The University of South Alabama is a public research doctoral university in Mobile, Alabama, founded in 1963 to serve the Gulf Coast region. It is ranked #363 among National Universities in the US News Best Colleges 2026 edition and operates one of only two state-supported medical schools in the state. The Mobile campus spans 1,190 acres and enrols close to 14,000 students, with international candidates drawn from more than 70 countries.
Indian applicants can choose from over 115 undergraduate and graduate programmes across ten colleges, including engineering, computing, business, nursing, and allied health. All degrees are taught in English. STEM master’s fields remain the most popular route because they qualify for the 24-month OPT extension on top of the 12-month post-completion OPT. For a broader shortlist, compare it with other MS programmes in the USA.
- Ranking: #363 in US News Best Colleges National Universities 2026
- Acceptance rate: approximately 71%
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- Graduate tuition (international): USD 17,280 (INR 16.64 lakh) per year
- Student body: nearly 14,000 total, students from 70+ countries
- Application fee: USD 60 (graduate) or USD 35 (undergraduate)
The University of South Alabama has expanded its research footprint over the past decade with steady growth in externally funded projects and doctoral output. It sits outside global rankings such as QS but performs consistently in US national tables, competing with other regional research universities across the southern United States.
F-1 students at the University of South Alabama pay a single out-of-state rate regardless of home country, and Indian graduate applicants routinely qualify for assistantships that offset tuition. Compared with public universities across the USA, South Alabama sits in the affordable tier for international candidates seeking accredited STEM and business degrees.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 96.29 as of July 2026
Admission Status: Open. The Fall 2027 international priority deadline for applicants outside the US is 1 April 2027. The Spring 2028 international priority deadline is 1 October 2027. Published dates apply to both undergraduate and graduate international applicants; programme-specific dates may vary.
Table of Contents
- University of South Alabama Courses and Fees 2027
- University of South Alabama Admission 2027
- University of South Alabama Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- University of South Alabama Acceptance Rate 2027
- University of South Alabama Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- University of South Alabama Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- University of South Alabama Scholarships 2027
- University of South Alabama Rankings 2027
- University of South Alabama Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- University of South Alabama vs Peer Universities
- University of South Alabama FAQs
University of South Alabama Courses and Fees 2027
The University of South Alabama offers more than 115 programmes at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels through ten colleges. International students pay the out-of-state tuition rate. Standard graduate tuition is USD 17,280 per year, while professional and selected engineering programmes range up to USD 31,140 per year as per the university’s published fee schedule.
| Programme | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.S. Computer and Information Science | USD 34,560 | INR 33.28 lakh | Bachelor’s with 3.0 GPA (approx 60-65% Indian equivalent) |
| M.S. Information Systems | USD 34,560 | INR 33.28 lakh | Bachelor’s with 3.0 GPA (approx 60-65% Indian equivalent) |
| M.B.A. | USD 34,560 (verify programme-specific rate) | INR 33.28 lakh | Bachelor’s with 3.0 GPA; GMAT or GRE (waivers possible) |
| M.S. Mechanical Engineering | USD 34,560 | INR 33.28 lakh | B.E./B.Tech with 3.0 GPA (approx 65% Indian equivalent) |
| M.S. Electrical Engineering | USD 34,560 | INR 33.28 lakh | B.E./B.Tech with 3.0 GPA (approx 65% Indian equivalent) |
| M.S. Civil Engineering | USD 34,560 | INR 33.28 lakh | B.E./B.Tech with 3.0 GPA (approx 65% Indian equivalent) |
| M.S. Biology | USD 34,560 | INR 33.28 lakh | Bachelor’s in Life Sciences with 3.0 GPA |
| Master of Accounting | USD 34,560 | INR 33.28 lakh | Bachelor’s with 3.0 GPA; GMAT/GRE (waivers case-by-case) |
| M.Ed. Early Childhood Education | USD 17,280 | INR 16.64 lakh | Bachelor’s in Education/relevant field with 3.0 GPA |
Undergraduate international tuition is USD 21,540 per year, so the four-year total for a Bachelor’s programme is approximately USD 86,160 (INR 82.96 lakh) before living costs and health insurance.
