University of North Texas vs The University of Alabama
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, University of North Texas comes out ahead: 67/100 to 64/100, a 3-point edge over The University of Alabama. 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 North Texas runs $15,649 a year against $22,420 at The University of Alabama - $6,771 more a year, or about $27,084 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, The University of Alabama graduates earn a median $59,221 against $57,010 at University of North Texas. The cost earns itself back in 9.2 years at University of North Texas and 9.5 years at The University of Alabama.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of North Texas owing a median $19,250 versus $22,750 at The University of Alabama. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.49 and 0.54 - 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 | University of North Texas | The University of Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,309 | $12,180 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $21,149 | $34,172 |
| Net Price (avg) | $15,649 | $22,420 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $62,596 | $89,680 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $39,300 | $42,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $57,010 | $59,221 |
| Graduation Rate | 60.7% | 73.4% |
| Payback Period | 9.2 yr | 9.5 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,250 | $22,750 |
| Monthly Payment | $204 | $241 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.49 | 0.54 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 67.4% | 71.2% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 64.1% | 63.6% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 72.2% | 76.6% |
| Enrollment | 34,341 | 33,227 |
| SAT Range | 980-1230 | 1170-1400 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of North ... | The University of Al... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $12,311 | $19,169 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,668 | $19,884 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $14,473 | $22,258 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $19,576 | $25,658 |
| $110,001+ | $22,943 | $26,729 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of North ... | The University of Al... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $104,024 | $115,980 |
| Management Information Systems | $91,514 | $105,393 |
| Electrical Engineering | $95,294 | $98,943 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $87,257 | $95,079 |
| Accounting | $79,124 | $87,621 |
| Business Information Systems | $78,740 | $86,114 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $77,061 | $85,020 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $78,629 | $79,811 |
| Mathematics | $62,465 | $77,899 |
| Marketing | $66,673 | $77,451 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $75,657 | $69,715 |
| International Relations | $57,852 | $61,617 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $57,753 | $60,546 |
| Biology | $56,561 | $59,637 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences | $57,888 | $56,071 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of North ... | The University of Al... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 76 | 59 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 66 | 64 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 75 | 66 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 61 | 83 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 33 | 43 |
| Overall ROI Score | 67 | 64 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of North Texas edges out The University of Alabama by 3 points (67 vs 64), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
University of North Texas
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
The University of Alabama
Fair 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.