Birmingham, AL, September 1, 2025
News Summary
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is set to welcome an unprecedented freshman class of around 2,500 students this fall, marking a nearly 25% increase from last year. This growth is attributed to enhanced academic programs, new facilities, and a vibrant campus culture. UAB has seen a consistent rise in enrollment, distinguishing it from other institutions in Alabama. An increase in diversity and a growing number of international students further characterizes the university’s appeal.
UAB, Birmingham, AL
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is preparing for a historic fall semester as it anticipates welcoming a record-breaking freshman class, projected to reach approximately 2,500 students. This marks a nearly 25% increase in freshman enrollment compared to the previous year, with around 500 additional first-time, full-time students already registered for fall 2025. The final enrollment figures will be confirmed in October, following an official census.
UAB’s previous record for its largest freshman class was set in 2021, with 2,415 students. The expected surge in enrollment is attributed to an increase in interest regarding UAB’s expanding academic offerings, new learning facilities, and the vibrant campus culture fostered by its SUCCESS Initiative that aims to enhance student experience and success.
Recent investments in cutting-edge facilities, an enriched array of degree programs, and revitalized athletic organizations have all contributed to UAB’s rise in popularity among prospective students. These factors have positioned the university as an attractive option for new students in Alabama and beyond.
Data from the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) reveals a gradual recovery in enrollment across Alabama’s public higher education system following the impacts of COVID-19. Overall enrollment in Alabama’s colleges and universities declined from 198,523 in fall 2019 to 196,106 in fall 2023. However, UAB has seen its enrollment increase slightly, from 18,846 in fall 2019 to 18,942 in fall 2023, representing a growth of 0.51%. The overall trend indicates that while some institutions are thriving, particularly larger universities like UAB, many smaller colleges are still struggling to reach pre-pandemic levels.
In contrast to the four-year universities, two-year colleges in Alabama witnessed a more significant rise in enrollment, increasing from 45,967 in fall 2022 to 48,502 in fall 2023, marking an increase of 5.5%. Four-year universities, in general, experienced a small uptick of 1.8%, growing from 145,040 to 147,604 during the same period. Among notable institutions reporting enrollment increases are UAB, the University of Alabama, and Auburn University.
UAB is characterized by its diverse student body, with 39.7% of students identified as minorities and 40.5% within the freshman category. The university has also seen a noteworthy retention increase, adding over 450 undergraduate students since the 2017-18 academic year. The honors program at UAB has grown by 8%, underscoring the institution’s reputation for providing quality education. The average ACT score for incoming honors students stands at 30.4, with an average GPA of 4.11. Additionally, UAB is home to a vibrant international community, comprising 1,049 students from more than 100 countries.
Strategic recruitment initiatives and a focus on enhancing diverse educational offerings continue to attract students to UAB, reinforcing its position as a premier higher education institution in Alabama. Preliminary data from ACHE indicates that while UAB’s growth is promising, many smaller institutions face ongoing challenges in returning to pre-pandemic enrollment levels.
FAQ
What is the expected freshman enrollment at UAB for fall 2025?
UAB is expecting approximately 2,500 freshmen for fall 2025, which represents nearly a 25% increase compared to the previous year.
When will final enrollment figures be confirmed?
The final enrollment data will be confirmed in October after the official census.
What factors are contributing to increased enrollment at UAB?
The increase in enrollment is attributed to growing academic programs, new learning facilities, vibrant campus life, and recent investments in facilities and degree offerings.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected Freshman Enrollment | 2,500 students |
| Increase from Last Year | Approximately 25% |
| Previous Record | 2,415 students in 2021 |
| Diversity Percentage | 39.7% minority students |
| Honors Program Enrollment Increase | 8% |
| International Student Count | 1,049 students from over 100 countries |
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Additional Resources
- ABC3340: UAB Expects Record-Breaking Freshman Enrollment for Fall 2025
- AL.com: Alabama’s Four-Year Public Universities Continue Enrollment Boosts
- Yellowhammer News: UAB Attracts Record Number of Students
- U.S. News: University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Birmingham Times: UAB Waives Standardized Test Scores for Applicants
- Wikipedia: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
