When choosing a college, it is essential to analyze various factors such as costs, admissions, academics, diversity, and outcomes. This comparison between Texas State and UA (University of Alabama) will help prospective students make an informed decision. We will explore each school’s overview, costs, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes.
Texas State Overview
Texas State University, located in San Marcos, Texas, is a large public university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Founded in 1899, it is the fifth-largest university in Texas, with a diverse student body and a strong focus on research and innovation.
Texas State Costs & Tuition
In-state students at Texas State can expect to pay an average of $11,550 per year for tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay about $23,130. Additionally, students will need to budget for room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses, which can bring the total cost of attendance to approximately $25,000 to $40,000 per year, depending on their residency status and personal spending habits.
Texas State Admissions
Admissions to Texas State University are considered moderately difficult, with an acceptance rate of around 81%. SAT scores in the middle 50% range for admitted students are between 1010 and 1150, while the middle 50% range for ACT scores is between 20 and 25. Texas State also considers factors such as class rank, extracurricular activities, and leadership experience in evaluating applicants.
Texas State Degrees Offered
Texas State offers over 200 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various fields of study. Some of the most popular majors include Business, Health Professions, Communication, Education, and Social Sciences.
Texas State Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, Texas State provides a balance between small class sizes and large university resources. The university emphasizes research, hands-on learning, and a robust curriculum that prepares students for professional success.
Texas State Diversity
Texas State University has a diverse student body, with about 48% of students identifying as Hispanic, 37% as White, 7% as Black or African American, and 2% as Asian. The university has a strong commitment to inclusivity and equity, offering a variety of resources and support services to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.
Texas State Students
Texas State is home to more than 38,000 students, with over 34,000 undergraduate students and nearly 4,000 graduate students. The campus offers a vibrant student life, with more than 300 student organizations, an active Greek life, and numerous events and activities throughout the year.
Texas State Campus
The Texas State campus spans over 500 acres and features a mix of historic and modern facilities. The campus is situated along the San Marcos River, providing students with access to beautiful natural surroundings and outdoor recreation opportunities. The university also has a strong commitment to sustainability, with numerous green initiatives and programs in place.
Texas State Alumni
Notable alumni from Texas State University include Lyndon B. Johnson (36th President of the United States), George Strait (country music singer), and Thomas Carter (film and television director).
Texas State Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Colleges rankings, Texas State ranks #293-381 in National Universities and #154 in Top Public Schools.
Texas State Outcomes
The overall graduation rate at Texas State is about 55%, with a 74% retention rate for first-year students. The average starting salary for graduates is around $40,000, with a mid-career salary of about $72,000.
UA Overview
The University of Alabama (UA), founded in 1831, is a public research university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. As the flagship university of the state, UA offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong focus on research, innovation, and community engagement.
UA Costs & Tuition
In-state students at UA can expect to pay approximately $11,620 per year for tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay about $31,090. Considering room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses, the total cost of attendance ranges from around $28,000 to $46,000 per year, depending on residency status and personal spending habits.
UA Admissions
Admissions to the University of Alabama are moderately difficult, with an acceptance rate of approximately 79%. The middle 50% range for SAT scores among admitted students is between 1060 and 1270, while the middle 50% range for ACT scores is between 23 and 31. UA also evaluates factors such as class rank, extracurricular activities, and demonstrated leadership in its admissions process.
UA Degrees Offered
UA offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields of study. Popular majors at UA include Business, Engineering, Health Professions, Social Sciences, and Communication.
UA Academics
The University of Alabama has a student-to-faculty ratio of 22:1, providing students with a balance between personalized attention and access to resources. UA emphasizes research, experiential learning, and a strong curriculum that prepares students for professional success.
UA Diversity
UA has a diverse student body, with approximately 78% of students identifying as White, 11% as Black or African American, 4% as Hispanic, and 2% as Asian. The university is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus and offers various resources and support services for students from different backgrounds.
UA Students
The University of Alabama is home to over 38,000 students, with more than 33,000 undergraduate students and about 5,000 graduate students. The campus offers a vibrant student life, with more than 600 student organizations, an active Greek life, and a variety of events and activities throughout the year.
UA Campus
UA’s campus spans over 1,000 acres and features a mix of historic and modern facilities. Located near the Black Warrior River, the campus offers students access to beautiful natural surroundings and outdoor recreation opportunities. The university is also committed to sustainability, with various green initiatives and programs in place.
UA Alumni
Notable alumni from the University of Alabama include Harper Lee (Pulitzer Prize-winning author), Joe Namath (Hall of Fame NFL quarterback), and Sonequa Martin-Green (actress).
UA Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Colleges rankings, UA ranks #143 in National Universities and #67 in Top Public Schools.
UA Outcome
The overall graduation rate at UA is about 71%, with an 87% retention rate for first-year students. The average starting salary for UA graduates is around $50,000, with a mid-career salary of approximately $84,000.
Texas State vs UA Cost Comparison
Both Texas State and UA have similar in-state tuition rates, with Texas State at $11,550 and UA at $11,620. However, out-of-state tuition is significantly higher at UA, costing around $31,090 compared to Texas State’s $23,130. Total costs, including room and board, books, and personal expenses, vary depending on residency and spending habits but are generally higher at UA.
Texas State vs UA Admissions Difficulty
Both Texas State and UA have moderate admissions difficulty, with acceptance rates of 81% and 79% respectively. The middle 50% SAT and ACT score ranges are slightly higher for UA than Texas State, indicating a slightly more competitive admissions process at UA.
Texas State vs UA Academic Difficulty
Both universities have a similar student-to-faculty ratio, with Texas State at 20:1 and UA at 22:1. This indicates that both institutions aim to provide a balance between personalized attention and access to resources. Academic difficulty may vary based on individual programs and majors, but both universities emphasize research, experiential learning, and rigorous curriculums.
Texas State vs UA Outcome Comparison
The University of Alabama has a higher overall graduation rate (71%) compared to Texas State (55%). Additionally, UA graduates tend to have higher starting and mid-career salaries than their Texas State counterparts. However, both universities have strong alumni networks and provide resources for students to succeed in their professional lives.
