University of West Alabama
Livingston, Alabama · Public · 42.6% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 23/100 · Poor Value
University of West Alabama scores 23 (Poor Value) on the CampusROI scale, a score reflecting severe structural problems: a 34.7% completion rate, a 20.7-year payback period, a 51.0% repayment rate, and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.840. Fewer than one in three enrolled students graduates. The majority of borrowers -- 49% -- are not making progress reducing their loan principal. Median debt of $24,944 against $29,700 median 6-year earnings creates a ratio where debt is nearly equal to annual earnings. Net price averages $12,684; in-state tuition is $10,990. SAT mid-ranges are 420-560 Math and 440-560 Reading; ACT composite 16-21. Pell grant rate of 58.2% indicates the large majority of enrolled students come from low-income backgrounds. The Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies program (62 graduates, F grade, ratio 1.249) has the highest debt-to-earnings ratio in the program data. Business Administration (31 graduates, D grade) is the most viable tracked program by comparison.
The data raises concerns about University of West Alabama
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score23/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- 6-year graduation rate34.7% - Well below the 60% national average. Non-completion is the fastest route to negative ROI.
- Payback period20.7 years - Most 4-year schools we track have payback periods of 4-10 years.
University of West Alabama
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $10,990/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $20,090/yr |
| Average net price | $12,684/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $50,736 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,232 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $29,700 |
| Median debt at graduation | $24,944 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $264 |
| Estimated payback period | 20.7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 34.7% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,974 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of West Alabama is $10,990/year ($20,090/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 $12,684/year, or roughly $50,736 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $12,179/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay N/A/year.
The median graduate leaves with $24,944 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $264 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $44,232 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.84 - 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 | $12,179 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,523 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,606 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,550 |
| $110,001+ | N/A |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The 0-30000 income bracket pays $12,179 per year at UWA -- not significantly lower than the school average of $12,684. The aid model does not appear to deeply discount for the lowest-income students. Given a 34.7% completion rate and a 51% repayment rate, low-income students face severe risk of leaving with debt and no credential. This is the population at greatest financial risk.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The 48001-75000 bracket pays $14,606 and the 75001-110000 bracket pays $18,550. At these levels, the 20.7-year payback math applies to graduates; the 65% who do not complete have no graduation-based earnings to offset. Middle-income families with access to other four-year public options in Alabama (Auburn, UAB, University of Alabama) should seriously compare outcomes before committing to UWA.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Scorecard does not report a net price figure for the $110,001-plus income bracket. Given the institutional profile, families in this bracket are likely considering UWA for geographic reasons rather than cost. The combination of weak outcomes data makes it difficult to construct a strong financial case for enrollment at any income level.
Earnings by Major
Top 5 most popular majors at University of West Alabama with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $40,455 | F |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $53,696 | D |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $41,440 | - |
| Accounting | $58,218 | - |
| Biology | $30,019 | D |
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.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration (31 graduates) earns a D grade: $36,920 year-one and $53,696 year-four with $34,250 in median debt and a ratio of 0.928. Despite being the most viable program in the Scorecard data, the D grade reflects high debt against modest earnings. Year-one earnings of $37k are reasonable for Alabama's labor market, but the $34,250 debt load is elevated. The four-year trajectory to $54k suggests some career progression.
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies (62 graduates) earns an F grade: $31,786 year-one and $40,455 year-four with $39,700 in median debt -- the highest debt figure in the program roster -- and a ratio of 1.249. This is the largest tracked program by graduate count and the worst-performing. Debt exceeds annual earnings at year one by 25%, and the four-year earnings of $40k provide limited financial margin. Students in this program track face the most difficult financial outcomes.
Biology
Biology (10 graduates) earns a D grade: $30,019 year-one with $27,750 median debt and a ratio of 0.924. Scorecard does not report year-four earnings for this cohort. The year-one figure of $30k against $27,750 in debt creates immediate repayment pressure. Biology graduates in rural Alabama have limited local employment options in the biological sciences field; most likely pursue teaching or healthcare-adjacent roles.
Accounting
Accounting (10 graduates) has no ROI grade assigned; Scorecard does not report year-one earnings or debt for this cohort. Year-four earnings are $58,218. The cohort is very small (10 graduates), limiting the reliability of this estimate. The year-four figure of $58k is the best program-level outcome in the available data and is consistent with Alabama accounting salaries at the 4-year experience mark.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science
Kinesiology and Exercise Science (16 graduates) has no ROI grade assigned; Scorecard does not report year-one earnings or debt for this cohort. Year-four earnings are $41,440. The figure is consistent with physical education, athletic training, or recreational management careers in the Alabama labor market. The absence of debt data prevents grade assignment; students should investigate program-specific borrowing before enrolling.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 46.2% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 51.0% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 42.7% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 46.5% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 42.6% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 420-560 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 440-560 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 16-21 |
| Enrollment | 2,974 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 58.2% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $8,001 |
At 42.7% admission, UWA is moderately selective -- unusual for an institution with a 34.7% completion rate, which suggests significant attrition after admission rather than broad access. ACT mid-range of 16-21 indicates admitted students span a wide preparation range. The completion rate is the central risk factor; students should specifically inquire about persistence rates within their intended program.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Scorecard peers include Alabama A&M University and Cameron University -- institutions serving similar rural or regional populations with HBCU or small-campus missions. University of West Alabama's 23 ROI score is near the floor for public institutions, driven by the 34.7% completion rate and 51% repayment rate. Among Alabama public universities, UAB and Auburn consistently show completion rates of 50-70% and substantially stronger earnings outcomes. Even within this peer group, UWA's completion and repayment figures are outliers on the downside.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of West Alabama (this school) | 23 | $12,684 | $44,232 |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | 55 | $18,749 | $54,501 |
| Rogers State University | 28 | $15,314 | $43,166 |
| Cameron University | 20 | $10,912 | $40,118 |
| University of Guam | 20 | $8,598 | $35,946 |
| Alabama A & M University | 10 | $17,621 | $40,628 |
Who Thrives Here
University of West Alabama admits 42.7% of applicants and enrolls 2,974 students in Livingston, Alabama -- a small rural community in Sumter County, one of the most economically distressed counties in the state. SAT mid-ranges are 420-560 Math and 440-560 Reading; ACT composite 16-21. Pell grant rate of 58.2% reflects a predominantly low-income student population. The school serves a population with limited access to other four-year options. The 34.7% completion rate means roughly two in three students who enroll do not graduate, and the 51% repayment rate confirms that many who borrow face sustained difficulty repaying.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about University of West Alabama. With a net cost of $12,684 per year and median graduate earnings of only $44,232 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds 20.7 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 34.7% graduation rate and high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $24,944 against $44,232 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.