The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama · Public · 76.6% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 64/100 · Fair Value
The University of Alabama scores 64 (Fair Value) on the CampusROI scale. In-state tuition is $12,180 and net price is $22,420 -- higher than the in-state tuition alone suggests, reflecting fees and room/board in the total cost calculation. Median 6-year earnings are $42,400 with a 9.5-year payback period and 73.4% completion rate. Median debt is $22,750. The program distribution is wide: Computer and Information Sciences (93 graduates, $83,651 year-one, B+ grade), Electrical Engineering (56 graduates, $79,504 year-one, B+ grade), Mechanical Engineering (224 graduates, $75,238 year-one, B+ grade), and Registered Nursing (374 graduates, $73,000 year-one, B+ grade) anchor the high end. Finance (572 graduates, $55,580 year-one, C+ grade) and Marketing (569 graduates, $48,879 year-one, C+ grade) are the largest programs by volume and earn C+ grades. Biology (230 graduates), Psychology (356 graduates), and History (114 graduates) cluster at D grades. Alabama is a large flagship with significant athletic culture and a well-known national brand, particularly in the Southeast. Its 76.65% admission rate suggests it is selective but not highly so.
The University of Alabama
Quick 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).
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.
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 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 bracket pays $19,169 per year at Alabama. This is higher than the in-state sticker suggests and reflects the true all-in cost for students who receive financial aid. At $19,169 annually, a four-year degree costs $76,676 -- a significant investment against $42,400 median 6-year earnings. Low-income students in STEM and nursing programs fare well; those in social sciences and liberal arts face a longer payback.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $22,258 and the 75001-110000 bracket pays $25,658. These figures are near full in-state cost and suggest that merit aid has been exhausted for middle-income families. At $22,000-$25,000 per year, Alabama's cost is comparable to several stronger-ROI institutions in the region.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
The 110001-plus bracket pays $26,729. Full-pay families at Alabama are primarily choosing for the flagship brand, athletic culture, and in-state network. At $26,729, Alabama is cost-competitive with many regional privates. For engineering, nursing, and business graduates, the ROI is strong at this price point.
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.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering is Alabama's largest high-ROI program at 224 graduates, $75,238 year-one, $95,079 year-four (ROI grade B+, debt-to-earnings 0.329, median debt $24,755). The Southeast's industrial and aerospace corridor -- Huntsville aerospace cluster, automotive manufacturing in the region -- provides strong placement for Alabama ME graduates. Volume and outcomes make this a reliable choice.
Registered Nursing
Nursing (374 graduates) earns $73,000 year-one and $85,532 year-four (ROI grade B+, debt-to-earnings 0.343, median debt $25,006). Large cohort with strong outcomes. Alabama's Capstone College of Nursing has a strong regional reputation, and health system demand in the Southeast supports the earnings trajectory. One of the clearest value propositions at the institution.
Finance and Financial Management
Finance (572 graduates) is one of the largest cohorts in the institution and earns a C+ grade: $55,580 year-one, $85,020 year-four, debt-to-earnings 0.450 with $25,000 median debt. The C+ reflects a gap between volume and per-graduate financial outcomes. The 4-year trajectory to $85k is solid -- Alabama finance graduates move into banking, real estate, and corporate finance, particularly in the Southeast.
Psychology
Psychology (356 graduates) earns a D grade: $29,245 year-one, $49,900 year-four, debt-to-earnings 0.855 with $25,000 median debt. This is a large cohort with weak near-term earnings and a high debt-to-earnings ratio. Students who do not plan to pursue graduate clinical training should evaluate carefully whether a psychology degree from Alabama supports their intended career trajectory, or whether a different major would produce better outcomes.
Accounting
Accounting (226 graduates) earns $53,452 year-one and $87,621 year-four (ROI grade B, debt-to-earnings 0.430, median debt $23,000). Strong 4-year trajectory and moderate debt load. Alabama's accounting program feeds into Big Four and regional firms in Birmingham, Huntsville, and Atlanta. A solid choice for students committed to CPA licensure.
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 |
At 76.6% admission, Alabama is broadly accessible while still exercising selectivity. SAT 580-710 Math and 590-690 Reading, ACT 24-31 describe the middle range of admitted students. Out-of-state students face $34,172 tuition and a $22,420 net price -- the net price figure may reflect in-state averages and understate out-of-state costs. Students should use the net price calculator with actual income data before comparing Alabama to out-of-state alternatives.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Alabama's peers include Alabama A&M, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of North Texas, University of Maryland Global Campus, and University of Arkansas. Among meaningful flagship comparisons, Arkansas is a close peer -- similar admission rate, similar cost, similar ROI profile. Alabama's brand, particularly in the Southeast, carries network effects not captured in Scorecard data. The 9.5-year payback period is higher than FSU (6.9) and Indiana (7.1), reflecting Alabama's major mix skewing toward lower-earning fields by volume.
| 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 |
Who Thrives Here
Alabama admits 76.6% of applicants. SAT mid-ranges are 580-710 Math and 590-690 Reading; ACT composite 24-31. Enrollment is 33,227 -- a large flagship campus in Tuscaloosa. Pell grant rate of 18.4% is below average for public universities, reflecting a student body with a higher share of middle- and upper-income students relative to open-access institutions. Alabama has a strong Greek system and significant social scene. STEM and business students find solid program infrastructure; students in humanities, arts, and social sciences face weaker earnings outcomes relative to the cost.
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.
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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.