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University of North Alabama offers physics students Alabama's most affordable path at $11,024 net cost, while private options like Tuskegee climb to $32,977. This $21,953 gap reflects Alabama's strong public university system supporting STEM education. The state's aerospace boom, anchored by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville and Airbus manufacturing, creates clear career pathways for physics graduates. Auburn University leads graduation rates at 79.2%, though its selectivity drops to 43.74% acceptance. Public institutions dominate the affordable market, with seven of the cheapest eight programs housed at state schools that maintain accessible admission standards above 65% acceptance rates.
11
Programs
$11,024 – $32,977
Net Price Range
60.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Physics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,024 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
2 $13,869 $9,792 46.8% 94.8%
3 $14,559 $10,024 28.7% 68.4%
4 $15,142 $9,676 52.6% 65.4%
5 $17,727 $8,832 62.4% 86.7%
6 $19,880 $11,770 61.9% 78.1%
7 $22,150 $11,900 73.7% 80.1%
8 $23,351 $22,750 64.2% 57.2%
9 $23,897 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
10 $30,795 $38,144 79.9% 83.3%
11 $32,977 $23,440 57.1% 29.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between Alabama's cheapest and most expensive physics programs?

University of North Alabama charges $11,024 net cost compared to Tuskegee University's $32,977, creating a $21,953 gap. This reflects Alabama's public versus private divide, where state funding keeps public tuition low while private institutions rely on higher tuition revenue.

How do graduation rates vary among Alabama's most affordable physics programs?

Auburn University tops the list at 79.2% graduation rate despite being ninth in affordability at $23,897 net cost. Among the cheapest options, University of North Alabama achieves 54% graduation rates while Alabama A&M struggles at 28.7% despite similar $14,559 costs.

Does University of Alabama in Huntsville offer advantages for physics students beyond cost?

UAH charges $19,880 net cost while maintaining 61.9% graduation rates and 78.1% acceptance rates. The Huntsville location provides direct access to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and aerospace contractors, creating internship and career opportunities.

Where can physics students find the best value combination of cost and outcomes in Alabama?

University of Alabama at Birmingham delivers strong value at $17,727 net cost with 62.4% graduation rates and 86.68% acceptance rates. UAB balances affordability with solid completion rates while maintaining accessible admission standards.

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