UA Huntsville vs. USAFA

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Alabama in Huntsville in Huntsville, AL with United States Air Force Academy in USAF Academy, Colorado on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Alabama in Huntsville is larger than USAFA based on total student enrollment (8,564 students vs. 4,114 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Alabama in Huntsville is located in Huntsville, AL (Midsize City setting); United States Air Force Academy is in USAF Academy, Colorado (Large City setting).
• University of Alabama in Huntsville is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. United States Air Force Academy is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Alabama in Huntsville 17:1; United States Air Force Academy 7:1.

UA Huntsville vs. USAFA Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UA Huntsville or USAFA? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• In-state tuition differs between University of Alabama in Huntsville and USAFA ($12,132.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between UA Huntsville and United States Air Force Academy ($26,408.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Alabama in Huntsville than at United States Air Force Academy (95% vs. 0%).

UA Huntsville vs. USAFA Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UA Huntsville or USAFA? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between USAFA and UA Huntsville.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at United States Air Force Academy (1340) is 30 points higher than at UA Huntsville (1310).
• Incoming USAFA students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (29 vs. 27 at UA Huntsville).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Alabama in Huntsville 1210/1410; United States Air Force Academy 1230/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Alabama in Huntsville 24/31; United States Air Force Academy 26/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UA Huntsville - Test optional; USAFA - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: USAFA Dec 31, 2026.
• Enrolled freshman UA Huntsville students have the same average high school GPA (3.81) as students at USAFA (3.81).
• UA Huntsville has a higher acceptance rate (68.6%) than USAFA (14.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.2% at UA Huntsville vs. 78.5% at USAFA.

UA Huntsville vs. USAFA Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UA Huntsville and USAFA? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• University of Alabama in Huntsville's six-year graduation rate is 45%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for USAFA.
• Graduates from University of Alabama in Huntsville have median earnings of about $50,500 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for USAFA.

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.