Key Takeaways:
- The University of Alabama, founded in 1820, offers numerous undergraduate and graduate programs, including online options.
- Tuition ranges from $11,000 for residents to $30,000 for non-residents, excluding additional expenses like room and board.
- Scholarships are available based on academic merit, with potential full tuition for high-achieving students.
Degrees Available Through the University of Alabama
The University of Alabama appears in our ranking of Master’s in Hospitality Management Online: Top 25 Values.
The University of Alabama offers a multitude of degrees at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Students may attend the school through traditional classes or via the online campus.
Featured Programs
Undergraduate degrees through the University of Alabama range from accounting to theatre. Each degree field has a separate set of requirements that reflect the specific area of study. All students at the University of Alabama must complete a core curriculum along with their major requirements. In order to graduate, students must have a minimum of six hours of written composition, six hours of computing, two semesters in one foreign language, 12 hours of humanities and fine arts, 12 hours of history and social sciences and 11 hours of natural sciences and mathematics.
Post-graduate degrees are offered in 10 distinct areas. These include arts and sciences, business, communication and information sciences, education, engineering, human environmental sciences, nursing, social work, interdisciplinary studies, and community health sciences. Graduate students may seek a master’s level degree or Ph.D. from the university. Prospective students should contact their chosen department to learn more about courses of study, length of programs and graduation requirements.
Bama by Distance is the University of Alabama’s online and distance education school. Students can pursue undergraduate, graduate and non-degree studies through Bama by Distance. Online studies at the University of Alabama are available in programs from arts and sciences, commerce and business administration, engineering, human environmental sciences, nursing, and social work. One of the more unique offerings is the MS in Human Environmental Sciences (Restaurant & Hospitality Management).
About the University of Alabama
The University of Alabama is the oldest higher learning education institution in the state. The school, founded in 1820, is known both for excellence in education and athletics. The school boasts an enrollment of about 37,000 students, with about 5,000 of those being post-doctoral. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Alabama at 129 among all national universities and 80 for best value schools.
Notable graduates from the University of Alabama include author Harper Lee, former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, co-founder of Wikipedia Jimmy Wales, psychologist Timothy Leary and NFL Hall-of-Famer Joe Namath.
University of Alabama Accreditation Details
The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to provide baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. The university is on a 10-year review cycle.
Many of the degree programs offered through the University of Alabama have separate accreditations from specific accrediting agencies. Business degrees are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Education degrees are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Engineering degrees are accredited by the ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission. Law degrees are accredited by the American Bar Association.
Students who wish to learn which accrediting agency accredits the degree in their chosen field should contact the school or visit the departmental website.
University of Alabama Application Requirements
Entering undergraduate students must either complete the University of Alabama’s online application or complete and mail a print application to the Admissions office. Applicants must have ACT or SAT scores as well as high school transcripts sent to the university. All applications incur a $40 fee.
In order to qualify for admission to the University of Alabama’s undergraduate program, students must complete a minimum number of hours in specific subjects at the high school level. The university expects students to have completed at least three hours of mathematics and natural sciences, four hours of social studies and English and one hour in a foreign language.
Students applying online must complete the Bama By Distance online application. They must provide proof of high school graduation or a GED score of at least 510. They must have a GPA of no less than 2.5 if they graduated high school more than four years from the application date. Students who completed high school within four years must have a GPA of at least 3.0. Transcripts are required.
Hopeful graduate school students must complete the online application form along with a $65 fee. They must include a resume, statement of purpose, contact information for references, transcripts and admission test scores. Graduate school applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition for the University of Alabama is roughly $11,000 for Alabama residents and just under $30,000 for out-of-state students. This figure does not include the cost of room and board, books, transportation or any miscellaneous items or fees. The University of Alabama estimates that a typical undergraduate student will spend roughly $30,000 to $50,000 per year depending on whether that student is a resident or out-of-state student.
The university recommends that all students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This application determines the student’s need for funding. Students may be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant or a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.
Students may also apply for scholarships offered through the university. These scholarships vary in award amounts based on merit. In-state students with an ACT score between 21 and 24 and a high school GPA of at least 3.5 are eligible for the UA Recognition scholarship, which provides a $2,000 award per year. Students with a 25 on the ACT and a 3.5 GPA can receive $3,000 per year. Students with 3.5 GPA and 26, 27, 28 and 29 on the ACT receive $4,000, $5,000, $6,000 and $7,000 per year, respectively.
Those students who score between 30 and 36 on the ACT and have a GPA of 3.5 or higher can receive the full value of tuition for four years of education. A student with an ACT of 36 and a 4.0 GPA will receive full tuition, one year of on-campus housing, $500 per year to be used for books and additional stipends for summer study and miscellaneous expenses.
Students who are not residents of Alabama may also be eligible for these scholarships with a minimum of 27 on the ACT and a 3.5 GPA.
Prospective students of the University of Alabama should visit the school’s website for more details.