University of Alabama at Birmingham 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 12.2 years at University of Alabama at Birmingham, on median earnings of $61,767 vs $54,501 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama in Huntsville |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,749 | $18,796 |
| Total net cost | $74,996 | $75,184 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,501 | $61,767 |
| Median debt | $22,300 | $20,705 |
| Payback | 12.2 yrs | 5.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $47,824 | $192,956 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Alabama at Birmingham or University of Alabama in Huntsville?
University of Alabama at Birmingham, at $18,749 a year after aid versus $18,796 — a gap of $47 a year, or $188 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Alabama at Birmingham or University of Alabama in Huntsville graduates earn more?
University of Alabama in Huntsville graduates report a median $61,767 ten years after entry, $7,266 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, University of Alabama at Birmingham or University of Alabama in Huntsville?
University of Alabama in Huntsville: its completers carry a median $20,705 in federal loans versus $22,300 at University of Alabama at Birmingham, a difference of $1,595. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
64% of students finish at University of Alabama in Huntsville, 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.