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96.6%Acceptance
$11,248Tuition
3,322Students
30%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$34,502Earnings
Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCU

About Alabama State University

Alabama State University is one of the nation's historically black colleges and universities in Montgomery, the cradle of the civil rights movement. The school enrolls 3,322 students in Alabama's capital city, where civil rights leaders once organized pivotal protests. ASU accepts 96.6% of applicants, welcoming students who scored an average of 935 on the SAT. The university carries deep roots in African American education and social justice, with 90.82% of students identifying as Black.

Students pay an average net price of $13,889 after financial aid, with 72% receiving federal Pell Grants for low-income families. Graduates earn a median of $34,502 ten years after leaving school, while carrying typical debt loads of $31,000. The monthly loan payment averages $329, making the financial burden significant relative to post-graduation earnings. In-state students pay $11,248 in tuition, while out-of-state students face $19,576.

The Hornets compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 378 student-athletes across 14 varsity sports. However, academic outcomes present challenges, with only 30.2% of students graduating within six years and a 60.45% retention rate. Women comprise nearly two-thirds of the student body at 63.76%, reflecting broader trends in college enrollment.

Academics & Faculty

Alabama State University operates as a historically black public university with strong programs in education, business, and the health sciences. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors for the 3,322 enrolled students. However, the 30.20% six-year graduation rate reflects significant academic challenges many students face. The university maintains particular strength in teacher preparation and nursing programs, building on its legacy as a teacher training institution. With 96.60% of applicants accepted and an average SAT score of 935, ASU serves as an accessible entry point to higher education. The school emphasizes hands-on learning and community engagement, especially in programs that prepare students for public service careers.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
16:1
Full-Time Faculty
66.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
28.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
30.2%
Retention Rate
60.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$34,502
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Doctoral $77,872
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Master $50,717
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Master $47,729
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $39,369
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $34,526
Chemistry. Bachelor $28,960
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Bachelor $28,236
Social Work. Bachelor $28,055
Marketing. Bachelor $25,967
Psychology, General. Bachelor $25,194

View all 57 programs →

Campus Life

Alabama State sits in the heart of Montgomery, Alabama's capital city, where civil rights history meets modern college life. With housing capacity for 2,079 students and total enrollment of 3,322, about 63% of students can live on campus in a close-knit community. The semester system keeps students busy from August through May, when Alabama's humid subtropical climate means shorts and t-shirts dominate most of the year.

Montgomery's downtown location puts internships and part-time jobs within reach, contributing to the 94.7% employment rate after graduation. Women make up 63.76% of the student body at this historically black university, creating a active campus culture centered around the Hornets' 14 NCAA Division I sports teams. Weekends often revolve around Southwestern Athletic Conference games, especially football at ASU Stadium. The Magic City Classic against Alabama A&M draws thousands of alumni back to campus each fall. Greek life, student organizations, and campus events fill the social calendar, while Montgomery's museums and entertainment districts offer off-campus options just minutes away.
Setting
City-Midsize
Housing Capacity
2,079 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

72 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 38 11 0 0
Domestic Violence 8 5 0 0
Aggravated Assault 3 3 0 0
Fondling 1 1 0 0
Rape 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
36°–59°F
July Avg
72°–93°F
Annual Precipitation
51.2"
Annual Snowfall
0.3"

Student Demographics

Alabama State University draws students who are passionate about HBCU tradition and community impact. The student body is 91% Black, reflecting the university's proud heritage as a historically Black institution that has shaped leaders for over 150 years. About 72% receive Pell Grants, showing ASU's commitment to making education accessible for first-generation and working-class students. Women outnumber men nearly two to one, driven partly by strong programs in nursing, education, and social work. Just over half come from Alabama, while others travel from across the South to experience ASU's close-knit campus culture.
Men
36.2%
Women
63.8%
White
2.2%
Black
90.8%
Hispanic
1.1%
Asian
0.2%
In-State Students
53.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
72.0%

Location

Alabama State University sits in Montgomery, Alabama's capital city with a population around 200,000. The city lies roughly 90 miles south of Birmingham and 160 miles northeast of Mobile. Montgomery anchors central Alabama's Black Belt region, known for its rich civil rights history and cotton farming heritage. The campus occupies a historic area near downtown Montgomery, where students can walk to the State Capitol and civil rights landmarks. With 3,322 students, ASU creates a close-knit community within this mid-sized Southern city. The semester system aligns with Alabama's academic calendar. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare Alabama State University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Montgomery, Alabama 36104-0271
ASU Bibb Graves Hall June 09 02
ASU Bibb Graves Hall June 09 02

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$34,502
Median Earnings (5 years)
$43,913
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$24,400
Loan Repayment Rate
21.9%
Monthly Loan Payment
$329/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$31,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Alabama State University?

Alabama State University accepts 96.60% of applicants, making admission highly accessible. The average SAT score is 935, reflecting the university's commitment to providing educational opportunities to a broad range of students.

How much does Alabama State University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $13,889 after financial aid at Alabama State University. With 72.03% of students receiving financial assistance, the HBCU works to keep education affordable for its predominantly first-generation college student body.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Alabama State University?

Alabama State University maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across its 3,322 enrolled students. The university is known for its strong programs in education, business, and the sciences, with particular emphasis on preparing students for careers in public service.

What are the graduation outcomes at Alabama State University?

Alabama State University has a 30.20% six-year graduation rate, with graduates earning a median salary of $34,502 ten years after enrollment. The historically black university has a strong tradition of producing leaders in education, government, and community organizations throughout the Southeast.

Where is Alabama State University located and what is campus life like?

Alabama State University sits in Montgomery, Alabama, with housing capacity for 2,079 students on campus. The campus is deeply connected to civil rights history, located in the same city where Rosa Parks sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Martin Luther King Jr. led his early ministry.

Does Alabama State University compete in Division I athletics?

Alabama State University competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference with 378 total athletes across 14 varsity sports. The Hornets are particularly known for their football program and their celebrated marching band, which has performed at major events including NFL games and presidential inaugurations.