Last Updated: July 09, 2021
Alabama - Yellowhammer State
The state of Alabama is situated in America's southeastern region. It's the twenty-fourth most populous state in America. The estimated population of Alabama is around 5 million. The state was named after the Alabama river, which is also the name derived from the Alabama tribe. The weather in Alabama is moderate throughout the year, so tourists visit the state all year long. However, that said, summers are one of the most popular times for vacationing in this part of the US because of the Gulf Coast beaches of the state. Winters are not ideally loved by holidaymakers. The onset of spring brings many students here to the beaches during their school break. Known as the "Peanut Capital of the World ", around half of the peanuts produced in the U.S. are grown near Dothan, Alabama. The state is also popularly known as the ' Yellowhammer State ' after a company of cavalry who wore uniforms made of yellow cloth. The name also originates from the state bird, the Northern Flicker which is also known as the Yellowhammer for its yellow under-wings.
Major Cities in Alabama
Birmingham
Founded in the year 1871, Birmingham is the biggest and the most populous city in the state of Alabama. It was named after the second-largest city in the UK, Birmingham, England. A steel-making city, Birmingham is home to a few Fortune 1000 companies such as Saks, Regions Financial, Torchmark, Compass Bancshares, AmSouth Bancorp, Vulcan Materials, and so on. It is a culturally diverse and major economic hub. Major historical attractions and tourist destinations include The Birmingham Museum of Art, The Red Mountain Chamber Orchestra, The Magic City Blues Society, The Alabama Symphony Orchestra, The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, and a lot more.
Montgomery
A city with a rich history and flourishing economy, Montgomery is the second-largest city in the state of Alabama. It is also the capital of the state. Founded in the year 1819, the city was named after the Irish soldier, Sir Richard Montgomery, who had a major role in the Revolutionary war. Montgomery is also acclaimed for its healthcare services. Premier attractions in this city include The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Montgomery Zoo, The State Capitol: Built in 1850, and so on.
Mobile
Known as the ' Azalea capital of the world ' for its abundance of Azalea flowers, Mobile is the third-largest city in the state of Alabama. Founded in the year 1702, it is placed along the Mobile Bay shores. It is said to have got its name from the Maubilla or the Mobile tribe in Alabama. This city is also home to one of the most eminent universities of the state, the University of South Alabama.
Huntsville
Home to Alabama's top University, the University of Alabama, Huntsville is the fourth largest city in the state of Alabama. Founded in the year 1805, this city is situated in the Appalachian region of the state. Huntsville is also known as the ' Rocket City ' because of important sites such as the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, and the United States Army Aviation and Missile Command.
Tuscaloosa
The fifth-largest city in the state of Alabama, Tuscaloosa was founded in the year 1819 and was named for the chieftain of a Muskogean-speaking people, Chief Tuskaloosa. It is also popularly known as the ' Druid City ' because it is surrounded by a large number of water oaks. It is also a commercial, industrial hub, and is commended for its healthcare and education services. the Mercedes-Benz Visitor Center & Museum, the Alabama Museum of Natural History, the Children's Hands-On Museum of Tuscaloosa, the Westervelt-Warner Museum of American Art, are some of the most notable tourist sites in the city.
Economy/Job Market
According to the American Community Survey (ACS), the median per capita income for the state of Alabama was $28,650 in 2019. The Alabama per capita income is $7,022 lower compared to the US per capita income.
The top industries in the state of Alabama are Automotive, chemicals, information technology, forestry, aerospace, mining (limestone, coal, and iron ore), agriculture (cotton, soybeans, corn, livestock, poultry, and peanuts as well as steel-making and hydroelectric power. Major employers are Redstone Arsenal, Auburn University, University of Alabama, Russell Brands. Despite the difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Alabama's economy slowly gained momentum after the difficult year of 2020. Due to the strong growth in the Automobile industry, the distribution and logistics sector, and tech companies, the state’s economy is predicted to get a boost by 3.1 percent in 2021.
Tuition Fee and Living Cost in Alabama
With comparatively high taxes and utilities, the state of Alabama is still one of those states with the lowest cost of living. The housing costs are cheap and the transportation costs are also affordable. The tuition fee can always vary depending upon the type of institution (public/private) and the chosen academic program. The fees structure for in-state students is different as compared to that for out-state students. The fees for in states student is comparatively lower.
- In University of Alabama Birmingham, for instance, the undergraduate tuition fee for non-residents is $18818 for an academic year, apart from other expenses like a board room, books, supplies, etc while for the residents of the state, the tuition fee is $8363 for a year, apart from other expenses.
