At $22,150/yr net price, The University of Alabama graduates earn $59,221/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,221/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,150 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $88,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,221/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,221/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 73.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,592/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,928/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,056/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,396/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,773/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $119,061 | $35,680 |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. | Master | $91,744 | $45,195 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $90,412 | $29,740 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $84,653 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $80,004 | $33,500 |
| Construction Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $75,921 | $73,102 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $75,832 | $23,787 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Master | $74,017 | |
| Psychology, General. | Doctoral | $71,643 |
The Risk Factor
73.7% of students at The University of Alabama graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 26% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
The University of Alabama delivers solid financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of $59,221 against a manageable debt load of $22,750. Your net annual cost of $22,150 makes this one of the better value propositions among major state universities.
Nursing programs provide strong returns, with graduates earning $90,000-$119,000 annually. Business administration and management sciences also pay off well, generating $80,000-$84,000 in median earnings. These programs justify their slightly higher debt levels through strong Alabama job markets and national portability.
Alabama's 73.7% graduation rate creates financial risk if you struggle academically. Nearly a quarter of students don't finish, leaving them with debt but no degree. The 86% retention rate suggests most students adapt well to campus life, but you should honestly assess your academic preparedness before enrolling.
You'll get the best financial value if you pursue high-earning majors like nursing or business, plan to work in Alabama or the Southeast where the university's reputation carries weight, and can handle the social pressures of a large state school. The relatively low percentage receiving financial aid means most families pay close to sticker price.
Alabama works financially for middle-class students seeking solid career preparation at a reasonable cost. Skip this school if you need substantial financial aid, struggle with large institutional environments, or want to pursue lower-paying fields where the debt load might become burdensome relative to your future earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The University of Alabama worth the cost for most students?
Alabama offers decent value with a net price of $22,150 and graduates earning $59,221 after 10 years, though the 73% graduation rate means about 1 in 4 students don't finish. The relatively low median debt of $22,750 makes it more affordable than many state flagship universities.
What are the highest paying majors at The University of Alabama?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning around $90,000-$119,000, while legal studies graduates earn about $91,744. Business and management programs typically result in $80,000-$85,000 salaries, making these the best bets for return on investment.
How much debt do University of Alabama graduates typically have?
The median debt is $22,750, which is manageable compared to the $59,221 average earnings 10 years after graduation. This debt-to-income ratio suggests most graduates can reasonably pay off their loans.
Should out-of-state students consider The University of Alabama for value?
Out-of-state students face much higher costs than the $22,150 net price, which reflects significant in-state subsidies and financial aid. Unless you receive substantial merit aid or are pursuing one of the high-earning programs like nursing, out-of-state attendance may not provide strong ROI.