The University of Alabama vs University of Alabama at Birmingham: 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 12.2 years at University of Alabama at Birmingham, on median earnings of $59,221 vs $54,501 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | The University of Alabama | University of Alabama at Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $22,420 | $18,749 |
| Total net cost | $89,680 | $74,996 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $59,221 | $54,501 |
| Median debt | $22,750 | $22,300 |
| Payback | 8.3 yrs | 12.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $127,540 | $47,824 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, The University of Alabama or University of Alabama at Birmingham?
University of Alabama at Birmingham, at $18,749 a year after aid versus $22,420 — a gap of $3,671 a year, or $14,684 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 University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates earn more?
The University of Alabama graduates report a median $59,221 ten years after entry, $4,720 more than the $54,501 at University of Alabama at Birmingham. 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 University of Alabama at Birmingham?
University of Alabama at Birmingham: its completers carry a median $22,300 in federal loans versus $22,750 at The University of Alabama, a difference of $450. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
73% of students finish at The University of Alabama, against 64% at University of Alabama at Birmingham. 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.