Understanding the University of Alabama Acceptance Rate
The United States boasts a diverse landscape of higher education, ranging from highly selective institutions to excellent schools with more accessible admissions. The University of Alabama (UA), a public research university in Tuscaloosa, stands as an example of the latter, with a relatively high acceptance rate. This article delves into the acceptance rate of the University of Alabama, exploring various factors influencing admission and providing insights for prospective students.
General Information about the University of Alabama
Established in 1820 and opened to students in 1831, the University of Alabama is the oldest and largest of the public universities in Alabama. Informally known as Alabama, UA, the Capstone, or Bama, the university offers programs of study in 12 academic divisions leading to bachelor's, master's, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. The only publicly supported law school in the state is at UA.
In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, The University of Alabama is ranked No. 169 in National Universities and No. 92 in Top Public Schools. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 34,389 (fall 2024), a suburban setting, and a campus size of 1,143 acres. The student-faculty ratio is 19:1, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. The University of Alabama accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $12,484; out-of-state tuition and fees are $35,342.
Acceptance Rate: An Overview
The University of Alabama's acceptance rate is a significant factor for prospective students. UA is known for being a somewhat selective school. They receive about 56,800 applications each year. The acceptance rate tends to be around 77 percent which equals 43,531 students who were successful in the admission process of the institution. However, when the year starts, only about 7,970 or 18 percent of the applicants who received the letter of acceptance from The University of Alabama choose to register. For the Class of 2028, the University of Alabama’s acceptance rate was 76%, in line with the previous year. This indicates that the university admits a significant portion of its applicants, making it less selective compared to many other institutions in the United States.
Because this school is not selective, you have a great shot at getting in, as long as you don't fall well below average. Aim for a 1110 SAT or higher, and you'll almost certainly get an offer of admission.
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GPA and Class Rank of Admitted Students
GPA standards are high at the University of Alabama. For the Class of 2028, one half of teens enrolled in the University of Alabama finished in the top quartile of their high school class and 77% possessed at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA. 25% of the Class of 2028 cohort placed in the top decile of their high school class and 49% finished at least in the top quartile. The average GPA at University of Alabama is 3.86. requires you to be near the top of your class, and well above average. This suggests that while the acceptance rate is relatively high, successful applicants generally have strong academic records.
Standardized Test Scores
For Class of 2028 members, the mid-50% SAT was 1110-1360 while the ACT range was 22-30. Half the applicants admitted to University of Alabama who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1170 and 1400 or an ACT score of 24 and 31. However, one quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges and one quarter scored below these ranges.
Prospective students are requested to submit their ACT or SAT scores to The University of Alabama when applying. Most often, accepted applicants have test scores in the range of 22 - 30 for ACT or 1,110 - 1,370 for SAT. In other words, a 1110 places you below average, while a 1360 will move you up to above average.
The university started test-optional admissions with the Fall 2021 incoming class and has extended this through Fall 2024. Of the 63% of enrolled freshmen in 2021 who submitted ACT scores, the middle 50 percent composite score was between 21 and 31.
Factors Influencing Admission
The University of Alabama considers several factors when evaluating applications. According to the university, three factors are “very important” to the admissions process: rigor of high school course load, GPA, and standardized test scores (despite being test-optional currently). Additionally, items that are “important” as part of the admissions process are extracurricular activities and volunteer work.
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Application Requirements and Deadlines
The application deadline at The University of Alabama is rolling. The University of Alabama accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy. Prospective students are requested to submit their ACT or SAT scores to The University of Alabama when applying. This institution also allows submissions of Advanced Placement (AP) credits and Credit for life experiences. The University of Alabama’s undergraduate application fee is $40.
Student Demographics and Campus Life
In fall 2023, the university had an enrollment of 39,623 students. The record enrollment included 3,184 freshmen from Alabama, representing every county in the state. This marked UA's fifth consecutive year with an in-state increase and the largest number of in-state freshmen since 2010. Current students come from 95 foreign countries. The ratio of the students who applied is 40% and 59% for males and females respectively. However, of the first-year students enrolled, 58% were typically women and 41% were men.
UA has one of the largest Greek systems in the nation with over 12,000 active students.
Financial Aid and Tuition
Thirty-eight percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $20,888. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $12,484; out-of-state tuition and fees are $35,342.
University Rankings and Distinctions
In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, The University of Alabama is ranked No. 169 in National Universities and No. 92 in Top Public Schools. The University of Alabama is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity". UA is one of the 126 members of the Association of Research Libraries.
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Advice for Prospective Students
For students interested in attending the University of Alabama, it is crucial to maintain a strong GPA and challenge themselves with a rigorous high school course load. While the university is test-optional, submitting competitive SAT or ACT scores can further strengthen an application. Active participation in extracurricular activities and volunteer work also demonstrates a well-rounded profile. All students need to also have a proper mix of “target” and “safety” schools on their college list.
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