University of Oklahoma vs University of Alabama Tuscaloosa

University of Oklahoma vs University of Alabama Tuscaloosa

University of Oklahoma is a highly esteemed public university located in Norman, Oklahoma in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. The school is large with 30,000 undergraduate students. The University of Oklahoma acceptance rate is moderately competitive at around 76%. Majors offered are Business, Engineering, Political Science, Psychology, and Meteorology. The six-year graduation rate is 65%, and University of Oklahoma graduates earn a median starting salary of around INR 42,24,000 (ten years post-graduation, equivalent to $51,000 median earnings).

University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa is a well-known public university in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in the Tuscaloosa metropolitan area. It is a big university with an enrolment of 38,000 undergraduate students. Admissions are fairly competitive since the University of Alabama acceptance rate is approximately 76%. Most popular majors include Business, Engineering, Communication, Social Sciences, and Education. The six-year graduation rate is 67%, and University of Alabama alumni still have a median starting salary of about INR 43,62,000 (converted from $52,700 median earnings ten years after graduation).

Overview Comparison
University of OklahomaUniversity of Alabama
Collegedunia Score4.9 Out of 104.2 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 664 QS World University 2026
# 317 Center for World University Rankings 2025
# 701 QS World University 2025
# 901 QS World University 2026
# 498 Center for World University Rankings 2025
# 801 Times Higher Education 2025
Subject Strength# 110 for Engineering by US News 2024
# 501 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 59 for Law by US News 2025
# 99 for Engineering by US News 2024
# 501 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 31 for Law by US News 2025
ProgramsUG Programs -107
PG Programs -73
Doctorate Programs -40
UG Programs -75
PG Programs -46
Acceptance Rate77.0 %76.0 %
Exam ScoreDuolingo-100
IELTS-6.5
PTE-53
TOEFL-79
IELTS-6.5
TOEFL-79
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   28500
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  19966
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 15798 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   40249.43
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  25916.09
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 21050 Per Year
placement (average package)

The average full-time salary for a Price College of Business student was $56,949. Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows:

Masters of Arts: $93,000

MBA: $89,000

Bachelor of Arts: $48,000

Other Degree: $37,000 


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 


application requirements

Submit official transcripts

Submit English language proficiency scores

Check program specific requirements

Submit official transcripts, Submit English language requirements, Check program specific requirements


Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

ranking# 120 for Computer Science by US News 2025
# 701 for Computer Science by QS World University 2025
# 110 for Computer Science by US News 2025
# 501 for Computer Science by QS World University 2024
# 601 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2024
exam scoresDuolingo - 100/160IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 79/120Duolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 79/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -28500Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -30250
documents required#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose
application datesAug 1, 2024 (Application Opens For Fall 2024 Intake)
Nov 1, 2024 (Early Action Application Deadline For 2025 Intake)
Dec 15, 2024 (Priority Scholarship Deadline For 2025 Intake)
Feb 1, 2025 (Early Action Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake)
Apr 15, 2025 (Final Documents Submission Deadline For 2025 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)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsUniversity of OklahomaUniversity of Alabama
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1890
1820
Student:Faculty Ratio18:1
19:1
Male:Female48% Male, 52% Female45% Male, 55% Female
Location Facts

The Norman campus has three sections: north campus, main campus, and south campus. The main campus is bordered by Boyd Street on the north, Timberdell Road on the south, Chautauqua Avenue on the west, and Jenkins Avenue on the east. 


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

Bizzell Memorial Library, the main library on the Norman campus, consists of an original building constructed in 1929 and a large addition completed in 1958. The collections in the libraries total more than 6 million volumes, including 1.3 million eBooks, 3.6 million microform materials and 116,000 serials subscriptions. The libraries also maintain over 17,000 linear feet of manuscripts and archives, 1.6 million photographs, and more than 1.5 million maps.


