The University of Alabama 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.
| The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL | University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL | |
|---|---|---|
| ROI verdict | Break-even | Strong return |
| 10-year ROI | +61% | +163% |
| 10-year net gain | $59,250 | $135,438 |
| Median earnings (5 yr) | $60,722 | $66,856 |
| Median earnings (1 yr) | $44,857 | $52,545 |
| Average net price | $22,420 | $18,749 |
| Median debt | $22,750 | $22,300 |
| Break-even | 6.2 yrs | 3.8 yrs |
| Graduation rate | 73% | 64% |
| Admission rate | 77% | 88% |
The University of Alabama
Break-even
+$59,250 over 10 years
The payoff is roughly break-even — the degree recovers its cost, but slowly.
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.