Campus safety is an important consideration for anyone making decisions about college.
Each fall, schools release information about safety incidents and crime. Ranking site Niche has used those reports, in part, for its 2025 annual rankings for Safest College Campuses in America. Out of ranked schools, 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 No. 7 safest school in the state. The University of Alabama and UAB did not make the list. Each major university reported more incidents of crime than smaller schools in the state.
Niche grades colleges by taking into account student reviews, campus crime rates, local crime, reports of residence hall date violence rates, residence hall rape rates, alcohol related arrests and drug related arrests.
Campuses are required to publish a safety report detailing certain types of crimes and incidents. Community members can look up their local school’s annual report.
Crime statistics don’t tell the whole story about safety, of course. A high number of reported crime incidents or violations does not always mean that a campus is more dangerous. It could mean that students and faculty feel more comfortable coming forward when they are the victim of a crime or witness a violation.
The 15 safest colleges in Alabama, according to Niche:
University of Mobile, No. 77 nationallyAthens State University, No. 110 nationallyUniversity of Montevallo, No. 168 nationallySamford University, No. 227 nationallyTroy University, No. 256 nationallyThe University of West Alabama, No. 358 nationallyAuburn University, No. 552 nationallyOakwood University, No. 589 nationallyFaulkner University, No. 646 nationallyTuskegee University, No. 734 nationallyThe University of Alabama in Huntsville, No. 761 nationallyJacksonville State University, No. 807 nationallyHuntingdon College, No. 836 nationallyUniversity of North Alabama, No. 865 nationallyTalladega College, No. 902 nationally
As with most ranking systems it is not very clear how Niche gives each college its grade.
The data comes from self reported student surveys, the FBI Uniform Crime Report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Department of Education. You can see the full methodology here.
What kinds of safety incidents are reported?
From 2020 to 2022, University of Mobile reported 0 criminal incidents and only 30 disciplinary referrals for drug abuse and liquor law violations, according to the most recent crime statistics available.
Athens State University 21 reported crimes from 2020 to 2022 including property thefts, burglary, a liquor law violation, criminal trespassing, criminal mischief, unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle, drug abuse violations and disciplinary referrals including weapons carrying and possession.
The University of Montevallo reported 20 criminal incidents from 2020 to 2022 including fondling, rape, domestic violence and 302 student referrals for liquor law, drugs and weapons violations.
Auburn University Police have responded to more than 900 reports of criminal incidents and violations so far in 2024, according to the school’s crime log.
University of Alabama campus police and law enforcement have responded to about 80 incidents so far in 2024, according to that school’s log.
What are my school’s safety measures?
Review your university’s handbook and safety information for details about emergency protocols, safety procedures and how to report a crime.
Some schools, such as Alabama A&M, recently have added security measures. Two shootings recently occurred on the Huntsville campus.
Last year, the university spent $600,000 on body cameras, surveillance grid upgrades, and other enhancements, such as outdoor cameras to monitor activity in parking lots and other key areas. This year, A&M opened a first of its kind Department of Public Safety substation inside Knight Complex, according to officials.
Some safety tips the universities have provided are to be careful about giving out information concerning yourself and where you live; travel, walk or park in well-lit areas and with a companion whenever possible; make a copy of your I.D., license and credit cards to keep at home with your family in case yours are lost; lock your door when you are in the dorms and when you are away.
If you or a student you know needs to report an incident, Alabama universities have a website where students can send a report and a department of public safety they can call if you ever feel unsafe.
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Publish date : 2024-09-06 00:00:00
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