At $17,727/yr net price, University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates earn $54,501/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,501/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,727 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $70,908 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,501/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,501/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,300 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,816/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,876/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,310/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,913/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,326/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Certificate | $169,894 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $130,034 | $48,950 |
| Systems Science and Theory. | Master | $122,038 | $35,696 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $111,769 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $99,737 | $109,751 |
| Optometry. | Doctoral | $96,457 | $164,956 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $95,215 | $41,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $89,564 | $41,000 |
| Engineering, General. | Master | $88,820 | $34,166 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $88,506 |
The Risk Factor
62.4% of students at University of Alabama at Birmingham graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Alabama at Birmingham delivers strong financial returns for health sciences students but weak outcomes for most other majors. The school's specialty as a medical research institution means your career path determines whether UAB makes financial sense.
Dental programs produce strong returns, with advanced dentistry graduates earning nearly $170,000 annually. Nursing offers solid value at $130,000 median earnings, though the $49,000 debt load requires careful planning. Systems science graduates command $122,000 salaries with manageable $36,000 debt. These health-focused programs justify UAB's costs given Birmingham's growing medical sector.
The risk lies outside these flagship programs. With median earnings at $54,500 across all graduates, most UAB majors underperform relative to the $22,300 debt burden and $17,700 annual costs. The 62% graduation rate signals completion challenges that could leave you with debt but no degree.
UAB works best if you're committed to health sciences or medical research careers. The school's hospital connections and clinical opportunities provide clear pathways to well-paying jobs in Alabama's medical economy. Pre-med students benefit from research opportunities, though acceptance rates to medical school matter more than the undergraduate institution.
Avoid UAB for liberal arts, business, or general studies unless you have specific career plans requiring its Birmingham location. The relatively low percentage receiving aid suggests limited financial support for middle-income families. Focus on completing your degree within four years to minimize costs, as the medical programs that justify UAB's price tag require graduation to access their earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Alabama at Birmingham worth the cost?
UAB offers solid value with a net price of $17,727 and graduates earning $54,501 after 10 years, though the 62% graduation rate is concerning. The school excels in healthcare programs like dentistry and nursing that lead to six-figure salaries, making it worthwhile for students in these fields.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Alabama at Birmingham?
Dentistry programs at UAB lead to the highest earnings, with advanced dentistry graduates earning around $169,894 and general dentistry graduates making $111,769. Nursing programs also pay well at $130,034, making healthcare the clear path to strong returns.
How much debt do University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates have?
UAB graduates leave with a median debt of $22,300, which is manageable given the $54,501 average salary 10 years after graduation. Students in high-paying healthcare programs can easily handle this debt load, but those in lower-earning fields may struggle more.
Does University of Alabama at Birmingham have good financial aid?
UAB's net price of $17,727 is reasonable for a public university, suggesting decent financial aid for most students. However, with an 86% acceptance rate and modest graduation rate, the school admits many students who may not be prepared for college-level work.