
The University of Alabama, established in 1831, is the oldest and largest public university in Alabama. The university is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and offers a unique educational experience for students across the United States and the world. In the fall semester of 2024, the university enrolled 40,846 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, with a record number of in-state freshmen from all 67 counties in Alabama.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Founding | 1820, opened to students in 1831 |
| Location | Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States |
| Campus size | 1,143 acres or 1,400 acres |
| Number of students | 33,435 (fall 2023) or 40,846 (fall 2024) |
| Number of freshmen from Alabama | 3,184 (fall 2023) |
| Number of students from Alabama | 41.7% of the undergraduate student body (fall 2023) |
| Number of students from out of state | 58.3% of the undergraduate student body (fall 2023) |
| Students from other US states | All 50 states and the District of Columbia |
| International students | 95 countries |
| National Merit Scholars | 1,173 |
| Nicknames | Alabama, UA, the Capstone, or Bama |
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The University of Alabama's student demographics
The University of Alabama, also known as Alabama, UA, the Capstone, or Bama, is a public research university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Established in 1820 and opened to students in 1831, the University of Alabama is the oldest and largest of the public universities in Alabama. The university offers programs of study in 12 academic divisions leading to bachelor's, master's, specialist, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. The university enrolled 39,623 students in the fall of 2023, including 3,184 freshmen from Alabama, representing every county in the state. Alabama residents comprised 41.7% of the undergraduate student body, while out-of-state residents made up 58.3%.
UA's 1,400-acre campus is regularly cited as one of the most beautiful in the nation. The campus stretches across a lot of land, and while some educational buildings are up-to-date, most are not. The university has a unique educational experience for anyone in America, with a vibrant community and a legendary history. The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #171. Its in-state tuition and fees are $12,180, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $34,172.
UA has been named a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. Students, a distinction it has earned eight times in the last ten years. The university has produced a total of 17 Rhodes Scholars, 16 Truman Scholars, 69 Goldwater Scholars, 43 Hollings Scholars, and 20 Boren Scholars. UA's public relations program is among the top five in the nation, according to PRWeek. The university's School of Law ranks #12 among public universities on U.S. News and World Report's list of the Best Law Schools. The Manderson Graduate School MBA Program ranks #27 among public business schools on the list of best business graduate schools. UA also appeared on 14 U.S. News and World Report lists ranking the Best Online Programs, with five programs ranked in the top 10.
UA has a total undergraduate enrollment of 33,435 as of the fall of 2023. The university's total enrollment surpassed 40,000 for the first time in the fall of 2024, with 40,846 undergraduate, professional, and graduate students enrolled. With students from all 67 of Alabama's counties, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 95 countries, UA is educating and graduating more students than any other university in the state. The university currently enrolls a record number of 1,173 National Merit Scholars, making it one of the nation's largest enrolling institutions of National Merit Scholars.
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UA's reputation and student experience
The University of Alabama (UA) is a public research university in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. UA is the oldest and largest public university in Alabama, established in 1820 and opened to students in 1831. It is one of three campuses in the University of Alabama System. UA's 1,400-acre campus is regularly cited as one of the most beautiful in the nation. It has been named a Tree Campus USA for 10 consecutive years and is the only major university with an elephant as its mascot. The campus includes several libraries, such as the Eric and Sarah Rodgers Library for Science and Engineering, the McLure Education Library, and the William Stanley Hoole Special Collections Library.
UA has a strong academic reputation and is classified as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity." It offers a wide range of academic programs, including unique doctoral programs in anthropology, communication and information sciences, metallurgical engineering, music, Romance languages, and social work. UA has been recognised for its research excellence, receiving $76 million in research contracts and grants in the 2014-2015 academic year. The university is also home to several prestigious schools, including the School of Law, which has been ranked among the best public law schools by US News and World Report, and the Manderson Graduate School MBA Program, which has been ranked among the top public business schools. UA's School of Social Work has also received recognition, ranking among the best public universities for social work.
In addition to its academic reputation, UA is known for its vibrant student life and extracurricular activities. UA has a prominent Greek life culture, with a powerful coalition of fraternities and sororities known as "The Machine" exerting considerable influence over the Student Government Association. However, this has also led to controversies, including allegations of harassment, intimidation, and criminal activities. UA is also well-known for its football program, which has a dedicated fan base and has contributed to the university's reputation.
UA provides a unique educational experience for its students, offering a combination of academic excellence and extracurricular involvement. The university has produced numerous notable alumni, including figures in local, state, and national politics. UA's total economic impact on the state is significant, contributing billions of dollars and thousands of jobs to the local economy. The university has also been recognised as a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. Students, with its students receiving various Fulbright Program awards. UA's student body is diverse, with students from all 67 of Alabama's counties, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 95 countries, creating a dynamic and enriching campus environment.
