University of South Alabama: A Comprehensive Look at Student Demographics and Statistics

The University of South Alabama (USA) is a public research university located in Mobile, Alabama. Founded in 1963 by the Alabama Legislature, it has grown from a small extension program to a comprehensive university comprising ten colleges and schools, including a state-supported medical school. This article delves into the student population statistics of the University of South Alabama, providing a detailed analysis of enrollment, demographics, costs, admissions, and graduation rates.

Enrollment Overview

In 2023, the University of South Alabama had a total enrollment of 13,768 students. A significant majority, 82.9%, were enrolled full-time, amounting to 11,416 students, while the remaining 2,352 students were part-time. This indicates a strong preference for full-time study among the student body.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Enrollment

The University of South Alabama's full-time enrollment rate of 82.9% is notably higher than the 77.9% average observed at similar doctoral universities. This difference underscores the university's appeal to students seeking a more immersive and traditional college experience.

Enrollment by Race and Ethnicity

The racial and ethnic composition of the student body is diverse, with a significant representation of various groups. As of 2023, the enrollment breakdown is as follows:

White: 61.6% (8,477 students)
Black or African American: 21.2% (2,917 students)
Hispanic or Latino: 4.9% (675 students)
Two or More Races: 3.97%
Asian: 3.79%
American Indian or Alaska Native: 0.567%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders: 0.153%

Compared to the average for all doctoral universities, the University of South Alabama has a higher percentage of White and Black or African American students. This unique demographic mix contributes to a rich and varied campus environment.

Read also: Applying to USF Doctoral Programs

Enrollment by Gender and Race (Full-Time Students)

The distribution of full-time students by gender and race reveals further insights into the university's demographic makeup:

Undergraduate:
- White Female: 37.5%
- White Male: 23.5%
- Black or African American Female: 14.3%
Graduate:
- White Female: 50.2%
- Black or African American Female: 15.5%
- White Male: 13.8%

These figures highlight the significant presence of White females in both undergraduate and graduate programs, followed by White males and Black or African American females.

Admissions Statistics

The University of South Alabama's admissions process is competitive, with a significant number of applications received each year.

Acceptance Rate

In 2023, the university received 12,593 undergraduate applications and accepted 8,247 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of 65.5%. This rate is slightly higher than the 65.4% acceptance rate in 2022. The number of applications grew by 0.343% between 2022 and 2023, while admissions grew by 0.536%.

SAT Scores

A small percentage of enrolled first-time students, only 6%, submitted SAT scores with their applications in 2023. This suggests that the university places less emphasis on standardized test scores compared to other admission criteria.

Read also: Supporting South High Students

Enrollment Yield

The University of South Alabama has an overall enrollment yield of 23.3%, which represents the percentage of admitted students who ultimately enroll. This indicates that nearly a quarter of the students accepted choose to attend the university.

Costs and Financial Aid

Understanding the costs associated with attending university is crucial for prospective students and their families. The University of South Alabama offers a range of financial aid options to help students manage these expenses.

Tuition Costs

In 2023, the median undergraduate tuition at the University of South Alabama was $8,976. This is significantly lower than the national average for doctoral universities, which stands at $31,004. The university's tuition cost is $22,028 less than the national average, making it an affordable option for many students.

Average Net Price

The average net price, which factors in grants and loans, was $13,613 in 2023. Between 2022 and 2023, the average net price grew by 13.1%. This net price represents the actual cost students pay after receiving financial aid.

Other Student Expenses

In addition to tuition, students also incur expenses for room and board, books, and supplies. In 2023, the average yearly cost for room and board was $9,260, a decrease of 6.14% from 2022. The average yearly cost for books and supplies remained constant at $1,300.

Financial Aid

A significant percentage of undergraduate students at the University of South Alabama receive financial aid. In 2023, 75% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, while 49% received aid through loans. This represents a decline of 13.8% compared to 2022, when 87% of undergraduate students received financial aid.

Student Loan Default Rate

The University of South Alabama has a low student loan default rate. In 2022, the default rate for borrowers was 0%, with 0 out of 3,554 total borrowers defaulting on their loans. This indicates that students at the university are generally successful in repaying their student loans.

Graduation and Retention Rates

Graduation and retention rates are key indicators of a university's success in supporting its students.

Graduation Rate

The university's four-year graduation rate is 37%.

Retention Rate

The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at the University of South Alabama was 76%. This is lower than the average retention rate of 84% at similar doctoral universities. A higher retention rate indicates that students are more likely to continue their studies at the university.

Graduates

In 2023, the University of South Alabama awarded 3,691 degrees across all undergraduate and graduate programs. A significant majority, 71.9%, of these degrees were awarded to women, while 28.1% were awarded to men. The most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients was White, with 2,340 degrees awarded, 3.31 times more than the next closest race/ethnicity group, Black or African American, with 708 degrees.

University Operations and Endowment

The University of South Alabama's financial health and operational structure play a crucial role in its ability to provide quality education and support its students.

Endowment

The University of South Alabama has an endowment valued at nearly $522 million as of the end of the 2023 fiscal year. The return on its endowment was $42.9 million (8.21%), compared to the 4.37% average return across all doctoral universities. The endowment grew 12.1% from the previous year and was $88.4 million higher than the median endowment of doctoral universities.

Government Grants and Contracts

In 2023, the University of South Alabama received $33.3 million in grants and contracts from the federal government, $13 million from state grants and contracts, and $16.2 million from local grants and contracts.

Salary Expenditure

In 2023, the university paid a median of $542 million in salaries, representing 43.6% of its overall expenditure ($1.24 billion) and a 13% growth from the previous year.

Diversity and Geographic Origin

The University of South Alabama attracts students from a wide range of geographic locations, contributing to a diverse campus environment.

Geographic Diversity

USA ranks 782 out of 2,183 when it comes to geographic diversity. Approximately 19.57% of USA students come from out of state, and 9.07% come from out of the country. The undergraduate student body is split among 30 states (may include Washington D.C.).

Age Diversity

The university also demonstrates a strong ability to attract students of all ages, with an age diversity score of 85.40 out of 100.

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