College Comparison
MIT vs The University of Alabama: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
MIT
Cambridge, MA
School
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | MIT | Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.7%wins | 75.8% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1510–1580wins | 1170–1400 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–36wins | 24–31 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $60,156 | $33,200wins |
| Avg Net Price | $19,813wins | $22,150 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $143,372wins | $59,221 |
| Graduation Rate | 96.1%wins | 73.7% |
| Retention Rate | 99.0%wins | 86.1% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 3:1wins | 19:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 4,571 | 32,323wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, MIT edges out Alabama on 8 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
MIT Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 4.7%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1580
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–36
- ✓Avg Net Price: $19,813
Alabama Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $33,200
- ✓Total Enrollment: 32,323
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.