See how these local colleges shine in new national rankings

The U.S. News & World Report 2027 “Best Colleges” rankings are out, highlighting top-performing higher education institutions across Central Alabama. The annual methodology evaluates more than 1,700 schools nationwide and factors in graduation and retention rates, peer reviews, financial resources and social mobility.

For local colleges, this year’s report brings plenty of reasons to celebrate. Here is how campuses throughout Montgomery and neighboring communities performed in the 2027 edition.

Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM)

Auburn University at Montgomery highlighted several notable achievements in the 2027 report:

• No. 34 for Best Colleges for Veterans in the South
• No. 35 among Public Regional Universities in the South
• No. 55 in Social Mobility (up 4 spots)
• No. 135 in Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs nationally (up 79 spots)

“This recognition comes at a time of tremendous momentum for Auburn University at Montgomery,” said AUM Chancellor Carl A. Stockton. “Our strong incoming class reflects growing confidence in the quality, value and opportunities an AUM education provides. These rankings further affirm the dedication of our faculty and staff to delivering exceptional academic programs and creating an environment where students can thrive.”

Tuskegee University

Located in nearby Macon County, Tuskegee University delivered an extraordinary showing in the 2027 rankings:

• No. 3 HBCU in the nation (Top-ranked HBCU in Alabama)
• No. 2 in Social Mobility
• No. 5 among Top Private Schools in the South
• No. 7 for Regional Universities in the South
• No. 7 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (tie)
• No. 10 among Most Innovative Schools (tie)
• No. 52 in Best Value Schools

“This is an exclamation point around all of the work we have been doing in the Renaissance Era,” said Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO of Tuskegee University. “Our Renaissance transformation means we provide a valuable education to those looking at HBCUs or other universities and set the pace for others across the state and the nation.”

Huntingdon College

In Montgomery’s historic Cloverdale neighborhood, Huntingdon College secured strong regional rankings:

• No. 11 for Top Private Colleges (Regional Colleges – South)
• No. 13 for Best Value (Regional Colleges – South)

“This recognition affirms the momentum we are seeing across Huntingdon College,” said Huntingdon President Anthony Leigh. “Our sixth consecutive year of enrollment growth reflects the confidence students and families have in the Huntingdon experience: strong pre-professional preparation, meaningful campus engagement, and a close-knit residential community where students grow in faith, character, and purpose.”

Alabama State University (ASU)

Alabama State University, a historic cornerstone of Montgomery, earned distinct national and state honors:

• No. 28 (tie) in Top Public Schools
• No. 29 (tie) in Top HBCUs
• No. 180 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (the only Alabama institution listed in this category)

Faulkner University

Based along Montgomery’s Atlanta Highway, Faulkner University posted steady marks among private regional institutions in the South:

• No. 69 (tie) in Top Private Schools in the South
• No. 123 (tie) in Top Performers on Social Mobility
• No. 127 (tie) in Regional Universities in the South

Troy University

With its main campus in Pike County and a strong footprint in downtown Montgomery, Troy University made notable appearances across several national categories:

• No. 200 (tie) in Top Public Schools nationwide
• No. 278 (tie) in Top Performers on Social Mobility
• No. 288 (tie) in Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs
• No. 301 (tie) in Best Undergraduate Business Programs
• No. 365 (tie) in National Universities
• No. 396 (tie) in Computer Science

Which of these local colleges are you cheering on or planning to visit this school year? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook.