
The University of Alabama is a public institution founded in 1831 with a total undergraduate enrollment of 33,435 as of Fall 2023. The University of Alabama's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #171. Its in-state tuition and fees are $12,180; out-of-state tuition and fees are $34,172. Students at the University of Alabama can avail themselves of many services, including Crimson email, course information, and campus news through myBama. Additionally, the University offers shuttle services to and from Tuscaloosa, as well as a shuttle service to and from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport during extended academic breaks. The University of Alabama also provides a robust network of alumni across the nation and around the globe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total undergraduate enrollment | 33,435 (as of Fall 2023) |
| Campus setting | Suburban |
| Campus size | 1,143 acres |
| Calendar | Semester-based |
| In-state tuition and fees | $12,180 |
| Out-of-state tuition and fees | $34,172 |
| Registration for classes | October for spring semester; March for summer and/or fall semester |
| Late registration fee | Yes |
| Maximum course load per semester | 18 credit hours for freshmen and transfer students; 21 credit hours for seniors |
| Graduate classes | Permission required; overall course load cannot exceed 15 hours per semester |
| Student portal | myBama |
| Student identification | CWID |
| Health insurance | Required, unless exempted with proof of adequate insurance |
| Transportation | Crimson Ride; shuttle services to Tuscaloosa and Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport |
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What You'll Learn

Undergraduate course load and registration
The University of Alabama offers a comprehensive registration process for its undergraduate students. The course load and registration procedures are well-defined, ensuring a smooth experience for students. Here is an overview of the key aspects:
Course Load Guidelines:
The course load for undergraduate students at the University of Alabama is carefully structured to facilitate a balanced academic experience. The normal or average class load for a regular semester is 16 semester hours. However, the university allows for flexibility based on individual circumstances. For instance, students with a GPA of 2.6 or higher in their last term of full-time study can register for up to 20 semester hours in a regular semester or 14 semester hours in a full summer term. Similarly, students with a GPA of less than 2.6, who are not on academic warning or probation, can register for up to 18 semester hours. Students on academic warning or probation have a maximum course load of 13 semester hours for a regular semester and 6 semester hours per four-week session during the summer term.
Registration Procedures:
The University of Alabama has a well-organized registration process for undergraduate students. Currently enrolled students typically register in October for spring semester classes and in March for the summer and/or fall semester. New students, on the other hand, register during new-student orientation sessions, where they receive guidance from the Orientation Office. Late registration is permitted up to a week after classes begin, but it incurs a penalty fee.
Tools for Registration:
The university provides several tools to assist students in registering for their desired courses. The Schedule Builder, accessible through myBama, helps students create an optimal class schedule based on their course preferences and personal time management needs. Additionally, the online schedule of classes at myBama.ua.edu offers up-to-date information on course offerings. Students can also utilize the Class Search feature to explore courses based on various criteria, such as subject, part of term, online offerings, and instructor.
Special Considerations:
The University of Alabama accommodates undergraduate students seeking academic challenges or pursuing specific academic paths. For example, bachelor's degree candidates not enrolled in an Accelerated Master's Program may petition to take graduate classes if they have completed at least 90 undergraduate hours with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This process requires approval from the instructor, department chairperson, and graduate dean. Once approved, the student's overall course load, including graduate classes, cannot exceed 15 hours per semester.
Summer Term and Interim Sessions:
The University of Alabama also provides guidelines for course loads during the summer term and interim sessions. During the summer term, undergraduate students typically take six credit hours in one five-week session or 12 credit hours for the entire summer term. Students can enroll in a maximum of seven credit hours in each of the two summer sessions. For the Winter Interim session of the spring semester, students are limited to a maximum of four credit hours.
The University of Alabama's undergraduate course load and registration processes are designed to provide a structured yet adaptable framework for students to plan their academic journey effectively. Students can refer to the University's resources and guidelines to make informed decisions regarding their course selections and academic goals.
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Graduate Orientation and Welcome
During GROW, you will have the opportunity to attend your department's orientation and networking events. If you are an international student, you will need to complete the virtual international student orientation, which includes important information to help you succeed at the university. This covers topics such as cultural adjustment, healthcare resources, academic success, and immigration. International students must also complete the mandatory International Orientation and Check-in to activate their F-1 or J-1 status, which includes processing for various applications and accounts.
If you are scheduled to be a teaching assistant, you will attend the August Workshop for New Graduate Teaching Assistants, where you will learn how to navigate academics and successful student habits. Additionally, ensure that you have submitted your official transcripts and completed your I-9 form.
