The University of Alabama vs Alabama A & M University
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, The University of Alabama comes out ahead: 64/100 to 10/100, a 54-point edge over Alabama A & M University. 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, Alabama A & M University runs $17,621 a year against $22,420 at The University of Alabama - $4,799 more a year, or about $19,196 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, The University of Alabama graduates earn a median $59,221 against $40,628 at Alabama A & M University. The cost earns itself back in 9.5 years at The University of Alabama and 37.4 years at Alabama A & M University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave The University of Alabama owing a median $22,750 versus $31,000 at Alabama A & M University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.54 and 1.09 - 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 | The University of Alabama | Alabama A & M University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $12,180 | $10,024 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $34,172 | $18,634 |
| Net Price (avg) | $22,420 | $17,621 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $89,680 | $70,484 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $42,400 | $28,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $59,221 | $40,628 |
| Graduation Rate | 73.4% | 24.0% |
| Payback Period | 9.5 yr | 37.4 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $22,750 | $31,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $241 | $329 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.54 | 1.09 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 71.2% | 42.9% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 63.6% | 33.1% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 76.6% | 58.0% |
| Enrollment | 33,227 | 6,124 |
| SAT Range | 1170-1400 | 810-1040 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | The University of Al... | Alabama A & M Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $19,169 | $16,500 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $19,884 | $16,387 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $22,258 | $19,622 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $25,658 | $21,680 |
| $110,001+ | $26,729 | $20,364 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | The University of Al... | Alabama A & M Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $115,980 | $88,490 |
| Electrical Engineering | $98,943 | $98,045 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $95,079 | $87,291 |
| Accounting | $87,621 | $61,503 |
| Marketing | $77,451 | $25,945 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $69,715 | $58,176 |
| Biology | $59,637 | $44,145 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $57,796 | $48,912 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences | $57,205 | $44,814 |
| Psychology | $49,900 | $42,127 |
| Social Work | $49,561 | $47,121 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | The University of Al... | Alabama A & M Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 59 | 15 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 64 | 14 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 66 | 3 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 83 | 7 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 43 | 5 |
| Overall ROI Score | 64 | 10 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: The University of Alabama clearly outperforms Alabama A & M University (64 vs 10), a 54-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Alabama A & M University 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 The University of Alabama.
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The University of Alabama
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Alabama A & M University
Poor 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.