The University of Alabama vs Samford University: which has better ROI?
The University of Alabama has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $89,680 in 8.3 years versus 12.9 years at Samford University, on median earnings of $59,221 vs $58,469 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | The University of Alabama | Samford University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $22,420 | $32,622 |
| Total net cost | $89,680 | $130,488 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $59,221 | $58,469 |
| Median debt | $22,750 | $19,500 |
| Payback | 8.3 yrs | 12.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $127,540 | $71,692 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, The University of Alabama or Samford University?
The University of Alabama, at $22,420 a year after aid versus $32,622 — a gap of $10,202 a year, or $40,808 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do The University of Alabama or Samford University graduates earn more?
The University of Alabama graduates report a median $59,221 ten years after entry, $752 more than the $58,469 at Samford University. 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, The University of Alabama or Samford University?
Samford University: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $22,750 at The University of Alabama, a difference of $3,250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
77% of students finish at Samford University, against 73% at The University of Alabama. 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.