
739 University Blvd Box 870100, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA


The University of Alabama is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which is a recognized accrediting organization for higher education institutions in the southern United States. This accreditation affirms that the university meets rigorous standards of quality related to faculty qualifications, academic programs, and institutional effectiveness.
The University of Alabama requires prospective students to have completed a secondary education program and possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate if applicable. Applicants must provide their secondary school academic records and demonstrate a satisfactory grade point average. While scores from national admission tests like the SAT or ACT are not explicitly required, submission of a TOEFL score is mandatory for non-native English speakers. Recommendations and evidence of competencies are encouraged but not compulsory. The university operates without an open admission policy, thus maintaining specific academic standards for acceptance.
Credit for previous college coursework and advanced placement (AP) credits are recognized by the university, although dual credit policies do not apply. The majority of enrolled students present average standardized test scores around the 67th percentile nationally, with the mean SAT score approximately 1220 and an average ACT score near 26. These scores place admitted students roughly in the top third to top 40 percent of test takers. The acceptance rate sits at about 76%, indicating a moderately selective admission process considering the very high volume of applications received annually.
The University of Alabama requires an application fee that applicants must pay to complete their submission. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications. However, the university offers fee waivers for certain groups of prospective students, aiming to reduce financial barriers for applicants who demonstrate need or meet specific eligibility criteria.
Fee waivers may be granted to students participating in designated outreach programs or those with low-income backgrounds. Interested applicants should consult the university's admissions office or official website to determine if they qualify and to learn how to request a waiver as part of their application process.
The University of Alabama hosts an ROTC branch unit on its campus, offering students the opportunity to participate in military training and leadership development while pursuing their academic goals. This presence provides prospective students interested in a military career or leadership experience with direct access to ROTC programs without the need to transfer or commute to another institution. The program integrates military instruction with the traditional college curriculum, preparing students for potential commissioning as officers upon graduation.
The University of Alabama allows transfer students to apply for admission during the fall, spring, and summer terms, making it accessible for those looking to continue their education at different times of the year. The institution permits the transfer of credits and accepts standardized exams such as the CLEP General and Dantes tests, which can facilitate credit recognition for qualifying students.
Admission to the university for transfer applicants is moderately difficult, indicating competitive but attainable standards. Prospective transfer students are also welcomed with recommendation letters as part of their application process, highlighting the university's consideration of qualitative assessment in addition to academic records.
The University of Alabama provides a variety of study abroad options designed to enhance the academic and cultural experience of its students. These programs include faculty-led trips, which allow students to participate in short-term courses abroad under direct supervision of university instructors. Such programs often take place during the summer or winter sessions, offering intensive learning opportunities in diverse locations.
In addition, the university supports semester- and year-long exchanges with partner institutions worldwide. These exchanges enable students to immerse themselves fully in another culture while pursuing coursework that complements their degrees. They maintain regular contact with academic advisors to ensure credits transfer appropriately toward graduation requirements.
There are also internship and research opportunities abroad, which permit students to gain practical experience or contribute to scholarly projects internationally. These programs often align with students' majors, providing valuable professional exposure in global contexts.
The University of Alabama emphasizes accessibility and support throughout the application process, including pre-departure orientations and funding resources such as scholarships and grants. This framework encourages a broad range of students to consider studying abroad as part of their undergraduate education.
Median composite SAT score
1220Median composite ACT score
26Percent of students submitting ACT scores
54%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
20%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
YesApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer