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NYU vs University of Alabama

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

12.2% NYU acceptance
80.0% Alabama acceptance
$150,064 Alabama cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

NYU
New York, New York
Private
Founded
1831
Enrollment
59,144
Setting
Urban
Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Public
Founded
1831
Enrollment
39,975
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Alabama saves $28,038
NYU
$60,438
Alabama
$32,400
Acceptance Rate NYU more selective
NYU
12.2%
Alabama
80.0%
Graduation Rate NYU higher
NYU
87%
Alabama
73%
Avg SAT Score NYU higher
NYU
1480
Alabama
1260
Starting Salary NYU higher
NYU
$74,100
Alabama
$58,400

Detailed Comparison

Metric NYU Alabama Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$60,438$32,400Alabama
Tuition (In-State)$60,438$11,580Alabama
Room & Board$21,578$12,100Alabama
Acceptance Rate12.2%80.0%NYU
Graduation Rate87%73%NYU
Average SAT14801260NYU
Student-Faculty Ratio8:119:1NYU
Enrollment59,14439,975-
Avg Financial Aid$38,960$13,100NYU
Starting Salary$74,100$58,400NYU
Endowment$6.2B$2.2BNYU
Campus Size230 acres1,168 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

NYU
$328,064
4-year total (private)
VS
Alabama
$178,000
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: NYU = $172,224 | Alabama = $125,600. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

NYU Top Majors

BusinessLiberal StudiesFilmEconomicsComputer Science

Alabama Top Majors

BusinessNursingEngineeringCommunicationBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
NYUUrban
AlabamaSuburban
Campus Size
NYU230 ac
Alabama1,168 ac
Athletics
NYUNCAA D3
AlabamaNCAA D1
Region
NYUNortheast
AlabamaSouth
Founded
NYU1831
Alabama1831
Enrollment
NYU59,144
Alabama39,975

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is NYU or Alabama harder to get into?+
NYU is more selective with an acceptance rate of 12.2% compared to 80.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, NYU or Alabama?+
At sticker price, Alabama costs less over 4 years ($178,000 vs $328,064). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. NYU offers an average of $38,960/year in aid while Alabama offers $13,100/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for NYU and Alabama?+
The average SAT score at NYU is 1480 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 NYU or Alabama graduates earn more?+
Graduates of NYU have a higher average starting salary ($74,100 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?+
NYU has a 8:1 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 NYU and Alabama compare for campus life?+
NYU is located in New York, New York (urban setting) with a 230-acre campus. Alabama is in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (suburban setting) with 1,168 acres. NYU competes in NCAA D3 athletics and Alabama in NCAA D1.