All schools
PublicUrban

University of South Alabama

Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002

Visit website

Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

Health sciencesUrbanGreek life

Known for health sciences — excellent value

University of South Alabama is a public institution in Mobile with particular strength in health sciences and biology. With an average SAT of 1119, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 8.5K undergraduates with a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

53% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $49,379 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $15,142.

Established
1963
Motto
"Research, Teaching, Service"
Mascot
South PawMiss Pawla
Type
Public research university

Campus Visits

43 upcoming visits · Next: Fri, May 29 · Campus Visit

Plan Your Visit

65%Acceptance
1119SAT Avg
8,540Students
18:1Student:Faculty
53%Grad Rate
$49,379Earnings 10yr
$15,142Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate65.5%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1119

Reading & WritingMid: 555
520610
MathMid: 545
495590

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 23
1926

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$9,676
Tuition (out-of-state)$18,652
Room & Board$8,830
Books & Supplies$2,020
Total Cost of Attendance$22,070
Average Net Price$15,142
Median Debt at Graduation$24,929
Monthly Payment (10yr)$264

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$10,148
$30–48K$11,633
$48–75K$15,456
$75–110K$21,143
$110K+$21,878

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

51.0%

Median Debt at Grad

$17,750

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

65

Peer Average

92

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Incident Breakdown (2024)

17

Burglary

3

Aggravated Assault

2

Robbery

6

Motor Vehicle Theft

7

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

17

Drug Arrests

13

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (113)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

76%

Mixed

Student Body

Undergrads
8,540
Gender Split
62% / 38%
Women / Men
First Generation
33%
Pell Grant Recipients
37%

Race & Ethnicity

White 61%
Black 22%
Hispanic 5%
Asian 4%
Two+ 5%
Int'l 1%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate52.6%
Freshman Retention76.3%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$41,307
10 Years$49,379

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Rankings

U.S. News
#363
vs 2024
Washington Monthly
#347
vs 2024

More About This School

History & Fun Facts

  • History Founding USA was founded to provide public higher education to the Gulf Coast region.
  • Classes began in June 1964 with 276 students, and the first graduation was in 1967.
  • Football and other athletic programs have grown, including the opening of Hancock Whitney Stadium in 2022.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

95Average

Estimated from AL state average + city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 0"Sunny days: 240Rainy days: 85

Nearest Cities

New Orleanspop. 380K
124 mi(215 min)
Atlantapop. 500K
306 mi(530 min)
Nashvillepop. 690K
386 mi(669 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

MSY New Orleans133 mi
BHM Birmingham215 mi
ATL Atlanta299 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA1242 mi · ~35h 53m drive
New York, NY1052 mi · ~30h 23m drive
Hartford, CT1151 mi · ~33h 15m drive
Providence, RI1206 mi · ~34h 50m drive
Albany, NY1146 mi · ~33h 6m drive
Syracuse, NY1080 mi · ~31h 12m drive
Rochester, NY1038 mi · ~29h 59m drive
Buffalo, NY986 mi · ~28h 29m drive
Philadelphia, PA971 mi · ~28h 3m drive
Pittsburgh, PA815 mi · ~23h 33m drive
Harrisburg, PA916 mi · ~26h 28m drive
Newark, NJ1046 mi · ~30h 13m drive
Washington, DC848 mi · ~24h 30m drive
Baltimore, MD882 mi · ~25h 29m drive
Atlanta, GA306 mi · ~8h 50m drive
Charlotte, NC528 mi · ~15h 15m drive
Raleigh, NC653 mi · ~18h 52m drive
Miami, FL594 mi · ~17h 10m drive
Orlando, FL435 mi · ~12h 34m drive
Tampa, FL393 mi · ~11h 21m drive
Nashville, TN386 mi · ~11h 9m drive
New Orleans, LA124 mi · ~3h 35m drive
Richmond, VA775 mi · ~22h 23m drive
Chicago, IL773 mi · ~22h 20m drive
Detroit, MI853 mi · ~24h 39m drive
Minneapolis, MN1025 mi · ~29h 37m drive
St. Louis, MO560 mi · ~16h 11m drive
Kansas City, MO684 mi · ~19h 46m drive
Indianapolis, IN637 mi · ~18h 24m drive
Columbus, OH703 mi · ~20h 19m drive
Cleveland, OH829 mi · ~23h 57m drive
Milwaukee, WI853 mi · ~24h 39m drive
Dallas, TX526 mi · ~15h 12m drive
Houston, TX434 mi · ~12h 32m drive
Austin, TX570 mi · ~16h 28m drive
San Antonio, TX623 mi · ~18h drive
Los Angeles, CA1763 mi · ~50h 56m drive
San Francisco, CA2004 mi · ~57h 54m drive
San Diego, CA1704 mi · ~49h 14m drive
Seattle, WA2145 mi · ~61h 58m drive
Portland, OR2114 mi · ~61h 4m drive
Denver, CO1133 mi · ~32h 44m drive
Phoenix, AZ1409 mi · ~40h 42m drive
Salt Lake City, UT1494 mi · ~43h 10m drive
Honolulu, HI4310 mi · ~124h 31m drive
Deep South / Subtropical (warm winters, hot summers)

Deadline Calendar

University of South Alabama Application Checklist

Decision Notifications