About Alabama A & M University
Alabama A&M University builds engineers and agricultural scientists while carrying forward the proud traditions of historically black higher education. The 5,726-student campus sits in Normal, Alabama, where legendary football coach John Merritt and civil rights leader Robert L. Green once walked the halls. Engineering and agriculture programs anchor the academic reputation at this HBCU that has served students for generations.
Students typically pay around $14,559 after financial aid, with 64% receiving some form of assistance. Graduates earn a median of $40,628 ten years after graduation, though they carry an average debt load of $31,000. The numbers suggest a challenging financial equation, with monthly loan payments averaging $329. About 95% of graduates find employment, but the loan repayment rate sits at just 25%.
The student body reflects the university's mission as an HBCU, with 90% of students identifying as Black. Women outnumber men 58% to 42% across campus. The Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 13 varsity sports and $3.7 million in athletic scholarships. Students can live on campus in housing that accommodates 3,620 residents. The retention rate of 64% indicates that many students find their academic home here, though graduation rates remain below national averages.
Students typically pay around $14,559 after financial aid, with 64% receiving some form of assistance. Graduates earn a median of $40,628 ten years after graduation, though they carry an average debt load of $31,000. The numbers suggest a challenging financial equation, with monthly loan payments averaging $329. About 95% of graduates find employment, but the loan repayment rate sits at just 25%.
The student body reflects the university's mission as an HBCU, with 90% of students identifying as Black. Women outnumber men 58% to 42% across campus. The Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 13 varsity sports and $3.7 million in athletic scholarships. Students can live on campus in housing that accommodates 3,620 residents. The retention rate of 64% indicates that many students find their academic home here, though graduation rates remain below national averages.
Academics & Faculty
Alabama A&M built its reputation around engineering and agricultural sciences, drawing on its land-grant university roots. The university operates 13 varsity sports programs and maintains strong STEM offerings alongside traditional liberal arts. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, classes tend toward the larger side for personal attention. The 28.7% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges many students face balancing academics with financial pressures. Engineering students benefit from hands-on labs and industry partnerships throughout Alabama. Agriculture programs leverage the university's research facilities and regional farming connections. As an HBCU, Alabama A&M creates supportive academic communities where Black students see faculty and leadership who look like them, fostering mentorship that extends beyond graduation.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 71.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 27.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 28.7%
- Retention Rate
- 63.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,628
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $61,303 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $55,036 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $50,231 |
| City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning. | Master | $47,260 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $44,971 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $43,798 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $43,240 |
Campus Life
Alabama A&M's campus sits about 90 miles north of Birmingham in Normal, a college town that revolves around the university. With housing for 3,620 students on a campus serving 5,726 total, most underclassmen live in dorms while upperclassmen often move off-campus. Alabama's mild climate means you'll need light jackets for winter but plenty of sunscreen for the long, humid summers that stretch into early fall.
The 90% Black student body creates a tight-knit HBCU community where school spirit runs deep. Students pack Louis Crews Stadium for Bulldogs football games, especially the annual Magic City Classic rivalry against Alabama State in Birmingham. With 408 student-athletes competing across 13 Division I sports, athletics dominate weekend social life alongside Greek organizations and campus events. The engineering and agriculture programs bring a practical, hands-on culture to campus life. Many students work part-time jobs since 64% receive Pell Grants, but the strong alumni network helps graduates land jobs at a 95% employment rate.
The 90% Black student body creates a tight-knit HBCU community where school spirit runs deep. Students pack Louis Crews Stadium for Bulldogs football games, especially the annual Magic City Classic rivalry against Alabama State in Birmingham. With 408 student-athletes competing across 13 Division I sports, athletics dominate weekend social life alongside Greek organizations and campus events. The engineering and agriculture programs bring a practical, hands-on culture to campus life. Many students work part-time jobs since 64% receive Pell Grants, but the strong alumni network helps graduates land jobs at a 95% employment rate.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 3,620 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
100 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 25 | 22 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 14 | 14 | 0 | 1 |
| Rape | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 33°–52°F
- July Avg
- 71°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 54.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 2.4"
Student Demographics
Alabama A&M draws primarily Black students who represent the backbone of this historically black university's mission. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, reflecting strong programs in education and nursing alongside the school's well-known engineering offerings. About half the student body comes from Alabama, showing the university's deep roots in serving the state's Black community. The high Pell Grant recipient rate of 64% demonstrates A&M's commitment to making higher education accessible to first-generation and lower-income students who might not otherwise attend college.
- Men
- 41.7%
- Women
- 58.3%
- White
- 1.8%
- Black
- 90.4%
- Hispanic
- 1.5%
- Asian
- 0.2%
- In-State Students
- 52.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 64.4%
Location
Alabama A&M University sits in Normal, Alabama, about 90 miles north of Birmingham and roughly 100 miles south of Nashville. The campus occupies a mid-sized city environment in the Tennessee Valley region of northern Alabama. Normal forms part of the larger Huntsville metropolitan area, home to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and a growing technology corridor. The surrounding region blends rolling hills with agricultural land, reflecting the university's strong farming and engineering traditions. With 52.51% of students coming from in-state, many are drawn to this historically black institution's location near Alabama's research triangle. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare Alabama A&M University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Normal, Alabama 35762
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,628
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,246
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 25.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $329/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $31,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Alabama A & M University?
Alabama A & M accepts 68.4% of applicants with an average SAT score of 932. This historically black university provides accessible higher education opportunities while maintaining academic standards for its engineering and agricultural programs.
How much does Alabama A & M University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $14,559 annually, with 64.4% receiving financial aid. The university serves a predominantly low-income student population, as evidenced by the same percentage receiving Pell Grants.
What academic programs is Alabama A & M University known for?
The university excels in engineering and agricultural sciences with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. As one of Alabama's top HBCUs, it has built a strong reputation in STEM fields while serving a student body that is 90.4% Black.
What are the graduation rates at Alabama A & M University?
Only 28.7% of students graduate within six years, with graduates earning a median salary of $40,628 ten years after enrollment. The retention rate of 63.9% suggests many students face challenges completing their degrees at this institution.
Where do students live at Alabama A & M University?
The campus houses up to 3,620 students in its residence halls, serving a total enrollment of 5,726. Located in Normal, Alabama, this midsize city setting provides a classic college town atmosphere for the Bulldogs.
Does Alabama A & M University have strong athletics?
The Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division I with 13 varsity sports and 408 total athletes. The university awards $3.65 million in athletic scholarships and competes in the Southwestern Athletic Conference against other HBCUs.
