The University of South Alabama (USA) is a prominent public research university located in Mobile, Alabama. Established in 1963, it offers a welcoming and diverse environment for students, characterized by its strong commitment to educational excellence. The university's motto, "Dare to Learn," emphasizes their dedication to fostering a culture of inquiry and personal growth, encouraging students to pursue knowledge and innovation in various fields of study. With over 100 programs of study at the undergraduate and graduate levels, USA provides a rich array of opportunities for students to thrive academically and professionally.

One of the standout features of the University of South Alabama is its commitment to research and community engagement. The university is home to state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced laboratories and a modern library, which supports a wide range of disciplines, from health sciences to engineering. The university is particularly renowned for its programs in medicine, nursing, and business, making it a sought-after institution for students aiming to make a significant impact in their chosen fields. Moreover, USA boasts a vibrant campus life, with various student organizations, cultural events, and sporting activities that unite students from diverse backgrounds. Graduates of the University of South Alabama leave well-prepared for the job market, benefiting from strong industry connections and career services that support their transition into their professional lives.

Analysis of Key Metrics at the University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama presents a variety of important data points that highlight key trends in tuition, graduation rates, retention rates, and student demographics over recent years.

One notable trend is the steady increase in tuition costs. Over the decade from 2014 to 2024, in-state undergraduate tuition rose from approximately $6,948 to around $9,676, reflecting a significant increase of nearly 39%. Similarly, the tuition for out-of-state undergraduates climbed from $13,596 to $18,652, marking an increase of approximately 37% during the same period. This upward trajectory in tuition fees can greatly affect accessibility for prospective students and may necessitate increased financial aid resources.

In terms of academic outcomes, the graduation rates also show considerable improvement. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates increased from about 17.27% in 2014 to around 27.91% by 2024. This indicates a positive trend in student academic success and decreasing time to degree, which is critical for both students’ financial sustainability and institutional reputation.

Retention rates, which indicate the percentage of students who continue their studies from one year to the next, also exhibit promising stability and slight fluctuations, peaking at about 77.60% in 2018 before declining slightly in the years following. The retention rate in 2024 points toward a recovery with approximately 76.25%. High retention rates are often indicative of student satisfaction and effective support systems within the institution.

Lastly, the gender ratio among undergraduate students has seen a gradual shift, with female representation in the undergraduate cohort increasing from about 56.7% in 2014 to an estimated 62.15% in 2024. Such demographic changes may influence the campus culture and also provide insights into trends in the fields of study that attract diverse groups.

In conclusion, the data from the University of South Alabama indicates significant developments in tuition, graduation rates, retention, and demographics. These metrics are vital for understanding the institution's overall positioning and future strategies to enhance student engagement and success.

Analysis of Graduation Data at the University of South Alabama

The graduation data from the University of South Alabama reveals intriguing patterns, particularly in the medical and health-related fields. Notably, Registered Nursing emerged as a prominent discipline, contributing a substantial portion of master’s degree graduates at 806. This reflects a growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals in a post-pandemic world, where the significance of nursing has been underscored. The nursing practice also indicates a focus on advanced skills, although the data suggests no bachelor or associate degree outputs in this category.

While the fields such as Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies and Communication Disorders Sciences showed modest outputs of graduates, it's worth noting that these are burgeoning areas in academia. The international student participation is minimal in bachelor’s and master’s categories, with only a few graduates, particularly in health-related fields. This might signal potential growth opportunities for the university in attracting international scholars.

Interestingly, some disciplines, like sociology and journalism, reported minimal graduation numbers, particularly in bachelor's degrees, raising questions about student interest and career prospects in such fields. This could align with broader trends observed in academia where certain disciplines may be struggling to attract students amidst shifting job market demands.

Moreover, the complete absence of graduates in certain engineering and science disciplines highlights the university's potential need to bolster these programs to ensure a diversified academic offering. Ultimately, the data presents critical insights for policy makers and educators aiming to enhance degree offerings that align more closely with workforce requirements and global academic trends.

