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University of West Alabama

Livingston, AL·Public·2,974 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who prefer a mid-size campus. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. 58% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

43%
Accept
2,974
Students
$12,684
Net Price
35%
Grad Rate
$40,400
Earnings
10 yr
$24,944
Debt

About This School

University of West Alabama is a public institution located in Livingston, Alabama with approximately 2,974 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 43% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $12,684 per year. The graduation rate is 35%, and the typical graduate earns $40,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of West Alabama (UWA) is a public university in Livingston, Alabama, United States. Founded in 1835, the school began as a church-supported school for young women called "Livingston Female Academy".

The numbers tell a mixed story here — at $13,832/year net price and only $13,000 in median debt at graduation, UWA is genuinely affordable, and that's worth something. But the 38% graduation rate and 61% freshman retention rate are real red flags, suggesting many students either leave or struggle to finish, and median earnings of $40,400 after 10 years are modest. Worth considering if you have a specific program in mind, strong support around you, and a clear plan to stay on track — but go in with eyes open.

Founded
1835
Setting
Remote rural
Avg Faculty Salary
$8,001

Popular Programs

Education24%
Health Professions15%
Business & Marketing13%
Psychology7%
Communications6%
Biological Sciences3%
Social Sciences1%
Visual & Performing Arts0%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Lois WilsonJey UsoJimmy UsoMalcolm Butler

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite1015
Reading 75th %ile560
Math 75th %ile560

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite19

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$10,990
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,090
Avg Net Price
$12,684
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants58%
Median debt at graduation$24,944

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
35%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
65%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$24,944
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$34,100
Female graduates$26,300

Gap: 23% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$24,944
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$29,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.6x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White50%
Black39%
Hispanic/Latino3%
Two or more races3%
American Indian/Alaska Native1%
International2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,974 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of West Alabama

Station One

Livingston, AL 35470

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Alabama

Browse all Alabama schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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