About University of Alabama at Birmingham
UAB has built its reputation around one of the South's most respected medical programs, training doctors and researchers who staff Alabama's primary academic medical center. The university enrolls 12,118 students in Birmingham's downtown core, where the hospital towers dominate the skyline. Notable graduates include Apple CEO Tim Cook and Olympic gold medalist Vonetta Flowers, reflecting the school's reach beyond healthcare into business and athletics.
Students pay an average net price of $17,727 after financial aid, making this research university surprisingly affordable for the career outcomes it delivers. Graduates earn a median salary of $54,501 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $22,300. The 95.5% employment rate suggests UAB's career-focused programs connect well with Alabama's job market. Monthly loan payments average just $236, manageable given the earning potential.
The student body skews heavily female at 62.6%, reflecting the university's strength in nursing and health sciences. About 82% of students come from Alabama, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the urban campus. The Blazers compete in 17 Division I sports with over $8 million in athletic scholarships, though UAB is better known for producing healthcare professionals than star athletes.
Students pay an average net price of $17,727 after financial aid, making this research university surprisingly affordable for the career outcomes it delivers. Graduates earn a median salary of $54,501 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $22,300. The 95.5% employment rate suggests UAB's career-focused programs connect well with Alabama's job market. Monthly loan payments average just $236, manageable given the earning potential.
The student body skews heavily female at 62.6%, reflecting the university's strength in nursing and health sciences. About 82% of students come from Alabama, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the urban campus. The Blazers compete in 17 Division I sports with over $8 million in athletic scholarships, though UAB is better known for producing healthcare professionals than star athletes.
Academics & Faculty
UAB built its reputation as a research university around its world-well-known medical programs, with the UAB Hospital serving as Alabama's flagship academic medical center. The school excels in health sciences, engineering, and business programs that prepare students for high-demand careers. With an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, students get decent access to professors despite the university's research focus. The 63.45% four-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of many programs, particularly pre-med and nursing tracks. UAB's research opportunities give undergraduates hands-on experience in labs and clinical settings. The university's strength in STEM fields shows in graduate employment rates, with many students entering Alabama's growing healthcare and biotechnology sectors.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 75.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 63.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 62.4%
- Retention Rate
- 82.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,501
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Certificate | $169,894 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $130,034 |
| Systems Science and Theory. | Master | $122,038 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $111,769 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $99,737 |
| Optometry. | Doctoral | $96,457 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $95,215 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $89,564 |
| Engineering, General. | Master | $88,820 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $88,506 |
Campus Life
Campus sits in downtown Birmingham, Alabama's largest city with over 200,000 residents. You'll need both sunscreen and light jackets since Birmingham gets hot, humid summers and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. About 29% of UAB's 12,118 students live in on-campus housing, making this primarily a commuter campus where many students drive home after classes.
The medical district dominates campus life since UAB operates Alabama's top teaching hospital. Pre-med students crowd the library during finals while nursing majors practice in state-of-the-art simulation labs. Students often grab coffee between the hospital and academic buildings, where you'll see medical residents in scrubs mixed with undergraduates. Weekend options include Birmingham's revitalized downtown scene, UAB Blazers basketball games, and nearby hiking at Oak Mountain State Park. The 81.95% retention rate reflects students who appreciate the urban setting and strong health sciences programs, though the commuter culture means weekends can feel quiet on campus.
The medical district dominates campus life since UAB operates Alabama's top teaching hospital. Pre-med students crowd the library during finals while nursing majors practice in state-of-the-art simulation labs. Students often grab coffee between the hospital and academic buildings, where you'll see medical residents in scrubs mixed with undergraduates. Weekend options include Birmingham's revitalized downtown scene, UAB Blazers basketball games, and nearby hiking at Oak Mountain State Park. The 81.95% retention rate reflects students who appreciate the urban setting and strong health sciences programs, though the commuter culture means weekends can feel quiet on campus.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 3,480 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1969
Campus Safety (2023)
131 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 26 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Fondling | 25 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 14 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 8 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 8 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 9 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Stalking | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 34°–54°F
- July Avg
- 72°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 56.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.4"
Student Demographics
UAB draws heavily from Alabama, with 82% of students staying in-state for the school's respected health sciences programs. Women make up 63% of enrollment, reflecting the university's strength in nursing, public health, and medical fields. The student body is diverse, with Black students comprising 27% and Asian students 9% of enrollment. One-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing UAB's role serving working-class Alabama families seeking upward mobility through healthcare careers. This demographic mix mirrors Birmingham's diverse population and UAB's mission as the state's primary medical training ground.
- Men
- 37.4%
- Women
- 62.6%
- White
- 48.3%
- Black
- 26.6%
- Hispanic
- 7.8%
- Asian
- 9.2%
- In-State Students
- 81.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 33.2%
Location
Birmingham sits in central Alabama, the state's largest city with over 200,000 residents in a metro area of more than one million. The city anchors Alabama's medical and research corridor, transforming from its steel industry roots into a modern healthcare center. UAB's campus integrates directly into downtown Birmingham's business district. Students walk from lecture halls to internships at Fortune 500 companies and major hospitals. The surrounding region features rolling hills and proximity to the Appalachian foothills. Birmingham sits about 150 miles from Atlanta and 250 miles from Nashville, connecting students to major southeastern job markets. The city offers professional sports, cultural venues, and a growing food scene that attracts young professionals. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare UAB with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0110
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,501
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $60,738
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 51.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $236/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,300
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Alabama at Birmingham?
UAB accepts 86.68% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1305. The relatively high acceptance rate reflects the university's mission as a public research institution serving Alabama students, with 81.85% of students coming from in-state.
How much does University of Alabama at Birmingham cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $17,727 annually at UAB. In-state tuition runs $8,832 while out-of-state students pay $21,864, making it affordable for a research university with strong medical programs.
What is University of Alabama at Birmingham known for academically?
UAB operates Alabama's primary academic medical center and is well-known for its medical school and hospital system. The university maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs, supporting its reputation as a major research institution.
What are the graduation outcomes at University of Alabama at Birmingham?
UAB graduates earn a median salary of $54,501 ten years after graduation with typical student debt of $22,300. The six-year graduation rate stands at 62.40%, while 95.5% of graduates find employment after completing their degrees.
Where do students live at University of Alabama at Birmingham?
The campus houses 3,480 students in on-campus facilities with room and board costing $13,590 annually. Located in midsize Birmingham, UAB serves as an urban campus that integrates with the city's medical and business districts.
Does University of Alabama at Birmingham have notable alumni?
UAB counts Apple CEO Tim Cook, NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, and Olympic gold medalist Vonetta Flowers among its graduates. The university's 62.63% female student body reflects its strong programs in health sciences and medical fields.
