University of Alabama vs Vanderbilt University

University of Alabama vs Vanderbilt University

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).

Overview Comparison
University of AlabamaVanderbilt University
Collegedunia Score5.8 Out of 105.7 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
ProgramsUG Programs -38
PG Programs -52
Doctorate Programs -3
UG Programs -49
PG Programs -45
Acceptance Rate88.0 %6.3 %
Exam ScoreDuolingo-110
IELTS-6.5
PTE-59
SAT-990
TOEFL-80
GMAT-670
IELTS-7
SAT-1440
TOEFL-89
Cost to StudyAverage 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:

  • Companies that have hired UAB graduates include Amazon, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Children's Hospital of Alabama, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and Regions Bank, among others.
  • According to data from PayScale, the average salaries for some of the most popular majors at UAB are as follows:
    • Nursing: $63,000
    • Computer Science: $75,000
    • Accounting: $55,000
    • Business Administration: $60,000
    • Mechanical Engineering: $70,000
    • Psychology: $47,000
    • Biology: $47,000

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
MBA: $129,000.
MFin.: $100,000.
BA: $88,000.


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 Reviews8.4/10 Read 8 reviews9.2/10 Read 1 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

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 scoresDuolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 80/120Duolingo - 130/160GRE - 311/340IELTS - 7.0/9PTE - 70/90TOEFL - 100/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -62750
documents required#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose
application datesNov 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)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsUniversity of AlabamaVanderbilt University
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1969
1873
Student:Faculty Ratio10:1
3:1
Male:Female50% Male, 50% Female49% Male, 51% Female
Location Facts
  • The campus can be divided into three sections. The medical center occupies most of the campus east of Campus Green.
  • The academic heart of campus stretches from the Campus Green west and from University Boulevard south. Campus Green, developed between 2000 and 2007 as part of the move to convert the school from its previously commuter school feel into a more traditional residential campus, not only anchors the academic campus but serves as the centerpiece for the university as a whole.
  • Most academics and arts buildings (excluding those associated with the medical center), residence halls, and student life facilities sit on or within two blocks of the Green.

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
  • The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a dynamic student life with a wide range of activities and resources available to students.
  • Campus life at UAB is designed to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages personal and academic growth.
  • UAB has over 200 student organizations and clubs that cater to a variety of interests, including academic, cultural, political, and social groups.
  • These organizations provide students with the opportunity to connect with peers who share similar interests, develop leadership skills, and explore new hobbies and activities.
  • UAB is also known for its sports facilities, which include an Olympic-size swimming pool, a fitness center, and numerous sports fields and courts.
  • UAB is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and competes in various sports, including basketball, soccer, and volleyball.
  • Apart from sports and clubs, UAB also provides numerous resources and support services to help students succeed academically and personally. These resources include academic advising, tutoring, counseling services, and career services.
  • Overall, UAB's campus life provides students with a vibrant and engaging experience. Whether it's through student organizations, sports facilities, or support services, UAB encourages students to explore their interests, develop their skills, and build meaningful connections with others.

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 :

  1. Condoleezza Rice – Former United States Secretary of State
  2. Marquette King – NFL Punter for the Las Vegas Raiders
  3. Octavia Spencer – Oscar-winning actress
  4. Carl Hiaasen – Bestselling author and journalist
  5. Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha – Pediatrician and public health advocate who exposed the Flint water crisis
  6. Heather McPherson – Chief Executive Officer at Women’s Business Enterprise National Council
  7. Edie Hand – Award-winning actress, author, and television personality
  8. Natalee Holloway – UAB student who went missing in 2005 and received national attention
  9. John Isner – Professional tennis player
  10. Chuck Holmes – Retired NBA player
  11. Robby Shelton – Professional golfer
  12. Rebecca Luker – Broadway actress and singer
  13. Courtney Johnson – Former U.S. Olympic sprinter
  14. Tony Kanaan – Professional race car driver
  15. Martha Myers – Medical missionary who was killed in the 2002 Yemen terrorist attack
  16. Michael G. Sandel – Philosopher and professor at Harvard University
  17. Kenneth Olden – Former Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program
  18. Randy Owen – Lead singer of the country band Alabama
  19. Dr. Leona Harris – First African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in Mathematics from UAB
  20. Gregory Pence – Philosopher and bioethicist.

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
  • Birmingham has more green space per capita than any other major city in the United States. Whether you’re looking for a mountain hike or a prime picnic spot, we’ve got it all, from urban oases to reclaimed wilderness.
  • They don’t need a reason to party, but these world-class gatherings are hotly anticipated by locals and visitors alike. Each offers the chance to rub shoulders with both rising stars and established names.
  • Birmingham was one of the epicenters of Southern jazz. That live music tradition lives on in a range of venues, both historic and avant garde.
  • Food critics have been raving about Birmingham’s restaurant scene for years, and it’s only getting hotter. Down-home barbecue is a specialty, but so are tastes as varied as Southern soul food and southeast Asian cuisine.
  • Birmingham’s Galleria is among the largest malls in the country. It’s just one of dozens of retail options in town, from expansive outlets to upscale boutiques.
  • Birmingham has 99 neighborhoods, and UAB’s students, faculty and staff can be found in almost every one. Service is an important part of what it means to be a Blazer; whatever your passion, you can find a way to take part here.

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
Comparison Notes

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.