About University of Alabama in Huntsville
The University of Alabama in Huntsville built its reputation around rocket science and engineering, literally sitting in the shadow of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. This public research university enrolls 6,650 students in Alabama's fourth-largest city, where aerospace giants and tech companies create a unique college-to-career pipeline. Notable graduates include NASA astronauts Jan Davis and Rhea Seddon, reflecting the school's deep connections to space exploration. The student body skews heavily male at 61%, typical for engineering-focused institutions.
Students pay an average net price of $19,880 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable paths to a technical degree. Graduates earn a median salary of $61,767 ten years out, creating a strong return on investment despite the modest 22.5% of students receiving Pell Grants. Most students graduate with $20,705 in debt and monthly loan payments of $220. The 95.9% employment rate shows employers value UAH degrees.
The Chargers compete in NCAA Division II with 11 varsity sports and 384 total athletes. With a 78% acceptance rate and average SAT scores of 1328, UAH remains accessible while maintaining academic standards. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in rigorous STEM programs that prepare students for careers in aerospace, defense, and emerging technologies.
Students pay an average net price of $19,880 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable paths to a technical degree. Graduates earn a median salary of $61,767 ten years out, creating a strong return on investment despite the modest 22.5% of students receiving Pell Grants. Most students graduate with $20,705 in debt and monthly loan payments of $220. The 95.9% employment rate shows employers value UAH degrees.
The Chargers compete in NCAA Division II with 11 varsity sports and 384 total athletes. With a 78% acceptance rate and average SAT scores of 1328, UAH remains accessible while maintaining academic standards. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in rigorous STEM programs that prepare students for careers in aerospace, defense, and emerging technologies.
Academics & Faculty
UAH built its reputation as an engineering powerhouse in the shadow of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, where students regularly land internships and research opportunities. The university's aerospace, computer science, and engineering programs attract students who want hands-on experience with rocket propulsion and satellite technology. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, professors can provide meaningful mentorship in specialized fields. The 62% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenging nature of STEM coursework, but graduates earn a median salary of $61,767 within ten years. Notable alumni include NASA astronauts Jan Davis and Rhea Seddon. Students benefit from small class sizes in technical subjects and direct connections to Huntsville's thriving aerospace industry.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 63.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 62.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 61.9%
- Retention Rate
- 80.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $61,767
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $91,017 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $86,867 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $86,424 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,997 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,012 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,012 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $60,452 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,846 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $55,964 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $55,547 |
Campus Life
The University of Alabama in Huntsville sits in Rocket City, home to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and major aerospace employers. With housing for 2,148 students and total enrollment of 6,650, about one-third of students live on campus in this midsize Alabama city. Huntsville offers mild winters where you'll need a light jacket but rarely heavy coats, plus hot, humid summers that demand sunscreen and air conditioning.
The 60% male, 40% female student body reflects UAH's strong engineering focus, with many students drawn to aerospace and tech programs. Campus life centers around the sciences rather than traditional college party culture. Students often intern at nearby NASA facilities or defense contractors, blending academics with real-world experience. Weekend activities include exploring Huntsville's growing downtown scene or outdoor recreation at nearby state parks. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes despite being a research university. With 95.9% employment rates after graduation, students here are serious about career preparation in Alabama's thriving tech corridor.
The 60% male, 40% female student body reflects UAH's strong engineering focus, with many students drawn to aerospace and tech programs. Campus life centers around the sciences rather than traditional college party culture. Students often intern at nearby NASA facilities or defense contractors, blending academics with real-world experience. Weekend activities include exploring Huntsville's growing downtown scene or outdoor recreation at nearby state parks. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes despite being a research university. With 95.9% employment rates after graduation, students here are serious about career preparation in Alabama's thriving tech corridor.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 2,148 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1950
Campus Safety (2023)
43 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Fondling | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 33°–52°F
- July Avg
- 71°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 54.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 2.4"
Student Demographics
UAH draws heavily from Alabama, with about two-thirds of students staying in-state to access top-tier engineering and aerospace programs. Men outnumber women 3 to 2, reflecting the university's STEM focus and its deep connections to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. The student body is predominantly white but includes meaningful representation from Black and Hispanic students. With relatively low Pell Grant recipients at under 25%, UAH tends to attract middle-class families seeking quality technical education without the premium price of private alternatives.
- Men
- 61.0%
- Women
- 39.0%
- White
- 69.4%
- Black
- 9.1%
- Hispanic
- 7.2%
- Asian
- 4.2%
- In-State Students
- 65.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.5%
Location
Huntsville sits in northern Alabama, about 100 miles north of Birmingham and 190 miles southeast of Nashville. The city earned the nickname "Rocket City" for its role as home to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. With a population around 215,000, Huntsville blends Southern charm with high-tech industry, creating a unique environment where aerospace engineers and defense contractors drive much of the local economy. The area features rolling hills and is part of the Tennessee Valley region. UAH's campus reflects this tech-forward atmosphere, with 60.96% male enrollment reflecting strong STEM programs. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare University of Alabama in Huntsville with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Huntsville, Alabama 35899
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $61,767
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $78,740
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 54.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $220/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,705
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Alabama in Huntsville?
The acceptance rate is 78.10%, making UAH moderately selective for applicants. Students typically need an SAT score around 1328 to be competitive, though the school is known for valuing strong performance in math and science given its engineering focus.
How much does University of Alabama in Huntsville cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $19,880 annually, though only 22.50% of students receive financial aid. With in-state tuition at $11,770, UAH offers affordable access to high-quality STEM programs, especially for Alabama residents.
What is University of Alabama in Huntsville known for academically?
UAH has a student-faculty ratio of 17:1 and strong ties to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville. The university is well-known for its engineering and aerospace programs, having produced notable NASA astronauts like Jan Davis and Rhea Seddon.
What are the job outcomes for University of Alabama in Huntsville graduates?
Graduates achieve a 95.9% employment rate with median earnings of $61,767 ten years after graduation. The strong local aerospace and defense industry in Huntsville provides excellent career opportunities for UAH's engineering and technology graduates.
Where do students live at University of Alabama in Huntsville?
The campus houses 2,148 students in residence halls, serving a total enrollment of 6,650. About 65.72% of students are from Alabama, and the 80.50% retention rate suggests students find the campus community supportive.
Does University of Alabama in Huntsville have strong athletics?
The Chargers compete in NCAA Division II with 11 varsity sports and 384 total athletes. The athletic program receives $2,597,502 in scholarship funding, though UAH is primarily known for academics rather than athletics, reflecting its focus on research and technology.
