Auburn University vs University of Alabama at Birmingham
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Auburn University comes out ahead: 76/100 to 55/100, a 21-point edge over University of Alabama at Birmingham. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of Alabama at Birmingham runs $18,749 a year against $24,323 at Auburn University - $5,574 more a year, or about $22,296 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Auburn University graduates earn a median $65,337 against $54,501 at University of Alabama at Birmingham. The cost earns itself back in 7.8 years at Auburn University and 11 years at University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Auburn University owing a median $21,000 versus $22,300 at University of Alabama at Birmingham. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.49 and 0.57 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Auburn University | University of Alabama at ... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $12,890 | $9,098 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $34,922 | $22,562 |
| Net Price (avg) | $24,323 | $18,749 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $97,292 | $74,996 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $43,100 | $39,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $65,337 | $54,501 |
| Graduation Rate | 82.0% | 64.2% |
| Payback Period | 7.8 yr | 11 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $21,000 | $22,300 |
| Monthly Payment | $223 | $236 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.49 | 0.57 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 81.1% | 61.8% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 78.1% | 57.1% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 45.9% | 88.2% |
| Enrollment | 26,816 | 11,635 |
| SAT Range | 1260-1390 | 1210-1450 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Auburn University | University of Alabam... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $16,681 | $16,172 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $17,627 | $15,500 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $20,558 | $19,161 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $25,808 | $21,805 |
| $110,001+ | $29,547 | $22,597 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Auburn University | University of Alabam... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $91,087 | $104,654 |
| Electrical Engineering | $99,799 | $90,089 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $93,246 | $89,589 |
| Accounting | $86,222 | $69,201 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $84,352 | $66,980 |
| Biology | $83,053 | $55,174 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $80,323 | $63,036 |
| Civil Engineering | $79,778 | $78,054 |
| Registered Nursing | $73,228 | $78,224 |
| Marketing | $74,702 | $56,591 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $74,392 | $53,021 |
| International Relations | $63,178 | $44,493 |
| Human Resources Management | $59,202 | $61,781 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $56,636 | $44,461 |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $48,474 | $52,435 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Auburn University | University of Alabam... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 69 | 57 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 77 | 55 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 76 | 60 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 91 | 67 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 74 | 20 |
| Overall ROI Score | 76 | 55 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: Auburn University clearly outperforms University of Alabama at Birmingham (76 vs 55), a 21-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless University of Alabama at Birmingham brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to Auburn University.
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Auburn University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.