University of South Alabama vs. Spelman

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Alabama is larger than Spelman based on total student enrollment (14,003 students vs. 3,417 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Alabama is located in Mobile, AL (Midsize City setting); Spelman College is in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting).
• University of South Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Spelman College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of South Alabama 19:1; Spelman College 11:1.

University of South Alabama vs. Spelman Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of South Alabama or Spelman? 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 Spelman ($16,074 vs. $40,354).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Alabama are 37.2% lower than at Spelman College ($11,366 vs. $18,091).
• Spelman College is 211.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of South Alabama (about $21,440 more per year; $31,556.00 vs. $10,116.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65.3% higher at Spelman than at University of South Alabama (about $12,464 more per year; $31,556.00 vs. $19,092.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of South Alabama as at Spelman College (96% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spelman College students is 13.8% larger than aid received by University of South Alabama students ($10,614 vs. $9,329).

University of South Alabama vs. Spelman Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Spelman College (1210) is 130 points higher than at University of South Alabama (1080).
• Incoming Spelman students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at University of South Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Alabama 970/1190; Spelman College 1108/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Alabama 20/26; Spelman College 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of South Alabama - Test optional; Spelman - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of South Alabama Jul 15, 2027; Spelman Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Spelman students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at University of South Alabama (3.69).
• University of South Alabama has a higher acceptance rate (71%) than Spelman (24.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at University of South Alabama vs. 23.6% at Spelman.

University of South Alabama vs. Spelman Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of South Alabama and Spelman? 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).

• Spelman College's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than University of South Alabama's (39%).
• Graduates from Spelman College earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than University of South Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,300 vs. $45,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Alabama graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Spelman graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of South Alabama graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Spelman graduates ($253 vs. $279).
• More Spelman graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of South Alabama students, three years after graduation. (47% 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.