Acceptance Rate
71%
Avg. SAT
1190
75th percentile
“A coastal gem in Mobile, blending medical expertise with Southern charm at University of South Alabama.”
Mobile, AL
Location
Midsize City
Campus Setting
Nestled in the heart of Mobile, Alabama, the University of South Alabama (USA) was founded in 1963 as a public institution with a mission to serve the Gulf Coast region. Its creation came at a time when the area needed accessible higher education, and over the decades, it has grown into a vital hub for nearly 10,000 undergraduates. The campus, spread across 1,200 acres of pine forests and winding trails, offers a serene escape while still being tied to the bustling port city nearby. You’ll find a student body that’s deeply rooted in the South, often reflecting a friendly, community-driven spirit that mirrors the region’s hospitality.
What sets USA apart is its balance of affordability and opportunity, especially for first-generation students or those seeking a practical, career-focused education. This isn’t a place for those craving the intense academic pressure of highly selective schools; instead, it attracts pragmatic learners who value hands-on experiences and a slower-paced campus life. If you’re someone who thrives in tight-knit settings and wants to build connections in a region known for its cultural depth, you’ll feel right at home here.
That said, the location in Mobile might not suit everyone. While the city offers history and charm, it’s not a major urban center, so students looking for big-city energy or endless entertainment options might feel limited. The humid, hot climate of coastal Alabama can also be a challenge if you’re not used to sticky summers or the occasional hurricane threat. Still, for those who embrace the Gulf Coast lifestyle, USA offers a unique blend of academic purpose and regional pride.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
The University of South Alabama shines brightest in health sciences, particularly through its College of Medicine and allied health programs, which draw on the region’s need for medical professionals. You can expect a strong emphasis on practical training here, with facilities like the USA Health system providing real-world clinical exposure for students in nursing, physical therapy, and beyond. Engineering and business programs also hold their own, often tailored to the Gulf Coast’s industrial and maritime economy, giving you a direct line to regional job markets.
Classes often lean toward a hands-on, applied learning style, though larger introductory courses in popular majors might feel less personal until you reach upper-level seminars. Research opportunities are notable in biomedical fields, and undergrads can sometimes collaborate on projects tied to the university’s medical facilities. However, if you’re aiming for a broad liberal arts experience or highly specialized research in non-health fields, you might find the academic scope narrower than at larger state flagships. Competitive programs like medicine-related tracks can also be tough to enter, requiring early planning and strong grades to secure a spot.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
9,241 undergrad • 4,762 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
62%
Black / African American
21%
Hispanic / Latino
5%
Asian
4%
Other / Multi-racial
9%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Mobile, AL
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at South Alabama carries a distinctly Southern flavor, with a relaxed pace that matches the warm, humid air of Mobile. You’ll notice a strong sense of community, whether it’s cheering on the Jaguars at football games in Ladd-Peebles Stadium or joining friends for tailgates steeped in local tradition. Social life often revolves around Greek organizations, student clubs, and casual hangouts on the sprawling campus, though the party scene is more subdued compared to larger state schools. Many students live on campus in dorms or apartments, fostering a close-knit vibe, but housing can fill up quickly, so applying early is wise.
Off-campus, Mobile’s historic charm and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico offer weekend escapes to beaches or cultural events like Mardi Gras, which originated in this city long before New Orleans claimed the spotlight. The trade-off is that the area can feel isolated if you don’t have a car, and the hot, sticky weather might dampen outdoor plans for part of the year. Still, if you’re drawn to a campus where people know your name and the slower rhythm of coastal life, South Alabama delivers a grounded, approachable experience.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Sun Belt Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
76%
4 Years Graduation Rate
36%
6 Years Graduation Rate
48%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$49,379
76% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at University of South Alabama and return in the fall. 36% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 48% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
36%
4-5 years
12%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
51%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$8,616
Acceptance
71%
Undergrads
9,241
4-Year Grad Rate
36%
Endowment
$522M
Mobile, AL 36688-0002
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