2025 admissions data

University of South Alabama Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 71.0% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 71 actually get in. No guessing. University of South Alabama is a UNIV institution located in Mobile, AL — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

The University of South Alabama suits students who appreciate flexibility in admissions, particularly with test scores. With its test-optional policy and straightforward admission criteria, this is ideal for applicants with strong GPAs but less impressive standardized test scores. Conversely, those who thrive on structured and rigorous admission criteria may find this approach less satisfactory. Additionally, students looking for a diverse, hands-on learning environment with opportunities for community engagement may find a good match here, while those seeking an intensely competitive atmosphere should consider other options. It's a trade-off between a relaxed admissions path and potentially less competitive scholarship opportunities compared to universities that require standardized testing.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

69.3%

Acceptance Rate

Women

72.0%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

12,982

Admitted

9,212

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose University of South Alabama. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

Math470–580

Reading500–610

ACT Score Range

English19–26

Math17–25

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

Putting the University of South Alabama Acceptance Rate into Perspective

Acceptance rates are often treated as shortcuts in college research. The acceptance rate at University of South Alabama offers a quick snapshot of admissions outcomes, but it’s only meaningful when placed in context.

An acceptance rate of 71.0% reflects aggregate decisions, not personalized evaluations. It includes applicants with a wide range of academic preparation and intentions, which limits how directly it can be applied to individual cases.

Why Acceptance Rates Don’t Equal Admissions Difficulty

Admissions difficulty isn’t uniform across a university. At University of South Alabama, some programs attract more applicants than others, creating differences in competitiveness that a single acceptance rate can’t capture.

Additionally, universities that encourage broad applications often appear more accessible than they actually are. This makes acceptance rate data easy to misread without deeper analysis.

Using Acceptance Rate as a Planning Tool

For applicants, the most productive way to use the acceptance rate at University of South Alabama is to guide expectations and list-building—not to predict outcomes.

When combined with an honest assessment of academic fit and preparation, acceptance rate data becomes one of several inputs that help students navigate admissions decisions more thoughtfully.

Admissions Insight

While the University of South Alabama offers appealing programs, one area of particular concern is the advising access students receive, which may directly impact their educational journey. Advisors at the university often juggle numerous students, making it critical for students to take the initiative. Without frequent appointments and proactive engagement, students can miss essential guidance on course selections and career pathways. This lack of personalized support may not affect those with strong self-direction, but students struggling with decision-making or clarity on their goals may find themselves at a disadvantage. Furthermore, with the blend of majors offered, some students may find themselves navigating a complex maze of requirements that complicate their educational trajectory. In contrast, students who thrive on self-guided learning in a less-structured environment may excel here. This dynamic makes it vital to evaluate one’s own learning style against the university’s advising framework. Students should also consider how advising impacts long-term outcomes, such as internships and job placements. Lack of resolution during early years may hinder opportunities later, as understanding the pre-requisites and networking paths critical in certain fields is key to success. Those willing to proactively seek out resources could ultimately benefit from the university’s community vibe and personal growth opportunities, while others may feel adrift without ample support.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: $45

Fee Waiver Available: No

Application Portal: www.southalabama.edu/departments/admissions/applytousa.html

Your Chances of Getting Into University of South Alabama

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at University of South Alabama based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

What This Means If You’re Considering Applying to University of South Alabama

Once you’ve looked through admissions data, the next step isn’t finding more numbers — it’s deciding what they mean for you. Many students reach this stage feeling unsure, especially when outcomes seem hard to predict.

The reality is that universities like University of South Alabama don’t admit students in a vacuum. Applications are evaluated within context, and that context includes academic preparation, intended area of study, and how well an applicant’s goals align with what the institution offers.

How Applicants Should Think About Their Chances

Rather than asking, “Will I get in?”, a more productive question is, “Does applying here make sense for my profile?” Students who approach admissions this way tend to build stronger, more balanced college lists.

If your academic background matches the expectations of your intended program, the admissions process may feel far less intimidating than it looks on paper. On the other hand, students applying to high-demand majors or with less preparation should plan accordingly — not avoid applying, but approach it strategically.

In the end, admissions data is meant to guide decision-making, not discourage it. Used correctly, it helps applicants apply with confidence rather than guesswork.

Should You Apply to University of South Alabama?

If 71.0% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore University of South Alabama

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About University of South Alabama Acceptance Rate

Is the University of South Alabama test-optional?

Yes, the University of South Alabama operates a test-optional policy for undergraduate admissions. Students can choose whether to submit standardized test scores with their applications.

What GPA is needed for automatic admission at University of South Alabama?

Students need a high school GPA of 3.4 or higher for automatic admission to the University of South Alabama. Those with lower GPAs may enter a review process.

Do I need to submit ACT or SAT scores to University of South Alabama?

Submitting ACT or SAT scores is not mandatory due to the test-optional policy. However, it's recommended for those seeking scholarship opportunities.

What are the scholarship options for test-optional applicants at University of South Alabama?

Test-optional applicants can still qualify for scholarships based on their curriculum strength and grades, despite not submitting test scores.

What high school core units are required for University of South Alabama admission?

Applicants must complete 16 core high school units, including 4 English, 4 Math, 3 Science (with 2 lab courses), 3 Social Science, and 3 Advanced Electives.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

University of South Alabama isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

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