Alabama State vs. University of South Alabama

Comparable Facts

Compare Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL with University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of South Alabama is larger than Alabama State based on total student enrollment (14,003 students vs. 4,081 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alabama State University is located in Montgomery, AL (Midsize City setting); University of South Alabama is in Mobile, AL (Midsize City setting).
• Alabama State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alabama State University 15:1; University of South Alabama 19:1.

Alabama State vs. University of South Alabama Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama State or University of South Alabama? 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 University of South Alabama ($13,138 vs. $16,074).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alabama State University are 31.2% lower than at University of South Alabama ($7,816 vs. $11,366).
• Alabama State University is 11.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of South Alabama (about $1,132 more per year; $11,248.00 vs. $10,116.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.5% higher at Alabama State than at University of South Alabama (about $484 more per year; $19,576.00 vs. $19,092.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Alabama than at Alabama State University (96% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alabama State University students is 24.2% larger than aid received by University of South Alabama students ($11,583 vs. $9,329).

Alabama State vs. University of South Alabama Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama State or University of South Alabama? 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 University of South Alabama and Alabama State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Alabama (1080) is 220 points higher than at Alabama State (860).
• Incoming University of South Alabama students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 17 at Alabama State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama State University 749/967; University of South Alabama 970/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama State University 15/20; University of South Alabama 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama State - Test optional; University of South Alabama - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama State Jul 31, 2027; University of South Alabama Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of South Alabama students have a 0.74 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Alabama State (2.95).
• Alabama State has a higher acceptance rate (97.6%) than University of South Alabama (71%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15% at Alabama State vs. 21% at University of South Alabama.

Alabama State vs. University of South Alabama Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama State and University of South Alabama? 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).

• University of South Alabama's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Alabama State University's (26%).
• Graduates from University of South Alabama earn a median of about $15,700 more per year than Alabama State graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $29,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Alabama graduates have a $7,591 lower median loan debt than Alabama State graduates ($24,500 vs. $32,091).
• Among borrowers, University of South Alabama graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama State graduates ($253 vs. $331).
• More University of South Alabama graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alabama State students, three years after graduation. (45% 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.