The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama · Public · 76.6% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 64/100 · Fair Value
The University of Alabama
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $12,180/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $34,172/yr |
| Average net price | $22,420/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $89,680 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,221 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $42,400 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,750 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $241 |
| Estimated payback period | 9.5 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 73.4% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 33,227 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,169 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,884 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,258 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,658 |
| $110,001+ | $26,729 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at The University of Alabama with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management | $85,020 | C+ |
| Marketing | $77,451 | C+ |
| Registered Nursing | $85,532 | B+ |
| Psychology | $49,900 | D |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $68,227 | C |
| Biology | $59,637 | D |
| Accounting | $87,621 | B |
| Mechanical Engineering | $95,079 | B+ |
| International Relations | $61,617 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $69,715 | C+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at The University of Alabama is $12,180/year ($34,172/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $22,420/year, or roughly $89,680 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $19,169/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $26,729/year.
The median graduate leaves with $22,750 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $241 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $59,221 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.54 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 65.7% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 71.2% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 63.6% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 69.1% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 76.6% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 580-710 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 590-690 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 24-31 |
| Enrollment | 33,227 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 18.4% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $11,419 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama (this school) | 64 | $22,420 | $59,221 |
| University of Arkansas | 69 | $18,209 | $58,191 |
| University of North Texas | 67 | $15,649 | $57,010 |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | 63 | $22,063 | $65,287 |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | 55 | $18,749 | $54,501 |
| Alabama A & M University | 10 | $17,621 | $40,628 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
The University of Alabama offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $22,420 per year leads to $89,680 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $59,221 a decade out. The payback period of 9.5 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include a 73.4% graduation rate. However, the data also shows concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $22,750 against $59,221 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.