University of Alabama at Birmingham admits 88.4% of applicants, representing open access admission where most qualified students receive offers. This places UAB among institutions prioritizing educational opportunity over selective admission, with roughly 9 out of 10 applicants gaining admission. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates that University of Alabama at Birmingham maintains more open access than typical four-year institutions in its comparison group. This open admission philosophy aligns with UAB's mission as a comprehensive public university serving diverse student populations. Students should approach University of Alabama at Birmingham as an accessible option where admission is likely for those meeting basic academic requirements. The high acceptance rate means students can focus on program fit and career outcomes rather than competitive positioning. For students building college lists, UAB serves as a reliable option alongside more selective alternatives, providing security in admission planning while maintaining solid post-graduation outcomes. The open access model supports educational opportunity for first-generation and transfer students who comprise significant portions of the student body.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of Alabama at Birmingham typically score 1130-1570 on the SAT, with the middle 50% falling in this range and a median of 1251. SAT Math scores range from 560 to 700, while SAT Verbal scores span 570 to 700, showing balanced academic preparation across quantitative and verbal domains. ACT scores range from 22 to 30 with a median of 27, demonstrating solid academic preparation despite the institution's open admission policy. These test scores place University of Alabama at Birmingham at the 96th percentile among four-year institutions, indicating that open access does not compromise academic quality. The peer median SAT of 1198 shows UAB students score 53 points higher than typical comparison institutions, reflecting the academic caliber of enrolled students. Students scoring below 1130 on the SAT or 22 on the ACT should expect to be in the lower quartile academically but are not excluded from admission. Those scoring within the middle ranges demonstrate competitive academic preparation for UAB's programs. The strong test score performance alongside open admission creates an environment where academically prepared students from diverse backgrounds can succeed together. Prospective students should consider how their academic profile aligns with this range when evaluating program rigor and peer academic environment.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Alabama at Birmingham enrolls a diverse student body reflecting its comprehensive mission and open access philosophy. The institution serves 33.2% Pell-eligible students, indicating enrollment of students from lower-income families who qualify for federal need-based aid. First-generation students comprise 34.1% of enrollment, demonstrating UAB's role in expanding educational opportunity for families without prior college experience. Transfer students represent 34.8% of enrollment, reflecting the institution's commitment to serving students transitioning from community colleges and other institutions. This composition indicates University of Alabama at Birmingham prioritizes educational access while maintaining academic standards through its diverse program offerings. The combination of moderate Pell enrollment with open admission creates an environment where students from various economic backgrounds learn together. Geographic diversity supports students from across Alabama and beyond, though specific regional data is not available. Students from lower-income families should note that one-third of enrolled students share their economic background, while first-generation students will find substantial peer support with more than one in three students navigating college as the first in their family. Transfer applicants should recognize UAB's strong commitment to transfer pathways, with more than one-third of students entering through transfer admission.
Given University of Alabama at Birmingham's 88.4% acceptance rate, most qualified applicants should expect admission. However, students seeking different options can consider alternatives below.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
University of Alabama at Birmingham maintains an 82.0% retention rate, meaning most freshmen return for sophomore year, though this falls 3.7 percentage points below the peer median of 83.7%. The six-year graduation rate of 62.6% trails the peer median of 65.9% by 3.3 percentage points, indicating modest completion outcomes relative to similar institutions. Pell-eligible students graduate at 52.8%, creating a 9.8 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate of 62.6%. This gap suggests lower-income students face additional challenges in degree completion, though more than half successfully graduate. The retention and completion data indicate that while University of Alabama at Birmingham provides broad access, students should prepare for the academic rigor and support systems needed for success. Prospective students should view these completion rates as indicators of the academic environment and support structure they will experience. Lower-income students should weigh the 9.8 percentage point Pell gap when considering institutional support, while recognizing that majority of Pell students do complete degrees. Students who gain admission should expect to work diligently with available support services to maximize their chances of retention and graduation. The completion rates reflect UAB's comprehensive mission serving diverse academic preparation levels.
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