a rigorous liberal arts education and support for the spiritual life of their students, faculty, and staff. Samford understands that faith grows with challenge and challenges the faithful to grow. At Samford, faith grows through convocation programs, Christian student interest groups, and foreign and domestic missions.
THE QUAD
Surrounded by the University’s main academic, administrative, and cultural facilities, the quad is the geographic and social heart of Samford’s campus. In all seasons, it is a park for play, study, picnics, or even quick naps.
Acceptance rate 84% • Net price $31,322 • SAT Range 1060-1240 • Students submitting SAT scores 37%
Total Undergrad Population 3,576 • Setting Suburb • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 77% • Retention rate 87% • Student-to-faculty ratio 12:1
Business Majors Offered
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Accounting and Related Services
Business/Managerial Economics
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
Finance and Financial Management Services
Human Resources Management and Services
International Business
Marketing
Stillman College
Tuscaloosa, AL ‧ Christian ‧ 4-year
Christian Education for a Changing World
For 143 years, Stillman College has provided outstanding educational experiences undergirded with the principles of faith and ethical integrity inherent in a Christian education. A Historically Black College (HBCU), Stillman is committed to providing unique opportunities to diverse populations while preparing all students for leadership and service. Experiential learning and community engagement provide students with unique opportunities to learn and grow, producing graduates who will contribute to society as well as the 21st-century knowledge economy.
EVER-EVOLVING CURRICULUM
At Stillman, faculty are encouraged to remain open to learning new methods and approaches to the delivery of course content material. In this way, the programs of study are constantly developing and incorporating active learning assignments, collaborative assignments, and projects that provide students with opportunities to use what they have learned to work together toward common learning goals.
Acceptance rate 56% • Net price $19,922
Total Undergrad Population 712 • Setting City: Midsize • Private 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 21% • Retention rate 56% • Student-to-faculty ratio 18:1
Business Majors Offered
Business/Commerce General
University of Montevallo
Montevallo, AL ‧ Public ‧ 4-year
The University of Montevallo provides a unique higher educational experience in Alabama as the only public liberal arts institution in the state. With a strong emphasis on undergraduate liberal studies, a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and professional programs supported by a broad base of arts and sciences, the cumulative experience is designed for students’ intellectual and personal growth.
Montevallo’s vision is to offer academically capable students from all socio-demographic backgrounds an affordable, life-enriching “honors college” experience. Montevallo stresses community service and global awareness within an atmosphere of national, historic beauty and a tradition of innovative cultural expression.
SERVICE-LEARNING
UM’s Office of Service-Learning and Community Engagement supports faculty in integrating service into their teaching and research. The office also assists students in identifying appropriate service opportunities and supports their development as community leaders. Finally, the office is responsible for enhancing the University’s engagement in the community, serving as a clearinghouse of service opportunities for faculty, staff, and students.
Acceptance rate 61% • Net price $18,702 • SAT Range 990-1215 • Students submitting SAT scores 13%
Total Undergrad Population 2,228 • Setting Suburb • Public 4-year
Graduation rate (6 year) 54% • Retention rate 78% • Student-to-faculty ratio 12:1
Business Majors Offered
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Accounting and Related Services
Finance and Financial Management Services
Marketing
What it’s like to attend business schools in Alabama and other FAQ:
The average undergraduate tuition & fees for colleges in Alabama is $7,063 for in-state students at public institutions, $14,712 for out-of-state students at public institutions, and $15,857 for students at private institutions.
The average salary for business graduates in entry-level positions is $59,000.
Business Administration, Management and Operations – 2,523 degrees awarded in 2020
Marketing – 1,168 graduates
Accounting and Related Services – 1,119 graduates
Finance and Financial Management Services – 1,078 graduates
Alabama State University has an average net price of $13,282, making it the least expensive business degree program in Alabama that made our list.
Alabama State University has an acceptance rate of 99%, making it the least exclusive college with a business program on our list.
Samford University has a median total debt after graduation of $19,727. This is the typical debt for a student who completed their undergraduate degree.
See The Top Business Colleges of Distinction of 2025
Best Undergraduate Business Schools by State
California | Colorado | Connecticut | Texas | Florida | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky Louisiana | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Missouri | New York | New Jersey | North Carolina | Oklahoma | Oregon | Tennessee | Pennsylvania | Virginia | Illinois | Georgia | Ohio | South Carolina | Washington | Wisconsin