The University of South Alabama is a public research doctoral institution in Mobile, Alabama, founded in 1963 and set across a 1,190-acre coastal campus. It ranks #363 in the US News Best Colleges National Universities 2026 list and hosts over 14,000 students drawn from 70 countries.
South Alabama runs 115 English-medium programmes across 10 colleges, spanning engineering, computer science, business, health sciences and a full medical school. Indian applicants join both the Fall (August) and Spring (January) intakes, with priority admission dates on 1 April and 1 October. The Mitchell College of Business, School of Computing and College of Engineering carry the highest Indian enrolment on record.
- US News Best Colleges National Rank: #363 (2026)
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Intakes: Fall (August), Spring (January)
- Graduate Tuition: USD 17,280 per year (INR 15.03 lakh)
- Total Programmes: 115 across 10 colleges
- International Reach: Students from 70 countries
Also Check: MS Universities in USA
South Alabama charges a flat international graduate tuition of USD 17,280 (INR 15.03 lakh) per year and USD 21,540 (INR 18.74 lakh) for undergraduate, with per-credit billing of USD 960 for out-of-state graduates. The application fee is USD 35 for UG and USD 60 for PG, plus a USD 500 enrolment deposit after admission. Successful admits secure an F-1 visa for the full study duration, followed by up to 36 months of STEM OPT for eligible degrees.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 87 as of August 2026
Admission Status: Open (Fall 2027 intake). International applications for Fall 2027 close on 1 April 2027, with WES credential evaluation and financial documentation due at submission. The Spring 2028 intake closes 1 October 2027 for select programmes and offers the next entry point for Indian students who miss the Fall window.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at University of South Alabama 2027
- University of South Alabama Admission 2027
- University of South Alabama Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- University of South Alabama Acceptance Rate 2027
- University of South Alabama Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- University of South Alabama Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- University of South Alabama Scholarships 2027
- University of South Alabama Rankings 2027
- University of South Alabama Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- University of South Alabama vs Peer Universities
- University of South Alabama FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at University of South Alabama 2027
South Alabama offers 115 programmes across 10 colleges, with graduate degrees billed at a flat international rate. Master’s programmes typically run two academic years and total USD 34,560 (INR 30.07 lakh) at the annual rate, while per-credit billing sits at USD 960 for out-of-state graduate students. Bachelor’s degrees run four years at USD 21,540 per year for international students.
University of South Alabama Popular PG Programmes 2027
The nine most Indian-relevant postgraduate programmes are listed below with total tuition based on the standard two-year duration and the published international graduate rate.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Computer and Information Science | USD 34,560 | 30.07 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Information Systems | USD 34,560 | 30.07 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MBA | USD 34,560 | 30.07 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Mechanical Engineering | USD 34,560 | 30.07 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Electrical Engineering | USD 34,560 | 30.07 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Biology | USD 34,560 | 30.07 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Civil Engineering | USD 34,560 | 30.07 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MEd Early Childhood Education | USD 34,560 | 30.07 lakh | Bachelor’s in education with 60% (recommended) |
| Master of Accounting | USD 17,280 (1 year) | 15.03 lakh | Bachelor’s in accounting or business with 60% (recommended) |
University of South Alabama Popular UG Programmes 2027
Undergraduate degrees at South Alabama run four years, with international tuition of USD 21,540 per year and a standard total of USD 86,160.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Computer Engineering | USD 86,160 | 74.96 lakh | Class 12 with 55% or above (recommended) |
| BS Computer Science | USD 86,160 | 74.96 lakh | Class 12 with 55% or above (recommended) |
| BS Mechanical Engineering | USD 86,160 | 74.96 lakh | Class 12 with 55% or above (recommended) |
| BS Civil Engineering | USD 86,160 | 74.96 lakh | Class 12 with 55% or above (recommended) |
| BA Anthropology | USD 86,160 | 74.96 lakh | Class 12 with 55% or above (recommended) |
[Source: University of South Alabama tuition and fees bulletin]
Insider note: Indian applicants lean heavily on the MS Computer and Information Science, MS Information Systems and MS Electrical Engineering cohorts because they carry STEM designation and unlock 36-month OPT eligibility for post-study work in the US.
Read More: University of South Alabama Fees and Programs Guide
University of South Alabama Admission 2027
South Alabama runs two annual intakes for Indian applicants, with the Fall cycle in August as the primary entry and Spring in January as the secondary. As per the university’s international admissions office, applications from outside the US must reach South Alabama by the priority deadlines below to allow visa processing time.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 international application deadline | 1 April 2027 | Priority deadline for applicants outside the US |
| Spring 2028 international application deadline | 1 October 2027 | Secondary intake; open to selected programmes |
| WES credential evaluation | Start 6 to 8 weeks before deadline | Course-by-course report required for all graduate admits |
| Fall 2027 programme start | Late August 2027 | Mandatory international orientation held the week prior |
[Source: University of South Alabama international requirements and deadlines page]
Planning note: Indian applicants should file the WES evaluation and I-20 request together the moment the offer letter arrives, because Mumbai and Delhi F-1 visa slots for August programme starts fill by mid-June each year.