University of South Alabama Admission Trends and Rankings

The University of South Alabama has seen fluctuating rankings and admission statistics over the years. Notably, in 2025, the university ranks 371st, which indicates a slight improvement from its position of 382nd in 2024. This incremental change might reflect various institutional efforts aimed at enhancing its academic reputation and attract a diverse student body. Examining the admission rates, it is evident that the university has experienced a decline in the acceptance rates for both male and female applicants in recent years. The male acceptance rate stood at approximately 65% in 2023 and slightly increased to about 65% in 2024, while the female acceptance rate hovered around 66% in 2023 and remained consistent in 2024. Interestingly, despite higher acceptance rates, the number of applicants denied remains significant, with over 4,300 male applicants being denied in 2023. Moreover, the enrollment numbers have also varied. In 2023, a total of 1,614 students enrolled, marking a notable drop compared to previous years. This trend could raise concerns regarding the university's appeal and competitiveness, especially when viewed against the backdrop of a national trend in higher education where many institutions are grappling with enrollment challenges. As the University of South Alabama moves forward, it will be crucial for the institution to not only stabilize and improve its ranking but also enhance its enrollment strategies to ensure a healthy, diverse cohort of students in the coming years.

Trends in Admission Test Scores at the University of South Alabama

The data from the University of South Alabama reveals insightful trends regarding admission test scores over the years. Particularly, the performance trends for both SAT and ACT illustrate increasing competitiveness among incoming freshmen. Starting from 2012 to 2024, the SAT reading and math scores have shown a notable rise, with the 25th percentile and the 75th percentile gradually shifting towards higher values. This trend indicates that the university is attracting students with stronger academic backgrounds, likely reflecting the overall improvements in preparatory education and testing strategies among high school students.

In terms of participation, the percentage of admitted students submitting SAT scores fluctuates between 6 to 10%, while ACT submissions appear comparatively more stable. A consistent interest in presenting standardized test scores suggests that these evaluations remain integral to students' application strategies. With increasing percentages of students submitting their scores, it suggests a heightened emphasis on performance metrics in college admissions.

This upward trajectory is part of a broader trend seen across many institutions in the U.S., where colleges are increasingly adopting more rigorous admission standards. As competition for spots at quality institutions intensifies, students are increasingly encouraged to bolster their academic records through improved test scores. Consequently, the data from the University of South Alabama not only highlights the institution's evolving academic profile but also mirrors the national shift towards valuing standardized assessment results in the college selection process.

Demographic Insights at the University of South Alabama for 2024

The University of South Alabama's student body in 2024 presents a diverse landscape, with a total of 13,894 students across various classifications: first-year students, continuing undergraduates, transfer undergraduates, and graduate students. Notably, the male-to-female ratios vary significantly, with undergraduates showing a more balanced gender distribution compared to the graduate level, where only 21% are male. This may reflect broader trends in higher education, where female enrollment has been steadily increasing.

First-year students comprise 1,920 individuals, with a female percentage of 63.5%, indicative of a welcoming environment for female students entering college. Continuing undergraduates are even more female-dominated, where 61.4% describe themselves as such. Interestingly, transfer students also have a slightly higher female ratio, revealing that the trend persists even among students transitioning from other institutions.

In contrast, the graduate student demographic is distinct, with 79% being females. This disparity could point towards fields of study that tend to attract more female candidates or possibly the result of women's increasing achievements in higher education overall.

Moreover, the racial and ethnic composition of these demographics indicates a majority of white students across different categories, although specific detailed breakdowns for continuing and transfer students are not provided in this dataset. However, the focus on diversity continues to grow in higher education, which may reflect changing societal dynamics and inclusion policies.

Overall, the data emphasizes not only the evolving gender ratios in higher education at the University of South Alabama but also the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students as they pursue their academic goals.

Age Composition of Students at the University of South Alabama in 2024

The student age demographics at the University of South Alabama exhibit distinct trends that reflect both traditional and non-traditional pathways in higher education. A significant portion of the student body, particularly in the 18-19 age bracket, points to the university's strong appeal among recent high school graduates, with 1,110 male and 2,008 female undergraduates. This aligns with broader national trends where traditional college-aged students still dominate many university campuses.

Another noteworthy observation is the relatively smaller representation of students aged 25 and above. For instance, in the 25-29 age category, the numbers illustrate a shift, with 254 males and 327 females in undergraduate programs, alongside a healthy number of graduate students. This suggests that the university is not only catering to younger students but also accommodating those who are returning to education, which is increasingly common as lifelong learning gains traction in today’s workforce.

