At $19,880/yr net price, University of Alabama in Huntsville graduates earn $61,767/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,767/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,880 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $79,520 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,767/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,767/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,705 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,521/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,935/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,187/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,205/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,937/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. | Master | $91,017 | $28,500 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $86,867 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $86,424 | $34,361 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,997 | $22,675 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,012 | $19,049 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,012 | $22,125 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $60,452 | $20,500 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,846 | $21,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $55,964 | |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $55,547 | $27,997 |
The Risk Factor
61.9% of students at University of Alabama in Huntsville graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Alabama in Huntsville delivers solid financial returns for engineering and nursing students but offers weaker prospects for other majors. The school's location in Alabama's tech hub gives engineering graduates access to aerospace, defense, and technology employers that drive up starting salaries.
Nursing programs stand out with graduates earning over $86,000 annually, though you'll carry higher debt loads around $30,000. Engineering majors see strong returns across electrical, mechanical, and civil specialties, with electrical engineering leading at nearly $87,000. These technical programs justify the investment given Huntsville's concentration of NASA, defense contractors, and tech companies.
The 62% graduation rate poses the biggest financial risk. Nearly four in ten students leave without a degree, making debt without credentials a real concern. The 81% retention rate suggests academic support exists, but you need realistic assessment of your preparation for UAH's technical focus.
Only 23% of students receive financial aid, indicating limited need-based assistance. However, the $19,880 net price remains reasonable for a public university, and median debt of $20,705 stays manageable for high-earning majors.
UAH works best if you're committed to engineering, nursing, or other STEM fields where the local job market pays premiums. The school's career services benefit from strong regional employer relationships. Avoid UAH if you're undecided on major or interested in liberal arts fields where the earnings data shows weaker returns. The technical focus and location advantages disappear for non-STEM careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Alabama in Huntsville worth the cost?
UAH offers solid ROI with graduates earning $61,767 after 10 years against a net price of $19,880 annually. The engineering and nursing programs deliver strong outcomes, but the 62% graduation rate means significant dropout risk.
What are the best paying majors at University of Alabama in Huntsville?
Nursing programs lead with earnings around $86,000-$91,000, followed by electrical engineering at $86,867 and mechanical engineering at $63,997. These programs justify the tuition cost better than most other majors at UAH.
How much debt do University of Alabama in Huntsville graduates have?
UAH graduates carry a median debt of $20,705, which is manageable given the strong earning potential in engineering and nursing. However, students in lower-paying programs may struggle with loan payments.
Does University of Alabama in Huntsville have good job placement?
UAH benefits from Huntsville's aerospace and technology sector, particularly for engineering graduates. The 78% acceptance rate means less selectivity, but local industry connections help graduates find work in defense and tech companies.