University of Alabama at Birmingham vs University of South Alabama
University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public university in Birmingham, AL. University of South Alabama is a public university in Mobile, AL. University of South Alabama admits about 71% of applicants and University of Alabama at Birmingham about 88%, making University of South Alabama the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,648 a year at University of South Alabama after aid, and about $18,749 at University of Alabama at Birmingham. About 63% of students graduate at University of Alabama at Birmingham, compared with 53% at University of South Alabama. Ten years after enrolling, University of Alabama at Birmingham alumni earn a median of about $54,501, against $49,379 for University of South Alabama.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Birmingham, AL
Mobile, AL
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
11,635
8,879
Acceptance rate
88%
71%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
~3.77 avg
3.37–3.87
SAT (middle 50%)
1210–1450
970–1190
ACT (middle 50%)
23–30
20–26
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,749
$17,648
Full cost / yr
$28,145
$25,476
In-state tuition
$9,098
$10,116
Out-of-state tuition
$22,562
$19,092
Application fee
$40
$35
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,172
$12,657
$30k - $48k
$15,500
$13,265
$48k - $75k
$19,161
$16,277
$75k - $110k
$21,805
$23,252
Over $110k
$22,597
$25,322
Outcomes
Graduation rate
63%
53%
Freshman retention
80%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,572
$41,307
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,501
$49,379
Median debt at graduation
$22,300
$24,929
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
38%
First-generation students
34%
33%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is University of Alabama at Birmingham or University of South Alabama harder to get into?
- University of South Alabama is harder to get into. It admits about 71% of applicants, compared with 88% at University of Alabama at Birmingham. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, University of Alabama at Birmingham or University of South Alabama?
- University of South Alabama is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,648 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,749 at University of Alabama at Birmingham. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at University of Alabama at Birmingham and University of South Alabama?
- Before aid, University of South Alabama costs about $25,476 a year and University of Alabama at Birmingham about $28,145. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of Alabama at Birmingham or University of South Alabama?
- University of South Alabama. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,657 there, against about $16,172 at University of Alabama at Birmingham. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of Alabama at Birmingham or University of South Alabama?
- University of Alabama at Birmingham is the larger of the two, with about 11,635 undergraduates against 8,879 at University of South Alabama.
- Does University of Alabama at Birmingham or University of South Alabama have a better graduation rate?
- University of Alabama at Birmingham has the higher graduation rate, at about 63% against 53% at University of South Alabama.
- Do graduates of University of Alabama at Birmingham or University of South Alabama earn more?
- University of Alabama at Birmingham alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,501 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,379 for University of South Alabama. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of Alabama at Birmingham and University of South Alabama require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of Alabama at Birmingham considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. University of South Alabama is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do University of Alabama at Birmingham and University of South Alabama look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1210–1450 at University of Alabama at Birmingham and 970–1190 at University of South Alabama. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
University of Alabama at Birmingham vs Alabama A & M UniversityUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham vs University of Alabama in HuntsvilleUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham vs Jacksonville State UniversityUniversity of South Alabama vs Alabama A & M UniversityUniversity of South Alabama vs University of Alabama in HuntsvilleUniversity of South Alabama vs Jacksonville State University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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