Did You Know?
The University of Alabama is ranked among the top 50 public universities in the nation for the ninth consecutive year in U.S. News and World Report’s annual college rankings, fall 2009.
The University of Alabama ranked 11th in the nation among public universities in the enrollment of National Merit Scholars in the 2008 freshman class.
Five University of Alabama students were named to the 2009 USA Today All-USA College Academic Team, the most of any school. This year’s team brings UA’s total for the last seven years to 36, a figure that tops all other colleges and universities. In addition to this year, UA had the most students on the list in 2008 with seven, 2006 with six and in 2005 and 2003, both with five.
Enrollment at The University of Alabama reached a record high of 28,807 for fall 2009. The entering freshman class, at 5,207 students, is the largest in UA history.
The University of Alabama has a dramatic impact on the economy of Alabama, returning three dollars for every one dollar invested in the University by the State. UA each year contributes $1.8 billion to the state’s economy.
The UA School of Law is ranked 30th in the nation in U.S. News and World Report’s 2010 edition of the annual “Best Graduate Schools” publication. The UA School of Library and Information Studies is ranked 22nd in the nation.
UA’s undergraduate business program ranked 35th among public undergraduate business schools in U.S. News and World Report’s annual college rankings, fall 2009, and 57th when private universities are included.
The Center for College Affordability and Productivity ranks The University of Alabama seventh in the nation among public universities in a study published in Forbes magazine, May 2008. Criteria included student evaluations, graduation rates, the percentage of students winning top national awards, and professional achievement of graduates.
UA is regularly ranked among the top 100 public universities in Kiplinger’s annual list of colleges and universities that combine “great academics and affordable tuition.”
The University of Alabama debate and forensics program has won 16 national debate championships.
The University of Alabama’s graduates and students include 15 Rhodes Scholars, 29 Goldwater Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 13 Hollings Scholars, two Javits Fellows, one Udall Scholar and one Portz Scholar.
One in five freshmen enrolled in UA’s Honors College for fall 2008. These 1,065 students scored in the top 2 percent nationally on the ACT.
UA is #1 in the nation in enrollment and graduation of minority doctoral students under the Southern Regional Education Board’s Minority Doctoral Scholars Program. A total of 66 SREB fellows have completed their doctorates at UA, and 20 SREB doctoral fellows are currently enrolled in this program that encourages minority students to pursue doctoral degrees and become college-level professors.
UA is one of the top five public flagship universities in the nation in the enrollment of African-American students. For the 2008-2009 academic year, African-Americans represent 11.3 percent of the student body.
Participation in original research and creative activities is becoming a hallmark of the undergraduate experience at The University of Alabama. More than 250 undergraduates showcased their research and creative activity projects at UA’s spring 2009 “Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Conference.”
The University of Alabama has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The Community Service Honor Roll is the highest federal recognition a school can achieve for its commitment to service learning and civic engagement.
The University of Alabama has been selected by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching for its 2008 Community Engagement Classification. The designation recognizes UA as one of the nation’s premiere institutions in community outreach and scholarship, and it underscores UA’s commitment to apply its resources and expertise to address critical community needs.
The University of Alabama has been engaged in an aggressive program to upgrade and expand facilities, opening more than 20 new facilities over the last five years. The new Science and Engineering building and the Ridgecrest South residential community opened in August 2009 and the Capstone College of Nursing building is scheduled for completion in 2010.
This year alone, more than 900 University of Alabama students will receive a total of more than $2.3 million in scholarships provided by the National Alumni Association. The UA National Alumni Association is among the nation’s leading public-university-based comprehensive associations, ranking among the top 10 in alumni support.
Founded in 1831, The University of Alabama is the state’s first university.