- Auburn University (undergraduate) tuition fees is around $13,000 (in-state) and around $34,000 (out-of-state).
List of Few Major Universities/Colleges
Alabama boasts more than 50 universities and colleges across the state and most of the international students here come from countries like India, Japan, and China. A lot of international students here study at the University of North Alabama, University of South Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, etc. The University of Alabama is the largest on-campus university. Auburn University is the most popular destination for international students and is one of the Top 50 ranked universities of the United States. Following are the top five universities in the state of Alabama:
- Auburn University Founded in the year 1856, Auburn University is one of the best public research institutes situated in the city of Auburn. It is well known for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent academic life and provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses in areas related to science and mathematics, economics, forestry, education, architecture, agriculture, engineering, and also excellent liberal arts programs. It holds the 97th position among National Universities, according to the 2021 edition of U.S. News.
- University of Alabama in Huntsville It is a research-intensive public institution established in the year 1950, that offers a dynamic curriculum, offering numerous degree programs in the fields of humanities, sciences, education, and social sciences. Additionally, the institute is also acclaimed for its engineering and science programs, including astrophysics, atmospheric science, and aerospace engineering. John Hendricks, founder and former chairman of Discovery Channel, is a prestigious alumnus of this university.
- University of Alabama at Birmingham Situated in the southern city of Birmingham, Alabama, this public research institute was established in the year 1969. As a leading university, it is known for its excellent research programs and high-quality education.
- University of South Alabama The University of South Alabama (USA), founded in the year 1963, is a public research institution located in the city of Mobile. It is home to more than 14,000 students and offers more than a 100 degree programs for undergraduates and graduates. Popular courses include Business, Management, Marketing, Engineering, Education, Biomedical Sciences, and so on.
- The University of Alabama Established in 1820 and founded in 1831, The University of Alabama in the city of Tuscaloosa is the oldest and most prestigious public research institute in the state of Alabama. It is known for its innovative learning methods and ranks 143 among National Universities, according to the 2021 edition of U.S. News.
Scholarships/financial aid for students
The state of Alabama provides a substantial number of scholarships and grants. These awards are made available to the students based on several categorical requirements such as academic merit and monetary needs, or a combination of both. These are most beneficial for the residents of the state. The ' Free Application For Federal Student Aid ' (FAFSA) is to be filled by the residents of Alabama prior to the application for any kind of financial aid. Every financial aid supported by the federal or the state government depends on the FAFSA to determine the qualification of the candidate for grants and scholarships.
- Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program In order to be qualified for this program, the candidate is supposed to be an active National Guard member of the state and should be not less than 17 years. This program gives assistance to these students by awarding a certain amount that can be used for tuition, books, and other necessities. An undergraduate student is supposed to secure and maintain a score of 2.00 CGPA and graduates need to maintain a minimum of 3.00 CGPA in order to be eligible.
- Alabama Student Grant Program This program is to provide assistance to in-state candidates. They should be enrolled in an accredited college or university in the state of Alabama, at least part-time. It is a program based on the academic merit of undergraduate students.
- Alabama Junior and Community College Performing Arts Scholarship This is an award based on academic merit. This is available to full-time students who are residents of Alabama. In order to be qualified, the candidate must be enrolled in a performing arts program at a public junior or community college in Alabama. Awards are determined based on the performance of students in an audition.
- University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship This is a scholarship provided to assist twelve incoming freshmen who have parents or siblings with no college or university degree. The student should be a resident of Alabama and must secure a minimum 3.0 CGPA in high school, to be qualified for this program. Those with more financial needs will be considered for the award first. If the candidate can maintain a 2.8-grade point average in the freshman year and a 3.0-grade point average in the following years, the scholarship amount can be renewed for four years.
At the University of Alabama, Academic scholarships in fact are merit-based, which require that pupils earn a particular grade point score and/or average on the SAT, ACT, or PSAT to qualify. Check the scholarship programs offered by the college/university you wish to apply to.
Tourism
The weather in Alabama is moderate throughout the year, so it is an ideal place for tourists to visit the state all year long. The Yellowhammer State is a beautiful place to indulge in a great deal of fun outdoor activities and is home to numerous museums, parks, historic sites, nature reserves, beaches and so much more. Important sites worth visiting in Alabama, include the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Birmingham Museum of Art and the Civil Rights Institute, and Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham.
Universities & Colleges in Alabama
*UG - Undergraduate
*G - Graduate
*in - In-state Fees
*out - Out-of-State Fees
- Recommended program (Top 250)
