Students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham achieve meaningful economic advancement, with the university ranking in the top 25% nationally for mobility outcomes and delivering earnings beyond expectations.
Graduates benefit from strong professional programs and manageable debt levels that create sustainable pathways to financial security.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham serves as a comprehensive public research university that consistently delivers strong value for students from diverse backgrounds. With about one-third of students receiving Pell Grants and 34% being first-generation college students, UAB maintains broad accessibility while achieving solid long-term outcomes. Graduates earn a median of $54,501 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution at the 57th percentile nationally for earnings performance.
What distinguishes UAB is its role as a "Mobility Engine" — an institution that combines meaningful access with strong upward mobility outcomes. The university excels particularly in healthcare fields, with nursing programs producing nearly 400 graduates annually who earn competitive salaries in Alabama's growing medical sector. UAB's location in Birmingham provides students access to major healthcare systems, engineering firms, and regional employers while maintaining affordable living costs.
As Alabama's premier urban research university, UAB balances the resources of a large institution with focused strength in professional programs. The university's 87th percentile ranking for mobility outcomes reflects its ability to help students from all backgrounds achieve meaningful economic advancement, making it a standout option for families seeking reliable returns on their educational investment.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham's program portfolio reflects its strength in healthcare and professional fields, with nursing leading both in scale and economic impact. The Adult Health Nursing program graduates 389 students annually with strong median earnings of $55,753, creating the university's highest aggregate return and feeding Alabama's robust healthcare sector. Psychology, as the largest non-healthcare program with 203 graduates, provides foundational preparation for various career paths, though early earnings of $28,547 reflect the field's typical trajectory toward graduate study or specialized roles.
Engineering programs deliver some of UAB's strongest individual outcomes, with Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates earning approximately $70,456 despite the program's smaller scale of 37 annual graduates. This reflects both the technical rigor of engineering education and strong demand in Birmingham's growing technology and manufacturing sectors. Biology, with 202 graduates earning $27,222 early in their careers, serves primarily as preparation for medical school and other advanced programs rather than immediate workforce entry.
UAB's program mix emphasizes practical, career-focused education that aligns with regional economic needs. The concentration in healthcare fields — from nursing to biomedical sciences — positions the university as a key workforce pipeline for Alabama's medical economy, while engineering and business programs serve the state's diversifying industrial base.
Graduates of the University of Alabama at Birmingham achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $54,501 ten years after enrollment. The university also delivers earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $1,738 more annually than similar students at comparable institutions nationwide. This earnings advantage reflects UAB's strength in professional programs and its connection to Birmingham's diverse economy.
Nursing stands out as UAB's highest aggregate-return program, graduating 389 students annually with median earnings of $55,753 — creating substantial economic value for both graduates and the broader healthcare workforce. Psychology (203 graduates) represents the largest program by enrollment, though with more modest early earnings around $28,547. Engineering programs, particularly Electrical and Electronics Engineering, deliver some of UAB's strongest individual outcomes, with the 37 annual graduates earning approximately $70,456 in their early careers.
The university's program portfolio balances high-return professional fields with foundational disciplines. While Biology (202 graduates) shows lower early earnings at $27,222, many of these students continue to medical school or other advanced programs. UAB's strength in healthcare-related fields — from nursing to biomedical sciences — positions graduates well in Alabama's growing medical economy, where demand for skilled professionals continues to expand.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to families throughout the economic spectrum. Low-income students pay approximately $14,816 annually in net price, while middle-income families see costs around $18,310 per year. Even higher-income families pay a reasonable $21,326 annually, creating predictable pricing that helps families plan their educational investment.
Debt levels remain manageable for most UAB graduates. Typical federal student loan debt is about $22,300, a reasonable amount given the university's median earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $18,372, reflecting moderate family contributions that don't create excessive burden. With a 0% federal loan default rate, UAB demonstrates that its graduates can successfully manage their educational debt.
The combination of moderate borrowing and solid earnings creates sustainable financial outcomes for most students. UAB's affordability advantage becomes particularly clear when considering the long-term return on investment — graduates earn enough to comfortably service their educational debt while building financial security in their chosen careers.
University Of Alabama At Birmingham Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
