Exploring Enrollment: University Of Alabama's Student Population

The University of Alabama, established in 1820, is a public research university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It is the oldest and largest public university in Alabama. In 2024, the university achieved a record-breaking total enrollment of over 40,000 students for the first time, with a notable increase in the number of in-state first-year students. The University of Alabama offers a wide range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and scholarships, attracting students from diverse backgrounds and fostering a vibrant campus culture.

The University of Alabama's total student enrollment in Fall 2024 was 40,846

Among the 40,846 students enrolled at UA in Fall 2024, 42.3% were legal Alabama residents, while 57.7% came from elsewhere in the United States and 95 foreign countries. This diverse student body showcases the university's broad reach and appeal to students from across the globe.

The University of Alabama's Fall 2024 enrollment figures also highlight its strong retention rate. Second-year retention reached an all-time high of nearly 90%, indicating that students are not only choosing UA but also staying and thriving there. This retention rate is a testament to the university's engaging academic programs, supportive community, and rich traditions.

UA's Fall 2024 enrollment numbers also reflect a larger trend of growth and success. The university has experienced six consecutive years of in-state growth, with in-state student growth outpacing the state's population growth. Additionally, the number of first-generation students among all undergraduates increased by 9.8%largest public universities in Alabama. This record-breaking enrollment underscores the university's reputation as a leading educational institution, known for its academic excellence, research opportunities, and vibrant campus life.

The University of Alabama is a public research university

The University of Alabama offers a wide range of academic programs, with 12 academic divisions leading to bachelor's, master's, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. The university has a strong focus on research and is classified as an R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity institution. It offers its students opportunities to get involved in research projects and hosts an annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Conference.

In terms of enrollment, the University of Alabama has seen a steady increase in recent years. In fall 2024, the university surpassed 40,000 students for the first time, with a total enrollment of 40,846. This includes a record-breaking number of in-state first-year students, with 3,434 freshmen from Alabama, a 7.9% increase from the previous year. The university has a high retention rate, with second-year retention reaching an all-time high of nearly 90%.

The University of Alabama has a large and diverse student body, with students from all 67 Alabama counties, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 95 countries. The university is committed to providing access and support to its students, with generous scholarships and financial aid. The university's suburban campus spans 1,143 acres and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, with over 500 student organizations, a prominent Greek system, and competitive sports teams.

The University of Alabama has a rich history and has played a significant role in the state's cultural and social development. It was a center of activity during the American Civil War and the civil rights movement. The university has also produced notable alumni, including legendary football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, New York Yankees sportscaster Mel Allen, and "Forrest Gump" author Winston Groom.

The University of Alabama's Greek system includes close to 70 fraternities and sororities

The University of Alabama is a public institution founded in 1831. It has a large student population, with a record-breaking total enrollment of 40,846 in Fall 2024, surpassing 40,000 for the first time. This includes 3,434 freshmen from Alabama, the largest number of in-state freshmen in the university's history. The University of Alabama's Greek system is an influential aspect of campus life, with close to 70 fraternities and sororities. This extensive Greek system comprises around 12,000 students, or 36% of the undergraduate student body. It is recognised as one of the largest and most vibrant fraternity and sorority communities in the United States.

The Greek system at the University of Alabama is governed by four councils: the Alabama Panhellenic Association (APA), the Interfraternity Council (IFC), the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and the United Greek Council (UGC). Each council has its own policies and procedures for recruitment, intake or membership processes, and new member requirements. For example, the APA requires that all students identifying as women who wish to participate in sorority recruitment must be regularly enrolled full-time students in good standing, not previously initiated into an APA sorority, and must register and pay a fee before the deadline. On the other hand, the IFC holds an informal recruitment process during which prospective members can interact with fraternity members and visit their houses.

The University of Alabama's Greek community offers a range of social and extracurricular opportunities for its members. With over 70 organisations, the Greek system provides a sense of community and fosters relationships between members of different organisations. The Greek Programming Board and the Greek point system aim to encourage members to make friends not only within their own chapters but also across all four councils. The University also provides dedicated spaces for the NPHC and UGC, reflecting its commitment to supporting and promoting the Greek system on campus.

The University of Alabama takes a strong stance against hazing and is committed to providing resources to end this issue. It is important to note that hazing is not unique to the University of Alabama but is a common challenge faced by student organisations nationwide. The University adheres to its Hazing Policy and the state of Alabama's laws, which prohibit hazing and consider it a crime. The University encourages students to report any known or suspected hazing violations and provides support for victims on campus.

The University of Alabama's sports teams are called the Alabama Crimson Tide

The Crimson Tide name is thought to have originated from a 1907 game against Auburn, which took place on a muddy field. The Birmingham Age-Herald sports editor, Hugh Roberts, is said to have described the team as a 'crimson tide' due to the red mud staining their uniforms. However, there are conflicting accounts about the weather conditions on the day, with some sources indicating it was a clear day. Nevertheless, the name stuck, and local newspaper coverage helped popularize it.

The Alabama Crimson Tide has a rich history of success across various sports. The football team has won 18 national championships and 28 Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships. The men's basketball program has also achieved success, with numerous SEC Championships and players going on to become NBA stars and international professionals. The Crimson Tide's baseball team is second only to LSU for the most SEC titles, with 14 regular-season titles and one tournament title.

The University of Alabama provides its students with numerous opportunities to get involved in athletics and other extracurricular activities. With over 500 student organizations, almost 70 fraternities and sororities, and a range of sports teams, students have plenty of options to choose from. The university's commitment to student success and its world-class resources have contributed to its record-breaking enrollment numbers.

The University of Alabama's School of Law is highly ranked

The University of Alabama School of Law has been recognised for its excellence in several specialty areas. In The National Jurist's 2025 rankings, the law school was ranked #7 in Federal Clerkship Placements, #20 for its Moot Court Program, and #23 for Public Interest Law among all ABA-accredited law schools. Additionally, The National Jurist recognised the University of Alabama School of Law as the #3 Best Value Law School in the nation.

The University of Alabama's School of Law provides students with numerous opportunities to get involved in research projects and showcases their work through the annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Conference. The institution also fosters networking prospects through programmes like Future Alumni for Tradition and Excellence (FATE). The law school's notable alumni include legendary football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, New York Yankees sportscaster Mel Allen, and "Forrest Gump" author Winston Groom.

The University of Alabama's overall student population is impressive, with a total enrollment of over 40,000 students as of Fall 2024. The university attracts students from diverse backgrounds, representing all 67 Alabama counties, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 95 countries. The institution's commitment to student success and its wide range of academic and extracurricular offerings contribute to its appeal.

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