Jacksonville State University vs University of Alabama at Birmingham
A side-by-side look at cost, graduate earnings, debt and return on investment. The better figure in each row is highlighted.
| Jacksonville State University Jacksonville, AL | University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL | |
|---|---|---|
| ROI verdict | Poor return | Strong return |
| 10-year ROI | -24% | +163% |
| 10-year net gain | $-15,502 | $135,438 |
| Median earnings (5 yr) | $49,970 | $66,856 |
| Median earnings (1 yr) | $39,457 | $52,545 |
| Average net price | $14,279 | $18,749 |
| Median debt | $22,189 | $22,300 |
| Break-even | 13.1 yrs | 3.8 yrs |
| Graduation rate | 55% | 64% |
| Admission rate | 78% | 88% |
Jacksonville State University
Poor return
$-15,502 over 10 years
On these figures the cost and debt outweigh the earnings premium.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Strong return
+$135,438 over 10 years
Graduate earnings clearly outpace the cost and debt — this degree pays back quickly.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard. ROI is computed by Degree Return — see how. Read the methodology. Data as of 2024.