The University of Alabama: 80.1% Acceptance Rate

80.1%Acceptance

$11,900Tuition

32,323Students

74%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$59,221Earnings

#2 in AlabamaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About The University of Alabama

Roll Tide echoes across this campus of 32,323 students where football reigns supreme with 18 national championships. The University of Alabama built its reputation on SEC dominance and produced legends like NFL quarterback Joe Namath and Pulitzer Prize winner Harper Lee. Greek life defines much of the social scene in this midsize college town. The public research university maintains an 80% acceptance rate while drawing students from across the nation, though only 42% come from Alabama itself.

Students pay an average net price of $22,150 after financial aid, making this flagship surprisingly affordable for most families. Graduates earn a median of $59,221 ten years after graduation, easily covering the typical debt load of $22,750. The investment pays off quickly with a 96% employment rate. Out-of-state students face steeper costs at $33,200 in tuition, but the long-term earning potential justifies the expense for many.

The student body skews 56% female and 72% white, reflecting both regional demographics and nationwide appeal. With 648 athletes competing across 17 varsity sports, Alabama's athletic program commands attention and $15.9 million in scholarships. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means large lecture halls are common, but the Crimson Tide experience extends far beyond academics.

Academics & Faculty

Alabama operates as a major public research university with particularly strong programs in business, engineering, and communications. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes are common, especially in introductory courses, though students still find mentorship opportunities through research projects and honors programs. The 73% graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing academics with the intense social culture. Alabama's business school consistently ranks among the top public programs, while the engineering college has grown in recent years. The honors college attracts high-achieving students with smaller classes and research opportunities. Greek life heavily influences campus academics, with study groups and tutoring often organized through fraternities and sororities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 78.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 73.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 73.7%
Retention Rate: 86.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $59,221
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Doctoral	$119,061
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies.	Master	$91,744
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$90,412
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods.	Master	$84,653
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$80,004
Construction Engineering.	Bachelor	$76,460
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Doctoral	$75,921
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Bachelor	$75,832
Business/Managerial Economics.	Master	$74,017
Psychology, General.	Doctoral	$71,643

View all 200 programs →

Campus Life

Roll Tide echoes across Tuscaloosa's campus, where football isn't just a sport but a religion that unites 32,323 students. The campus sits 58 miles southwest of Birmingham, creating its own college town atmosphere in this midsize Alabama city. Housing capacity reaches 9,294 students, meaning about 29% live on campus in dorms that transform into game day headquarters each fall.

Alabama's legendary Greek life dominates the social scene, with sorority rush drawing national attention and fraternity row buzzing year-round. The Southeastern Conference rivalry with Auburn culminates each November in the Iron Bowl, when the entire state shuts down. Students need summer clothes more than winter coats in this humid subtropical climate, though you'll want a light jacket for January games. The Strip near campus offers restaurants and bars where students gather between classes. Weekend plans revolve around Crimson Tide athletics, with 648 student-athletes competing across 17 varsity sports. When football season ends, students shift focus to basketball games and outdoor activities along the Black Warrior River.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 9,294 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	31	31	0	0
Burglary	18	18	0	0
Fondling	19	15	0	0
Dating Violence	18	8	1	0
Aggravated Assault	8	5	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	7	0	0	0
Domestic Violence	3	0	1	1
Robbery	3	1	0	0
Stalking	2	0	1	0
Arson	1	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 35°–56°F
July Avg: 71°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 57.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Alabama draws students from across the South and beyond, with 58% coming from out-of-state despite its public status. The national pull reflects the university's powerful football brand and strong alumni network. Women outnumber men 56% to 45%, typical for large state universities. The student body is predominantly white at 72%, with growing diversity including 11% Black students. Only 18% receive Pell Grants, indicating the university attracts more middle-class families. Greek life and Crimson Tide athletics create a unifying campus culture that appeals to tradition-minded students seeking the classic SEC college experience.

Men: 44.0%
Women: 56.1%
White: 72.3%
Black: 11.0%
Hispanic: 6.9%
Asian: 1.5%
In-State Students: 41.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 18.0%

Location

Tuscaloosa sits in west-central Alabama, about 60 miles southwest of Birmingham. The city has around 100,000 residents and revolves heavily around the university. Students find a classic college town atmosphere with tree-lined streets and plenty of bars and restaurants catering to the campus crowd. The area sits in Alabama's Black Belt region, known for its rich soil and historical significance. Tuscaloosa straddles the Black Warrior River, which provides recreational opportunities and scenic views. The climate is humid subtropical with hot summers and mild winters. Greek Row dominates much of the social scene near campus. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare The University of Alabama with similar schools in the region.

Address: Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487-0100

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $59,221
Median Earnings (5 years): $62,983
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $42,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 60.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $241/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $22,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at The University of Alabama?

The University of Alabama accepts 80.06% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a major public research university. Students typically need an SAT score around 1270 or ACT score of 27 to be competitive. The school's growing national reputation has made admissions more competitive in recent years.

How much does The University of Alabama cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $22,150 annually after aid, though only 17.99% receive federal Pell Grants. Out-of-state students face a sticker price of $33,200 in tuition alone, but many are drawn by the school's generous merit scholarships. Graduates typically leave with $22,750 in debt, which is manageable given the strong alumni network.

What is the student-faculty ratio at The University of Alabama?

The student-faculty ratio is 19:1 across the university's 32,323 students. This reflects Alabama's status as a large research institution where professors balance teaching with scholarship. Students benefit from extensive research opportunities and the resources of a major SEC university.

How much do The University of Alabama graduates earn?

Alumni earn a median salary of $59,221 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 95.7% employment rate. The strong alumni network, particularly in the South, helps graduates land positions across business, media, and other fields. Many alumni remain deeply connected to the university throughout their careers.

Where do students live at The University of Alabama?

Campus housing accommodates 9,294 students, though many upperclassmen move off-campus or join Greek organizations. The university is famous for its elaborate Greek life, with some of the most impressive sorority and fraternity houses in the country. Tuscaloosa's midsize city setting provides plenty of entertainment and internship opportunities.

What is The University of Alabama known for besides academics?

The Crimson Tide football program has won 18 national championships and dominates the SEC with 648 total athletes across 17 varsity sports. The program receives $15.9 million in athletic scholarships annually and creates a campus culture where game days are legendary events. This athletic excellence extends to producing NFL stars and building lifelong school pride.