The University of Alabama 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, The University of Alabama comes out ahead: 64/100 to 55/100, a 9-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 $22,420 at The University of Alabama - $3,671 more a year, or about $14,684 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, The University of Alabama graduates earn a median $59,221 against $54,501 at University of Alabama at Birmingham. The cost earns itself back in 9.5 years at The University of Alabama and 11 years at University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Alabama at Birmingham owing a median $22,300 versus $22,750 at The University of Alabama. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.54 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 | 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 the clearly stronger ROI here (64 vs 55) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is somewhat better. That said, if University of Alabama at Birmingham is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap for you specifically.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
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.