University of North Alabama vs Alabama State University: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but University of North Alabama comes closer — median earnings $45,415 against a $48,680 total, vs $34,502 at Alabama State University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of North Alabama | Alabama State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,170 | $20,435 |
| Total net cost | $48,680 | $81,740 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $45,415 | $34,502 |
| Median debt | $22,077 | $31,000 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$107,580 | -$358,900 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of North Alabama or Alabama State University?
University of North Alabama, at $12,170 a year after aid versus $20,435 — a gap of $8,265 a year, or $33,060 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 North Alabama or Alabama State University graduates earn more?
University of North Alabama graduates report a median $45,415 ten years after entry, $10,913 more than the $34,502 at Alabama State 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, University of North Alabama or Alabama State University?
University of North Alabama: its completers carry a median $22,077 in federal loans versus $31,000 at Alabama State University, a difference of $8,923. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
55% of students finish at University of North Alabama, against 30% at Alabama State University. 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.