At $11,024/yr net price, University of North Alabama graduates earn $45,415/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,415/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,024 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $44,096 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,415/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,415/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,077 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,309/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,613/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,901/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,907/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,273/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 | $70,680 | $20,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $66,461 | $27,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $56,415 | $27,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $53,064 | $21,761 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $23,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $45,500 | $21,958 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $21,375 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $25,000 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,776 | $23,250 |
The Risk Factor
54.0% of students at University of North Alabama graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of North Alabama offers solid financial value for students willing to choose their majors strategically. With a net price around $11,000 annually and median debt of just $22,077, the school keeps costs reasonable compared to most four-year institutions.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning over $70,000 annually while carrying debt below the school average. Business administration and computer science also deliver strong returns, generating salaries in the mid-50s to mid-60s that justify their slightly higher debt loads. Chemistry graduates face a tougher equation, earning $47,260 against $23,250 in debt.
The school's 54% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Nearly half of students accumulate debt without completing their degrees, making program choice and academic preparation important. The 78% retention rate suggests many students struggle early, particularly those unprepared for college-level work.
You'll find the best value here if you can gain admission to nursing or business programs and have the academic foundation to graduate. Students interested in liberal arts or lower-earning majors should consider whether the opportunity cost makes sense given local job market limitations in northwest Alabama.
Financial aid reaches only 24% of students, indicating limited need-based assistance. However, Alabama residents benefit from relatively low in-state tuition. Students should apply early for merit scholarships and consider starting at a community college if academic preparation seems insufficient for four-year success.
The school works best for career-focused students who can handle the academic demands and want affordable access to specific professional programs without relocating far from the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of North Alabama worth the cost?
University of North Alabama offers reasonable value with a low net price of $11,024 and median debt of $22,077, but the 10-year median earnings of $45,415 are below average for college graduates. The school works best for nursing students who earn significantly more than other majors.
What are the best paying majors at University of North Alabama?
Nursing programs at University of North Alabama lead to the highest earnings, with graduates making around $70,680 annually. Business administration graduates earn about $66,461, while computer science majors make $56,415.
How much debt do University of North Alabama graduates have?
University of North Alabama graduates leave with a median debt of $22,077, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, with median earnings of $45,415, graduates outside of nursing and business may struggle with loan payments.
Does University of North Alabama have good graduation rates?
University of North Alabama has a 54% graduation rate, which is below the national average for four-year colleges. This means nearly half of students who start at UNA don't finish their degree.