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Alabama State University

Montgomery, AL

publicHBCUgraduate

Quick Facts

Wikipedia
1867
Founded
Public historically black university
Type
3,322
Total Students
3,521
Undergrad
560
Graduate
$125M
Endowment
(2024)
$11K
Tuition (In-State)
$20K
Tuition (Out-State)
$14K
Avg Net Price
96%
Acceptance Rate
30%
Graduation Rate
6-year
60%
Retention Rate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Alabama State University

Alabama State University: Pioneering education as America's first state-supported HBCU.

Step into history at Alabama State University, a vibrant Public Historically Black University (HBCU) with a legacy of innovation dating back to 1867. What began as the Lincoln Normal School, committed to teacher education, quickly evolved into America's first state-supported educational institution for Black students in 1874. This pioneering spirit continues to define ASU, which has grown from its humble beginnings in Marion to a comprehensive regional institution in Montgomery.

Today, ASU proudly serves over 4,000 students, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university's commitment to academic excellence and community engagement is evident in its continuous growth and impact. Recent achievements include significant federal grants and philanthropic donations that bolster student support, academic programs, and K-12 college preparedness initiatives, ensuring a bright future for its students.

Beyond academics, the student experience at ASU is enriched by a thriving campus culture. Students can tune into WVAS-FM, the university's powerful 80,000-watt radio station, which not only reaches a wide regional audience but also connects a global community through its web stream. With a rich history, a forward-looking vision, and a commitment to nurturing leaders, Alabama State University offers a truly engaging and empowering educational journey.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1867, Alabama State University holds the distinction of being America's first state-supported educational institution for Black students (1874).
  • Serves over 4,000 students as a comprehensive public historically black university.
  • Received a historic $24.7 million federal grant in 2021, the largest in its history, to enhance K-12 college readiness.
  • Awarded the largest single gift in university history, a $38 million donation from MacKenzie Scott in 2025.
  • Operates WVAS-FM, an 80,000-watt public radio station, reaching over 651,000 listeners across 18 counties and streaming globally.

Timeline

1867
Founded as the Lincoln Normal School of Marion.
1874
Became America's first state-supported educational institution for Black students.
1887
Moved to Montgomery and was renamed the Normal School for Colored Students.
1928
Transformed into a full four-year institution.
1969
Renamed Alabama State University.
1984
WVAS-FM was launched, becoming a powerful broadcast voice.
1995
Transformed into a comprehensive regional institution via the Knight vs. Alabama decree.
2021
Received a record $24.7 million federal grant.
2025
Awarded a historic $38 million donation from MacKenzie Scott.
🏛️
159 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Carl Pettis
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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