The University of Alabama vs University of Alabama at Birmingham
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
The University of Alabama holds a 9-point ROI advantage over University of Alabama at Birmingham, scoring 64/100 versus 55/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, University of Alabama at Birmingham comes in at $18,749 per year (net price after aid) versus $22,420 at The University of Alabama - a difference of $3,671 annually, or roughly $14,684 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, The University of Alabama graduates earn a median of $59,221 compared to $54,501 at University of Alabama at Birmingham. The payback period is 9.5 years at The University of Alabama versus 11 years at University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Graduates leave University of Alabama at Birmingham with a median $22,300 in debt versus $22,750 at The University of Alabama. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.54 and 0.57 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | The University of Alabama | University of Alabama at ... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $12,180 | $9,098 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $34,172 | $22,562 |
| Net Price (avg) | $22,420 | $18,749 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $89,680 | $74,996 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $42,400 | $39,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $59,221 | $54,501 |
| Graduation Rate | 73.4% | 64.2% |
| Payback Period | 9.5 yr | 11 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $22,750 | $22,300 |
| Monthly Payment | $241 | $236 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.54 | 0.57 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 71.2% | 61.8% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 63.6% | 57.1% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 76.6% | 88.2% |
| Enrollment | 33,227 | 11,635 |
| SAT Range | 1170-1400 | 1210-1450 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | The University of Al... | University of Alabam... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $19,169 | $16,172 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $19,884 | $15,500 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $22,258 | $19,161 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $25,658 | $21,805 |
| $110,001+ | $26,729 | $22,597 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | The University of Al... | University of Alabam... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $115,980 | $104,654 |
| Management Information Systems | $105,393 | $79,843 |
| Electrical Engineering | $98,943 | $90,089 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $95,079 | $89,589 |
| Civil Engineering | $87,685 | $78,054 |
| Accounting | $87,621 | $69,201 |
| Registered Nursing | $85,532 | $78,224 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $85,020 | $66,980 |
| Mathematics | $77,899 | $57,453 |
| Marketing | $77,451 | $56,591 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $69,715 | $63,036 |
| International Relations | $61,617 | $44,493 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $61,548 | $44,461 |
| Biology | $59,637 | $55,174 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $57,796 | $51,643 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | The University of Al... | University of Alabam... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 59 | 57 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 64 | 55 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 66 | 60 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 83 | 67 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 43 | 20 |
| Overall ROI Score | 64 | 55 |
The Verdict
The University of Alabama has a meaningfully higher ROI score (64 vs 55). Graduates earn more relative to cost, and the financial return is somewhat stronger. That said, if University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a significantly better program in your intended major, it could still be the better financial choice for you specifically.
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The University of Alabama
Fair 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.