Birmingham, AL · Private University
Is University of Alabama at Birmingham Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$54,501
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$8,832
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$21,864
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$87,456
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.49x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.5 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
62.6%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$22,300
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$17,727
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates earn $9,501 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of Alabama at Birmingham ranked by graduate earnings
45 graduates
55 graduates
37 graduates
16 graduates
41 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of Alabama at Birmingham
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of Alabama at Birmingham, the gap between the highest-earning major (Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering: $94,376) and the lowest (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft: $26,670) is $67,706/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications EngineeringBest ROI | $94,376 | 4.3x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $86,934 | 4.0x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $78,456 | 3.6x |
| Materials Engineering | $76,224 | 3.5x |
| Civil Engineering | $75,040 | 3.4x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $66,727 | 3.0x |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | $63,236 | 2.9x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $62,664 | 2.9x |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $62,629 | 2.9x |
| Chemistry | $59,510 | 2.7x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $56,415 | 2.6x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $53,666 | 2.5x |
| Political Science and Government | $52,157 | 2.4x |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $51,637 | 2.4x |
| Marketing | $47,757 | 2.2x |
| Mathematics | $46,880 | 2.1x |
| Human Resources Management and Services(1yr data) | $45,343 | 2.1x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $44,301 | 2.0x |
| Public Health | $41,267 | 1.9x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $41,150 | 1.9x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $40,729 | 1.9x |
| Social Work | $40,627 | 1.9x |
| History | $40,599 | 1.9x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $40,560 | 1.9x |
| Biology, General | $40,480 | 1.9x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $40,010 | 1.8x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $38,487 | 1.8x |
| Psychology, General | $37,691 | 1.7x |
| Sociology | $34,832 | 1.6x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $34,829 | 1.6x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftLowest(1yr data) | $26,670 | 1.2x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | 2.49x | $54,501 | Strong ROI |
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | 1.95x | $47,089 | Good ROI |
| Mississippi State University | 1.94x | $51,513 | Good ROI |
| Appalachian State University | 2.11x | $51,836 | Strong ROI |
| University of Mississippi | 1.89x | $50,994 | Good ROI |
| University of Kentucky | 1.77x | $59,025 | Good ROI |
The Bottom Line
University of Alabama at Birmingham stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $54,501 10 years after starting, $9,501 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.5 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.