How safe are Alabama's college campuses? List ranks safety and crime rates

Campus safety is an important consideration for anyone choosing a college.

Each fall, schools release information about safety incidents and crime. Ranking website Niche used these reports in part for its annual 2025 rankings of the safest college campuses in America. Of the schools rated, the University of Mobile is listed as the safest in the state and the No. 77 safest school in America.

Auburn University was ranked as the seventh safest school in the state. The University of Alabama and UAB did not make the list. Each of the large universities reported more crime incidents than smaller schools in the state.

Niche ranks colleges based on student ratings, campus crime rates, local crime rates, reports of dorm violence rates, dorm rape rates, and rates of arrests for alcohol and drug use.

Campuses are required to publish a safety report detailing certain types of crimes and incidents, and community members can view their local school's annual report.

Of course, crime statistics don't tell the whole story about safety. A high number of reported crimes or violations doesn't always mean a campus is more dangerous. It might mean that students and faculty feel more inclined to come forward if they are the victim of a crime or witness a violation.

The 15 safest colleges in Alabama, by Niche:

1. University of Mobile, No. 77 nationwide
2. Athens State University, No. 110 nationwide
3. University of Montevallo, No. 168 nationwide
4. Samford University, No. 227 nationwide
5. Troy University, No. 256 nationwide
6. The University of West Alabama, No. 358 nationally
7. Auburn University, No. 552 nationwide
8. Oakwood University, No. 589 nationwide
9. Faulkner University, No. 646 nationally
10. Tuskegee University, No. 734 nationally
11. The University of Alabama at Huntsville, No. 761 nationwide
12. Jacksonville State University, No. 807 nationally
13. Huntingdon College, No. 836 nationwide
14. University of North Alabama, No. 865 nationwide
15. Talladega College, No. 902 nationwide

As with most ranking systems, it is not entirely clear how Niche gives each university its grade.

Data comes from student self-report surveys, the FBI Uniform Crime Report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Department of Education. The full methodology can be found here.

What types of security incidents are reported?

From 2020 to 2022, the University of Mobile reported 0 criminal incidents and only 30 disciplinary actions for drug abuse and alcohol law violations, according to the most recent crime statistics available.

Athens State University has reported 21 crimes in 2020-2022, including theft of property, burglary, liquor law violations, trespassing, criminal damage to property, unauthorized entry into a vehicle, drug abuse law violations, and disciplinary actions including carrying and possessing weapons.

The University of Montevallo reported 20 criminal incidents, including groping, rape and domestic violence, as well as 302 student complaints of violations of alcohol, drug and weapons laws between 2020 and 2022.

According to the university's crime log, Auburn University Police have responded to over 900 reports of criminal incidents and violations so far in 2024.

According to the University of Alabama's log, campus police and law enforcement have responded to approximately 80 incidents so far in 2024.

What safety measures apply at my school?

For more information on emergency protocols, safety procedures, and reporting crimes, please refer to your university's handbook and safety information.

Some colleges, such as Alabama A&M, have recently increased their security measures. There were two shootings on the Huntsville campus recently.

Last year, the university spent $600,000 on body cameras, upgrading its surveillance network and other improvements, such as outdoor cameras to monitor activity in parking lots and other key areas. This year, A&M opened the first satellite office of its kind in the Knight Complex, according to officials.

University safety tips include: Do not give out personal information or information about where you live. Travel, walk, or park in well-lit areas and with someone when possible. Make copies of your ID, driver's license, and credit cards and keep them at home with your family in case your cards are lost. Lock your door when you are in or out of the dorm.

If you or a student you know needs to report an incident, Alabama universities have a website where students can submit a report and a public safety department they can call if they ever feel unsafe.