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Alabama State University

#550 in US ranking Montgomery, AL
Type:
Public
Programs:
4 years or more

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Alabama State University award
Alabama State University award

Cost

Cost / year
$23,655
Tuition & fees
$11,248
Avg. aid
$10,569
Receiving aid
87%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
98%
SAT range
749–967
ACT range
15–20

Outcomes

Graduation rate
30%
Median salary
$35,815
1 yr after graduation

Courtesy of Alabama State University

What is the history of Alabama State University?

Alabama State University is a public historically Black university in Montgomery, Alabama. Its origins trace to Lincoln Normal School, established in Marion in 1867 to educate Black students during Reconstruction.

The institution moved to Montgomery in 1887 and developed from a teacher-training school into a university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees across multiple fields. It adopted the Alabama State University name in 1969. That history remains relevant to its identity: teacher education is part of its academic offerings, while its programs now extend to business, health, the sciences and the arts.

What are the faculties and departments at Alabama State University?

Alabama State University offers bachelor's and graduate study through colleges spanning business, education, health sciences, liberal arts and social sciences, science and technology, and visual and performing arts. Its academic offerings include business administration, accounting, biology, computer science, criminal justice, social work, teacher education, music and theater.

Prospective students should evaluate the specific program they intend to enter, not just the university's overall list of majors. Some fields have sequenced courses, clinical placements, auditions or separate admission requirements that can affect when a student starts major-level work. Transfer applicants, in particular, should compare their completed courses with the requirements for their intended degree.

What is the location of Alabama State University?

Alabama State University's main campus is in Montgomery, Alabama's capital. Its city setting gives students access to state government, schools, health care organizations and other potential sites for internships or community-based learning; access to any particular placement depends on the program and employer.

Students weighing a commute should consider their class schedule and transportation plans. Montgomery Regional Airport, also known as Dannelly Field, serves the area. ASU's first-year parking restriction is especially worth checking before making plans to bring a car to campus.

What is the mission and vision of Alabama State University?

Alabama State University's stated educational purpose centers on teaching, research and service, with an emphasis on access and opportunity consistent with its history as a historically Black university. Its academic mission serves undergraduate and graduate students across professional, scientific and liberal arts fields.

A mission statement describes institutional priorities, not a measured outcome for every student. Applicants can assess how those priorities translate into practice by examining their intended program's curriculum, advising arrangements, research or fieldwork opportunities, and student support services.

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Alabama State University Profile - Basic Information

Name of the institution

Alabama State University

Level of institution

Four or more years

Control of institution

Public

Setting type

City: Midsize

Institutional Category

Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or above

Institution size category

1,000 - 4,999

School type

University

Main student body

Coeducational

Calendar system

Semesters

Foundation year

1867

Alabama State University Accreditation

Alabama State University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.

Alabama State University Programs and Degrees

iconBachelor's degree
iconPostbaccalaureate certificate
iconMaster's degree
iconPost-master's certificate
iconDoctor's degree - research/scholarship
iconDoctor's degree - professional practice

Data last updated on November 5, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.

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