Alabama vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

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

The University of Alabama is larger than Union University based on total student enrollment (40,846 students vs. 2,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, AL (Small City setting); Union University is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
• The University of Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Alabama 19:1; Union University 9:1.

Alabama vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama or Union 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 Union University ($22,559 vs. $28,452).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union University are 14.9% lower than at The University of Alabama ($12,780 vs. $15,016).
• Union University is 228.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alabama (about $27,845 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $12,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.1% higher at Union University than at The University of Alabama (about $5,853 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $34,172.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union University than at The University of Alabama (100% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union University students is 72.1% larger than aid received by The University of Alabama students ($30,120 vs. $17,503).

Alabama vs. Union University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Alabama (1290) is 10 points higher than at Union University (1280).
• Incoming Alabama students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at Union University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 1170/1400; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 24/31; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama - Test optional; Union University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Union University 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 Union University (60.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Alabama vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Alabama vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama and Union 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 Union University's (61%).
• Graduates from The University of Alabama earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,900 vs. $48,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Alabama graduates have a $1,090 lower median loan debt than Union University graduates ($23,750 vs. $24,840).
• Among borrowers, Alabama graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union University graduates ($245 vs. $256).
• More Union University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alabama students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.