Read More: University of South Alabama Admissions Guide for Indian Students
University of South Alabama Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
South Alabama sets clear academic and language thresholds for Indian applicants, with the same test scores accepted for both Fall and Spring intakes.
University of South Alabama PG Admission Requirements
- Academic: Four-year Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0, which converts to 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 on the Indian scale
- English: TOEFL iBT 4.0 (new 1-6 scale) or 71 (legacy 0-120 scale), IELTS 6.0, PTE Academic 48, Duolingo English Test 100, or ITEP 3.7
- Documents: WES course-by-course credential evaluation, financial affidavit covering at least USD 29,695 for the first year, and passport copy
- Programme-specific: GRE required for some MS programmes; MBA applicants may request a GMAT waiver based on GPA and work experience
University of South Alabama UG Admission Requirements
- Academic: Class 12 completion with a minimum GPA of 2.5/4.0, roughly Class 12 with 55% or above on the Indian scale
- English: TOEFL iBT 3.5 (new scale) or 61 (legacy), IELTS 5.5, PTE Academic 44, Duolingo 95, or ITEP 3.6
- Documents: WES or NACES evaluation of Class 10 and 12 marksheets, financial affidavit for at least USD 33,955
Note: Indian applicants whose Class 12 or Bachelor’s medium of instruction was English can request an English proficiency waiver by submitting a medium-of-instruction letter from their previous institution.
University of South Alabama Acceptance Rate 2027
South Alabama has an acceptance rate of 71% as published by the university’s Office of Institutional Research. This places it among the more accessible public research doctoral universities in the US southeast, with admissions decisions driven primarily by academic thresholds rather than holistic filtering.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 71% | Stable |
Admission is competitive at programme level for medical, allied health and select MS Computer Science tracks. The overall rate does not reflect these programme-level filters.
Reality check: Indian applicants who meet the CGPA 6.0/10 and IELTS 6.0 thresholds have a strong probability of admission, but visa approval and financial documentation take longer than the academic review itself.
Read More: University of South Alabama Acceptance Rate Analysis
University of South Alabama Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
The total annual cost for an Indian graduate student at South Alabama sits at USD 29,695 (INR 25.83 lakh), while undergraduates budget USD 33,955 (INR 29.54 lakh) per year including tuition, living, books and insurance.
University of South Alabama Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
South Alabama’s international tuition is billed at flat annual rates for full-time students, with per-credit billing available for part-time graduate registration.
| Level | Annual Tuition (USD) | Annual Tuition (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (international) | USD 21,540 | 18.74 lakh |
| Graduate (international, full-time) | USD 17,280 | 15.03 lakh |
| Graduate per credit hour (out of state) | USD 960 | 0.84 lakh |
[Source: University of South Alabama international finances page]
Monthly Cost of Living in Mobile for Indian Students
Mobile, Alabama offers one of the lower cost-of-living bases among US public research cities, with off-campus rent well below coastal-city averages.
| Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | USD 500 (estimated) | INR 43,500 |
| Food | USD 250 (estimated) | INR 21,750 |
| Transportation | USD 100 (estimated) | INR 8,700 |
| Books and supplies | USD 92 | INR 8,000 |
| Personal | USD 100 (estimated) | INR 8,700 |
| Medical insurance | USD 193 | INR 16,791 |
| Total monthly | USD 1,235 | INR 1.07 lakh |
| Total annual | USD 14,820 | INR 12.89 lakh |
[Source: University of South Alabama official cost estimate for books, insurance and annual living budget; monthly category split estimated]
Insider note: Indian students who share a two-bedroom apartment near Old Shell Road or Airport Boulevard cut their housing cost to USD 350 to 400 per month, and campus shuttles keep transport near zero for on-campus residents.
Read More: Study in USA Guide for Indian Students
University of South Alabama Campus, Facilities and Student Life
South Alabama’s 1,190-acre main campus sits in west Mobile, a Gulf Coast city with a metro population of over 400,000 and a two-hour drive to New Orleans.
