The University of Alabama (UA) is a large, public, flagship research university in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with approximately 39,000 students. Admissions are moderately selective 76% acceptance. UA is famous for excellent programs in Business, Law, Engineering, Nursing, and Communication, and boasts one of the country's most energetic athletic cultures, especially in football. The graduation rate is approximately 72%, and alumni have reported average starting salaries of about INR 56–60 lakhs per year ($67,000 USD).
Vanderbilt University (VU), Tennessee, Nashville, is a highly selective private research university with approximately 13,700 students. Admissions are highly competitive 6.3% acceptance. Vanderbilt is famous for Education, Medicine, Law, Business, and Engineering programs. The six-year graduation rate is 94%, and graduates have high starting salaries averaging INR 68–72 lakhs per annum (?$81,000 USD).
| University of Alabama | Vanderbilt University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 5.8 Out of 10 | 5.7 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 801 Times Higher Education 2026 # 1001 QS World University 2026 # 192 Center for World University Rankings 2025 | # 92 Times Higher Education 2026 # 250 QS World University 2026 # 56 Center for World University Rankings 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 97 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 156 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 251 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 39 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 70 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 14 for Law by US News 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -38 PG Programs -52 Doctorate Programs -3 | UG Programs -49 PG Programs -45 |
| Acceptance Rate | 88.0 % | 6.3 % |
| Exam Score | Duolingo-110 IELTS-6.5 PTE-59 SAT-990 TOEFL-80 | GMAT-670 IELTS-7 SAT-1440 TOEFL-89 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 50460 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 38380 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 25128 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 52780 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 35475 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 11540 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has a strong track record of preparing students for successful careers, and many graduates go on to work for top companies or pursue advanced degrees. Here are some examples of companies that have hired UAB graduates, as well as the average salaries for some of the most popular majors:
It is important to note that these are only averages, and individual salaries may vary depending on factors such as location, industry, and years of experience. Additionally, UAB offers a range of career development services to help students and alumni succeed in their job searches, including resume and cover letter reviews, career fairs, and networking events. | Graduate Employability ranks: #201-250 |
| application requirements | Submit official transcripts Submit LORs Submit English language proficiency Check program specific requirements | Counselor LOR along with 2 academic LORs. CSS profile. Optional alumni interviews may be conducted. |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 8.4/10 Read 8 reviews | 9.2/10 Read 1 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 601 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 18 for Business by US News 2025 # 101 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 351 for Business by QS World University 2025 |
| application | - | - |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 80/120 | Duolingo - 130/160GRE - 311/340IELTS - 7.0/9PTE - 70/90TOEFL - 100/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) - | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -62750 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Nov 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake) Apr 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake) Jul 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) | Jan 1, 2024 (Early Decision 2 Deadline For 2024 Intake) Jan 1, 2024 (Regular Decision Deadline For 2024 Intake) Nov 1, 2024 (Early Decision 1 Deadline For 2024 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of Alabama | Vanderbilt University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1969 | 1873 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 10:1 | 3:1 |
| Male:Female | 50% Male, 50% Female | 49% Male, 51% Female |
| Location Facts |
| Located sothwest of downtown West End Avenue, Vanderbilt University is roughly nine miles from Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory. It is surrounded by cityscape of Nationville. |
| Library | The UAB Libraries’ collections include over 1.4 million volumes and more than 40,000 journals and serials, in addition to extensive electronic resources, rare books, microforms, and audio-visual materials. The UAB Libraries host nearly 1 million patrons each year and support students and faculty in advancing their learning, research, and teaching. | The heard libraries of Vanderbilt have 2,993,999 print items collection, 2,801,503 electronic items collection, 38,627 linear feet in special collection and university archives. It also has 1,118,709 TV and news collection. |
| Campus Life |
| You can indulge in various co-curriculars through 430 student organizations and clubs, various events and activities are celebrated throughout the academic year. It also has field 16 varisty sports teams, 40 sports clubs and 40 intramural sports being offered to student. There are also a variety of eating options on campus. |
| Hostel | #Housing - $10112 #Housing - $9700 | #On campus - $11540 |
| Famous Alumni | The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has a long list of notable alumni, including accomplished professionals in various fields. Here are some of the prominent alumni from UAB :
This is just a small sample of the many successful alumni of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which is a testament to the quality of education and opportunities offered by the university. | Al Gore (former vice-president of US), James Patterson (author), Mhd. Yunnus (Bangladesi social entrepreneur), Jay Cutler (football quarterback), Lamar Alexander (US senator), David Farr (CEO Emerson Electric), Rossane Cash (singer-songwriter), Robert Penn Warren (poet), James Dickey (poet). |
| City Life |
| Nashville is culturally rich, commercial hub in the south. It is highly acknowledged for its rich music culture. Nashville has a lot to offer like musical hall of fame, museums, belcourt, metro parks, state parks, etc. There are 30,000 lakes that add on to Nashvilles natural beauty. The unemployement rate for June 2020 is 10.2%. |
| Weather |
University of Alabama vs Vanderbilt University
Topic Strength & International Rankings (2025/2026)
Vanderbilt University repeatedly surpasses the University of Alabama both nationally and internationally. Vanderbilt is ranked approximately 250 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, with high acclaim in Education, Medicine, Law, Business, and Social Sciences. The University of Alabama (UA) is ranked approximately 901-950 internationally, with high quality in Business, Engineering, Law, and Communications. Vanderbilt's global academic reputation is stronger, whereas UA is stronger regionally in the Southeast.
General Information
UA, established in 1831 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is a large public research university with ~38,000 students, possessing well-rounded programs, robust athletics (particularly football), and an affordable in-state education. Vanderbilt, established in 1873 in Nashville, Tennessee, is a private research university with ~13,800 students, focusing on smaller class sizes, top-notch faculty, and a selective admissions process.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
UA has an extremely high acceptance rate 76%rendering it moderately selective but with competitive majors such as Engineering, Business, and Nursing being more stringent. Vanderbilt, on the other hand, is highly selective 6.3%, admitting only the best students in the Top US and International scale, with the strongest pulls in Liberal Arts, Business, Medicine, and Law.
Research Impact & Facilities
Both universities are Carnegie R1 research institutions, although Vanderbilt has a more distinguished research profile. It has Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which is a leading center for healthcare and biomedical research, as well as highly ranked law and education schools. UA performs significant research in engineering, law, energy, communications, and business, with increasing infrastructure but a more regional focus.
Cost & Financial Aid
UA, being a public university, charges reduced tuition for residents of Alabama with higher non-resident tuition that is still lower than Vanderbilt's. Vanderbilt, on the other hand, is costly but has a very generous need-based and merit-based aid policy, frequently making it economically similar for accepted students with greater sticker prices.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Vanderbilt graduates enjoy national and international prominence in business, law, medicine, politics, and academia, with graduates often matriculating at top graduate schools and into leadership roles. UA graduates dominate the fields of engineering, law, communications, and business, with especially robust networks in the Southeast and via its athletics culture.



















