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Alabama State University

Accept Rate
95.64%
Grad Rate
28.8%
Enrollment
3,322
Avg SAT
977
Tuition
$11,248
Median Salary
$34,502
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Alabama State University pulses with the energy of a tight-knit, spirited community where school pride is a way of life. The historic campus feels welcoming and vibrant, centered around the Ferguson Plaza and the iconic Bibb Graves Hall. You'll find a family-like atmosphere where tradition and HBCU culture shape a distinct and supportive student experience.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

95.64%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 97775th Pctl
8651069
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 1875th Pctl
1620
1122436

Admissions Tips

With a high acceptance rate, ASU is accessible, but you should still submit a complete application with your official transcripts and SAT/ACT scores, as they are considered in admissions and scholarships. Highlight your involvement in extracurriculars, leadership, or community service in your application to stand out for merit-based aid. Be sure to apply for FAFSA early, as a high percentage of students receive Pell Grants, and ASU's financial aid office can help navigate options.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
977
40080012001600
School range: 865โ€“1069

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

ASU is recognized for strong programs in Business & Marketing, Visual & Performing Arts, and Health Professions, offering a focused education in these areas. The university provides undergraduate research opportunities, particularly in STEM fields through initiatives like the NASA/ASU Aerospace Education program. Class sizes are generally smaller than at larger state schools, allowing for more direct interaction with faculty.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
16.6%
Biology & Biomedical
12.2%
Visual & Performing Arts
9.5%
Criminal Justice
9%
Multidisciplinary Studies
8.6%
Health Professions
8%
Education
7.4%
Public Administration
5.9%
Computer Science
5.7%
Communications
5.5%
Psychology
4.4%
Engineering
1.7%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

28.8%
Graduation Rate
60.5%
Retention Rate
3,322
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$11,248
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$13,889
After financial aid
Total Cost
$22,028
Cost of attendance/year
72%
Receive Pell Grants
77.8%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Montgomery

Located in Alabama's capital city, students have access to a variety of cultural and historical sites like the Rosa Parks Museum and the Alabama State Capitol. For fun, students often explore downtown Montgomery's restaurants and live music scene, or take short trips to the nearby Riverwalk Stadium for a Biscuits baseball game. The city offers a blend of civic engagement opportunities and low-key entertainment options.

Local Rent Check

$913 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Montgomery
Explore Montgomery

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$44,992
$0Est. 4 Years: $44,992

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($34,502):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The ASU campus has its own police department and utilizes a campus-wide alert system to keep students informed. While the university has safety protocols in place, students are generally advised to be aware of their surroundings in the surrounding urban area of Montgomery.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Accessible admissions with a high acceptance rate.
  • โœ“ Strong financial aid support with a high Pell Grant rate and lower net price.
  • โœ“ Rich HBCU culture with a spirited, close-knit campus community.
  • โœ“ Notable programs in arts, music, and business.

Cons

  • โœ— Lower graduation and retention rates compared to national averages.
  • โœ— Urban setting may require careful attention to personal safety off-campus.
  • โœ— 10-year median earnings are below the national average for college graduates.

Notable Alumni

Lionel Richie
Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his work with the Commodores and as a solo artist.
Javier Sotomayor
Cuban former high jumper and Olympic gold medalist who held the world record for over 30 years.
Harold Robinson
Retired United States Army four-star general who served as the Director of the Joint Staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alabama State University is a historically Black university (HBCU) known for its strong programs in Visual & Performing Arts, particularly its renowned Department of Music. It also has notable programs in Business, Biology, and Health Professions. ASU is recognized for its vibrant campus life, school spirit, and commitment to providing access to education for a diverse student body.

No, Alabama State University is not hard to get into. It has a high acceptance rate of 95.64%, making it an accessible option for many applicants. While standardized test scores (Avg SAT 977) are considered, the university's open admissions policy for those meeting minimum requirements means it is generally less selective than many other four-year institutions.

Campus life at ASU is vibrant and centered on a strong sense of community and school pride. The university has a rich tradition of marching band performances and athletic events, particularly for football and basketball. With a student body of around 3,300, students often describe the environment as family-like, with numerous student organizations and a focus on cultural activities and events in Montgomery.

The value of an ASU degree depends on the student's career goals and financial situation. The university offers an affordable education, especially for in-state students, and a high percentage of students receive financial aid. While the 10-year median earnings ($34,502) are modest, the investment can be worthwhile for students pursuing fields where ASU has strengths, such as education, criminal justice, or health professions, and for those who leverage the HBCU network.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

State of Alabama Montgomery Public Schools Baptist Health Regions Financial Corporation Maxwell Air Force Base
Smart Start Score
36

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 3,641
  • In-State Tuition $11,248
  • Out-of-State $19,576
  • Zip Code 36104

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 36.2% โ™€ 63.8%

The Money Talk

With a sticker price significantly lower than many private institutions and a competitive in-state tuition rate, ASU offers a financially accessible path to a four-year degree. The average net price of around $13,889, combined with a high Pell Grant rate, indicates strong financial aid support that can make college affordable for many. However, prospective students should weigh the investment against the 10-year median earnings to assess the return on investment for their specific career path.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $11,248
Housing (12 mo) $10,956
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $29,404
With avg financial aid:
$13,889/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.