- Location and transport: Main campus in west Mobile; free JagTran shuttle links residence halls, academic buildings and the medical centre
- Housing: On-campus rooms and apartments from USD 3,500 per semester; guaranteed on-campus housing for first-year international students who apply on time
- Notable facility: Marx Library, USA Health University Hospital, and the Mitchell Center arena hosting sport, cultural and Indian student association events
- Indian community: Active Indian Students Association organises Diwali, Holi and Onam celebrations, plus airport pickup and initial-week grocery support
What Indian students say: Mobile feels smaller and safer than northern US metros, professors are approachable and open to research assistantships, and the campus food court serves an Indian station on select weeknights during the fall term.
University of South Alabama Scholarships 2027
South Alabama offers merit-linked international scholarships and graduate assistantships that reduce tuition or provide tuition waivers combined with a stipend. Specific award values and eligibility windows vary by department and are updated on the official financial aid page each cycle.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship | Merit tuition award | Verify at official page | Freshman international admits with strong Class 12 grades | Aligned with admission priority deadline |
| Graduate Assistantship | Tuition waiver plus monthly stipend | Verify at official page | Graduate admits with a faculty sponsor and satisfactory academic standing | Rolling; department-specific |
Planning note: Indian applicants targeting graduate assistantships should email the intended department chair with a CV and research statement within two weeks of receiving the offer letter, because assistantship slots are allocated well before the intake begins.
Read More: University of South Alabama Scholarships Guide
University of South Alabama Rankings 2027
South Alabama’s strongest current placement is #363 in the US News Best Colleges National Universities 2026 list, a domestic ranking of US-based doctoral universities. It is not currently listed in the main QS or THE world tables, though CWUR includes it in the 2026 global research ranking.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World | 2027: Not ranked | 2026: Not ranked | 2024: 1201 to 1400 band |
| THE World | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked | 2024: Not ranked |
| US News Best Colleges National (US domestic doctoral list) | 2026: #363 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| CWUR World | 2026: Ranked | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
[Source: US News, QS, THE, CWUR]
Key insight: South Alabama’s US News National placement matters more than a world rank for Indian applicants because F-1 visa officers, US employers and STEM OPT filings all recognise US-domestic accreditation over global league tables.
University of South Alabama Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
South Alabama channels international graduates into US employment through career services, on-campus recruiting and OPT support for STEM-designated degrees.
- Placement rate: Not disclosed at university level; programme-level outcomes vary
- Median starting salary: Not disclosed by the university; market median for US public research doctoral graduates in engineering and computing typically ranges USD 60,000 to USD 75,000 (estimated market median)
- Recruiter base: Regional employers across the Gulf Coast in aerospace, healthcare, engineering services and IT; specific recruiter lists not officially disclosed
- Post-study work: Standard 12-month OPT after graduation, extended by 24 months for STEM-designated degrees such as MS Computer and Information Science, giving a total of 36 months
- Career support: The Career Development Center offers resume reviews, mock interviews and access to Handshake for on-campus and remote roles
Insider note: Indian MS graduates with STEM OPT typically anchor to jobs in the Southeast US corridor first, then transition to larger tech hubs after gaining H-1B sponsorship in the second or third year.
University of South Alabama vs Peer Universities
The comparison below places South Alabama alongside three Alabama and Gulf Coast public universities Indian applicants commonly shortlist, on annual PG tuition and one-line differentiator.
| University | Annual PG Tuition (USD/INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | USD 17,280 / 15.03 lakh | Doctoral research public with medical school and coastal city location |
| University of Alabama | Verify at USNews.com | SEC flagship with a large international cohort in Tuscaloosa |
| Auburn University | Verify at USNews.com | Land-grant engineering-first research public |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Verify at USNews.com | Health-sciences and biomedical research focus |
South Alabama stands out on the combination of a published flat international graduate tuition of USD 17,280 per year and STEM designation across computing and engineering MS tracks. It also offers on-campus jobs at the university hospital, which peers without an integrated medical system cannot match.
Key insight: Indian applicants comparing Alabama publics should shortlist South Alabama when total two-year cost matters more than a national brand ranking, because South Alabama’s cost base sits notably below flagship state options.
The University of South Alabama fits Indian graduate applicants targeting a two-year investment near USD 59,390 (INR 51.66 lakh) for tuition and living, with STEM OPT eligibility opening a 36-month US work runway on the F-1 student visa for computing and engineering tracks. It works for candidates prioritising affordability, guaranteed on-campus housing and direct faculty access over a global brand rank.
South Alabama does not suit applicants aiming for top-100 US employer recognition or a large Indian alumni pipeline in Silicon Valley tech; a stronger fit for that goal is the flagship University of Alabama or a Texas public research university with denser Indian engineering cohorts.
University of South Alabama FAQs
Ques. What English tests does the University of South Alabama accept for Indian applicants?
