Alabama vs. University of South Alabama

Comparable Facts

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

The University of Alabama is larger than University of South Alabama based on total student enrollment (40,846 students vs. 14,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Alabama vs. University of South Alabama Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Alabama or University of South Alabama? 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 South Alabama than Alabama ($16,074 vs. $22,559).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Alabama are 24.3% lower than at The University of Alabama ($11,366 vs. $15,016).
• The University of Alabama is 20.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of South Alabama (about $2,064 more per year; $12,180.00 vs. $10,116.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 79% higher at Alabama than at University of South Alabama (about $15,080 more per year; $34,172.00 vs. $19,092.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Alabama than at The University of Alabama (96% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by The University of Alabama students is 87.6% larger than aid received by University of South Alabama students ($17,503 vs. $9,329).

Alabama vs. University of South Alabama Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Alabama or University of South Alabama? 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 South Alabama and Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Alabama (1290) is 210 points higher than at University of South Alabama (1080).
• Incoming Alabama students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at University of South Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 1170/1400; University of South Alabama 970/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Alabama 24/31; University of South Alabama 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Alabama - Test optional; University of South Alabama - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Alabama May 1, 2027; University of South Alabama Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Alabama students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at University of South Alabama (3.69).
• Alabama has a higher acceptance rate (76.6%) than University of South Alabama (71%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Alabama vs. 21% at University of South Alabama.

Alabama vs. University of South Alabama Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Alabama and University of South Alabama? 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 South Alabama's (39%).
• Graduates from The University of Alabama earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than University of South Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,900 vs. $45,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Alabama graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than University of South Alabama graduates ($23,750 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Alabama graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of South Alabama graduates ($245 vs. $253).
• More Alabama graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of South Alabama students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 45%)

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.