University of North Alabama (UNA): Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Fees, and Scholarships
The University of North Alabama (UNA) is the oldest 4-year public university in the state of Alabama. It is a co-educational institute located in Florence, Alabama, and has a total student enrollment of 8,800. UNA student body comprises students from 64 different countries.
UNA offers more than 140 concentrations and majors to its students in arts, science, engineering, business & technology, education & human sciences, nursing, and health professions. The university also has an Honors college with more than 500 students.
The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor’s, master’s, and education specialist degrees. The University of North Alabama is one of the top preferences to study in USA.
| University Type | Public University |
| Year of Establishment | 1830 |
| Total Enrollment | 8,800 |
| International Student Percentage | 3-4% |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 19:1 |
| Application Deadline for International Students | Fall Semester: 1st June
Spring Semester: 1st November |
| Acceptance Rate | 83% |
| Number of Academic Faculties | 4 |
| Estimated cost of attendance per year | For Undergraduate courses:
USD 30,000-32,000 For Graduate courses: USD 23,000-25,000 |
| Scholarships for International Students | Available |
Why study at the University of North Alabama?
- UNA has one of the most affordable tuition rates in Alabama and is listed among America’s Best Colleges by US News and World Report
- It offers more than 100 accredited programs at the undergraduate and graduate level in a diverse range of study areas.
- The university’s main campus is located in Florence, which is one of the safest cities in the US.
- It offers a wide range of scholarships. 95% of international students attending the university receive scholarships.
- UNA has a small student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, which means classes are not too large, and faculty members are personally invested in the growth of every individual.
- 14 collegiate athletic programs are operated at UNA in the NCAA Division 1’s ASUN Conference.
University of North Alabama Rankings
- Ranked #13 for Top Public Regional Universities in the South by US News and World Report, 2022.
- Ranked #187 for Best College Athletics in America by Niche.
- Ranked #27 in Regional Universities South by US News and World Report.
- Ranked #14 in Best Colleges in Alabama by CollegSimply.
- Ranked 801-1000 band in the world by QS Top Universities.
Programs and courses offered at UNA
The University of Alabama offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs through its 4 colleges-
- College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering
- College of Business and Technology
- College of Education and Human Sciences
- College of Nursing and Health Professions
The programs are offered online, on-campus, and through hybrid mode.
The University of North Alabama is one of the best universities to study Marketing, Nursing, Business, Communications, Accounting, Elementary Education, Marketing, etc.
Campus and accommodation
The University of North Alabama has a 135-acre campus in an urban setting. It is located in Florence, Alabama. There are more than 100 student organizations at UNA. The campus is very secure to live on, and UNA’s mission is to encourage a multicultural environment that enhances growth and learning opportunities.
There are primarily two types of housing options available to students in residence halls and apartment buildings. All the accommodation spaces are well equipped with modern living facilities. Students need to apply for housing to register a spot at one of the accommodation facilities provided by UNA. Housing rates for different residence halls are mentioned below.
| Housing Type | Annual Rent |
| Mattielou & Olive Hall Double Room | 6,300 USD |
| Mattielou & Olive Hall Single Room | 7,936 USD |
| Rice Hall Double Room | 3,460 USD |
| Rice Hall Single Room | 4,478-5,292 USD |
| Rivers Hall Double Room | 3,8846 USD |
| Rivers Hall Single Room | 4,782-5,800 USD |
| Lafayette Hall Double Room | 3,632 USD |
| Lafayette Hall Single Room | 5,698 USD |
There are other suit style and apartment-style residence options which charge higher rent.
Admission requirements for international students
The acceptance rate for Fall 2020 undergraduate applicants at the University of North Alabama was 83%. Admissions at the university are mildly selective.
Undergraduate admissions
Where to Apply: International students can apply via Gyanberry Admission Services or directly through the university website.
Application Fee: 100 USD
Documents Required–
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Copy of passport
- Bank letter showing proof of finances (minimum 20,000 USD)
- Proof of English language proficiency: IELTS 5.5, or TOEFL iBT 61, or PTE 46, or Duolingo 90.
Graduate admissions
Where to Apply: Apply via Gyanberry or through the official website of the university
Application Fee: 100 USD
Documents Required–
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Copy of passport
- Bank letter showing proof of finances (minimum 18,000 USD)
- Proof of English language proficiency: IELTS 6.0, or TOEFL iBT 79, or PTE 54, or Duolingo 100.
Some of the graduate programs may have additional requirements. To get complete details of eligibility and entry requirements, get in touch with Gyanberry.
Tuition, fees, and cost of attendance
The University of North Alabama is among the top-most best-value schools in the US and provides quality education at competitive rates. Expenses required to pursue studies at the university are tabulated below.
| Expense Type | Annual Expense Amount |
| Undergraduate tuition & fees | 22,335 USD |
| Graduate tuition & fees | 15,795 USD |
| Academic English Program tuition & fees | 14,935 USD |
| Room and board | 7,106 USD |
| Books & supplies | 1,600 USD |
Annual cost of attendance for international undergraduate students at the university is 31,000 USD or 113,862 AED*
Annual cost of attendance for international graduate students at the university is 24,500 USD or 89,988 AED*
*Converted at the rate 1 USD=3.67 AED. The exchange rate is subject to periodic change.
Scholarships for international students
The University of North Alabama is very cost-friendly for international students as it has various scholarship opportunities. More than 90% of international students receive scholarships. Details of scholarships made available by the university are tabulated below:
| Name | Award Amount for undergraduates | Award Amount for graduates | Eligibility |
| International Recruitment (Under)Graduate Scholarship | 8,000 USD | 5,000 USD | First-year on-campus students that take admission via an agent/consultant. |
| International Scholarship for (Under)graduate Retention | 10,000 USD per year | 7,000 USD per year | Available to 3rd-semester students based on GPA |
| Global Learning Community Housing Scholarships | 4,400 USD in the form of housing waiver | 4,400 USD | Students can live in Rice Hall and indulge in cross-cultural learning |
For international students that pursue their studies online, the university offers a highly reduced tuition rate, which is the same as tuition for students from North Alabama.
Career Prospects for International Students
The Career Center is a free service available to all UNA students and alumni through every stage of career development – from choosing a major to finding an internship or job to making a career change. The Career Center serves as the primary resource on campus for career-related information, providing necessary resources, services, and programs to facilitate successful career development as it relates to students, alumni, faculty, and employers.
The following is the placement data published by UNA:
Accounting & Business Law: 84% have jobs in their field of study.
Finance, Economics, and Data Analytics: 95% have jobs in their field of study.
Management and Marketing: 100% have jobs in their field of study.
Working in the USA during and after Graduation
During studies, one can work part-time (20 hours per week) and full-time (40 hours per week-only during breaks). Students can work on campus, and a separate approval may b required to work off-campus depending on the type of Visa.
After graduation, an international student must find a job within 90 days to get a post-study work visa (F1 Visa). This Visa is valid for 12 months and is extendable by 24 months for STEM students. For beyond this period, the type of visa varies depending upon the nature and stream of work.
