University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama · Public · 88.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 55/100 · Below Average Value
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Below Average ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $9,098/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $22,562/yr |
| Average net price | $18,749/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $74,996 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,501 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $39,400 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,300 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $236 |
| Estimated payback period | 11 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 64.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 11,635 |
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 | $16,172 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,500 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,161 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,805 |
| $110,001+ | $22,597 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Alabama at Birmingham with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $78,224 | B+ |
| Psychology | $46,369 | D |
| Biology | $55,174 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $63,036 | C |
| Accounting | $69,201 | C |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $52,435 | D |
| Public Health | $44,398 | D |
| Marketing | $56,591 | C |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $45,714 | C |
| Finance and Financial Management | $66,980 | B |
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 University of Alabama at Birmingham is $9,098/year ($22,562/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 $18,749/year, or roughly $74,996 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $16,172/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $22,597/year.
The median graduate leaves with $22,300 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $236 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $54,501 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.57 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 57.5% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 61.8% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 57.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 63.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 88.2% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 610-740 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 600-710 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 23-30 |
| Enrollment | 11,635 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 34.0% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $12,612 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham (this school) | 55 | $18,749 | $54,501 |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | 69 | $18,796 | $61,767 |
| Minnesota State University-Mankato | 62 | $19,139 | $56,922 |
| Ball State University | 54 | $14,940 | $51,833 |
| Central Michigan University | 51 | $17,597 | $55,874 |
| Alabama A & M University | 10 | $17,621 | $40,628 |
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for University of Alabama at Birmingham is mixed. At $18,749 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $54,501 ten years after entry - a payback period of 11 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Areas of concern include concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $22,300 against $54,501 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.