| Programme | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.S. Computer Engineering | USD 86,160 | INR 82.96 lakh | Class 12 with 2.5 GPA equivalent (approx 55-60%) |
| B.S. Computer Science | USD 86,160 | INR 82.96 lakh | Class 12 with 2.5 GPA equivalent (approx 55-60%) |
| B.S. Mechanical Engineering | USD 86,160 | INR 82.96 lakh | Class 12 (Science) with 2.5 GPA equivalent |
| B.S. Civil Engineering | USD 86,160 | INR 82.96 lakh | Class 12 (Science) with 2.5 GPA equivalent |
| B.A. Anthropology | USD 86,160 | INR 82.96 lakh | Class 12 with 2.5 GPA equivalent |
[Source: University of South Alabama Office of International Admissions, 2023-24 published rate schedule]
Insider note: Indian graduate applicants gravitate toward the M.S. Computer and Information Science, M.S. Information Systems and M.S. Mechanical Engineering because these designated STEM programmes unlock the 36-month OPT window essential for return on investment.
Read More: University of South Alabama Fees and Cost of Living Guide
University of South Alabama Admission 2027
The University of South Alabama runs two international intakes each year: Fall (August start) and Spring (January start). Fall is the primary intake for Indian applicants because assistantship allocations, orientation and course sequencing are aligned to it.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 international priority deadline | 1 April 2027 | Priority window for applicants from outside the US; applies to both UG and PG |
| Credential verification (WES or ECE) | Begin 8-12 weeks before deadline | Required for Indian transcripts; factor in dispatch time |
| Spring 2028 international priority deadline | 1 October 2027 | Alternative intake; smaller assistantship pool |
| Programme start (Fall 2027) | August 2027 | International orientation typically one week prior |
Planning note: The 1 April 2027 priority date is not a hard closing date, but Indian applicants who miss it lose access to most on-campus graduate assistantships and see faster I-20 processing only if they apply well before the deadline.
Read More: University of South Alabama Admissions Guide for Indian Students
University of South Alabama Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
The University of South Alabama sets modest academic and English thresholds relative to top US research schools, which makes it a realistic option for average-strong Indian applicants.
Graduate (PG) minimums:
- Bachelor’s degree with cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above (approximately 60-65% in the Indian scale)
- TOEFL iBT 71 (0-120 legacy scale) or 4.0 (1-6 band scale), IELTS 6.0, PTE Academic 48, or Duolingo 100
- Credential verification through WES or ECE for Indian transcripts
- GRE or GMAT for select programmes such as MBA and Master of Accounting; waivers considered case-by-case
Undergraduate (UG) minimums:
- Class 12 completion with a minimum 2.5 GPA equivalent (approximately 55-60% Indian scale)
- TOEFL iBT 61 (legacy) or 3.5 (band scale), IELTS 5.5, PTE Academic 44, or Duolingo 95
Key insight: Applicants who studied at English-medium Indian schools or completed a bachelor’s from a recognised English-medium university may qualify for an English test waiver, but the decision is at the University of South Alabama’s discretion and should be requested in writing before submitting the application.
University of South Alabama Acceptance Rate 2027
The University of South Alabama has a historically open admission stance, with an acceptance rate widely reported around 71% based on public admissions data.
| Cycle | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Most recent (US News profile) | Approximately 71% | Stable open-access institution |
[Source: US News Best Colleges profile for University of South Alabama, 2026 edition]
The published rate is a general institutional figure; competitive graduate programmes such as physical therapy, nursing and physician assistant studies operate independent selection with far lower yields.
Reality check: A 71% institutional acceptance rate does not guarantee admission at the University of South Alabama. Indian applicants still need to clear the 3.0 GPA and English score minimums, and health science tracks admit only a small fraction of applicants each cycle.
Read More: University of South Alabama Acceptance Rate
University of South Alabama Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
An Indian graduate student can budget a total annual cost of roughly USD 29,695 (INR 28.59 lakh) covering tuition, living, books and health insurance. Undergraduate international students should plan for around USD 33,955 (INR 32.70 lakh) per year on the same basis.
