About University of North Alabama
The University of North Alabama has deep roots in the legendary Muscle Shoals music scene, where country stars like Blake Shelton and Tammy Wynette honed their craft. This regional public university enrolls 5,468 students in the small city of Florence. The school's music programs draw from the area's rich recording heritage, where artists from Aretha Franklin to the Rolling Stones once laid down tracks. With a 95.68% acceptance rate, UNA welcomes most students who apply.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $11,024 after aid, with low-income families paying just $8,309. Graduates earn a median of $45,415 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $22,077. Monthly loan payments average $234, making this education affordable relative to earning potential. Only 24.11% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many middle-class families find the costs reasonable.
The Lions compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 14 varsity sports and 352 total athletes. Women make up 62.60% of the student body, creating a female-majority campus. The 77.76% retention rate suggests most students stick around, though graduation rates hover around 54% within six years.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $11,024 after aid, with low-income families paying just $8,309. Graduates earn a median of $45,415 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $22,077. Monthly loan payments average $234, making this education affordable relative to earning potential. Only 24.11% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many middle-class families find the costs reasonable.
The Lions compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 14 varsity sports and 352 total athletes. Women make up 62.60% of the student body, creating a female-majority campus. The 77.76% retention rate suggests most students stick around, though graduation rates hover around 54% within six years.
Academics & Faculty
The University of North Alabama stands out for its well-known music programs, carrying forward the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound recording tradition that put this Alabama town on the musical map. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors at this regional public university. However, the 53% four-year graduation rate suggests students often need extra time to complete degrees. UNA's music department benefits from the area's rich recording history, with students learning in the shadow of studios that produced hits for artists like Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones. The university also offers strong teacher preparation programs, reflecting its regional mission of serving north Alabama communities.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 56.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 53.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 54.0%
- Retention Rate
- 77.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,415
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $70,680 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $66,461 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $56,415 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $53,064 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $45,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $39,369 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,776 |
Campus Life
The University of North Alabama sits in Florence, a small city about two hours from both Birmingham and Nashville. With housing for 2,441 students and total enrollment of 5,468, roughly 45% of students live on campus in this tight-knit community. Alabama's mild climate means you'll need light jackets for winter but plenty of sunscreen for long, humid summers.
Women make up 62.60% of the student body, creating a female-majority environment. The Lions compete in 14 Division I sports with 352 total athletes, and game days bring energy to the compact campus. Students often head to nearby Muscle Shoals, legendary for its recording studios where everyone from Aretha Franklin to the Rolling Stones made music. Weekend activities center around the historic downtown Florence area, with its antique shops and Tennessee River views. The school's strong music program means you'll hear student performances regularly around campus. With 77.68% of students from Alabama, there's a distinct Southern campus culture where most people know each other by name.
Women make up 62.60% of the student body, creating a female-majority environment. The Lions compete in 14 Division I sports with 352 total athletes, and game days bring energy to the compact campus. Students often head to nearby Muscle Shoals, legendary for its recording studios where everyone from Aretha Franklin to the Rolling Stones made music. Weekend activities center around the historic downtown Florence area, with its antique shops and Tennessee River views. The school's strong music program means you'll hear student performances regularly around campus. With 77.68% of students from Alabama, there's a distinct Southern campus culture where most people know each other by name.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 2,441 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1830
Campus Safety (2023)
46 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 8 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 31°–50°F
- July Avg
- 68°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 57.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.6"
Student Demographics
The University of North Alabama draws heavily from Alabama and surrounding states, with nearly 8 out of 10 students calling the region home. This reflects UNA's strong reputation as an accessible regional university that serves working-class families well. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, drawn particularly to the school's well-known music education and business programs. The campus attracts students who want Division I athletics and top-tier music training without big-city costs. Many come from rural Alabama communities seeking their first shot at a four-year degree.
- Men
- 37.4%
- Women
- 62.6%
- White
- 71.8%
- Black
- 9.5%
- Hispanic
- 4.8%
- Asian
- 2.2%
- In-State Students
- 77.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 24.1%
Location
Florence, Alabama sits in the northwest corner of the state, about 115 miles from Birmingham and 125 miles from Nashville. The city of 40,000 anchors the Shoals region along the Tennessee River, famous worldwide as the birthplace of the Muscle Shoals Sound recording studios where legends like Aretha Franklin and the Rolling Stones recorded hits. With 5,468 students, UNA dominates this small college town where music history runs deep. The scenic Tennessee Valley offers outdoor recreation opportunities, while the compact downtown provides an intimate setting where students can walk to local venues that still celebrate the area's rich musical heritage. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare University of North Alabama with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Florence, Alabama 35632-0001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,415
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,301
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 51.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $234/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,077
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of North Alabama?
University of North Alabama accepts 95.68% of applicants, making admission highly accessible for most students. The school focuses on providing educational opportunities to a broad range of students rather than being highly selective.
How much does University of North Alabama cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $11,024, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $8,309 annually. Students graduate with a median debt of $22,077 and monthly loan payments of $234.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of North Alabama?
The student-faculty ratio is 18:1 across the university's 5,468 students. UNA is particularly well-known for its strong music programs, building on the legacy of the famous Muscle Shoals Sound recording studios in the area.
What are the graduation rates at University of North Alabama?
The six-year graduation rate is 54% and the four-year rate is 53.14%. Graduates earn a median salary of $45,415 ten years after graduation, with a 95.5% employment rate.
Where is University of North Alabama located and what is campus life like?
The campus is located in Florence, Alabama, a small city setting with housing capacity for 2,441 students. With 77.76% of students returning each year and 62.60% of the student body being women, the campus maintains a close-knit community feel.
Does University of North Alabama have Division I athletics?
Yes, UNA competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Atlantic Sun Conference with 14 varsity sports and 352 total athletes. The Lions receive $4,582,454 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating the university's commitment to competitive sports programs.
