Alabama A&M vs Alabama State

Alabama A & M University and Alabama State University, both esteemed public historically black universities in Alabama, offer unique educational experiences. Alabama A & M University, nestled in Huntsville, boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for aspiring students. In contrast, Alabama State University, located in Montgomery, maintains a lower acceptance rate, ensuring a more selective admissions process. While both universities offer a diverse range of academic programs, Alabama A & M University excels in engineering and agricultural sciences, while Alabama State University shines in business and nursing. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details about these institutions, including student body demographics, graduation rates, and additional factors that may influence your higher education journey.
Alabama A & M University logo

Alabama A & M University

Alabama State University logo

Alabama State University

Overview

Location Normal, Alabama Montgomery, Alabama
Campus setting City: Midsize City: Midsize
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 58.0% 64.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 71.6% 98.0%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $30

Graduate: $45
Undergraduate: $25

Graduate: $25
SAT range 840 - 1030 839 - 1050
ACT range 15 - 20 15 - 20
Students submitting SAT score 19.0% 15.0%
Students submitting ACT score 63.0% 35.0%
Total number of applicants 6,560 5,974
Total number of admissions given out 4,697 5,854
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,534 890
Yield rate 32.7% 15.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $24,234

Out of state: $32,844
In state: $25,118

Out of state: $33,446
Average net price $12,921 $12,875
Tuition
In state: $8,610

Out of state: $17,220
In state: $8,328

Out of state: $16,656
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $3,790

Meal plan: $3,960
Room/dormitory: $3,500

Meal plan: $2,550
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

84.0%
Average amount $11,047
93.0%
Average amount $10,796
Students receiving federal student loan 59.0%
Average amount $6,164
67.0%
Average amount $6,058
Students taking out private loans 0.0%
Average amount $0
2.0%
Average amount $8,827

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 5,107
Men 40.6% Women 59.4%
3,499
Men 35.0% Women 65.0%
Graduate students 862
Men 32.6% Women 67.4%
465
Men 29.9% Women 70.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Very Low
Out-of-state students N/A 68.9%
International students 1.4% 1.7%
Campus local/setting City: Midsize City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity 2,776 2,079
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A Alabama Georgia Florida California Illinois

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Engineering
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Education
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Multidisciplinary Studies
Students to faculty ratio 18:1 13:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 28.1% 28.4%
Dropout rate 33.7% 32.6%
Transferred out 34.1% 36.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,009
  • Year 2: $61,303
  • Year 3: $70,691
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,145
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $65,291
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,783
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $62,771
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,322
  • Year 2: $55,036
  • Year 3: $55,418
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $37,568
  • Year 3: $52,569
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,070
  • Year 2: $43,240
  • Year 3: $50,627
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $33,781
  • Year 2: $43,798
  • Year 3: $46,648
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,753
  • Year 2: $39,153
  • Year 3: $44,347
Social Work (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $35,525
  • Year 2: $37,819
  • Year 3: $41,849
Biology, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $35,594
  • Year 3: $40,182
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $77,554
  • Year 2: $77,872
  • Year 3: $76,851
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,905
  • Year 2: $47,729
  • Year 3: $55,127
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,635
  • Year 2: $50,717
  • Year 3: $51,507
Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $29,449
  • Year 2: $24,035
  • Year 3: $36,705
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $33,951
  • Year 2: $34,526
  • Year 3: $33,805
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $25,279
  • Year 2: $23,869
  • Year 3: $31,282
Social Work (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $25,751
  • Year 2: $28,055
  • Year 3: $31,219
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $27,832
  • Year 2: $28,236
  • Year 3: $30,680
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $23,957
  • Year 2: $16,992
  • Year 3: $30,003
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $24,687
  • Year 2: $23,207
  • Year 3: $27,536

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University?

    Alabama A&M University (AAMU) is a land-grant institution with a strong focus on STEM fields, agriculture, and engineering. Alabama State University (ASU) has a broader liberal arts focus, with notable programs in education, performing arts, and business. AAMU is located in Normal, Alabama, while ASU is located in Montgomery, Alabama. Both are Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with rich traditions, but their academic emphasis and campus environments differ.

  • Which university is stronger in STEM fields?

    Alabama A&M University is generally considered stronger in STEM fields due to its land-grant mission and emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. They offer a wider range of engineering programs and have dedicated research facilities in these areas.

  • Which university is better known for its arts and humanities programs?

    Alabama State University is better known for its arts and humanities programs, particularly in performing arts and education. Their music and theater departments are highly regarded, and they have a strong tradition in these areas.

  • Where are Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University located?

    Alabama A&M University is located in Normal, Alabama, which is near Huntsville. Alabama State University is located in Montgomery, Alabama, the state capital.

  • What is the campus environment like at each university?

    Alabama A&M University has a more suburban campus environment in Normal, offering a blend of academic and research facilities with residential areas. Alabama State University, located in the state capital, Montgomery, offers a more urban campus environment with closer proximity to city amenities and historical sites.

  • How do the admission requirements compare between Alabama A&M and Alabama State?

    Admission requirements are generally similar for both universities, typically requiring a high school diploma or GED, standardized test scores (ACT/SAT), and a completed application. However, specific score requirements and GPA expectations may vary slightly. It's best to check each university's admissions website for the most up-to-date information.

  • Do both universities offer financial aid and scholarships?

    Yes, both Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University offer a range of financial aid options, including grants, loans, and scholarships. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for federal and state aid. Both universities also offer merit-based and need-based scholarships.

  • What are some popular majors at Alabama A&M University?

    Popular majors at Alabama A&M University include engineering (various disciplines), computer science, biology, business administration, and agricultural sciences.

  • What are some popular majors at Alabama State University?

    Popular majors at Alabama State University include education, business administration, criminal justice, nursing, and performing arts (music, theater).

  • Are there any notable traditions or events unique to each university?

    Alabama A&M University is known for its Homecoming celebrations, the Bulldog Pride Marching Band, and its strong alumni network in STEM fields. Alabama State University is known for its Mighty Marching Hornets band, its rich history in the Civil Rights Movement, and its annual Turkey Day Classic football game.

  • Which university has a larger student body?

    Alabama A&M University generally has a slightly larger student body compared to Alabama State University.

  • Do both universities offer online programs?

    Yes, both Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University offer a variety of online programs and courses, providing flexible learning options for students.

  • How can I learn more about each university and potentially visit the campus?

    You can visit the official websites of Alabama A&M University (www.aamu.edu) and Alabama State University (www.alasu.edu) for detailed information about academic programs, campus life, admissions, and financial aid. Both universities offer campus tours and information sessions, which are a great way to experience the campus firsthand.

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