University of South Alabama Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Tuition is charged at the out-of-state rate for all international students, with two levels published on the Office of International Admissions finances page.
| Level | Annual Tuition (USD) | Annual Tuition (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (International) | USD 21,540 | INR 20.74 lakh |
| Graduate (International, standard) | USD 17,280 | INR 16.64 lakh |
| Graduate (professional programme band) | USD 17,097 to USD 31,140 | INR 16.46 to 29.99 lakh |
[Source: University of South Alabama Office of International Admissions and university bulletin]
Monthly Cost of Living in Mobile for University of South Alabama Students
Mobile is one of the more affordable US cities for Indian students, with living costs well below coastal metro averages. Compared with MBA hubs in the USA, Mobile can save Indian students roughly INR 5-8 lakh per year in living expenses.
| Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared off-campus) | USD 500 to 700 | INR 48,000 to 67,000 |
| Food and groceries | USD 250 to 350 | INR 24,000 to 34,000 |
| Transportation | USD 80 to 150 | INR 7,700 to 14,500 |
| Books and supplies | USD 90 to 110 | INR 8,700 to 10,600 |
| Health insurance | USD 190 to 210 | INR 18,300 to 20,200 |
| Personal and mobile | USD 100 to 150 | INR 9,600 to 14,500 |
| Total monthly | USD 1,210 to 1,670 | INR 1.17 to 1.61 lakh |
| Annual (9-month academic year) | USD 10,890 to 15,030 | INR 10.49 to 14.47 lakh |
Insider note: One-bedroom apartments within a 2-mile radius of the University of South Alabama campus rent between USD 750 and 1,000 per month unfurnished, so most Indian students share a two-bedroom flat to bring individual rent below USD 550.
Read More: Study in the USA Guide for Indian Students
University of South Alabama Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The University of South Alabama sits on a 1,190-acre campus in west Mobile, roughly 10 miles from downtown and the Gulf of Mexico coast. Mobile is a port city with mild winters and a lower cost of living than Alabama’s Birmingham or Huntsville metros.
- Housing: On-campus residence halls and apartments house first-year students; international graduates typically live in off-campus complexes served by the JagTran shuttle
- Academic facilities: Marx Library, Shelby Hall for engineering and computing, USA Health medical campus and the newer Hancock Whitney Stadium precinct
- Student support: Global USA and the International Student and Scholar Services office handle orientation, immigration advising and OPT/CPT processing
- Indian community: An active Indian Students Association organises Diwali, Holi and Onam events; South Asian grocery stores and vegetarian dining are available within the city
What Indian students say: The campus feels quiet compared with big-city schools, but that means low competition for on-campus jobs and easier faculty access. Weather is warm year-round, though hurricane season from June to November occasionally disrupts the academic calendar.
University of South Alabama Scholarships 2027
The University of South Alabama offers merit-based aid for international undergraduates and funded assistantship pathways for graduate students; a small number of awards target international students directly.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility (one-line) | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship | Institutional, merit-based | Partial tuition offset (verify amount at official portal) | Incoming international freshmen with strong academic record | Same as application priority deadline |
| Graduate Teaching / Research Assistantship | Departmental funding | Tuition waiver plus stipend (varies by department) | Admitted graduate students in funded programmes | Rolling, tied to admission decision |
| Departmental Fellowships | Programme-specific | Verify at each college’s page | Applicants to specific graduate programmes (engineering, sciences) | Verify at official URL |
[Source: University of South Alabama Office of International Admissions and Graduate School]
Planning note: Assistantship offers are made by individual departments at the University of South Alabama, not the central admissions office. Indian applicants should email potential faculty advisers as soon as the application is submitted to signal interest in funded positions.
Read More: University of South Alabama Scholarships Guide
University of South Alabama Rankings 2027
The University of South Alabama is ranked #363 in the US News Best Colleges 2026 National Universities list and is included in the CWUR global rankings; it does not currently feature in QS World or Times Higher Education world tables.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | University of South Alabama Position |
|---|---|---|
| US News Best Colleges (National Universities) | 2026 | #363 |
| CWUR World University Rankings | 2026 | Listed (verify current placement at cwur.org) |
| QS World University Rankings | 2027 | Not ranked in QS 2027 |
| Times Higher Education World University Rankings | 2026 | Not ranked in THE 2026 |
| US News Best Global Universities | 2025-2026 | Not listed in the global edition |
[Source: US News, CWUR, QS, Times Higher Education]
Key insight: For Indian applicants the US News National ranking matters more than QS or THE, because F-1 visa adjudication, education loan approvals and US employer recognition rely on regional accreditation and the US News national tier rather than global ranking bands.
