University of Alabama at Birmingham vs University of Alabama

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The University of Alabama (UA), situated in Tuscaloosa, is a public research university with a student body of around 39,000. The acceptance rate is approximately 80%, indicating moderately competitive admissions. Business, Communications, Engineering, and Nursing are the top majors. The graduation rate is roughly 76%, and average early-career salaries for alumni are INR 50–54 lakhs per annum ($60,000–65,000).

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) accepts about 21,500 students and is based in Birmingham, Alabama. Its acceptance rate is approximately 88%, which is also moderately competitive. UAB is ranked nationally in Health Sciences, Nursing, and Biomedical Research. The graduation rate for UAB is approximately 62%, and graduates have early-career salaries that average INR 54–58 lakhs yearly ($65,000–70,000).

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University of AlabamaUniversity of Alabama
Collegedunia Score5.8 sfHSI/4.2 sfHSI/
CtVgo0# 801 Times Higher Education 2026
# 1001 QS World University 2026
# 192 Center for World University Rankings 2025
# 901 QS World University 2026
# 498 Center for World University Rankings 2025
# 801 Times Higher Education 2025
Subject Strength# 97 sQv06Y Engineering Vi2Pqx US News 2025
# 207 sQv06Y Medicine Vi2Pqx Collegedunia.com 2026
# 251 sQv06Y Law Vi2Pqx Times Higher Education 2025
# 99 sQv06Y Engineering Vi2Pqx US News 2024
# 501 sQv06Y Medicine Vi2Pqx QS World University 2025
# 31 sQv06Y Law Vi2Pqx US News 2025
ProgramsK6FNSL -38
+BcTMq -52
uAFC26 -3
K6FNSL -75
+BcTMq -46
Acceptance Rate88.0 %76.0 %
Exam ScoreDuolingo-110
IELTS-6.5
PTE-59
SAT-990
TOEFL-80
IELTS-6.5
TOEFL-79
Cost to Study78XRnV   50460
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78XRnV  38380
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4fro2k + zNMGDV - 25128 j5deyA
78XRnV   40249.43
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78XRnV  25916.09
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4fro2k + zNMGDV - 21050 j5deyA
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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.


Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows:

Doctorate: $115,000

PhD: $113,000

MBA: $102,000

Bachelor of Science: $85,000

Bachelor of Arts: $69,000

Master (Other): $56,000 


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ranking# 160 sQv06Y Computer Science by US News 2025
# 601 sQv06Y Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025
# 701 sQv06Y Computer Science by QS World University 2025
# 110 sQv06Y Computer Science by US News 2025
# 501 sQv06Y Computer Science by QS World University 2024
# 601 sQv06Y Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2024
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sjq1dkDuolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6/9TOEFL - 77/120Duolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 79/120
cost to studyMr9UejMr9Uej30250
documents requiredF4a/y1F4a/y1
application datesMay 15, 2026 (Priority Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake)
Jun 1, 2026 (Priority Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake)
Jan 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake)
Jan 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Summer Intake)
Nov 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring Intake)
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H1MbuoUniversity of AlabamaUniversity of Alabama
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1969
1820
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19:1
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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.

The University of Alabama was founded in 1831 in Tuscaloosa and is the state of Alabama's oldest public university. In 1936, UA established an extension center in Birmingham, and the University of Alabama School of Medicine moved there in the same year. In 1950, another extension center was set up in Huntsville.


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 University of Alabama has 2.9 million document volumes, along with nearly 100,000 uncatalogued government documents in its collection; of these 2.5 million volumes are held by the University Libraries. The University Libraries system has six separate libraries.


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.

UA offers a complete educational, cultural and social experience. Whatever your interests, you’ll find a group, an organization, an activity or a program that appeals to you. UA invests significant resources in activities and initiatives designed to increase student's security on the campus and their ability to make responsible decisions that enhance their well-being. UA students are from many backgrounds with differing interests and passions. The university  makes sure that the students have the information, resources and support that they need to succeed here and for a lifetime. Whether their interests are intellectual, social, recreational, cultural, multicultural or spiritual in nature, there is a place for everyone at UA. At the university you can take advantage of a robust and varied schedule of musical, dance and theatre performances, art galleries and exhibitions, museums, lectures and readings by writers, poets and experts on every topic imaginable.  Several events are also held for the students on campus every month or week. Students are also provided with the options of on cmapus accommodation and dining facilities. 


Hostel#Housing - $10112
#Housing - $9700
#Double Occupancy - $3050
#Single Occupancy - $3450
#4 bedroom suite - $4650
#2 bedroom suite - $4850
#1 bedroom suite - $5050
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.


Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Hugo Black

Author Harper Lee

Former Governor of Alabama George Wallace

Football player Julio Jones

Co-founder of Wikipedia Jimmy Wales

Former U.S. Senator Doug Jones


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.

Located in the heart of West Alabama, Tuscaloosa is a vibrant community that’s filled with legendary history. Home to the renowned University of Alabama and located along the Black Warrior River, you’ll find a walkable Downtown that’s complete with live music, outdoor spaces to explore, and local restaurants to meet every palate. Not too big. Not too small.Tuscaloosa offers a wide collection of unique activities for visitors throughout the city. Whether you're looking to take in a show at the Bama Theatre, indulge in exclusive southern dining or enjoy the thrill of an Alabama football game, there's a place for you! Plus, those looking for an educational experience can browse places like the Alabama Museum of Natural History or the Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre. And when they've had their fill of activities, visitors can enjoy a delicious meal from restaurants like Dreamland BBQ or Full Moon BBQ. With so much to offer, Tuscaloosa is an ideal destination for a memorable experience!


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University of Alabama at Birmingham vs University of Alabama

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

UA tends to be ranked in the 600–800 range worldwide, with particular strengths in Business, Law, and Communication Studies. UAB tends to rank somewhat higher (500–600 range) because of its reputation for medical research and strong rankings in health-related disciplines. UAB's medical center is ranked among the top research hospitals in the U.S., providing it with considerable stature in biomedical sciences.

General Information

UA's Tuscaloosa campus is a classic flagship university experience with solid athletics (particularly football), Greek life, and broad academic offering. UAB is more urban, in the heart of downtown Birmingham, and has a more professional and research-oriented environment, particularly in health care and life sciences.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Both institutions have comparable acceptance rates (~80%), yet they have different applicant bases. UA draws more out-of-state students with liberal merit scholarships, while UAB strongly appeals to health sciences, nursing, and professional students.

Research Impact & Facilities

UA is a Carnegie R1 university with increasing research in law, engineering, and social sciences. UAB is also R1 but much more research-active in medicine, public health, and biomedical sciences. Its University Hospital and medical center are among the largest in the United States, offering special opportunities for medical and life sciences students.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both UA and UAB have in-state tuition of approximately $11,000–12,000 annually and out-of-state tuition of $30,000–32,000. Alabama provides broader merit scholarships, whereas UAB provides focused aid, particularly for healthcare and STEM-bound students.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UA alumni perform particularly well in business, law, communications, and public service, with close ties throughout the Southeast. UAB graduates do well in healthcare, biomedical research, and medical careers, usually remaining in the Birmingham metropolitan area's healthcare sector. Whereas UA's alumni pool is wider across business sectors, UAB's graduates are helped by specialization in medical and STEM-related professions.