The university is known for its excellence in social sciences and medical program, and has produced numerous distinguished alumni in public and private service.

The Dutch East Indies government did not establish any colleges or polytechnics in Sumatra as they did in Java, forcing many of Sumatran talents to pursue their study away from home, or even overseas.

Following the lead, the government approved creation of a Teachers' Training College (Perguruan Tinggi Pendidikan Guru) in Batusangkar in October 1954 and a State Agricultural College (Perguruan Tinggi Negeri Pertanian) in Payakumbuh in November 1954, as well as a medical school and school of natural sciences (Fakultas Ilmu Pasti dan Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam) in Bukittinggi in September 1955.

All four state-owned colleges were inaugurated by Vice President Mohammad Hatta, a strong proponent of public education and a native West Sumatran himself.

[4] Many Andalas professors and students openly supported PRRI, which aims for a greater autonomy for the provinces and for Prime Minister Djuanda Kartawidjaja to resign.

At this time, many professors from outside of West Sumatra, including those recruited from overseas, became disillusioned and left their teaching positions to return home or move to other universities in Java.

Subsequent military intervention, brought by General Abdul Haris Nasution and executed on the ground by Colonel Ahmad Yani, destroyed much of Andalas teaching facilities spread in several cities.

[13] In media and entertainment, Andalas graduates including The Jakarta Post technology journalist Budi Putra and senior reporter Elprisdat M. Zen.

[14] Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, one of Indonesia's most prominent economists and father of politician Prabowo Subianto, served as the first dean of the faculty of economics.

The faculty of law has some of the most prominent scholars on Indonesian criminal and civil jurisprudence, including Isra, Elwi Danil, Yuliandri, and Feri Amsari.