University of South Alabama Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
The University of South Alabama does not publish a central placement report in the Indian-campus sense; instead career outcomes are tracked at the college level and through federal post-graduation earnings data.
- Employment support: The Career Development Centre runs employer expos, one-to-one coaching and Handshake job listings for all students
- Post-study work: All degrees qualify for the standard 12-month OPT; designated STEM master’s programmes qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving up to 36 months of US work authorisation
- Median starting salary (market context): Recent US master’s graduates in computing and engineering typically earn USD 75,000 to 95,000 (INR 72.22 lakh to 91.48 lakh) per year per US Bureau of Labor Statistics data — treat as market median, not a university-specific figure
- Recruiter sectors: Regional recruiters include employers in aerospace, shipbuilding, healthcare and energy; specific company partnerships are handled at the college level and not centrally disclosed
Insider note: Indian STEM graduates from the University of South Alabama typically leverage the 36-month OPT window to relocate to Houston, Atlanta or Dallas for larger employer markets rather than staying in the Mobile metro area.
University of South Alabama vs Peer Universities
Indian applicants weighing the University of South Alabama typically compare it with other Alabama and Gulf-region public universities on cost, acceptance rate and OPT-eligible STEM programmes. Compare the shortlist against wider study-in-USA options before deciding.
| University | US News National 2026 | Acceptance Rate | Annual PG Tuition (Intl) | One-line Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | #363 | ~71% | USD 17,280 (INR 16.64 lakh) | Affordable Gulf Coast public with STEM OPT programmes |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) | Verify at usnews.com | NA | Verify at official page | Larger urban research and medical focus |
| University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa) | Verify at usnews.com | NA | Verify at official page | State flagship with broader programme range |
| Auburn University | Verify at usnews.com | NA | Verify at official page | Engineering and agricultural sciences strength |
| University of Southern Mississippi | Verify at usnews.com | NA | Verify at official page | Similar Gulf-region tuition tier and mid-size research base |
Note: Peer numbers vary each publication cycle; the University of South Alabama stands out on total cost of attendance rather than ranking prestige, and Indian applicants prioritising affordable STEM OPT pathways often find it a better fit than higher-ranked but costlier neighbours.
The University of South Alabama is a good fit for Indian applicants who want a mid-tier US public university with a manageable two-year investment of roughly INR 57 lakh in tuition and living, weighed against a market median starting salary for US STEM master’s graduates in the INR 72 to 91 lakh band. It suits candidates prioritising OPT eligibility and moderate English test scores over ranking prestige.
Indian graduates benefit from the university’s designated STEM programmes that qualify for the 36-month OPT window, an active Indian Students Association on campus, and a straightforward F-1 visa pathway supported by the Office of International Admissions.
The University of South Alabama is not the right pick for Indian candidates targeting top-100 global rankings, big-city internship networks or Ivy-tier peer signalling. Applicants with those goals should consider University of Alabama at Birmingham for stronger research spend and urban recruiting access, or the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa for flagship brand recognition.
University of South Alabama FAQs
Ques. What programs at University of South Alabama are taught in English?
Ans. Every degree programme at the University of South Alabama is delivered in English, including all undergraduate majors, master’s programmes and doctoral tracks across its ten colleges. Indian applicants do not need to learn any local language for study, campus life or on-campus employment. The Intensive English Language Institute offers preparatory courses for applicants who fall short of TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo minimums and want conditional admission.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time at South Alabama during studies?
Ans. Yes, F-1 visa rules allow Indian students to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and 40 hours per week during official breaks. On-campus roles at libraries, dining halls, research labs and residence life are the primary options in the first year. Off-campus employment through Curricular Practical Training becomes available after one full academic year in F-1 status and requires programme-linked approval.
Ques. Does University of South Alabama waive GRE for graduate applicants?
