A recent analysis by Washington Monthly highlights what it identifies as the “best colleges for rural America.”
The magazine’s latest ranking places the University of West Alabama (UWA) at the top. According to the report, UWA graduates earn a median income of $64,122 four years after completing their degrees—a significant $26,561 more than what would typically be expected for graduates from U.S. colleges.
By 2024, over a quarter of UWA’s undergraduate population and more than 75% of its master’s students obtained credentials in areas where there’s a demand for teachers. As noted on the university’s website, UWA offers more than 90 fields of study, including disciplines like business, education, liberal arts, natural sciences, engineering, technology, and nursing.
UWA’s College of Education provides scholarships of up to $10,000 for students who commit to teaching in public schools. The university also runs a Center for Reimagining Rural Education, which aims to act as a “beacon of educational excellence tailored specifically for rural communities,” as stated in the report.
The Center’s mission is to enhance rural student achievement by ensuring access to quality instruction, supporting educators in their efforts to improve school outcomes, and advocating for rural communities.
Paul Glastri, Editor in Chief of Washington Monthly, emphasized the importance of these rankings, especially amid growing concerns about college affordability and the perceived value of higher education.
Following UWA in the rankings were Sul Ross State University, Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW), and the University of the Cumberlands.
At Sul Ross State University, popular fields of study include Criminal Justice/Safety Studies, Business, and Kinesiology.
The University of the Cumberlands offers approximately 40 different majors and minors, such as Art, Accounting, and English Education.
Meanwhile, GSW is known for majors like Business and Management.
The criteria for this ranking required colleges to be located in rural areas and to have more lenient admissions standards. Additionally, colleges that award a large number of degrees in high-demand fields—such as teaching and nursing—and retain their graduates in the state received extra recognition.
Piedmont University was noted for having high alumni incomes, with graduates earning an average of $12,469 more than expected. It ranked 11th overall among rural colleges.
Missouri University of Science and Technology (S&T) placed 29th in the ranking. The report mentioned that this institution effectively increases the income of its graduates, with students earning $93,514 annually four years post-graduation—$11,714 above projections.
Neither Missouri S&T nor UWA responded immediately to inquiries for comments.
GSW President Dr. Kerry J. Palmer expressed that this recognition underscores the significant impact rural universities can have on their students and communities. He highlighted that many of their students are the first in their families to attend college, noting the transformational potential of the education offered at GSW.
Palmer also mentioned pride in providing affordable, quality education that enables successful careers while contributing to community development. He regarded their ranking as an incredible honor and a reflection of the collective efforts of faculty, staff, and students.
The report’s publication coincides with polling that indicates many voters believe U.S. colleges are not effectively preparing students for the workforce. Rising college costs have become a significant concern, with the average annual expense reaching $38,270—including books and living costs, according to the Education Data Initiative.
