Alabama vs. University of Missouri-Columbia

Comparable Facts

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

The University of Alabama is larger than University of Missouri-Columbia based on total student enrollment (40,846 students vs. 31,543 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, AL (Small City setting); University of Missouri Columbia is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• The University of Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Missouri Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Alabama 19:1; University of Missouri Columbia 17:1.

Alabama vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama or University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 Missouri Columbia than Alabama ($22,169 vs. $22,559).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Missouri Columbia are 8.8% lower than at The University of Alabama ($13,700 vs. $15,016).
• University of Missouri Columbia is 21.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alabama (about $2,657 more per year; $14,837.00 vs. $12,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.5% higher at University of Missouri-Columbia than at The University of Alabama (about $1,884 more per year; $36,056.00 vs. $34,172.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Missouri Columbia than at The University of Alabama (95% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Alabama students is 32.6% larger than aid received by University of Missouri Columbia students ($17,503 vs. $13,203).

Alabama vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama or University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 Missouri-Columbia and Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Alabama (1290) is 50 points higher than at University of Missouri-Columbia (1240).
• Incoming Alabama students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at University of Missouri-Columbia).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 1170/1400; University of Missouri Columbia 1150/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 24/31; University of Missouri Columbia 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama - Test optional; University of Missouri-Columbia - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Alabama students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at University of Missouri-Columbia (3.61).
• University of Missouri-Columbia has a higher acceptance rate (78.5%) than Alabama (76.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Alabama vs. 31% at University of Missouri-Columbia.

Alabama vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama and University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 Missouri Columbia's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than The University of Alabama's (66%).
• Graduates from University of Missouri Columbia earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,200 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Missouri Columbia graduates have a $1,867 lower median loan debt than Alabama graduates ($21,883 vs. $23,750).
• Among borrowers, University of Missouri-Columbia graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alabama graduates ($226 vs. $245).
• More University of Missouri-Columbia graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alabama students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.