UAB (Collat) vs Alabama Manderson
Which MBA program is right for you?
UAB (Collat)
Alabama Manderson
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | UAB (Collat) | Alabama Manderson |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #115 | #84 |
| Acceptance Rate | 75% | 63% |
| Avg. GMAT | 521 | 652 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.3 | 3.7 |
| Class Size | 35 | 50 |
| Avg. Salary | $75,000 | $72,000 |
| Employment Rate | 80% | 93% |
| Annual Tuition | $16,200 | $11,380 |
The Verdict
Choose UAB (Collat) if…
you want an MBA inside one of the country's largest academic medical centers with direct healthcare management access.
Full UAB (Collat) Profile →Choose Alabama Manderson if…
you want a higher-ranked program (#87 vs #116) with the Alabama brand, SEC network, and broader industry placement.
Full Alabama Manderson Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Alabama's two major MBA programs serve different markets. Alabama Manderson (#87) in Tuscaloosa has the flagship university brand and broader placement. UAB Collat (#116) in Birmingham sits inside a $7 billion healthcare system. Manderson outranks Collat and has stronger alumni networks. Collat wins decisively for healthcare careers.
The Honest Take
For healthcare management, UAB Collat is the better choice by a wide margin. UAB Health System is one of the largest academic medical centers in the country, and MBA students get direct exposure. For everything else, Manderson's higher ranking, SEC network, and broader placement make it the stronger pick. Both are affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is higher ranked?
Alabama Manderson (#87) outranks UAB Collat (#116).
Which is better for healthcare?
UAB Collat, by a wide margin. It sits inside one of the nation's largest academic medical centers. No MBA program in the Southeast is more embedded in healthcare.
Which has the stronger alumni network?
Manderson's SEC network and Alabama brand create a broader alumni base. UAB's alumni network is concentrated in Birmingham healthcare.