With 1,260 National Merit Scholars currently enrolled, Alabama attracts exceptional students through nationally ranked programs, top Fulbright recognition and direct pathways from the classroom into careers that move the nation forward.
ELITE TALENT. ENDLESS REACH.
Where Ambition Meets Opportunity
The numbers tell the story: A total of 42,360 students drawn from every county in Alabama, all 50 states and 99 countries worldwide, all choosing UA for its nationally ranked programs, research opportunities, faculty mentorship and hands-on experiences that translate into results after graduation. UA isn’t just growing; it’s attracting the best.
The students who choose UA don’t just meet a high standard. They set it.
With 1,260 National Merit Scholars currently enrolled, Alabama attracts exceptional students through nationally ranked programs, top Fulbright recognition and direct pathways from the classroom into careers that move the nation forward.
ELITE TALENT. ENDLESS REACH.
Where Ambition Meets Opportunity
The numbers tell the story: A total of 42,360 students drawn from every county in Alabama, all 50 states and 99 countries worldwide, all choosing UA for its nationally ranked programs, research opportunities, faculty mentorship and hands-on experiences that translate into results after graduation. UA isn’t just growing; it’s attracting the best.
The students who choose UA don’t just meet a high standard. They set it.
REASONS TO CHOOSE UA
What Sets Alabama Apart
At UA, nationally ranked programs provide a strong academic foundation. Hands-on learning, faculty mentorship and industry partnerships turn classroom knowledge into career readiness and real-world outcomes that distinguish graduates in their fields.
Industry From Day One
Through the Alabama-Esslingen-Mercedes-XChange program, UA engineering students combine international study with hands-on manufacturing experience at one of the world’s most advanced automotive facilities, building skills and momentum to jump-start their careers.
Schools for a New Era
UA is launching its first new schools in more than 50 years: the School of Leadership and Policy and the School of Data Science. Opening fall 2027, both are designed to prepare students for leadership roles in government, artificial intelligence and the data-driven economy.
The UA AI Experience
As artificial intelligence reshapes how we live and work, Alabama is raising the standard for responsible AI use. Among the first universities in the nation to prepare students, faculty and staff with ethical, informed AI practices, the UA AI Experience combines cutting-edge instructional technology with best practices to build lasting capacity for navigating the Age of Intelligence.
MEETING THE CHALLENGE
Educated Here. Essential Everywhere.
A UA degree is built to go further. Each year, about 10,000 students graduate from UA and report a nearly 95% success rate on first destination surveys, often finding jobs through career placement or internship opportunities. Powered by 34,000+ active alumni, that momentum carries graduates into careers that strengthen communities, advance industries and move the nation forward.
362
National Merit Scholars in the 2025 freshman class
15
Fulbright Program awards for 2025-2026
Roll
1831
founded; Alabama’s flagship university
Tide
72
Goldwater Scholars
17
Rhodes Scholars
MEETING THE CHALLENGE
Educated Here. Essential Everywhere.
A UA degree is built to go further. Each year, about 10,000 students graduate from UA and report a nearly 95% success rate on first destination surveys, often finding jobs through career placement or internship opportunities. Powered by 34,000+ active alumni, that momentum carries graduates into careers that strengthen communities, advance industries and move the nation forward.
NATIONALLY RANKED
Programs Among THE BEST
A UA degree carries national weight. From the health professions to law to business, the Capstone earns distinction in programs that send graduates into the country’s most demanding fields.
#1
Fastest-rising graduate engineering program
(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)
#22
Best Bachelor of Science in nursing programs
(U.S. News 2026)
NATIONALLY RANKED
Programs Among THE BEST
A UA degree carries national weight. From the health professions to law to business, the Capstone earns distinction in programs that send graduates into the country’s most demanding fields.
#1
Fastest-rising graduate engineering program
(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)
#22
Best Bachelor of Science in nursing programs
(U.S. News 2026)
FROM UA NEWS
Leadership In Action
UA’s momentum is measured in outcomes. Record nursing enrollment, top-producing Fulbright recognition and a growing network of industry partnerships create the momentum to turn ambition into lifelong success.
BUILD SOMETHING LEGENDARY