The University of Alabama is an excellent academic institution. And, the Medical school is outstanding. Over half of the students are from other states, thanks to aggressive recruiting all over the U.S. Enrollment is around 35,000 and growing. He can receive a quality education without the Marxist indoctrination that he would receive at an Ivy League school. He chose very well.
It's still a university in the United States. From what I hear, the faculty is still overwhelmingly Marxist, like almost every other school.
And other factors. Alabama's football program has always created a very positive image for Alabama with many people around the US. Bama now has a reputation as a great school to attend for many reasons.
The Magic Of Nick Saban: Everyone Wants To Go To Alabama/a>
The former UA president was correct when he said Saban was the best financial investment the university had ever made. Well, at least in the post-Bear Bryant era. No one has bested the Bear in bringing positives to the university.