Called the "Capstone of Education," Tuscaloosa is home to a nationally renowned teaching university, a private liberal arts college, a community college and progressive public and private schools. The city's educational system includes:
- University of Alabama - the first public university in Alabama;
- Stillman College - a four-year liberal arts college offering the bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees;
- Shelton State - a public two-year college;
- Tuscaloosa County Schools -
25 schools, providing comprehensive
learning for students enrolled in kindergarten through grade twelve; - Tuscaloosa City Schools -
with a student population of over 9,600
students, the city system currently has twelve neighborhood elementary schools, three middle schools, and three high schools. - Private schools - Holy Spirit Catholic School, Tuscaloosa Academy College Prepatory School, American Christian Academy, the Capitol School and more.