University of Alabama vs University of South Carolina

The University of Alabama (UA) is a public research university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with a student population of approximately 38,000. It is known for its vibrant campus life, strong athletics, and comprehensive academic programs. Admissions are moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 76%. Popular programs include Engineering, Business, Education, and Nursing. UA has a graduation rate of approximately 74%, and its graduates earn average starting salaries of around INR 51–52 lakhs annually (USD $61,700).

The University of South Carolina (USC), located in Columbia, South Carolina, is a large public research university with around 34,000 students. It emphasizes a diverse academic environment and community engagement. Admissions are somewhat selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 61.5%. Popular programs include Business, Public Health, Engineering, and Hospitality Management. USC has a graduation rate of around 72%, and its alumni earn average starting salaries of INR 45–46 lakhs annually (USD $54,100).

Overview Comparison
University of AlabamaUniversity of South Carolina
Collegedunia Score5.8 Out of 10-
ranking (overall)# 801 Times Higher Education 2026
# 1001 QS World University 2026
# 192 Center for World University Rankings 2025
# 628 QS World University 2026
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
# 401 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 63 for Law by US News 2025
ProgramsUG Programs -38
PG Programs -52
Doctorate Programs -3
UG Programs -80
PG Programs -63
Doctorate Programs -57
Acceptance Rate88.0 %61.5 %
Exam ScoreDuolingo-110
IELTS-6.5
PTE-59
SAT-990
TOEFL-80
SAT-920
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   50460
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  38380
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 25128 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   41845
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  31796
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 20545 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.


application requirements

Submit official transcripts

Submit LORs

Submit English language proficiency 

Check program specific requirements

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CollegeDunia Reviews8.4/10 Read 8 reviews-

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

ranking# 601 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025
# 151 for Business by QS World University 2025
application--
exam scoresDuolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 80/120IELTS - 7/9TOEFL - 95/120
documents required#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose
application datesApr 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake)
Jul 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake)
Nov 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake)
Mar 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Summer I 2026 Intake)
Apr 1, 2026 (Priority Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake)
May 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Summer II 2026 Intake)
Jul 25, 2026 (Final Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsUniversity of AlabamaUniversity of South Carolina
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1969
1961
Student:Faculty Ratio10:1
14:1
Male:Female50% Male, 50% Female36% Male, 64% 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.


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.



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.


Hostel#Housing - $10112
#Housing - $9700
#Off campus (with family) - $4451
#On campus - $7592
#Off campus (not with family) - $8502
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.



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.


Weather
Comparison Notes

University of Alabama vs University of South Carolina

Subject Global Strength & Rankings (2025/2026)

The University of South Carolina (USC) and the University of Alabama (UA) are both reputable public universities in the U.S. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, UA ranks 901-950 worldwide, with excellence in Business, Engineering, Law, and Communications. USC ranked 628 globally, with high-profile programs in Business,Engineering, Hospitality, Public Health, and Education, with a focus on applied learning and local impact.

General Information

UA, established in 1831 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is a large campus with ~38,000 students, featuring an extensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs, and a very active athletic and student life environment. USC, established in 1801 in Columbia, South Carolina, has ~35,000 students, featuring a large urban campus environment with close connections to local industries and professional networks.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Admissions at both institutions are relatively selective. UA is 76% acceptance, with increased competition in Engineering, Business, and Nursing. USC is roughly 61.5% acceptance, with competitive programs in Business, Engineering, Hospitality, and Public Health.

Research Impact & Facilities

UA is a Carnegie R1 research institution, with research units in engineering, business, law, health sciences, and energy, and close relations with industry and government. USC is also research-oriented, with excellent centers in business, engineering, hospitality, public health, and social sciences, targeting applied and community-focused research.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both are public universities. Tuition is affordable for in-state students, while out-of-state and international students pay more. Both provide merit-based, need-based, and program-specific scholarships, although UA has more in endowment to fund additional research and fellowship opportunities.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UA graduates are successful in business, engineering, law, communications, and athletics, with extensive contacts throughout the southeastern United States. USC graduates are successful in business, engineering, hospitality, healthcare, and public service, drawing on strong regional employer networks and professional development programs sponsored by the universities.