University of South Alabama admits 65.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 2 in 3 applicants receive offers of admission. This places the university in the moderately selective category, making admission achievable for students with solid academic preparation. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates University of South Alabama maintains more selective standards than typical public institutions, with acceptance rates 19.1 percentage points lower than peer averages. This level of selectivity means qualified students with above-average test scores and academic records have strong chances of admission, though the university maintains academic standards above open-access institutions. Students should view University of South Alabama as an accessible option that still requires demonstrated academic readiness. The university's selectivity profile suggests applicants should present competitive academic credentials while recognizing that admission rates favor qualified candidates. For students building college lists, University of South Alabama represents a solid match school rather than a high-reach institution, particularly for in-state applicants with academic preparation aligned to the university's standards.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of South Alabama typically score between 1015 and 1200 on the SAT, with a median of 1119. The middle 50% range shows Math scores from 495 to 590 and Verbal scores from 520 to 610, indicating balanced preparation across both sections. ACT scores range from 19 to 26 with a median of 23, providing multiple pathways for demonstrating academic readiness. These test score ranges rank at the 90th percentile nationally for SAT performance and 91st percentile for ACT performance, indicating the university attracts academically well-prepared students despite moderate selectivity. The peer median SAT score of 1090 shows University of South Alabama enrolled students score 29 points higher than typical peer institutions, with similar patterns for ACT scores exceeding peer medians. Students scoring within the 1015-1200 SAT range or 19-26 ACT range represent the academic profile most commonly admitted, though scores outside this range do not automatically disqualify applicants. Students should recognize that the 25th percentile represents enrolled students, not admission minimums, meaning competitive applicants may score below these ranges while still gaining admission. For students assessing their competitiveness, scores approaching or exceeding the 75th percentile (1200 SAT, 26 ACT) position them favorably within the admitted student body, while scores near the 25th percentile indicate academic competitiveness with additional application strength needed.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of South Alabama enrolls a diverse student body with 37.1% receiving Pell grants, indicating significant representation of students from lower-income families. First-generation students comprise 33.4% of enrollment, demonstrating the university's commitment to serving students whose families lack college experience. Transfer students represent 29.7% of the student body, indicating substantial pathways for students beginning their college careers elsewhere. This composition suggests University of South Alabama prioritizes educational access alongside academic preparation, creating opportunities for students from various economic and educational backgrounds. The substantial Pell and first-generation shares exceed many institutions with similar selectivity levels, indicating admission practices that support economic and social mobility. Students from lower-income backgrounds should recognize that more than one-third of their peers share similar financial circumstances, while first-generation students will find substantial peer support among fellow students navigating college as the first in their families. The significant transfer population indicates the university welcomes students who begin their college careers at community colleges or other institutions, providing pathways for students whose initial college plans may have changed. For prospective students, these demographics indicate an inclusive campus environment where students from diverse backgrounds can find community and support systems among peers with shared experiences.
Given University of South Alabama's 65.5% acceptance rate, most academically prepared applicants gain admission, though students should build balanced college lists.
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University of South Alabama maintains a 76.2% freshman retention rate and 52.6% six-year graduation rate, with retention performance exceeding the peer median of 73.2% by three percentage points. Pell-eligible students graduate at 43.8%, creating an 8.8 percentage point gap between overall and Pell completion rates. This gap indicates some additional challenges for lower-income students, though the university's retention rate suggests strong first-year support systems across student populations. The completion rate of 52.6% exceeds the peer median of 49.3%, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting students through degree completion compared to similar institutions. Students who gain admission can expect institutional support structures that help maintain enrollment through the first year, with retention rates indicating most students find the academic and social environment conducive to continued enrollment. The completion gap between Pell and non-Pell students suggests prospective lower-income students should plan for additional academic and financial support systems, while recognizing that nearly half of Pell recipients successfully complete their degrees. For all students considering University of South Alabama, the above-peer retention and completion rates indicate stronger-than-typical institutional support for degree completion, though individual success will depend on academic preparation, engagement with support services, and personal circumstances throughout the college experience.
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