Alabama A&M University admits approximately 66.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 2 in 3 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Alabama A&M within the moderately selective category, with admission rates between 50-75%. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% highlights that Alabama A&M maintains more selective standards than typical institutions serving similar student populations. This level of selectivity means that academically prepared students have reasonable admission prospects, though the university maintains standards that require demonstrated academic readiness. Students should expect some competitive pressure in the admission process, particularly for popular programs like engineering and business. The 66.2% admission rate indicates that while most qualified applicants gain admission, the university exercises meaningful selectivity in building its entering class. For prospective students, this selectivity level suggests the importance of presenting a complete application that demonstrates academic preparation and alignment with the university's mission. Students should approach Alabama A&M as a target school if their academic credentials align with admitted student profiles, while maintaining backup options with higher acceptance rates.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students to Alabama A&M University typically score between 810 and 1060 on the SAT, with a median of 947. The middle 50% SAT Math range spans 390 to 520, while SAT Verbal scores range from 420 to 540. ACT scores for enrolled students range from 14 to 19, with a median of 18. These test score ranges place Alabama A&M well above average nationally, ranking at the 85th percentile for SAT performance and 86th percentile for ACT scores. Compared to peer institutions, Alabama A&M students score 143 points lower on the SAT and 4 points lower on the ACT, reflecting the university's mission to serve students who may not have access to test preparation resources available at more privileged institutions. The P25 scores represent the 25th percentile of enrolled students, meaning 75% of students score above these levels—they are not minimum requirements for admission. Similarly, P75 scores represent the 75th percentile, with 25% of students scoring above these levels. Students scoring below the P25 ranges should not assume automatic exclusion, as Alabama A&M practices holistic admissions review. However, students with scores significantly below these ranges should strengthen other application components and consider test-optional policies if available. Students should view these ranges as guidelines for competitive positioning rather than absolute admission thresholds.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Alabama A&M University enrolls a diverse student body with 64.4% receiving Pell grants, indicating students from families earning less than approximately $50,000 annually. First-generation college students comprise 36.6% of enrollment, reflecting the university's commitment to expanding educational access for families without prior college experience. Transfer students represent 12.9% of enrollment, showing moderate but meaningful pathways for students beginning at community colleges or other institutions. This student composition reflects Alabama A&M's historical mission as a historically black university serving students who have been underrepresented in higher education. The high Pell share demonstrates that a substantial majority of students come from lower-income backgrounds, while the significant first-generation presence indicates many students are pioneering college attendance within their families. Geographic diversity information is not available, but as a public institution in Alabama, the university likely serves both in-state and regional populations. Prospective students from similar backgrounds should recognize they will join a community of peers navigating college as first-generation students or managing financial constraints. Students from middle and upper-income families will find themselves in the minority but part of a diverse campus community committed to educational access and opportunity.
Alabama A&M's 66.2% acceptance rate means roughly 1 in 3 applicants do not receive admission. Students below the typical academic profile should consider these alternatives with comparable outcomes.
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63.9% of Alabama A&M University freshmen return for sophomore year, compared to a peer median retention rate of 73.2%. The university graduates 28.7% of students within six years, below the peer median completion rate of 49.3%. However, Pell-eligible students graduate at a rate of 30.3%, representing a positive 1.6 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. This positive Pell gap indicates that lower-income students actually perform slightly better than the general student population, suggesting effective support systems for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The retention and completion rates reflect the challenges facing students who often balance college with work responsibilities, family obligations, and limited financial resources. Students who gain admission should expect an environment where academic success requires strong personal commitment and effective use of support services. The positive Pell completion gap suggests that students from lower-income backgrounds who persist through the first year tend to complete their degrees at rates exceeding the general population. Prospective students should consider these completion rates when evaluating their likelihood of degree attainment and plan accordingly for academic and financial support throughout their college experience. Students should expect to actively engage with academic support services and financial aid counseling to maximize their chances of graduation.
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