Ans. South Alabama accepts TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test and ITEP for all international applicants. Graduate applicants need TOEFL 71 legacy or 4.0 on the new 1-6 scale, IELTS 6.0, PTE 48, Duolingo 100 or ITEP 3.7. Undergraduate thresholds are TOEFL 61 or 3.5, IELTS 5.5, PTE 44, Duolingo 95 or ITEP 3.6.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at South Alabama?
Ans. Yes, F-1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during semesters and full-time during breaks. On-campus roles include library assistants, dining hall staff, research and teaching assistantships, and student support jobs at USA Health hospital. Off-campus work needs Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training authorisation from International Services after the first academic year.
Ques. Does South Alabama waive GRE for MS admissions?
Ans. GRE requirements vary by graduate programme at South Alabama. Several MS tracks in computing, engineering and business have waived the GRE for applicants with a strong Bachelor’s GPA, typically 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale. MBA applicants may request a GMAT waiver based on prior academics and work experience. Confirm the current policy on the individual programme page before applying.
Ques. What is the application fee at the University of South Alabama for Indian students?
Ans. Indian applicants pay a one-time application fee of USD 35 for undergraduate admission and USD 60 for graduate admission at South Alabama. This is roughly INR 3,045 for UG and INR 5,220 for PG at the August 2026 rate. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid before the application is reviewed by the international admissions team.
Ques. Do Indian banks recognise South Alabama for education loans?
Ans. Yes, South Alabama is on the approved university lists of major Indian public and private lenders including State Bank of India, HDFC Credila, Axis Bank and ICICI Bank for education loans. Loans typically cover full tuition, living expenses and the mandatory medical insurance. Applicants should share the I-20 form and estimated cost sheet with their lender to secure sanction before the F-1 visa interview.
Ques. What is the enrolment deposit at South Alabama?
Ans. Admitted international students at South Alabama pay a USD 500 enrolment deposit to confirm their seat, equivalent to about INR 43,500 at the August 2026 rate. The deposit is applied to the first-semester tuition bill after arrival and enrolment. It is refundable only under specific conditions such as documented visa denial, and the university publishes those refund terms on its international admissions page.
Ques. How long does STEM OPT last at the University of South Alabama?
Ans. Indian graduates of STEM-designated programmes at South Alabama qualify for the standard 12-month Optional Practical Training after graduation, extended by an additional 24 months of STEM OPT. This gives a combined 36-month US work window on the F-1 visa. STEM-designated tracks include the MS Computer and Information Science, MS Electrical Engineering and MS Mechanical Engineering programmes.
Ques. Does South Alabama accept a medium-of-instruction letter instead of IELTS?
Ans. Indian applicants whose Class 12 or Bachelor’s degree was taught in English can request an English proficiency waiver at South Alabama by submitting a medium-of-instruction letter from their previous institution. The letter should be on official letterhead, signed by the registrar and clearly state that English was the sole medium of instruction. Approval sits with the international admissions office and is not automatic.
University of South Alabama Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD 12,640 /Yr | 60 | GPA of 3.0, DET: 100, IELTS: 6.0 | ||
M.S Information Systems 2 years | USD 12,640 /Yr | - | GPA of 3.0, DET: 100, IELTS: 6.0 | |
M.S Electrical Engineering 2 years | Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 12,640 /Yr | 60 | TOEFL- 71 | IELTS- 6 | Duolingo- 100 | PTE- 48 |
M.S Mechanical Engineering 2 years | USD 12,640 /Yr | 60 | GPA of 3.0, DET: 100, IELTS: 6.0 |
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University of South Alabama comparison
| University Name | University of South Alabama | Troy University |
|---|---|---|
| Programs |
|
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| Acceptance Rate | 65.0 % | 93.0 % |
| Exam Score | ||
| Cost to Study |
|
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| - | Read Full Comparison |
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Overall 396 out of 824 in Global Ranking

Overall 1201 out of 1401 in Global Ranking
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University of South Alabama Reviews
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1 Reviews Found
Overview
It was the best option in my city and I had heard many great things about their program and student activities. I knew several people who had received a great education from this particular university.
Fees
You pay per semester, and you have to pay for books and any other materials you need for class. Tuition gradually goes up, especially with the new football program.
University of South Alabama Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based |
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University of South Alabama Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/admissions/applytousa.html
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
University of South Alabama Exam Scores
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
University of South Alabama Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18014 | 11674 | 6340 | 263 |


















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Found 1 Comment
To apply for the undergraduate programs of the University of Alabama you must fulfill the program-specific requirements. The GPA, ACT, TOEFL score requirement differ for each program level. Please check the admission requirements for undegraduate admission from the University of Alabama Admissions. GRE is not required for admission in undegraduate programs.