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Alabama State University

Montgomery, AL

publicHBCUgraduate
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Quick Facts

Wikipedia
1867
Founded
Public historically black university
Type
3,322
Total Students
3,521
Undergrad
560
Graduate
$125M
Endowment
(2024)
$11K
Tuition (In-State)
$20K
Tuition (Out-State)
$14K
Avg Net Price
96%
Acceptance Rate
30%
Graduation Rate
6-year
60%
Retention Rate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification
President: Quinton T. Ross Jr.

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Alabama State University

America's first state-supported institution for Black students, pioneering education since 1874.

Step into the rich legacy of Alabama State University (ASU), a vibrant institution with a groundbreaking history that continues to shape the future. Founded in 1867 as the Lincoln Normal School of Marion, ASU quickly made history in 1874 by becoming America's first state-supported educational institution for Black students. This pioneering spirit laid the foundation for an institution dedicated to access, excellence, and the upliftment of its community. Its journey from a dedicated teachers' college to a comprehensive university reflects a continuous commitment to educational advancement.

Today, ASU stands as a dynamic comprehensive regional institution, expanded significantly by the 1995 Knight vs. Alabama remedial decree. This pivotal moment paved the way for exciting new undergraduate and graduate programs, enhanced diversity scholarships, and the development of a state-of-the-art health sciences facility. Prospective students will discover a university actively investing in academic innovation, ensuring a robust learning environment designed to prepare them for successful careers and impactful lives.

Beyond its academic prowess, ASU fosters a vibrant community experience, enriched by cultural initiatives like WVAS-FM. This powerful 80,000-watt radio station connects the university to a vast audience across 18 counties, reflecting ASU's broad reach and influence. Recent historic investments, including a $24.7 million federal grant in 2021 to support Montgomery Public Schools students' higher education readiness, and a monumental $38 million donation in 2025 from MacKenzie Scott, underscore ASU's growing impact and its dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Established in 1867, it became America's first state-supported educational institution for Black students in 1874.
  • ✦Transformed into a comprehensive regional university in 1995, introducing new undergraduate and graduate programs and a state-of-the-art health sciences facility.
  • ✦Awarded the largest single grant in its history in 2021: $24.7 million from the U.S. Department of Education for higher education preparedness.
  • ✦Received the largest single gift in its history in 2025: $38 million from MacKenzie Scott.
  • ✦Operates WVAS-FM, an 80,000-watt radio station reaching over 651,000 listeners across 18 counties.

Timeline

1867
Founded as the Lincoln Normal School of Marion.
1874
Became America's first state-supported educational institution for Black students.
1887
Moved to Montgomery and renamed the Normal School for Colored Students.
1928
Transformed into a full four-year institution.
1948
Renamed Alabama State College for Negroes.
1969
Officially became Alabama State University.
1984
Launched WVAS-FM, its powerful public radio station.
1995
Designated a comprehensive regional institution by the Knight vs. Alabama decree.
2021
Received a historic $24.7 million federal grant to support student higher education preparation.
2025
Received a record-breaking $38 million donation, the largest single gift in its history.
🏛️
159 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Carl Pettis
Provost

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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