Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants.
43%
SAT 25th-75th percentileThe middle range of SAT scores for admitted students: a quarter scored below the low number and a quarter scored above the high number.
860–1120
Undergrad enrollment
2,974
Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost.
$12,684
In-state tuition
$10,990
Out-of-state tuition
$20,090
Avg. ACT Range
16-21
Avg. SAT Range
860-1120
Acceptance Rate
43%
6-Year Grad Rate
35%
Net Price After Aid
$13,786
Median Alumni Salary
$44,232
Undergrad Enrollment
2,673 (2023)
Student-Faculty Ratio
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at University of West Alabama?
University of West Alabama's acceptance rate is approximately 43% (Livingston, AL), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for University of West Alabama?
Admitted students at University of West Alabama typically score 860–1120 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does University of West Alabama cost?
At University of West Alabama, the average net price (after aid) is about $12,684 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend University of West Alabama?
University of West Alabama enrolls approximately 2,974 undergraduate students.
Where is University of West Alabama located?
University of West Alabama is located in Livingston, AL.
The University of West Alabama (UWA) is a small public university in Livingston, AL, offering a tight-knit, rural campus experience with a focus on affordability and student support. With an acceptance rate hovering around 43%, UWA is accessible yet selective enough to maintain academic standards. Its 90+ programs—strong in education, business, and liberal arts—cater to a predominantly local student body, many of whom benefit from robust financial aid. While graduation rates lag slightly below national averages, UWA punches above its weight in economic mobility for first-generation and rural students.
Admissions
UWA's admissions process is moderately selective, with an Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. of 43% (2024 data), though sources vary slightly—some report rates as high as 87%, likely reflecting different applicant pools or reporting methods. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 860-1120 on the SAT (with Critical Reading 440-560 and Math 420-560) or 16-21 on the ACT. Unlike many universities, UWA doesn't emphasize high school GPA in its public metrics, focusing instead on test scores and Holistic admissionsA review that weighs the whole applicant — grades, essays, activities, and context — rather than relying on test scores and GPA alone.. Nearly all students (99%) receive some form of financial aid, making it a practical choice for cost-conscious applicants. The Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Research (OIER) oversees data transparency, though specifics on waitlists or deferral rates aren't publicly detailed.
UWA offers 90+ undergraduate programs across business, education, liberal arts, and STEM fields, with education being a standout (per Niche reviews). The 17:1 student-faculty ratio suggests modest class sizes, though the 64% freshman retention rate—below the national average—hints at academic or social adjustment challenges. Notably, the university emphasizes support for rural and underrepresented students, with initiatives aimed at economic mobility. While some students praise faculty accessibility, others note uneven course rigor, particularly in online offerings. The six-year graduation rate for women (72.2%) slightly outperforms Alabama's state benchmark (71.52%), though overall completion rates aren't stellar.
Life at UWA revolves around its rural Livingston campus, where 2,673 undergraduates (2023 data) form a close-knit community. Instagram highlights like "Tiger Giving Day" showcase school spirit, while campus recreation offers intramural sports, outdoor adventures, and aquatics programs. The gender split is roughly balanced, and Niche reviews describe an environment where "everyone knows everyone." Greek life exists but isn't dominant. Weaknesses? Limited urban amenities—Livingston has a population under 3,000—and a lack of diversity (demographics aren't prominently published, but the vibe is decidedly Southern and traditional).
Post-graduation, UWA alumni earn a median salary of $44,232—respectable for the region but below national averages for four-year degrees. The six-year graduation rate sits at 35% (per Instudi), a concerning figure mitigated somewhat by the university's mission to serve non-traditional and underprepared students. Notably, women outperform state benchmarks in completion rates (72.2% vs. 71.52%). Career services data isn't transparent, but the low Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. ($13,786 after aid) and high aid participation (93% of students receive grants/scholarships) suggest ROI is a priority.
UWA's affordability is its trump card: tuition runs $325 per credit hour, with scholarships covering up to 26 credit hours annually. The average net price after aid is $13,786, and 79% of students receive aid packages averaging $9,789. The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. Calculator helps families estimate costs, though it requires detailed financial data. Notably, 93% of first-years get grant/scholarship aid, making UWA one of Alabama's most accessible four-year options. Downside? Fees and housing costs aren't as transparently broken down as tuition.
UWA excels in serving rural and first-generation students without bankrupting them—a rarity in today's higher-ed landscape. Its 90+ programs (especially education) provide solid ROI for Alabama residents, and the tight-knit campus fosters mentorship opportunities. But it's not for everyone: limited research facilities, low graduation rates, and isolation from major cities may deter ambitious students. For those seeking an affordable, supportive, and distinctly Southern college experience, though, UWA delivers.
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