University of Mobile Named #1 Best College for Music in Alabama, Top 100 in Nation

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile is the #1 Best College for Music in Alabama and among the Top 100 Best Colleges for Music in America, according to 2026 Niche Best Colleges rankings released Aug. 25.

University of Mobile President Charles Smith said the recognition reflects the university’s commitment to providing Christ-centered academic excellence in the Alabama School of the Arts (ASOTA).

“Music has the power to move hearts, and at the University of Mobile we believe its highest purpose is to glorify God,” Smith said. “We equip students with exceptional training, preparing them to pursue excellence in any musical path while reminding them that every career is ultimately a calling For Christ & His Kingdom.”

Dr. Andrew Goodwin, dean of the Alabama School of the Arts, said quality Christ-centered academics, diverse performance opportunities and a world-class faculty are key aspects of the program – but there’s something more that makes the University of Mobile number one.

“While the ranking is exciting, what it really represents is the daily work of our students and faculty – their passion, excellence and commitment to using their gifts for something bigger than themselves,” Goodwin said.

“Students don’t just gain world-class training and incredible performance opportunities – they’re being mentored to become Kingdom-minded artists who are encouraged to pursue their calling for the glory of the Lord and the good of the world,” he added.

Music Scholarships Available 

ASOTA scholarships are available for prospective students who audition, are accepted into the Alabama School of the Arts and enroll at UM. Students must first apply to the University of Mobile then schedule an audition on one of the following audition dates:

2025 Audition Dates

• Sept. 26
• Oct. 13
• Nov. 21

2026 Audition Dates

• Feb. 6
• March 22

Auditions also may be arranged on alternative dates. Schedule an audition at umobile.edu/audition. Learn more about the University of Mobile and apply at umobile.edu/um-info.

A Comprehensive Performing Arts School

Goodwin said UM’s Alabama School of the Arts is one of the most comprehensive performing arts schools in the Southeast, offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in a variety of areas.

“Our diverse ensembles offer students the opportunity to gain experience and develop confidence and stage presence, all of which are key to becoming a well-rounded, successful artist,” Goodwin said.

Students have extensive performance opportunities through more than16 ensembles and events like Christmas Spectacular, a musical extravaganza that draws more than 8,000 people to dynamic performances marking the start of the Christmas season along the Gulf Coast.

Degree programs include vocal performance, piano performance, instrumental music, worship leadership, music education, commercial voice, production technologies, musical theater and more.

Best Christian Colleges, #1 Dorms & Safety

 In addition, Niche ranks UM among the Top 100 Best Christian Colleges in America.

For the fifth consecutive year, the University of Mobile leads the state with the #1 Best Dorms in Alabama in the new 2026 Niche Best Colleges ranking.

Niche also ranks UM as the #1 Safest College Campus in Alabama – continuing the university’s multi-year ranking at or near the top in safety in the state.

About Niche Rankings

Niche’s Best Colleges rankings compared the top music schools and performing arts colleges in the United States.

Rankings are based on a blend of student and parent feedback from over 100 million reviews and survey responses, along with key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other official sources. Over 4,000 colleges and universities were reviewed across multiple categories for the 2026 Best Colleges rankings.

About the University of Mobile

 The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For Christ & His Kingdom.” With a vision to “Multiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World,” the university honors God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.

The university was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, UM offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at umobile.edu/um-info and connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

Kathy Dean

Kathy Dean uses her passion for storytelling and “playing with words” to share the stories of people, place and purpose that make the University of Mobile unique. As associate vice president for university communications, she manages media relations, edits the TorchLight alumni magazine, and oversees university communications. A former award-winning journalist, she is a two-time recipient of the Baptist Communicators Association grand prize for feature writing. Kathy and her husband, Chuck, live with three extremely loud miniature schnauzers.