Alabama vs. Emory

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL with Emory University in Atlanta, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of Alabama is larger than Emory based on total student enrollment (40,846 students vs. 15,175 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, AL (Small City setting); Emory University is in Atlanta, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• The University of Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Emory University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Alabama 19:1; Emory University 10:1.

Alabama vs. Emory Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama or Emory? 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 The University of Alabama than Emory ($22,559 vs. $27,303).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Alabama are 25.7% lower than at Emory University ($15,016 vs. $20,220).
• Emory University is 427.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alabama (about $52,100 more per year; $64,280.00 vs. $12,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 88.1% higher at Emory than at The University of Alabama (about $30,108 more per year; $64,280.00 vs. $34,172.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at The University of Alabama than at Emory University (80% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Emory University students is 221.8% larger than aid received by The University of Alabama students ($56,319 vs. $17,503).

Alabama vs. Emory Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama or Emory? 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 Emory and Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Emory University (1510) is 220 points higher than at Alabama (1290).
• Incoming Emory students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 27 at Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 1170/1400; Emory University 1470/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 24/31; Emory University 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama - Test optional; Emory - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama May 1, 2027; Emory Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Emory students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Alabama (3.76).
• Alabama has a higher acceptance rate (76.6%) than Emory (10.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Alabama vs. 40.4% at Emory.

Alabama vs. Emory Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama and Emory? 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).

• Emory University's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than The University of Alabama's (66%).
• Graduates from Emory University earn a median of about $31,600 more per year than Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,500 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Emory University graduates have a $6,517 lower median loan debt than Alabama graduates ($17,233 vs. $23,750).
• Among borrowers, Emory graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama graduates ($178 vs. $245).
• More Emory graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alabama students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 59%)

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.