Introduction
The University of South Alabama (USA) is a higher education institution located in Mobile, Alabama. Established in 1963 by the Alabama Legislature, it replaced extension programs previously managed by the University of Alabama. The university held its first classes in 1964, welcoming 276 students, and conferred its first bachelor’s degrees in 1967 to 88 graduates.
As a leading post-secondary education provider in the southern state, USA comprises ten colleges and schools, including one of Alabama’s two publicly funded medical schools. By 2019, the university had granted over 90,000 degrees and had an enrollment of 15,093 students in 2018. It is classified under “R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity.”
With an annual payroll exceeding $400 million and a workforce of over 6,000 employees, USA is the second-largest employer in Mobile. The higher education institution contributes an estimated $3 billion annually to the local economy.
The Alabama university spans 1,224 acres and follows a semester-based academic calendar. In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, it ranks #371 among national universities. As of fall 2023, the university’s undergraduate enrollment stood at 8,914. In-state tuition and fees are $12,040, while out-of-state students pay $23,260.
Positioned along the upper Gulf Coast, USA offers more than 50 online bachelor’s degree and certificate programs, along with over 40 online master’s programs. The university provides specialized studies such as an online MBA, online business degree, and online psychology degree, catering to students seeking flexible online degree programs.
For those pursuing advanced studies, USA delivers options like masters in data science, masters in counseling, masters in business administration, masters in accounting, and masters in public administration. The institution also provides an online mechanical engineering degree, online teaching degree, online criminal justice degree, and cyber security schools online, ensuring a comprehensive selection of online universities.
Students can explore accredited online colleges, engage in college courses, or enroll in specialized programs such as a healthcare administration degree, sports management degree, and psychology master’s programs. Doctoral-level education includes the PhD in psychology and a Doctor of Pharmacy in collaboration with Auburn University.
Athletics play a vital role in student life, with the South Alabama Jaguars competing in NCAA Division I’s Sun Belt Conference. The university near me fosters student involvement through nearly 200 organizations, including 18 fraternities and sororities.
With a student-faculty ratio of 19:1 and 53.1% of classes having fewer than 20 students, USA ensures a supportive learning environment. Popular majors include psychology degree, nursing, biomedical sciences, mechanical engineering, and computer science. The freshman retention rate stands at 73%, reflecting student satisfaction.
USA also operates additional sites, including its Fairhope and Gulf Coast campuses. Recognized among the top online master’s degree providers, it ranks 22nd among public higher education institutions in the South. The university maintains an 86.5% acceptance rate, making online master’s programs and top online MBA programs accessible to students nationwide.
University of South Alabama Overview
Popular Majors for 2023 Graduates
The University of South Alabama, a well-regarded higher education institution in the southern state, offers various academic programs. The most sought-after majors include:
- Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse – 19%
- Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology – 6%
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other – 6%
- Psychology, General – 5%
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General – 4%
Colleges and Schools
This Alabama university consists of ten colleges and schools, offering diverse post-secondary education opportunities:
- Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Mitchell College of Business
- College of Education and Professional Studies
- College of Engineering
- Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine
- College of Nursing
- School of Computing
- Honors College
- Graduate School
Administration
The institution operates under a board of trustees, including the governor of Alabama. The university has had several presidents over the years, with Jo Bonner appointed in 2021.
Athletics at the University of South Alabama
As part of the NCAA’s Division I/FBS, the university competes in 17 sports through the Sun Belt Conference. Men’s athletics include football, basketball, baseball, golf, tennis, cross country, and track and field, while women’s sports feature basketball, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball, golf, cross country, and track and field.
Football
The university introduced its football program in 2007, aiming for FBS status by 2013. The team plays at Hancock Whitney Stadium, which opened in 2020.
Basketball
Both men’s and women’s basketball teams compete at the Mitchell Center, a 10,000-seat arena.
Baseball
The Jaguars’ baseball team plays at Eddie Stanky Field, a 4,500-seat stadium with a natural grass surface.
Legal Matters and Controversies
2012 Campus Police Shooting
A 2012 incident resulted in the death of a freshman student after a confrontation with a campus police officer. The student’s family later pursued legal action, but the university was not held liable.
2014 Federal Discrimination Lawsuit
A student organization filed a federal lawsuit in 2014, alleging discrimination. The case was settled with a policy revision and an undisclosed financial settlement.
Abuse Lawsuits
In 2021 and 2022, lawsuits were filed against a former university volleyball coach regarding alleged misconduct. The lawsuits also named university officials as defendants.
Student Life at the University of South Alabama
As a higher education institution in Alabama, the university provides various opportunities for student engagement.
Demographics
- Total Enrollment (Fall 2023): 13,768
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,914
- Graduate Enrollment: 4,854
- Students Receiving Pell Grants (2022-2023): 39%
Student Housing
- Students Living Off-Campus: 73%
- Students in University Housing: 27%
- Available Housing: Apartments, coed dorms, fraternity and sorority housing, wellness and theme housing, and housing for students with disabilities.
Online Degree Programs at the University of South Alabama
As an accredited higher education institution, the university offers online degree programs, including:
- Online MBA and Top Online MBA Programs
- Online Business Degree and Online Business Administration Degree
- Online Psychology Degree and Psychology Master’s Programs
- Online Teaching Degree
- Online Engineering Programs, including Online Mechanical Engineering Degree
- Online Criminal Justice Degree
- Online Master’s Programs, including Masters in Business Administration, Masters in Counseling, Masters in Accounting, Masters in Public Administration, and Masters in Data Science
- Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs.
FAQs
Ques 1: What is the University of South Alabama known for?
Ans: The University of South Alabama (USA) is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in nursing, biomedical sciences, psychology, engineering, and business. It also houses one of Alabama’s two publicly funded medical schools.
Ques 2: How many students are enrolled at the University of South Alabama?
Ans: As of Fall 2023, the university had a total enrollment of 13,768 students, with 8,914 undergraduates and 4,854 graduate students.
Ques 3: What is the acceptance rate at the University of South Alabama?
Ans: The university has an acceptance rate of 86.5%, making it accessible to a broad range of students.
Ques 4; What online degree programs does the university offer?
Ans: USA provides a variety of online programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in business, psychology, engineering, criminal justice, and healthcare administration.
Ques 5: What is the cost of tuition at the University of South Alabama?
Ans: For in-state students, tuition and fees are $12,040 per year, while out-of-state students pay $23,260.
Ques 6: What athletic teams does the University of South Alabama have?
Ans: The South Alabama Jaguars compete in NCAA Division I’s Sun Belt Conference in sports such as football, basketball, baseball, soccer, softball, and track and field.
Ques 7: What is the student-faculty ratio at the University of South Alabama?
Ans: The student-faculty ratio is 19:1, with 53.1% of classes having fewer than 20 students.
Ques 8: Where is the University of South Alabama located?
Ans: The university is located in Mobile, Alabama, along the upper Gulf Coast.
Ques 9: What housing options are available for students?
Ans: Students can choose from various housing options, including coed dorms, apartments, fraternity and sorority housing, wellness and theme housing, and accommodations for students with disabilities.
Ques 10: What are the most popular majors at the University of South Alabama?
Ans: Popular majors include nursing, kinesiology, psychology, biomedical sciences, and general biology.