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Alabama's most affordable Business Administration programs reveal striking differences in value propositions across the state's institutions. University of North Alabama in Florence leads with an $11,024 net price, while graduates can expect median earnings of $32,284. The state's public universities dominate the lower cost brackets, with seven of the ten most affordable options being state institutions. Alabama's booming aerospace and automotive sectors create strong demand for business managers, particularly around Huntsville's aerospace corridor and the automotive plants in Montgomery and Mobile. Troy University students face just $13,869 in net costs but earn $43,674 after graduation, representing one of the strongest return-on-investment ratios in the state. The earnings gap between the lowest and highest-performing programs spans over $25,000 annually, making program selection particularly important for students planning careers in Alabama's manufacturing economy.
28
Programs
$11,024 – $32,977
Net Price Range
$39,723
Avg. Program Earnings
48.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,024 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
2 $12,272 $11,392 41.0% 64.5%
3 $13,461 $15,650 65.0%
4 $13,832 $10,990 38.0% 68.9%
5 $13,869 $9,792 46.8% 94.8%
6 $13,889 $11,248 30.2% 96.6%
7 $14,514 $12,714 25.7%
8 $14,559 $10,024 28.7% 68.4%
9 $14,596 $9,436 35.7% 92.2%
10 $14,850 $12,426 51.1% 78.5%
11 $14,975 $5,808 37.2%
12 $15,142 $9,676 52.6% 65.4%
13 $17,053 $13,710 49.4% 59.8%
14 $17,727 $8,832 62.4% 86.7%
15 $19,514 $23,270 56.1% 72.6%
16 $19,603 $26,120 55.5% 84.1%
17 $19,880 $11,770 61.9% 78.1%
18 $20,957 $13,420 25.0% 94.1%
19 $21,165 $23,920 37.7% 82.4%
20 $21,401 $28,650 46.9% 66.0%
21 $22,150 $11,900 73.7% 80.1%
22 $22,923 $13,920
23 $23,351 $22,750 64.2% 57.2%
24 $23,384 $21,838 49.9% 68.1%
25 $23,897 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
26 $25,157 $18,238 15.4%
27 $30,795 $38,144 79.9% 83.3%
28 $32,977 $23,440 57.1% 29.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of North Alabama the most affordable option for business students?

University of North Alabama offers the lowest net price at $11,024 while maintaining a 95.68% acceptance rate. Students pay just $11,990 in in-state tuition, and the program graduates 54% of its students. The school's location in Florence provides access to the Tennessee Valley's growing business sector while keeping living costs manageable.

How do earnings compare between the cheapest and most expensive programs on this list?

Troy University graduates earn $43,674 annually despite paying only $13,869 in net costs, while Talladega College graduates earn $24,863 with $13,461 in net expenses. This $18,811 earnings difference highlights how program quality varies significantly even within similar price ranges. Columbia Southern University graduates achieve the highest earnings at $49,149, though the program costs $14,975 annually.

Is there a significant cost difference between public and private business programs?

Public universities generally offer better value, with most charging between $11,024 and $17,727 in net costs. Private institutions like Stillman College charge $12,272, making them competitive with public options. However, Spring Hill College costs $19,514, representing the higher end of private school pricing in Alabama's business education market.

What graduation rates can students expect from these affordable programs?

Graduation rates range from 25.7% at Miles College to 65% at Talladega College among the most affordable options. University of Alabama at Birmingham achieves a 62.4% graduation rate while charging $17,727 in net costs. Students should note that several programs, including Alabama A&M and Alabama State University, have graduation rates below 35%.

Where do business graduates find employment opportunities in Alabama?

Alabama's aerospace industry around Huntsville and automotive manufacturing in Montgomery create strong demand for business managers. Major employers like Hyundai, Airbus, and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center actively recruit business graduates. The state's growing manufacturing sector has added over 50,000 jobs in recent years, particularly benefiting graduates with operations and supply chain expertise.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.