Auburn University vs University of Alabama in Huntsville: which has better ROI?
University of Alabama in Huntsville has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $75,184 in 5.6 years versus 5.7 years at Auburn University, on median earnings of $61,767 vs $65,337 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Auburn University | University of Alabama in Huntsville |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $24,323 | $18,796 |
| Total net cost | $97,292 | $75,184 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $65,337 | $61,767 |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $20,705 |
| Payback | 5.7 yrs | 5.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $242,248 | $192,956 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Auburn University or University of Alabama in Huntsville?
University of Alabama in Huntsville, at $18,796 a year after aid versus $24,323 — a gap of $5,527 a year, or $22,108 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Auburn University or University of Alabama in Huntsville graduates earn more?
Auburn University graduates report a median $65,337 ten years after entry, $3,570 more than the $61,767 at University of Alabama in Huntsville. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Auburn University or University of Alabama in Huntsville?
University of Alabama in Huntsville: its completers carry a median $20,705 in federal loans versus $21,000 at Auburn University, a difference of $295. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
82% of students finish at Auburn University, against 64% at University of Alabama in Huntsville. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.