University of Alabama in Huntsville admits 74.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 students receive admission offers. This places UAH in the Moderately Selective category, making admission more accessible than highly competitive research universities while maintaining academic standards. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates UAH is somewhat more selective than typical public institutions, though the 10-percentage-point difference is modest. This selectivity level means qualified students with solid academic records have good chances of admission, though the university does maintain standards for its technical programs. Students should expect a thorough review of academic preparation, particularly for competitive engineering programs where program-specific requirements may apply. The combination of moderate overall selectivity with strong academic outcomes makes UAH an attractive option for students seeking quality education without extreme admission competition. For application strategy, students should view UAH as a match school if their academic profile aligns with enrolled student characteristics, though competitive programs may require treating it as a slight reach. Building a balanced college list should include institutions with both higher and lower acceptance rates to ensure admission options.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of Alabama in Huntsville typically demonstrate strong academic preparation, particularly in mathematics and science. SAT scores for enrolled students range from 1195 to 1440, with a midpoint of 1321, placing most students well above national averages. The middle 50% of students score between 600-740 on SAT Math and 595-700 on SAT Verbal, indicating balanced quantitative and verbal abilities. ACT scores range from 25 to 31 with a median of 28, reflecting the strong academic preparation expected for the university's technical programs. These test score ranges rank among the highest we track nationally, at the 98th percentile for SAT scores and 97th percentile for ACT scores. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1090, UAH students score 231 points higher, demonstrating the academic caliber of the student body. Students scoring within the 1195-1440 SAT range or 25-31 ACT range are academically competitive for admission. Those scoring below 1195 SAT or 25 ACT should expect to be at some competitive disadvantage, though scores represent just one factor in admission decisions. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with these ranges when evaluating fit, as the technical nature of many programs requires strong mathematical preparation.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Alabama in Huntsville enrolls a student body that balances academic achievement with modest economic diversity. The university serves 22.5% Pell-eligible students, indicating nearly one in four students comes from lower-income families, and 31.0% first-generation college students, reflecting meaningful representation of students whose parents did not complete four-year degrees. Transfer students comprise 34.7% of enrollment, demonstrating significant pathways for community college graduates and students changing institutions. This composition suggests UAH values both academic preparation and provides opportunities for students from diverse educational backgrounds. The relatively high transfer share indicates the university serves as a destination for students seeking to complete technical degrees after starting elsewhere. Geographic diversity likely reflects the university's role in Alabama's aerospace and technology sectors, attracting students interested in STEM careers. First-generation students should note that nearly one-third of enrolled students share their background, suggesting institutional familiarity with supporting students navigating higher education for the first time. The Pell share indicates that while UAH serves some lower-income students, the majority come from middle- and upper-income families, typical of moderately selective public research universities focused on technical fields.
With a 74.2% acceptance rate, UAH is moderately selective rather than highly competitive. However, strong academic preparation is still important, particularly for engineering programs.
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Students who enroll at University of Alabama in Huntsville demonstrate solid academic persistence, with 80.5% of freshmen returning for sophomore year and 61.9% completing degrees within six years. The retention rate exceeds the peer median of 73.2% by 7.3 percentage points, indicating effective first-year support systems. However, the completion rate of 61.9% surpasses the peer median of 49.3% by 12.6 percentage points, reflecting the institution's effectiveness in supporting students through degree completion. Pell-eligible students graduate at 46.7%, creating a 15.2 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. This gap, while notable, reflects common challenges facing lower-income students at technical universities where demanding coursework can create financial and academic pressures. The retention and completion data suggest students who are academically prepared and committed to technical fields tend to succeed at UAH. Prospective students should consider the moderate completion rate when evaluating institutional fit, recognizing that success requires sustained academic effort in challenging technical programs. Students who thrive tend to be those prepared for rigorous mathematics and science coursework, particularly in engineering disciplines where the university demonstrates strongest outcomes.
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