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Texas A&M University vs University of Alabama

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

63.0% Texas A&M acceptance
80.0% Alabama acceptance
$34,100 Alabama cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Texas A&M
College Station, Texas
Public
Founded
1876
Enrollment
74,829
Setting
Suburban
Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Public
Founded
1831
Enrollment
39,975
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition Alabama saves $7,687
Texas A&M
$40,087
Alabama
$32,400
Acceptance Rate Texas A&M more selective
Texas A&M
63.0%
Alabama
80.0%
Graduation Rate Texas A&M higher
Texas A&M
83%
Alabama
73%
Avg SAT Score Texas A&M higher
Texas A&M
1290
Alabama
1260
Starting Salary Texas A&M higher
Texas A&M
$66,300
Alabama
$58,400

Detailed Comparison

Metric Texas A&M Alabama Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$40,087$32,400Alabama
Tuition (In-State)$12,413$11,580Alabama
Room & Board$12,938$12,100Alabama
Acceptance Rate63.0%80.0%Texas A&M
Graduation Rate83%73%Texas A&M
Average SAT12901260Texas A&M
Student-Faculty Ratio19:119:1Tie
Enrollment74,82939,975-
Avg Financial Aid$13,700$13,100Texas A&M
Starting Salary$66,300$58,400Texas A&M
Endowment$17.1B$2.2BTexas A&M
Campus Size5,200 acres1,168 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Texas A&M
$212,100
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Alabama
$178,000
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Texas A&M = $157,300 | Alabama = $125,600. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Texas A&M Top Majors

EngineeringBusinessBiologyAgricultureBiomedical Science

Alabama Top Majors

BusinessNursingEngineeringCommunicationBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Texas A&MSuburban
AlabamaSuburban
Campus Size
Texas A&M5,200 ac
Alabama1,168 ac
Athletics
Texas A&MNCAA D1
AlabamaNCAA D1
Region
Texas A&MSouth
AlabamaSouth
Founded
Texas A&M1876
Alabama1831
Enrollment
Texas A&M74,829
Alabama39,975

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Texas A&M or Alabama harder to get into?+
Texas A&M is more selective with an acceptance rate of 63.0% compared to 80.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Texas A&M or Alabama?+
At sticker price, Alabama costs less over 4 years ($178,000 vs $212,100). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Texas A&M offers an average of $13,700/year in aid while Alabama offers $13,100/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Texas A&M and Alabama?+
The average SAT score at Texas A&M is 1290 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 Texas A&M or Alabama graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Texas A&M have a higher average starting salary ($66,300 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?+
Texas A&M has a 19:1 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 Texas A&M and Alabama compare for campus life?+
Texas A&M is located in College Station, Texas (suburban setting) with a 5,200-acre campus. Alabama is in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (suburban setting) with 1,168 acres. Texas A&M competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Alabama in NCAA D1.