Alabama vs. U of A

Comparable Facts

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

University of Arizona is larger than Alabama based on total student enrollment (56,365 students vs. 40,846 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, AL (Small City setting); University of Arizona is in Tucson, AZ (Large City setting).
• The University of Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Arizona is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Alabama 19:1; University of Arizona 20:1.

Alabama vs. U of A Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama or U of A? 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 University of Arizona than Alabama ($19,055 vs. $22,559).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Alabama are 10.3% lower than at University of Arizona ($15,016 vs. $16,746).
• University of Arizona is 14.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alabama (about $1,746 more per year; $13,926.00 vs. $12,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.7% higher at U of A than at The University of Alabama (about $8,106 more per year; $42,278.00 vs. $34,172.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Arizona than at The University of Alabama (95% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Alabama students is 27.1% larger than aid received by University of Arizona students ($17,503 vs. $13,776).

Alabama vs. U of A Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama or U of A? 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 U of A and Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Alabama (1290) is the same as at U of A (1290).
• Incoming Alabama students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at U of A).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 1170/1400; University of Arizona 1150/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 24/31; University of Arizona 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama - Test optional; U of A - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Alabama students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at U of A (3.48).
• U of A has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than Alabama (76.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Alabama vs. 18.4% at U of A.

Alabama vs. U of A Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama and U of A? 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 University of Arizona's (61%).
• Graduates from University of Arizona earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,000 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Arizona graduates have a $4,750 lower median loan debt than Alabama graduates ($19,000 vs. $23,750).
• Among borrowers, U of A graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama graduates ($196 vs. $245).
• More U of A 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.