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 Oklahoma has one of the best student life experiences of any public university in the nation. At least, that’s what The Princeton Review thought when it ranked OU as one of the happiest student bodies! It’s little wonder that Sooners are so happy. One stroll around our beautiful historic campus is enough to see why so many fall in love with the university. Our vibrant community offers something for everyone. At OU, not only will you receive a top education, you’ll make lifelong friends and become a unique part of the diverse OU family. At OU, you’ll find your home. OU's outstanding tradition in athletics brings an exciting vitality to the Norman campus! Across all sports, OU claims 38 total national titles, and students receive free admission to all athletic events, with the exception of football and men’s basketball. Campus Activities Council puts together campus-wide events, festivities, and fundraisers, while the Student Government Association (SGA) serves to advocate for undergraduate and graduate organizations and students' voices. Students can stay fit at Sarkeys Fitness Center! Conveniently located near the residence halls, this recreation area is great for exercise, weight lifting, racket sports, basketball, volleyball, rock climbing, and fitness classes such as yoga, kickboxing, and more.


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 & Food - $15798
#Double Occupancy - $3050
#Single Occupancy - $3450
#4 bedroom suite - $4650
#2 bedroom suite - $4850
#1 bedroom suite - $5050
Famous Alumni

Howard Bluestein, atmospheric scientist
Gregory Benford, physicist and science fiction writer
James Benford (physicist)
Norman H. Boke, botanist

Vickey Ray Anderson, former professional football player
Dee Andros, former collegiate football coach and Oregon State athletic director
Jason Bartlett, former professional baseball player


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

With more than 110,000 residents, Norman has the advantages of small-city living along with easy access to the large city. Little River State Park and Thunderbird Lake, which are within the city limits, are a haven for swimming, water-skiing, sailing, fishing, and camping. The cost of living in Norman is among the lowest in the nation. Oklahoma City is another source of cultural, recreational and sports entertainment. Attractions include the Oklahoma Arts Center, the Oklahoma Museum of Art, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, and Ballet Oklahoma. This major metropolitan center also offers the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage center, the Oklahoma City Zoo, the Kirkpatrick Omniplex (science museum) and Omnidome Theatre, and many other museums, theme parks, and attractions. Its diverse ethnic mix supports a variety of markets, restaurants and festivals.


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!


Weather
Comparison Notes

University of Oklahoma vs University of Alabama Tuscaloosa

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

The University of Oklahoma and the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa are both leading public research universities in the USA. University of Oklahoma ranks #664 in QS whereas University of Alabama #901-950 in QS and 801-1000th in Times Higher Education. By discipline, the University of Oklahoma is highly rated in Petroleum Engineering, Meteorology, Aviation, and Business, while the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa is highly rated in Law, Engineering, Business, and Education with notable emphasis on Business Administration and Aerospace Engineering.

General Information

The University of Oklahoma was established in 1890 and is situated in Norman, Oklahoma, with an enrollment of around 28,000. It is renowned for its research initiatives, especially in aerospace, meteorology, and energy, along with active campus life. University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, founded in 1831, is situated in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and has a student enrollment of approximately 38,000. It is the flagship campus of the University of Alabama system and is famous for its excellent academic programs, sports, and vast alumni base.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Admissions at both institutions are relatively selective. The University of Oklahoma maintains an acceptance rate of around 76 percent, with greater selectivity for specific programs like Petroleum Engineering, Business, and Law. The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa accepts around 76 percent of the applicants, with some programs like Law, Engineering, and Business being more selective. Both institutions take high school performance, standardized tests (optional for some programs), and extracurricular activity into consideration during admissions.

Research Impact & Facilities

The University of Oklahoma is an R1: Doctoral University with very high research activity, with specific research focus in energy, meteorology, aerospace, and public policy. Facilities there are the National Weather Center, state-of-the-art engineering laboratories, and aviation research facilities. The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa is also an R1 research institution, with strong research in engineering, education, business, and health sciences. It has specialized facilities such as the Center for Advanced Public Safety and the College of Engineering Research Laboratories, which facilitate both applied and theoretical research.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both of these universities are state institutions with varying fees for in-state and out-of-state students. At the University of Oklahoma, out-of-state fees are roughly $27,000–$30,000 annually, whereas the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa has non-resident fees of around $32,000–$35,000 annually. Both provide merit scholarships, need-based aid, and international student support.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

University of Oklahoma graduates experience excellent performance in energy, aerospace, business, meteorology, and government careers, with a heavy local presence and expanding national scope. University of Alabama Tuscaloosa graduates perform well in business, law, engineering, education, and sports-related professions, aided by a vast and active alumni base. Generally, the University of Oklahoma is strongest for careers related to energy and aerospace industries, whereas the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa offers wider career avenues and a strong-established network in various professional sectors.