Ans. Several graduate programmes at the University of South Alabama have made the GRE optional or waivable, particularly in computing, information systems and selected engineering tracks. Waivers are typically granted for applicants with a strong undergraduate GPA above 3.2 or relevant professional experience. The MBA programme in the Mitchell College of Business considers both GMAT and GRE waivers on a case-by-case basis, so Indian applicants should confirm with the specific department before scheduling a test.
Ques. What is the application fee at South Alabama for Indian applicants?
Ans. The University of South Alabama charges a non-refundable application fee of USD 35 (INR 3,370) for undergraduate applicants and USD 60 (INR 5,780) for graduate applicants. Payment is made online at the time of application submission. A separate non-refundable admissions deposit of USD 500 (INR 48,145) becomes payable only after an offer of admission is received and before the I-20 immigration document is issued.
Ques. How long does OPT last for STEM graduates at University of South Alabama?
Ans. Indian STEM graduates from the University of South Alabama receive the standard 12 months of post-completion OPT plus the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving up to 36 months of legal work authorisation in the United States. Eligible programmes include computer science, engineering, mathematics and select natural science master’s tracks. Applicants should confirm their degree’s designated STEM status through the university’s international office before applying, since designation can change.
Ques. Which banks offer education loans for South Alabama students?
Ans. Indian nationalised banks including SBI, Bank of Baroda and Canara Bank fund study at the University of South Alabama as an accredited US institution, with loans up to INR 1.5 crore under their overseas education schemes. Private lenders such as HDFC Credila, Avanse and Auxilo also cover the university and typically offer faster processing. Applicants should carry the offer letter, I-20 and a detailed cost of attendance breakdown when applying for the loan.
Ques. What documents does University of South Alabama accept for financial proof?
Ans. The University of South Alabama accepts bank statements, education loan sanction letters, sponsor affidavits of support and scholarship award letters as valid financial documentation. Statements must be less than six months old and show liquid funds covering at least one full academic year of tuition, living, books and health insurance. Sponsor documentation requires the sponsor’s bank proof plus a signed affidavit acknowledging responsibility for the student’s expenses.
Ques. Does South Alabama offer conditional admission when English scores fall short?
Ans. Yes, the University of South Alabama offers conditional admission for applicants who meet academic requirements but fall short of the English proficiency minimum. Admitted students complete the Intensive English Language Institute programme on campus and then transition to their intended degree once they clear the English benchmark. This pathway is available for both undergraduate and graduate applicants and lets Indian students begin the visa process without a retake of TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo.
University of South Alabama Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD 12,640 /Yr | 60 | GPA of 3.0, DET: 100, IELTS: 6.0 | ||
M.S Information Systems 2 years | USD 12,640 /Yr | - | GPA of 3.0, DET: 100, IELTS: 6.0 | |
M.S Mechanical Engineering 2 years | USD 12,640 /Yr | 60 | GPA of 3.0, DET: 100, IELTS: 6.0 | |
M.S Electrical Engineering 2 years | Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 12,640 /Yr | 60 | TOEFL- 71 | IELTS- 6 | Duolingo- 100 | PTE- 48 |
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University of South Alabama comparison
| University Name | University of South Alabama | Troy University |
|---|---|---|
| Programs |
|
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| Acceptance Rate | 65.0 % | 93.0 % |
| Exam Score | ||
| Cost to Study |
|
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| - | Read Full Comparison |
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Overall 396 out of 824 in Global Ranking
Overall 1201 out of 1401 in Global Ranking
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University of South Alabama Reviews
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1 Reviews Found
Overview
It was the best option in my city and I had heard many great things about their program and student activities. I knew several people who had received a great education from this particular university.
Fees
You pay per semester, and you have to pay for books and any other materials you need for class. Tuition gradually goes up, especially with the new football program.
University of South Alabama Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Novus Biological Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$1,500 | Level Of StudyAssociate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Washington DC Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Claes Isacson Scholarship | Scholarship per student$20,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeNeed-Based | |
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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University of South Alabama Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/admissions/applytousa.html
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
University of South Alabama Exam Scores
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
University of South Alabama Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18014 | 11674 | 6340 | 263 |
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To apply for the undergraduate programs of the University of Alabama you must fulfill the program-specific requirements. The GPA, ACT, TOEFL score requirement differ for each program level. Please check the admission requirements for undegraduate admission from the University of Alabama Admissions. GRE is not required for admission in undegraduate programs.