merc81 I and most have not addressed LACs because that is not the purpose of this thread. It was whether CC should reconsider how it determines what a CC Top University is and whether Alabama would be justified to be included in this list.
As to your assessment for your list of schools above, it is good that you have taken the time to assess each school to see if it fits your needs. Taking such actions is a good thing.
You should be aware that Harvey Mudd, although considered a LAC, is primary a place for STEM students and is a really small school. It is the size of medium sized senior high class. There are benefits but also draw backs. Also, HM is no safety school. It’s admit rate is one of the lowest of all LACs.
BTW Although a lot of the best students in Alabama end up going to UA, a large percentage of UA’s top students come from OOS in part because of its generous OOS Merit Scholarships and in part because of the unique programs such as CBH, UFE, STEM to MBA, UA Scholars, Emerging Scholars to name a few.