Founded in 1831, the University of Alabama is the state's oldest and largest public university, located in Tuscaloosa. As a flagship research institution, it has grown from a small state college into a major R1 research university with a strong reputation in business, engineering, law, and communications. The university survived destruction during the Civil War and has since become a symbol of both academic growth and the broader civil rights history of the South, including the pivotal 1963 stand in the schoolhouse door.
Today, UA is known for its powerhouse athletics program, especially football, which drives intense school spirit and a lively campus culture centered on Greek life, game days, and student traditions. The Culverhouse College of Business and the College of Engineering are particularly strong, and the university has invested heavily in honors education through its highly regarded Honors College. With a large out-of-state student population drawn by generous merit scholarships, UA offers a classic big-university experience combining academics, research opportunities, and a robust social scene.
| Type | Public Research |
| Location | Tuscaloosa, Alabama |
| Founded | 1831 |
| Total students | 38,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 21:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 80% |
| Graduation rate | 72% |
| Average starting salary | $55,000 |
| In-state tuition | $12,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $32,000 |
| Room & board | $13,500 |
| Average financial aid | $15,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 70% |
| SAT range | 1130-1330 |
| ACT range | 22-30 |
| Average GPA | 3.71 |
| Regular deadline | February 1 |
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.