As the only public four-year degree-granting university in the state's largest metropolitan area, the University of Alabama at Birmingham covers 88 blocks or 323 acres in the urban downtown center of Birmingham. Designated as one of just two research universities in Alabama with a very high level of research activity by the prestigious Carnegie Foundation, UAB is recognized as the 31st best university for federal research funding with expenditures of around $454 million annually. With a diverse population of over 12,000 students, UAB is also named among the nation's top ten universities for diversity.
Tracing its roots back to 1859 when it was founded as the Medical College of Alabama, the school initially served as the Birmingham Extension Center of the University of Alabama. As the center evolved and experienced tremendous student population growth, it merged with the Medical College to form the University of Alabama in Birmingham. By 1969, UAB became an independent institution, one of the autonomous universities within the newly created three-campus University of Alabama system, the largest employer in Birmingham, and the largest research institution in the state of Alabama.
According to the U.S. News and World Report, UAB is currently ranked as the 152nd best college, 81st top public school, and 33rd best university for veterans in the nation. Fully accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (SACS), the University of Alabama at Birmingham offers 140 bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and professional degree programs. Home to one of the largest academic medical centers and the only ACS verified Level I trauma center in Alabama, UAB is most renowned for offering exemplary programs in internal medicine, neurology, surgery, optometry, nursing, public health, anesthesiology, dentistry and radiology.
Among the 150 student organizations on campus, the award-winning UAB Model Arab League team has consistently been recognized as one of the best governmental model teams in the nation and the UAB Mock Trial Team has consecutively been ranked among the country's top 25 teams. Nicknamed the Blazers with the trademark forest green and old gold, the University of Alabama at Birmingham is home to 18 intercollegiate varsity teams for competition in the Conference USA of the NCAA Division I. Some of the most notable former Blazers include Olympic gold-medalist Vonetta Flowers, Miss America 2005 Deidre Downs, artist Clayton Colvin, and Surgeon General of the United States Regina Benjamin.
Total undergraduate enrollment: 10331
Total institution enrollment: 14951
School type: 4-year public
School classification: Doctoral/Research Universities--Extensive: These institutions typically offer a wide range of baccalaureate programs, and they are committed to graduate education through the doctorate. They award 50 or more doctoral degrees per year across at least 15 Disciplines.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Administration Bldg Suite 1070
Birmingham, AL 35209
(205) 934-4011
WebsiteMale undergraduate population: 41%
Female undergraduate population: 59%
Undergrad visible minorities: No Data
Degrees Offered: Less than one year, One but less than two years, Bachelor's, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master's, Post-Masters certificate, Doctor's, First-professional degree, First-professional certificate