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Georgia Tech vs University of Alabama

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

16.0% Georgia Tech acceptance
80.0% Alabama acceptance
$7,744 Alabama cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
47,285
Setting
Urban
Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Public
Founded
1831
Enrollment
39,975
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Alabama saves $1,394
Georgia Tech
$33,794
Alabama
$32,400
Acceptance Rate Georgia Tech more selective
Georgia Tech
16.0%
Alabama
80.0%
Graduation Rate Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
90%
Alabama
73%
Avg SAT Score Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
1450
Alabama
1260
Starting Salary Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
$83,600
Alabama
$58,400

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgia Tech Alabama Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,794$32,400Alabama
Tuition (In-State)$12,682$11,580Alabama
Room & Board$12,642$12,100Alabama
Acceptance Rate16.0%80.0%Georgia Tech
Graduation Rate90%73%Georgia Tech
Average SAT14501260Georgia Tech
Student-Faculty Ratio15:119:1Georgia Tech
Enrollment47,28539,975-
Avg Financial Aid$16,280$13,100Georgia Tech
Starting Salary$83,600$58,400Georgia Tech
Endowment$4.2B$2.2BGeorgia Tech
Campus Size400 acres1,168 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgia Tech
$185,744
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Alabama
$178,000
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgia Tech = $120,624 | Alabama = $125,600. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgia Tech Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessIndustrial EngineeringBiology

Alabama Top Majors

BusinessNursingEngineeringCommunicationBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Georgia TechUrban
AlabamaSuburban
Campus Size
Georgia Tech400 ac
Alabama1,168 ac
Athletics
Georgia TechNCAA D1
AlabamaNCAA D1
Region
Georgia TechSouth
AlabamaSouth
Founded
Georgia Tech1885
Alabama1831
Enrollment
Georgia Tech47,285
Alabama39,975

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgia Tech or Alabama harder to get into?+
Georgia Tech is more selective with an acceptance rate of 16.0% compared to 80.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgia Tech or Alabama?+
At sticker price, Alabama costs less over 4 years ($178,000 vs $185,744). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgia Tech offers an average of $16,280/year in aid while Alabama offers $13,100/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Georgia Tech and Alabama?+
The average SAT score at Georgia Tech is 1450 and at Alabama it is 1260. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do Georgia Tech or Alabama graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Georgia Tech have a higher average starting salary ($83,600 vs $58,400). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
Georgia Tech has a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Alabama has 19:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Georgia Tech and Alabama compare for campus life?+
Georgia Tech is located in Atlanta, Georgia (urban setting) with a 400-acre campus. Alabama is in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (suburban setting) with 1,168 acres. Georgia Tech competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Alabama in NCAA D1.