Alabama vs. Southern Adventist University

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL with Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of Alabama is larger than Southern Adventist University based on total student enrollment (40,846 students vs. 3,229 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Alabama vs. Southern Adventist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama or Southern Adventist 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 The University of Alabama than Southern Adventist University ($22,559 vs. $25,753).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Adventist University are 40.7% lower than at The University of Alabama ($8,900 vs. $15,016).
• Southern Adventist University is 124.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alabama (about $15,120 more per year; $27,300.00 vs. $12,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.2% higher at Alabama than at Southern Adventist University (about $6,872 more per year; $34,172.00 vs. $27,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Adventist University than at The University of Alabama (99% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Alabama students is 35.6% larger than aid received by Southern Adventist University students ($17,503 vs. $12,904).

Alabama vs. Southern Adventist University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama or Southern Adventist 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 Southern Adventist University and Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Alabama (1290) is 130 points higher than at Southern Adventist University (1160).
• Incoming Alabama students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at Southern Adventist University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 1170/1400; Southern Adventist University 1020/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 24/31; Southern Adventist University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama - Test optional; Southern Adventist University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Alabama students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Southern Adventist University (3.59).
• Alabama has a higher acceptance rate (76.6%) than Southern Adventist University (65.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Alabama vs. 36.9% at Southern Adventist University.

Alabama vs. Southern Adventist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama and Southern Adventist 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).

• The University of Alabama's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Southern Adventist University's (51%).
• Graduates from The University of Alabama earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than Southern Adventist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,900 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Alabama graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Southern Adventist University graduates ($23,750 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Alabama graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Adventist University graduates ($245 vs. $274).
• More Southern Adventist University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alabama students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.