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UA's history and location
The University of Alabama (UA), informally known as Alabama, UA, the Capstone, or Bama, is a public research university in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States. UA is the oldest and largest of the public universities in Alabama, established in 1820 and opened to students in 1831. It is the only public law school in the state, and the only university in Alabama to offer doctoral programs in anthropology, communication and information sciences, metallurgical engineering, music, Romance languages, and social work. UA is also home to several museums, cultural facilities, and historical landmarks.
UA's varsity football program, nicknamed the Crimson Tide, was inaugurated in 1892 and ranks as one of the ten best in US history. UA's football team won the Rose Bowl, becoming national champions for the first time. The university's athletic history is documented at the Paul W. Bryant Museum, which houses memorabilia and exhibits on the history of UA athletic programs. Athletic trophies and awards are displayed at the Mal Moore Athletic Facility.
UA's history includes notable involvement in the American Civil War and the civil rights movement. UA was originally located in Tuscaloosa, and the US government authorized land for the university in 1819. In 1860, the university became a military school, providing officers for the Confederacy. Union cavalry destroyed much of the campus in 1865, and instruction could not resume until 1869. The university was desegregated in June 1963 after court order, despite initial protests from Alabama governor George C. UA's Student Government Association, founded in 1914, has also been a source of controversy due to the influence of "The Machine," a coalition of fraternities and sororities that have been linked to harassment, intimidation, and criminal activities.
UA has three campuses in Tuscaloosa (main campus), Birmingham, and Huntsville, with a total enrollment of about 40,000 students. The Tuscaloosa campus includes the Alabama Museum of Natural History, the Sarah Moody Gallery of Art, and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab on Dauphin Island off the Alabama Gulf Coast. The university also maintains the University of Alabama Arboretum in eastern Tuscaloosa and has a centre in Gadsden. The Japan Program Center in Tuscaloosa provides students with the opportunity to study at Kansai University in Ōsaka, Japan.
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UA's enrolment statistics
The University of Alabama (UA), established in 1820 and opened to students in 1831, is a public research university in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It is the oldest and largest public university in Alabama.
Enrollment Statistics:
UA has experienced significant growth in enrollment over the years, with a record-breaking total enrollment of 40,846 undergraduate, professional, and graduate students in the fall semester of 2024. This marks the first time UA has surpassed 40,000 students.
In the fall of 2023, UA had an enrollment of 39,623 students, including 3,184 freshmen from Alabama, representing every county in the state. This trend continued into 2024, with students enrolled from all 67 of Alabama's counties. Additionally, UA has a substantial number of out-of-state and international students. In 2023, out-of-state residents comprised 58.3% of the undergraduate student body.
UA's campus size is substantial, with 1,143 acres according to one source, while another source states 1,400 acres. This extensive campus provides a unique educational experience for its large student population.
UA has a strong reputation and has been recognised by various organisations. It has been named a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. Students eight times in the last ten years. Additionally, UA's School of Social Work and School of Law have received high rankings from U.S. News and World Report. UA has also featured on several of Forbes' lists, including Best Employers for New Grads and America's Top Colleges.
The university offers a diverse range of academic programs and is known for its research activities, classified as "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity." UA's research endeavours have attracted significant funding, receiving $76 million in research contracts and grants during the 2014-2015 academic year.
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UA's campus and facilities
The University of Alabama (UA) is a public research university in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Established in 1820 and opened to students in 1831, UA is the oldest and largest public university in Alabama. The university offers programs in 12 academic divisions, leading to bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. UA is also the only publicly supported law school in the state.
UA's campus is a blend of natural beauty and state-of-the-art student-centred facilities. The campus size is 1,143 acres and the university library system includes the Gorgas Library, the Eric and Sarah Rodgers Library for Science and Engineering, the McLure Education Library, and the William Stanley Hoole Special Collections Library, which houses the university's collection of rare and historical documents and books.
UA is dedicated to achieving excellence in scholarship, collaboration, and intellectual engagement. The university provides public outreach and service to Alabama and the nation, and fosters a campus environment that promotes collegiality, respect, and inclusivity. In the fall of 2024, UA had a total enrollment of 40,846 undergraduate, professional, and graduate students.
UA has received numerous accolades and rankings. The university was named a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. Students, and its School of Social Work ranks No. 17 among public universities. UA's School of Law ranks No. 12 among public universities, and the Manderson Graduate School MBA Program ranks No. 27 among public business schools. UA also appeared on TIME magazine's list of Best Colleges for Future Leaders in 2025.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2023, Alabama residents comprised 41.7% of the undergraduate student body, while out-of-state residents made up 58.3%.
The University of Alabama had an enrollment of 39,623 students in the fall of 2023.
The total undergraduate enrollment at the University of Alabama is 33,435 as of the fall of 2023.
The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.











