GROW is also an opportunity to develop your professional network and make a good first impression. Be mindful of your body language and conversation topics, and remember to listen closely and maintain eye contact. Follow up with interesting contacts after you meet, and look for ways to be helpful to them. Practice introducing yourself and explaining what you do in a natural, conversational way. Remember that you are considered a professional and a potential colleague, so present yourself accordingly.
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Shuttle services
The University of Alabama offers a variety of shuttle services for its students. The Crimson Ride is the university's official shuttle service, with schedules available on its website. During the summer semester, there may be route detours due to road closures, and no weekend services.
In addition to the Crimson Ride, there are several other shuttle options available to students. For instance, Groome Transportation provides shuttle services between Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, as well as from the Atlanta (ATL) and Birmingham (BHM) airports to the university. The cost for airport shuttle services is approximately $91 one way from Atlanta and $40 one way from Birmingham. It is recommended to schedule a pick-up and drop-off time and place at least 24 hours in advance.
On game days, shuttle services are available from the University Mall to the south end zone of Bryant-Denny Stadium for a round trip cost of $20 per person. This service is provided by Tuscaloosa Charter. Additionally, Tuscaloosa Transit offers bus services from the Downtown Intermodal Facility (601 23rd Ave.) to the corner of Paul Bryant Dr. and 12th Ave, starting three hours before kickoff.
Some properties near the University of Alabama also manage their own shuttle services. Students can contact these properties directly to inquire about their shuttle schedules and locations.
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Student health insurance
The University of Alabama offers student health insurance plans to eligible students. The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is a comprehensive, 1-year commercial policy provided by United HealthCare Student Resources and is specifically designed to meet the needs of students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). The SHIP is mandatory for international students, students enrolled in a clinical program, undergraduate students registered for 9 or more credit hours, and most graduate and professional students. Students who have their own private coverage can opt out of SHIP by submitting a waiver.
Students at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) can also enrol in a student health insurance plan provided by BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama. This plan is mandatory for international students and optional for domestic students. Eligible students can also insure their legal spouse and dependent children under 26 years of age. Coverage must be purchased for one semester at a time, with Spring and Summer purchased together. Students can access their digital ID card and manage their coverage by logging into their BlueCross BlueShield account.
The University of South Alabama also offers a student health insurance plan for full-time undergraduates taking at least 12 credit hours per semester on campus, as well as part-time undergraduates enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per semester on campus, and graduate students enrolled in at least 3 credit hours per semester on campus.
Students enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Alabama with a graduate assistantship or fellowship that includes a health insurance benefit will have the plan purchased for them by UA. Students who do not receive insurance as part of their assistantship or fellowship can purchase the BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama plan for themselves or their dependents.
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Transfer student options
Transferring to the University of Alabama (UA) is a straightforward process, and the university's transfer credit team is on hand to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible. The team is responsible for processing all transfer credit, including AP, IB, CLEP, dual enrollment, and military credit.
Transferring Credits
UA accepts transfer work from postsecondary institutions that are fully accredited by one of the six regional accrediting agencies. College-level work does not include vocational, technical, or remedial/developmental coursework. Official transcripts for all postsecondary institutions attended must be submitted to the Office of the University Registrar. These must be submitted directly to UA in a sealed envelope by the originating institution. Official electronic transcripts are also accepted if submitted directly to UA by the originating institution through a third-party provider. Students should allow around seven business days for official transcripts to be processed.
Transfer Credit Equivalency Tables
UA maintains Transfer Credit Equivalency tables for transfer courses that have been previously evaluated. If a course has not been included in these tables, it will be reviewed and evaluated upon receipt of the transcript. Once an equivalency has been determined, the course will be posted to the student record and added to the Transfer Credit Equivalency Tables.
Orientation
Participation in an orientation session (Bama Bound) is required for all newly admitted transfer students. The Orientation Office provides new students with information about orientation sessions.
Registration
New students register for classes during a new-student orientation session. Currently enrolled students normally register beginning in October for spring semester classes and in March for summer and fall semester classes. Students may not register for more than 4 credit hours during the Winter Interim session of the spring semester. The maximum load for which a transfer student may register during their first term is 18 hours.
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Frequently asked questions
Currently enrolled students normally register beginning in October for spring semester classes and in March for summer or fall semester classes. New students register for classes during a new-student orientation session.
The University of Alabama has a total undergraduate enrollment of 33,435 as of Fall 2023.
The in-state tuition and fees are $12,180, and the out-of-state tuition and fees are $34,172.
Transfer students can apply through the Charger Status portal. Applicants must submit official transcripts and hold a minimum overall college "C" average (2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale) from their most recently attended institution.
During the summer term, the normal class hour load for undergraduate students is six credit hours for one five-week session or 12 credit hours for the entire summer term.











































