University of South Alabama
The Vibe Check
University of South Alabama offers a vibrant, community-focused campus vibe where students feel a strong sense of Jaguar pride. The atmosphere is a blend of rigorous academics and spirited Southern hospitality, creating a welcoming and supportive environment. You'll find that the campus feels manageable and personal, yet buzzing with energy from Division I athletics and diverse student organizations.
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
USA is a powerhouse for students pursuing Health Professions, Biology, and Engineering, anchored by its own College of Medicine and research partnerships with local hospitals. Class sizes are generally moderate, allowing for accessible faculty interaction, particularly in STEM and business programs. Undergraduates have opportunities to engage in meaningful research, especially within the burgeoning fields of coastal sciences and cybersecurity.
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 Mobile
Student life in Mobile is heavily influenced by the city's coastal location, with trips to the white-sand beaches of Dauphin Island and Gulf Shores being a weekend staple. The downtown area offers a lively scene with historic architecture, a thriving food scene featuring Cajun-Creole cuisine, and annual festivals like Mardi Gras and the BayFest music festival. On campus, students rally around Division I athletics, particularly the football and basketball games at the Jaguar Arena.
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 ($49,379):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is generally safe with a dedicated University Police Department and well-lit pathways, though standard urban precautions are always advised. Mobile is a mid-sized city where students should remain aware of their surroundings, particularly when venturing into downtown or off-campus housing areas.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Excellent return on investment for in-state students with low tuition costs.
- ✓ Strong specialized programs in healthcare, engineering, and coastal sciences with direct ties to local industries.
- ✓ Vibrant campus spirit centered around Division I athletics and a close-knit community feel.
- ✓ Location in Mobile provides unique access to coastal recreation and a distinct cultural flavor.
Cons
- ✗ Graduation and retention rates are lower than the national average, indicating potential challenges in student persistence.
- ✗ Being in a mid-sized city, the social scene may feel limited compared to larger college towns or major metros.
- ✗ Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher, reducing the financial advantage for non-residents.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
The University of South Alabama is best known for its robust Health Professions programs, anchored by the USA Health system which includes a College of Medicine, a College of Nursing, and a Cancer Center. It is also a recognized leader in coastal and environmental sciences, leveraging its unique location on the Gulf Coast. Additionally, the university is a major hub for engineering and computer science, serving the region's growing tech and aerospace sectors.
University of South Alabama has an acceptance rate of approximately 65%, placing it in the 'moderately selective' category. While it is not highly exclusive, admission is not guaranteed; the university looks for students with a solid academic record, typically targeting an average SAT score of 1119 and a competitive high school GPA. Strong performance in core subjects, particularly math and science, is advantageous for applicants interested in the university's popular engineering and health programs.
Campus life at USA is characterized by a strong sense of school spirit, particularly during football and basketball seasons at the Jaguar Arena. The 1,200-acre campus offers a mix of modern facilities and green spaces, with a variety of student organizations catering to diverse interests, from academic clubs to cultural groups. While the campus provides a tight-knit community feel, students also take advantage of Mobile's location, enjoying weekend trips to the nearby beaches and exploring the city's historic downtown district.
For in-state students, the University of South Alabama represents an excellent financial investment. With an in-state tuition of $9,676 and an average net price of $15,142, the cost is significantly lower than the national average for public universities. Given that the median 10-year earnings for graduates is $49,379, the degree offers a solid ROI, particularly for those entering high-demand fields like nursing, engineering, and business. For out-of-state students, the value is still strong but requires careful consideration of the higher $18,652 tuition against potential earnings.
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 9,553
- In-State Tuition $9,676
- Out-of-State $18,652
- Zip Code 36688
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With in-state tuition under $10,000, USA offers a high-value education for Alabama residents, significantly lowering the barrier to entry. The average net price of $15,142 is competitive, and the median 10-year earnings of nearly $50,000 suggest a solid return on investment for graduates. For out-of-state students, the value proposition is still strong compared to national averages, especially for specialized programs like nursing and engineering.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.