Overview
Founded in 1950 as a research and graduate education extension of the University of Alabama, UAH grew rapidly alongside Huntsville's emergence as a center for rocketry and space research, closely tied to the presence of Wernher von Braun and the Marshall Space Flight Center. It became an autonomous campus within the University of Alabama System in 1969 and has since built a strong national reputation in engineering, computer science, physics, and optics. UAH is classified as an R1 research institution, reflecting its very high research activity, particularly in aerospace, propulsion, cybersecurity, and atmospheric science.
At a Glance
| Type | Public Research |
| Location | Huntsville, Alabama |
| Founded | 1950 |
| Total students | 9,700 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 17:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 83% |
| Graduation rate | 56% |
| Average starting salary | $62,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $11,500 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $25,500 |
| Room & board | $11,800 |
| Average financial aid | $10,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 85% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1150-1360 |
| ACT range | 24-30 |
| Average GPA | 3.7 |
| Regular deadline | August 1 |
Top Programs
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Aerospace Engineering
- Physics
- Optical Engineering
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.