The University of Alabama’s population includes its student body, faculty, and staff. This article explores the current composition of the university’s population, examining student enrollment, demographic characteristics, and the size of its faculty and staff.
Student Enrollment Trends
The University of Alabama has experienced significant growth in its student population. In Fall 2024, total enrollment reached a record 40,846 students, including 34,389 undergraduates and 6,001 graduate students. This reflects a continued upward trend from 39,622 students in Fall 2023.
The university has observed a consistent increase in its in-state first-year student population, with Fall 2024 marking the sixth consecutive year of growth. A record 3,434 freshmen in Fall 2024 hailed from Alabama. Student retention remains strong, with the second-year retention rate reaching nearly 90% in Fall 2024. Graduate student enrollment also saw a notable increase of 5.4% in Fall 2024.
Demographic and Geographic Makeup
The University of Alabama’s student body includes students from all 67 counties in Alabama, all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and 95 countries. In Fall 2024, approximately 42.3% of students were Alabama residents, while 57.7% came from other U.S. states and international locations.
The gender distribution of the student population in Fall 2024 was 57.5% women and 42.5% men. In terms of ethnic composition, Fall 2023 data indicated that 70.3% of students were White, 11.6% Black or African American, 6.59% Hispanic or Latino, 3.46% Two or More Races, 1.59% Asian, 0.285% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.101% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders. The university also achieved a record enrollment of 10,111 minority students in Fall 2024, an 8.2% increase from the previous year. International students also contribute to this diversity, with 1,196 enrolled in Fall 2024.
Faculty and Staff Numbers
Beyond its student population, the University of Alabama maintains a substantial workforce of faculty and staff who support its academic and operational functions. In Fall 2024, the university employed a total of 7,628 individuals. This comprehensive figure includes both instructional and non-instructional personnel.
The faculty contingent in Fall 2024 numbered 2,145 individuals, with 1,678 serving in regular full-time positions. These educators are responsible for delivering instruction, conducting research, and engaging in scholarly activities across various disciplines. The remaining staff, totaling over 5,400 individuals, are distributed across various roles, including professional staff (2,837), clerical and secretarial staff (942), technical and paraprofessional staff (501), and service and maintenance personnel (868). This large team of dedicated employees plays an integral role in the day-to-day operations and the overarching mission of the university.
Community Impact
The University of Alabama’s substantial population significantly influences the local community and the broader region. The university acts as a major economic driver, contributing an estimated $2.175 billion to the Tuscaloosa metro area and supporting 12,853 jobs in the 2020-2021 academic year. Its economic activity also generated $42.5 million in local sales tax during the same period. The institution is recognized as the top employer in Tuscaloosa County, underscoring its role in regional employment.
The university’s economic contributions stem from various sources, including direct spending by UA operations and substantial spending by its large student body. Additionally, visitors drawn to the university, particularly for events such as football games, contribute significantly to the local economy. Beyond economic contributions, the university enriches the social and cultural landscape of the community. Its faculty, staff, and students engage in numerous partnerships with local government, non-profits, and businesses, fostering innovation and addressing community needs. This engagement extends to providing health services, hosting cultural events, and offering scholarly resources that benefit many Alabamians.