Auburn University vs University of North Alabama
A side-by-side look at cost, graduate earnings, debt and return on investment. The better figure in each row is highlighted.
| Auburn University Auburn, AL | University of North Alabama Florence, AL | |
|---|---|---|
| ROI verdict | Strong return | Poor return |
| 10-year ROI | +73% | -39% |
| 10-year net gain | $76,185 | $-22,135 |
| Median earnings (5 yr) | $63,113 | $48,459 |
| Median earnings (1 yr) | $50,936 | $38,709 |
| Average net price | $24,323 | $12,170 |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $22,077 |
| Break-even | 5.8 yrs | 16.4 yrs |
| Graduation rate | 82% | 55% |
| Admission rate | 46% | 87% |
Auburn University
Strong return
+$76,185 over 10 years
Graduate earnings clearly outpace the cost and debt — this degree pays back quickly.
University of North Alabama
Poor return
$-22,135 over 10 years
On these figures the cost and debt outweigh the earnings premium.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard. ROI is computed by Degree Return — see how. Read the methodology. Data as of 2024.