Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Livingston, Alabama |
| Online | uwa.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Remote Rural |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Located in Livingston, Alabama, the University of West Alabama is a public institution situated in the western region of the state, approximately 60 miles southwest of Tuscaloosa. The 600-acre rural campus features traditional brick buildings and modern academic facilities amid a small-town setting. Founded in 1835 as Livingston Female Academy, the institution evolved through several iterations before becoming a coeducational university in 1967. UWA maintains a moderately selective admission policy and offers undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular strengths in education, business, and online learning programs. The university houses students in several residence halls across campus and competes in NCAA Division II athletics as the Tigers, participating in the Gulf South Conference.
University of West Alabama is designated as a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) and receives federal grants supporting the school's efforts to serve low and middle-income Black Americans.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
University of West Alabama is rated within the lower 20% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 3 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for University of West Alabama within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#1007 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#422 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#13 in Best Colleges in Alabama
#10 in Best Public Colleges in Alabama
#31 in Best Value Colleges in Alabama
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 820/978 |
| ACT | 17/22 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.16 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 10, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $30 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Alabama Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,206 |
| Other Fees | $1,890 |
| Room and Board | $8,166 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,600 |
| Total One Year Cost | $23,962 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,206 |
| Other Fees | $1,890 |
| Room and Board | $8,166 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,600 |
| Total One Year Cost | $33,062 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Education | 27% |
| Health Professions | 24% |
| Business | 14% |
| English and Literature | 6% |
| Social Sciences | 6% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering University of West Alabama are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=101587 IPEDS survey data for University of West Alabama.
Current students may use the University of West Alabama GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025