UA is one of Alabama’s most powerful research and economic engines, conducting top-tier R1 research in areas such as AI, transportation, water security and life sciences, and contributing $3.4 billion to the state’s economy. This is where researchers become innovators and leaders become legends.
AN ECONOMIC ENGINE
A FORCE FOR ALABAMA
$3.4B
CONTRIBUTED TO ALABAMA’S
ECONOMY
With an $8,350-per-resident economic impact, no other university in Alabama shapes prosperity the way the Capstone does. The Crimson Tide’s seven home football weekends alone contributed $235 million to UA’s $2.4 billion Tuscaloosa metro economic impact.
Over their careers, a single graduating class is projected to contribute $1.09 billion more to the economy than they would have without a UA degree.
UA is one of Alabama’s most powerful research and economic engines, conducting top-tier R1 research in areas such as AI, transportation, water security and life sciences, and contributing $3.4 billion to the state’s economy. This is where researchers become innovators and leaders become legends.
AN ECONOMIC ENGINE
A FORCE FOR ALABAMA
$3.4B
CONTRIBUTED TO ALABAMA’S
ECONOMY
With an $8,350-per-resident economic impact, no other university in Alabama shapes prosperity the way the Capstone does. The Crimson Tide’s seven home football weekends alone contributed $235 million to UA’s $2.4 billion Tuscaloosa metro economic impact.
Over their careers, a single graduating class is projected to contribute $1.09 billion more to the economy than they would have without a UA degree.
RETURN ON INVESTMENT
15,238Alabama Jobs Supported Statewide
$164.8MIncome and Sales Tax
10.4%Annual Rate of Return on State Investment
RETURN ON INVESTMENT
THE FUTURE OF INNOVATION
Research that leads Discovery
UA, a Carnegie R1 institution, drew a record $269.9 million in external research funding in 2024-2025, marking its tenth consecutive year of growth, helping make the University’s research ecosystem one of the fastest growing in the nation. The new UA Wiregrass Hub, opening in fall 2026, will expand water research to help communities prepare for floods and droughts.
The College of Engineering passed $100 million in external awards for the first time, and in 2023 UA ranked 75th nationally for patents granted, the highest in the state.
School of Data Science
Launches Alabama’s first of its kind to accelerate research, innovation and economic growth.
Water Research (AWI & HIF)
USGS director praises UA’s nationally leading water research partnerships and innovation.
BRAINS Lab
BRAINS Lab develops human-inspired robots for real-world intelligent collaboration.
$269.9M
record external research funding
Top 100
nationally for patents granted
Roll
R1
Carnegie’s highest research tier
Tide
$100M+
in College of Engineering awards
10 yrs
of unbroken research growth
IMPACT ON ALABAMA
Producing Stronger Communities
Our results go beyond the numbers. From lecture halls to leadership roles and main streets throughout Alabama, UA partners with industry, government and communities to expand opportunity, develop the next generation of leaders and bring expertise where it’s needed most.
UA outreach connects with communities across the state through partnerships, service programs and applied research that turns knowledge into local progress.
Blackburn Students, Entrepreneurs Support Selma Business Owners
University of Alabama students help Selma entrepreneurs strengthen and grow local businesses.
UA, State Partners Expand Brain Injury Care with Launch of COMPASS Initiative
The Capstone launches statewide brain injury evaluation program for long-term recovery.
UA Supplies Pipeline of Rural Health Care Professionals for State
UA develops rural healthcare professionals serving Alabama’s underserved communities.
IMPACT ON ALABAMA
Producing Stronger Communities
Our results go beyond the numbers. From lecture halls to leadership roles and main streets throughout Alabama, UA partners with industry, government and communities to expand opportunity, develop the next generation of leaders and bring expertise where it’s needed most.
UA outreach connects with communities across the state through partnerships, service programs and applied research that turns knowledge into local progress.
Blackburn Students, Entrepreneurs Support Selma Business Owners
University of Alabama students help Selma entrepreneurs strengthen and grow local businesses.
UA, State Partners Expand Brain Injury Care with Launch of COMPASS Initiative
The Capstone launches statewide brain injury evaluation program for long-term recovery.
UA Supplies Pipeline of Rural Health Care Professionals for State
UA develops rural healthcare professionals serving Alabama’s underserved communities.
FROM UA NEWS
IMPACT IN ACTION
These numbers and statements can be seen in real-world examples every day. A few recent examples of UA’s impact in research, development and leadership.
Research & Economic Development
New UA Facility Focused on Water Will Support Research, Economic Development
NATIONAL STANDING
RECOGNIZED AMONG THE BEST
Founded in 1831, the Capstone is Alabama’s oldest public university and earns national distinction in the areas that make the biggest difference: programs that develop the next generation of leaders for the most challenging fields.
#1
Fastest-rising graduate engineering program
(U.S. News 2026)
#2
Online master’s in nursing for veterans
(U.S. News 2026)
#5
Online bachelor’s in business
(U.S. News 2026)
#11
Nationally for law graduates in federal clerkships
(U.S. News 2026)
NATIONAL STANDING
RECOGNIZED AMONG THE BEST
Founded in 1831, the Capstone is Alabama’s oldest public university and earns national distinction in the areas that make the biggest difference: programs that develop the next generation of leaders for the most challenging fields.
#1
Fastest-rising graduate engineering program
(U.S. News 2026)
#2
Online master’s in nursing for veterans
(U.S. News 2026)
#5
Online bachelor’s in business
(U.S. News 2026)
#11
Nationally for law graduates in federal clerkships
(U.S. News 2026)
INVEST. PARTNER. DISCOVER.