Additionally, the data highlights a diminishing number of students over the age of 50, with only a handful in both undergraduate and graduate programs. This may reflect social dynamics and the challenges faced by older individuals in accessing higher education, including financial constraints and work-life balance.

The gender distribution is also noteworthy, as there is a clear majority of female students across all age categories, emphasizing a growing trend in female enrollment in higher education. Overall, the age and gender demographics at the University of South Alabama present a diverse and increasingly inclusive academic environment, welcoming both traditional and non-traditional students alike.

Analysis of International Student Enrollment Trends at the University of South Alabama

The data reveals a concerning trend in the enrollment of international students at the University of South Alabama over the years. In 2005, international students constituted 4.66% of the undergraduate population, while graduate students represented 12.07%. However, these proportions have significantly decreased by 2024, with international undergraduates dropping to just 1.13% and graduates to 3.83%.

Several factors could be driving this decline. The years leading up to and following 2015 saw fluctuating numbers in international enrollment, likely influenced by global events, changes in U.S. immigration policies, and competitive pressures from other universities. The substantial drop in 2021 and 2022 could be attributed to the global pandemic, which severely impacted international travel and education. Many prospective students may have opted for online learning in their home countries rather than facing travel restrictions and uncertainties in studying abroad.

The decline of international students can have broader implications for the university, including reduced cultural diversity, loss of tuition revenue from international students, and potential stagnation in academic research that thrives on diverse perspectives. Furthermore, a university's reputation can be influenced by its international footprint, which may affect its overall attractiveness to future students.

As the world gradually recovers from the pandemic, the University of South Alabama might need to implement strategic initiatives aimed at reviving its international recruitment efforts. These could include partnerships with foreign institutions, virtual information sessions, and enhanced support services for international students. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for fostering a globally inclusive academic environment.

Here are some notable universities surrounding the University of South Alabama:

• Tulane University of Louisiana is ranked 63rd in the 2025 US News rankings. This comprehensive university is located in New Orleans, Louisiana, and is well known for its strong programs in various fields, especially in public health and law.

• Loyola University New Orleans, ranked 244th, offers a liberal arts education while maintaining a strong emphasis on social justice. Located in the vibrant city of New Orleans, it provides students access to various cultural experiences.

• The University of Alabama, ranked 171st, is a large and comprehensive research university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It is well-regarded for its programs in business, law, and engineering.

• Auburn University, with a ranking of 105, is also a comprehensive university located in Auburn, Alabama. It is known for its strong focus on engineering and agricultural programs.

• Florida State University, ranked 54th, is located in Tallahassee, Florida. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, noted particularly for its research initiatives and vibrant campus life.

• Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus is a prestigious university with a ranking of 33rd, renowned for its engineering and technology programs.

• Emory University, ranked 24th, is a private research university in Atlanta, Georgia, known for its rigorous academic programs and strong focus on research in health sciences.

These institutions represent a mix of liberal arts and comprehensive universities, offering a wide range of educational opportunities in various fields.

Campus Crime Trends at the University of South Alabama

The data reflecting crime statistics at the University of South Alabama over the past decade reveals a noteworthy decline in the overall crime rate. The average number of crimes per 1,000 students has decreased significantly from 10.56 in 2013 to 7.49 in 2023, demonstrating a positive trend towards enhancing campus safety. This reduction indicates that efforts to improve campus security and community awareness have been somewhat effective.

Specific categories of crime, such as gun-related arrests, have shown variability during these years, with a peak of 7 incidents on campus in 2013. In recent years, the numbers have stabilized, suggesting that while concerns over gun violence remain, appropriate measures may be in place to address them. Moreover, arrests related to substance abuse have also fluctuated, reflecting broader societal issues in drug and alcohol usage among college-aged individuals.

A focus on education regarding personal safety and crime prevention can reinforce these positive changes. The campus community benefits greatly from continued awareness and proactive measures to discourage crime. Additionally, it is essential for students to remain vigilant as they pursue their education, ensuring they understand the resources available to them for reporting crime and receiving support.

Overall, the declining trend in crime figures at the University of South Alabama is encouraging. Nevertheless, continued efforts are necessary to maintain a safe environment conducive to learning. Comprehensive engagement between university authorities and students can provide a structured approach to further enhance campus security.

For more detailed information on crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.