The University of Alabama operates with a published cost of attendance of $32,024 per year, including $11,900 in-state tuition, $14,840 for room and board, and $800 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face $33,200 tuition, substantially increasing total costs.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $32,024 |
| Tuition and Fees | $33,200 |
| Room and Board | $14,840 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$9,874 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $22,150 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $18,592 |
| $30–48k | $19,928 |
| $48–75k | $23,056 |
| $75–110k | $25,396 |
| $110k+ | $25,773 |
The University of Alabama operates with a published cost of attendance of $32,024 per year, including $11,900 in-state tuition, $14,840 for room and board, and $800 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face $33,200 tuition, substantially increasing total costs. However, the average student pays $22,150 after financial aid, representing $9,874 in average aid savings from the sticker price.
This net price exceeds the peer median of $15,590 by $6,560, positioning The University of Alabama as more expensive than typical public institutions. The financial aid system provides meaningful support, reducing costs by approximately 31% from published rates. Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $18,592 for families earning under $30,000 to $25,773 for families earning over $110,000.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
The University of Alabama graduates carry median debt of $22,750, slightly above the peer median of $20,000 by $2,750, positioning the institution as moderately higher in debt burden than similar public universities. Student debt ranges from $7,439 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating meaningful variation in borrowing patterns among graduates.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 indicates manageable repayment burden, with debt representing approximately 38% of first-year post-graduation income. Median Parent PLUS debt reaches $41,221 with monthly payments of $542.85, representing additional family borrowing beyond student loans.
The combination of student and family debt indicates total educational financing approaches $64,000 for families utilizing both loan types. While debt levels exceed peer medians, the earnings outcomes of $59,221 provide reasonable capacity for repayment over standard 10-year terms, supporting long-term financial sustainability for most graduates despite elevated initial borrowing requirements.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
The University of Alabama delivers solid return on educational investment despite earnings falling $21,465 below expectations relative to student demographics. The institution ranks at the 44.6th percentile for return on investment, reflecting moderate performance around national averages.
Graduates achieve median earnings of $59,221 compared to peer median earnings of $60,543, indicating slightly lower earnings than similar institutions. However, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 remains manageable, supporting reasonable repayment capacity over standard loan terms.
The combination of moderate debt burden and steady earnings creates conditions for long-term financial stability, though not exceptional wealth generation. Students should expect solid regional career outcomes and manageable debt service rather than exceptional financial returns.
The University of Alabama enrolls 18.0% Pell-eligible students, indicating moderate participation by lower-income families though below many public universities nationally. The average financial aid savings of $9,874 represents substantial support that makes attendance more affordable than sticker prices suggest.
Net price progression by income demonstrates systematic aid distribution, with families under $30,000 receiving approximately $13,432 more aid than families over $110,000. This aid structure supports the university's accessibility mission while maintaining revenue from higher-income families.
The moderate Pell share suggests The University of Alabama serves primarily middle-class and upper-middle-class students while providing meaningful pathways for lower-income families. Financial aid concentration toward lower income tiers enables broader participation despite higher baseline costs compared to peer institutions.
