University of Alabama at Birmingham
The Vibe Check
UAB pulses with an urban, energetic vibe, functioning as a dynamic hub where the campus and the city of Birmingham are seamlessly intertwined. Students feel the constant buzz of innovation, driven by the university's massive medical center and diverse student body. It feels like a place where you're studying in a major city, not a secluded college town.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
Estimate your admission chances
⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
UAB is a powerhouse in health professions and biomedical sciences, anchored by its world-renowned medical school and research hospital. The university excels in business, engineering, and psychology, offering students hands-on research opportunities as early as their freshman year. With a focus on practical learning, teaching quality is high, particularly in STEM and professional fields.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Birmingham
Student life in Birmingham is vibrant and diverse, with easy access to the city's award-winning restaurant scene, live music venues, and professional sports. Students often spend weekends exploring the historic Railroad Park, hiking at Ruffner Mountain, or attending festivals in the nearby Lakeview and Avondale districts. The city's affordability and burgeoning arts scene make it an exciting place to live.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).
Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($54,501):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus itself is well-lit and heavily patrolled by a dedicated UAB police force, but students should remain aware of their surroundings in the urban setting. While the campus is secure, the surrounding city of Birmingham has areas that require standard urban caution, especially at night.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ World-class research and internship opportunities directly integrated with a major medical center.
- ✓ Affordable in-state tuition and strong financial aid packages provide excellent value.
- ✓ Prime urban location offers a vibrant city life with diverse cultural and career options.
- ✓ High acceptance rate makes it an accessible option for a wide range of students.
Cons
- ✗ Graduation rate is moderate compared to some national peers.
- ✗ As a commuter-heavy campus, traditional 'college town' social atmosphere can be less pronounced.
- ✗ Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher, reducing value for non-residents without merit aid.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
UAB is nationally and internationally renowned for its Health Professions, Biology, and Biomedical Sciences programs, driven by its status as a top-tier research university with a massive academic medical center. It is also a leader in business, engineering, and psychology, and is recognized as Alabama's largest employer, creating a powerful ecosystem for student opportunities.
No, UAB has a high acceptance rate of 88.42%, making it an accessible option for a wide range of applicants. The middle 50% SAT range is approximately 1160-1300, with an average SAT score of 1251, indicating that while admissions are not highly selective, successful applicants typically have solid academic records.
Campus life at UAB is urban and fast-paced, with over 280 student organizations and a strong focus on research and professional development. Because it is a commuter campus with a large graduate student population, students often need to be proactive in building social circles through clubs and campus events rather than relying on a traditional residential college experience.
Yes, UAB offers exceptional value, particularly for in-state students. With a net price of $17,727 and a median 10-year earnings of $54,501, the return on investment is strong. The university's direct ties to a major urban job market, especially in healthcare and technology, further enhance its financial worth.
Similar Universities
Top Employers
Next Steps & Tools
Make the best decision with our free planning tools.
Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 14,713
- In-State Tuition $8,832
- Out-of-State $21,864
- Zip Code 35294
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of $17,727 and affordable in-state tuition, UAB offers a high return on investment, especially for Alabama residents. The 10-year median earnings of $54,501 for graduates indicate strong earning potential that outpaces many private institutions at a fraction of the cost. For out-of-state students, the value remains competitive, particularly when merit aid is factored in.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.