About University of West Alabama
The University of West Alabama serves 2,666 students in the small town of Livingston, deep in Alabama's rural countryside. This regional public university has built its reputation around teacher education programs that supply educators across the state. The school accepts 69% of applicants with an average SAT score of 930, drawing students who want a close-knit college experience. UWA's roots run deep, having educated Alabamians since 1835.
Students pay an average net price of $13,832 after financial aid, with 54% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median salary of $44,232 ten years after graduation, leaving school with typical debt of $24,944. The monthly loan payment of $264 represents a manageable burden given the earning potential. In-state students get a particularly good deal at $10,990 in tuition.
Women make up 71% of the student body, reflecting the university's strong education programs. The Tigers compete in NCAA Division II athletics with 357 student-athletes across 14 sports. However, academic outcomes tell a concerning story. Only 38% of students graduate within six years, and the 61% retention rate suggests many students struggle to stay enrolled. Students considering UWA should have strong self-direction and clear career goals.
Students pay an average net price of $13,832 after financial aid, with 54% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median salary of $44,232 ten years after graduation, leaving school with typical debt of $24,944. The monthly loan payment of $264 represents a manageable burden given the earning potential. In-state students get a particularly good deal at $10,990 in tuition.
Women make up 71% of the student body, reflecting the university's strong education programs. The Tigers compete in NCAA Division II athletics with 357 student-athletes across 14 sports. However, academic outcomes tell a concerning story. Only 38% of students graduate within six years, and the 61% retention rate suggests many students struggle to stay enrolled. Students considering UWA should have strong self-direction and clear career goals.
Academics & Faculty
The University of West Alabama built its academic reputation on teacher education, preparing educators for Alabama's public schools since 1835. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors at this regional university. However, the 38% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face completing their degrees. UWA offers traditional liberal arts programs alongside professional preparation in education, business, and nursing. The school serves a predominantly first-generation college population, with 54% receiving Pell Grants. Students benefit from small class sizes in a supportive rural environment, though academic outcomes vary depending on student preparation and engagement with available resources.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 34.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 38.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.0%
- Retention Rate
- 60.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,232
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $61,681 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $53,942 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,107 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $48,510 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $47,260 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $46,380 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $46,261 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $37,054 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $34,847 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,711 |
Campus Life
The University of West Alabama sits in Livingston, a town of about 3,000 people roughly 90 minutes west of Birmingham. With only 920 housing spots for 2,666 students, about one-third live on campus in a close-knit residential environment. The rural setting means campus becomes the social center, with most weekend activities centered around Tiger athletics and campus events.
Women outnumber men nearly 3-to-1 at 71% of enrollment, creating a female-dominated campus culture. The student body is fairly diverse for rural Alabama, with 47% white students and 38% Black students primarily from in-state families. Alabama's humid subtropical climate means you'll need sunscreen more than winter coats, though light jackets suffice for mild winters.
The 17:1 student-faculty ratio creates opportunities for personal connections with professors, especially important given the 61% retention rate. Campus traditions revolve around Tiger pride and the tight-knit community feel that comes with a smaller enrollment. Students often describe feeling like they know everyone, which can be comforting or limiting depending on your preferences.
Women outnumber men nearly 3-to-1 at 71% of enrollment, creating a female-dominated campus culture. The student body is fairly diverse for rural Alabama, with 47% white students and 38% Black students primarily from in-state families. Alabama's humid subtropical climate means you'll need sunscreen more than winter coats, though light jackets suffice for mild winters.
The 17:1 student-faculty ratio creates opportunities for personal connections with professors, especially important given the 61% retention rate. Campus traditions revolve around Tiger pride and the tight-knit community feel that comes with a smaller enrollment. Students often describe feeling like they know everyone, which can be comforting or limiting depending on your preferences.
- Setting
- Rural-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 920 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1835
Campus Safety (2023)
5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 33°–57°F
- July Avg
- 70°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 55.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
The University of West Alabama draws students primarily from across Alabama, with women making up roughly seven out of every ten students. This heavy female enrollment reflects the school's strong reputation in education and nursing programs. The student body is nearly evenly split between white and Black students, creating a diverse learning environment in rural western Alabama. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating UWA serves as an affordable pathway to higher education for working-class families throughout the region. The school's local ties run deep, with most graduates staying in Alabama after earning their degrees.
- Men
- 28.9%
- Women
- 71.1%
- White
- 47.5%
- Black
- 38.1%
- Hispanic
- 3.2%
- Asian
- 0.2%
- In-State Students
- 85.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 54.0%
Location
University of West Alabama sits in Livingston, Alabama, roughly 90 miles southwest of Birmingham. The campus serves 2,666 students in Alabama's rural Black Belt region, where rolling hills meet farmland and forests. Livingston itself has fewer than 3,000 residents, making the university a major presence in this small town. The setting offers a close-knit community feel where students often know their professors personally, though the nearest shopping and entertainment options require a drive to Tuscaloosa, about 45 minutes away. With 85% of students coming from in-state, the campus maintains strong Alabama roots and traditions. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare University of West Alabama with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Livingston, Alabama 35470
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,232
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $53,277
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 36.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $264/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,944
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of West Alabama?
University of West Alabama admits 68.86% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The average SAT score is 930, which reflects the university's focus on providing access to students from diverse academic backgrounds in rural Alabama.
How much does University of West Alabama cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $13,832 annually after financial aid. Over 54% of students receive federal Pell Grants, reflecting the university's role in serving first-generation and lower-income students in the region.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of West Alabama?
The university maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio with 2,666 total students. This smaller scale allows the institution to focus on its strengths in teacher education and regional workforce development.
What are the graduation rates at University of West Alabama?
The six-year graduation rate is 38%, with graduates earning a median salary of $44,232 ten years after enrollment. The university's mission centers on preparing teachers and professionals for Alabama's rural communities.
Where is University of West Alabama located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in rural Livingston, Alabama, with housing for 920 students. Women make up 71.12% of the student body, and 85% of students come from within Alabama, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.
Does University of West Alabama have strong athletics programs?
The Tigers compete in NCAA Division II with 14 varsity sports and 357 total athletes. The university awards $2,659,532 in athletic scholarships annually, making sports a significant part of campus culture and student recruitment.
