Located on a vast 1,224-acre suburban campus in the oldest city in the state at Mobile, the University of South Alabama is a comprehensive public research institution of higher learning. As one of Alabama's fastest growing universities for the past several years, USA is home to more than 15,400 students on a diverse and vibrant campus community. With an annual payroll of over $400 million for 5,500 employees, USA is also the second largest employer within the 100-mile radius of the Mobile metropolitan area.
First founded by an act of the Alabama Legislature in 1963, the University of South Alabama opened its doors in west Mobile to an initial enrollment of just 276 students. By 1968, the university was admitted membership in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and received funding to break ground on the first residence hall complex. As the university continued to evolve, it replaced existing extension programs operated in Mobile by the University of Alabama to become the only major public institution on the upper Gulf Coast.
With an outstanding reputation extending throughout the southern United States, USA has been ranked as the 52nd best college and 22nd best public school in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. Consisting of ten colleges offering 50 bachelor's degree and 40 master's degree options, the University of South Alabama is most recognized for having high-ranking programs in audiology, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, business, engineering, education, and speech-language pathology. Furthermore, USA is renowned for offering one of the few doctoral programs nationwide for a combined degree in clinical and counseling psychology.
Along with over 200 student organizations in a variety of special interests, the University of South Alabama offers 24 active fraternities and sororities on-campus for those interested in joining the dynamic Greek life system. Student athletes can also try out for the South Alabama Jaguars, which compete in the NCAA Division I Sun Belt Conference in football, basketball, tennis, baseball, cross country, golf, track and field, softball, soccer, and volleyball. Some of the most notable former Jaguars include MLB player David Freese, author Carloyn Haines, activist Rodger McFarlane, professional golfer Heath Slocum, and the world's youngest college graduate Michael Kearney.
Total undergraduate enrollment: 9232
Total institution enrollment: 11673
School type: 4-year public
School classification: Doctoral/Research Universities--Intensive: These institutions typically offer a wide range of baccalaureate programs, and they are committed to graduate education through the doctorate. They award at least ten doctoral degrees/1 per year across three or more disciplines,2 or at least 20 doctoral degrees per year overall.
University of South Alabama
307 N University Blvd
Mobile, AL 36608
(334) 460-6101
WebsiteMale undergraduate population: 42%
Female undergraduate population: 58%
Undergrad visible minorities: No Data
Degrees Offered: Less than one year, One but less than two years, Two but less than 4 years, Bachelor's, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master's, Post-Masters certificate, Doctor's, First-professional degree