The University of South Alabama, the only major public institution of higher learning on the upper Gulf Coast, was created by act of the Alabama State Legislature in May, 1963. The University of South Alabama is dedicated in purpose to the creation of an environment of intellectual excitement and an educational climate that will stimulate both faculty and students. The University of South Alabama, operating as a state institution of higher learning and financed in large part by public funds, is governed by a Board of Trustees. 

Under the present organization, the University comprises the College of Allied Health Professions, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Management Studies, College of Education, College of Engineering, College of Medicine, College of Nursing, School of Computer and Information Sciences, School of Continuing Education and Special Programs, and Graduate School, each headed by an academic officer. In addition, there are two specialized units: University Libraries and Department of Cooperative Education. The USA was admitted to membership in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools at the annual meeting on December 4, 1968. The total program of the institution was fully accredited by this action. The University of South Alabama is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Currently, the University enrolls around 14,280 students.

Participants:

English as a Second Language. This program is offered five 8-week terms a year. Five levels of instruction are available, 20 hours of instruction per week. Elective classes, including TOEFL Preparation Help with university placement. 

Tuition for a full time student is $1,400 per 7-week term, which includes five courses (20 hours of instruction per week). There is also a computer lab fee of $15 and a testing fee of $10. In the summer term, students take four courses that meet five days a week.

Part-time students, i.e., those not requiring a student visa, are charged $280 per course, which includes all laboratory fees. In the summer, part-time students pay $335 per class.