Find a Job You Really Want In
As college freshmen explore their educational options, one of their primary concerns is how their chosen school can enhance their job prospects in a competitive labor market. In 2026, with the evolving job landscape and rising living expenses, this consideration is more critical than ever.
Alabama offers a unique blend of prestigious research universities and quality state schools that equip students with the skills needed for today’s job market. With a diverse array of majors and programs, students can find paths that align with their career ambitions.
To identify which colleges in Alabama are most effective in helping graduates secure employment, we analyzed data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard. Below is a list of the top colleges in Alabama for job placement.
Here’s a look at the top ten colleges in Alabama that have the best track records for job placement:
- Auburn University
- Birmingham Southern College
- The University of Alabama
- Tuskegee University
- Spring Hill College
- University of West Alabama
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- University of Montevallo
- Athens State University
- University of Mobile
If you’re considering one of these institutions, you’re likely aware of the excellent opportunities they present. For others, keep reading to discover why these schools stand out in Alabama’s educational landscape.
How We Determined The Best Schools In Alabama For Jobs
We utilized College Scorecard data to assess the colleges in Alabama based on their job placement rates, specifically focusing on employment statistics ten years post-graduation.
This analysis included 28 public and non-profit, four-year institutions in Alabama that grant bachelor’s degrees. Each college was ranked according to the percentage of graduates employed after ten years, with ratings rounded to two decimal places for clarity.
Auburn University achieved the highest employment rate, earning the title of ‘Best College For Jobs in Alabama.’
1. Auburn University
Location: Auburn Employed: 90.74%
2. Birmingham Southern College
Location: Birmingham Employed: 90.26%
3. The University of Alabama
Location: Tuscaloosa Employed: 89.92%
4. Tuskegee University
Location: Tuskegee Employed: 89.82%
5. Spring Hill College
Location: Mobile Employed: 89.12%
6. University of West Alabama
Location: Livingston Employed: 88.34%
7. University of Alabama at Birmingham
Location: Birmingham Employed: 88.08%
8. University of Montevallo
Location: Montevallo Employed: 88.08%
9. Athens State University
Location: Athens Employed: 88.05%
10. University of Mobile
Location: Mobile Employed: 87.92%
Discovering Alabama’s Top Colleges for Employment Opportunities
If you’re aiming for a successful career post-graduation, consider applying to any institution on this list. These colleges boast some of the highest employment rates in Alabama and across the nation.
Below is the complete list of colleges in Alabama ranked by their employment rates ten years after graduation.
Best Colleges For Getting A Job In Alabama
| Rank | College | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Auburn University | 90.74% |
| 2 | Birmingham Southern College | 90.26% |
| 3 | The University of Alabama | 89.92% |
| 4 | Tuskegee University | 89.82% |
| 5 | Spring Hill College | 89.12% |
| 6 | University of West Alabama | 88.34% |
| 7 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | 88.08% |
| 8 | University of Montevallo | 88.08% |
| 9 | Athens State University | 88.05% |
| 10 | University of Mobile | 87.92% |
| 11 | University of Alabama in Huntsville | 87.86% |
| 12 | Auburn University at Montgomery | 87.84% |
| 13 | Alabama A & M University | 87.62% |
| 14 | Samford University | 87.56% |
| 15 | Huntingdon College | 87.5% |
| 16 | Alabama State University | 87.4% |
| 17 | Oakwood University | 87.22% |
| 18 | Jacksonville State University | 86.73% |
| 19 | Stillman College | 86.59% |
| 20 | University of South Alabama | 85.59% |
| 21 | University of North Alabama | 85.28% |
| 22 | Faulkner University | 85.28% |
| 23 | Troy University | 85.14% |
| 24 | Miles College | 84.3% |
| 25 | Talladega College | 82.98% |
| 26 | Judson College | 79.39% |
| 27 | Concordia College Alabama | 76.92% |
| 28 | Amridge University | 74.67% |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
