Founded in 1831 as Alabama's first public college, The University of Alabama is dedicated to excellence in teaching, service and research. The university provides a creative, nurturing campus environment where all students can become the best individuals possible, can learn from the best and brightest faculty, and can make a positive difference in the community, the state and even the world.

The mission of the university is to advance the intellectual and social condition of the people of the State through quality programs of teaching, research, and service. The University of Alabama will be the university of choice for the brightest students in Alabama and a university of choice for all other students who seek exceptional educational opportunities.

Strategic Goals:
1. To develop a university-wide emphasis on leadership as a primary role of the flagship university of the State of Alabama
2. To retain and recruit outstanding faculty and staff to support the teaching, research and service mission of the university
3. To advance the University's academic, research, scholarship and service priorities, consistent with a top tier university, and continue to promote growth and national prominence in these areas
4. To enhance the University's learning environment to attract and retain excellent students

Admissions
The University of Alabama has a lot to offer :a high-quality education at an affordable cost; a beautiful campus in an All-American city; more than 200 fields of study; scholarship opportunities; more than 250 student organizations. The Graduate School enrolls more than 3,700 students in more than 120 master’s and doctoral programs. Combining high-quality programs with excellent faculty and top-notch facilities, the graduate school prepares students for careers in teaching, research and service.

Scholarships
Academic scholarships are merit-based, requiring that students earn certain grade point averages and/or scores on the PSAT, SAT, or ACT to qualify. Entering freshmen, transfer students, and current University undergraduate students who apply will be considered for all scholarships for which they are eligible, with the exception of those offered by Air Force ROTC, Army ROTC, and the College of Continuing Studies.

Financial Aid
Student Financial Aid provides comprehensive information and services regarding opportunities to finance the cost of education at this university. The financial aid staff is dedicated to making the financial aid process as straightforward as possible. Financial assistance available through university’s office includes grants, scholarships, loans, student employment, and veteran's services.