Alabama State vs. Union Commonwealth University

Comparable Facts

Compare Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL with Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alabama State University is larger than Union Commonwealth University based on total student enrollment (4,081 students vs. 1,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alabama State University is located in Montgomery, AL (Midsize City setting); Union Commonwealth University is in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Alabama State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alabama State University 15:1; Union Commonwealth University 14:1.

Alabama State vs. Union Commonwealth University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama State or Union Commonwealth University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Alabama State University than Union Commonwealth University ($13,138 vs. $17,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alabama State University are 5.4% lower than at Union Commonwealth University ($7,816 vs. $8,261).
• Union Commonwealth University is 175.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alabama State (about $19,698 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $11,248.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.1% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at Alabama State University (about $11,370 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $19,576.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University than at Alabama State University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 132.8% larger than aid received by Alabama State University students ($26,961 vs. $11,583).

Alabama State vs. Union Commonwealth University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama State or Union Commonwealth University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Union Commonwealth University and Alabama State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union Commonwealth University (1010) is 150 points higher than at Alabama State (860).
• Incoming Alabama State students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 17) as students at Union Commonwealth University (17).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama State University 749/967; Union Commonwealth University 920/1105.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama State University 15/20; Union Commonwealth University 14/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama State - Test optional; Union Commonwealth University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama State Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Union Commonwealth University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.15) than students at Alabama State (2.95).
• Alabama State has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15% at Alabama State vs. 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University.

Alabama State vs. Union Commonwealth University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama State and Union Commonwealth University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Union Commonwealth University's six-year graduation rate (32%) is higher than Alabama State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Union Commonwealth University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than Alabama State graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,800 vs. $29,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have a $8,091 lower median loan debt than Alabama State graduates ($24,000 vs. $32,091).
• Among borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama State graduates ($248 vs. $331).
• More Union Commonwealth University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alabama State students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 20%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.