University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, AL

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Quick Facts

Public research university

Type

12,118

Total Students

11,959

Undergrad

8,946

Graduate

$1.0B

Endowment

$9K

Tuition (In-State)

$22K

Tuition (Out-State)

$18K

Avg Net Price

88%

Acceptance Rate

63%

Graduation Rate

6-year

82%

Retention Rate

Doctoral Universities

Classification

President: Ray L. Watts

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

About University of Alabama at Birmingham

UAB: Pioneering research, vital healthcare, and Alabama's largest employer.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) stands as a dynamic public research university, deeply integrated into the fabric of its vibrant city. Renowned for its "Very high research activity" (R1 classification), UAB is not just an academic institution but also the state's largest employer, fueling Alabama's economy with over 53,000 jobs. Its prestigious UAB Health System is recognized as one of the largest academic medical centers in the United States, making it a cornerstone of medical innovation and patient care.

UAB's journey began in 1936 as a humble extension center, growing in response to Birmingham's need for accessible higher education. Over decades, it steadily transformed, with the School of Medicine joining in 1945 and significant investments in research and infrastructure, including a new engineering building. This relentless growth culminated in 1969 when it officially became the independent University of Alabama at Birmingham, a testament to its intrinsic value and distinct mission.

Today, UAB offers a comprehensive academic experience with 140 programs of study across 12 academic divisions, leading to bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and professional degrees. It attracts a diverse student body of over 20,905 from more than 110 countries, fostering a rich global community. Beyond academics, students can cheer on the Blazers in 18 NCAA Division I varsity sports, celebrating a legacy that includes 11 conference championships, all contributing to a vibrant campus life in a midsize city setting.

Key Highlights

✦Classified as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity" institution.
✦Alabama's largest employer, responsible for over 53,000 jobs across the state.
✦Home to the UAB Health System, recognized as one of the largest academic medical centers in the U.S.
✦Offers 140 programs of study across 12 academic divisions, attracting students from over 110 countries.
✦Holds a substantial endowment of $1 billion and managed a budget of $4.34 billion in 2021.
✦The UAB Blazers compete in NCAA Division I athletics and have secured 11 conference championships.

Timeline

1936

The University of Alabama establishes the Birmingham Extension Center.

1945

UA's four-year School of Medicine moves from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham.

1959

Research grants exceed $1 million, and ground is broken for a new Children's Hospital.

1962

An engineering building is constructed near the medical center.

1966

The Extension Center is renamed the College of General Studies and elevated to a full four-year program. Later that year, it merges with the School of Medicine to form The University of Alabama in Birmingham.

1969

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is officially established as an independent four-year institution within the new University of Alabama System.

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within University of Alabama at Birmingham

🏥

School of Medicine

A four-year medical school that moved to Birmingham in 1945, forming a foundational part of the UAB Health System, one of the largest academic medical centers in the U.S.

Leadership

Ray L. Watts

President

Pam Benoit

Provost

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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