University of Alabama at Birmingham publishes a cost of attendance of $27,826 per year, including $21,864 in out-of-state tuition, $8,832 for Alabama residents, $13,590 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. The average student pays $17,727 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,099 from the sticker price.
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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) | $27,826 |
| Tuition and Fees | $21,864 |
| Room and Board | $13,590 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$10,099 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $17,727 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $14,816 |
| $30–48k | $15,876 |
| $48–75k | $18,310 |
| $75–110k | $20,913 |
| $110k+ | $21,326 |
University of Alabama at Birmingham publishes a cost of attendance of $27,826 per year, including $21,864 in out-of-state tuition, $8,832 for Alabama residents, $13,590 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. The average student pays $17,727 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,099 from the sticker price. This net price falls $2,137 below the peer median of $15,590, indicating competitive affordability relative to similar institutions.
The financial aid system effectively reduces costs for most students, with aid awards varying significantly by family income level. Net prices range from $14,816 for lowest-income families to $21,326 for highest-income households, creating a progressive pricing structure that supports access across economic backgrounds. University of Alabama at Birmingham's cost structure reflects its mission as a comprehensive public university, balancing accessible pricing with program quality and student services that support degree completion and career outcomes.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates carry median debt of $22,300, which is $2,300 above the peer median of $20,000, indicating slightly higher borrowing than similar institutions. Debt ranges from $6,250 at the 25th percentile to $26,082 at the 75th percentile, showing variation in borrowing patterns across students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 indicates manageable debt relative to post-graduation income, with annual debt payments representing a sustainable portion of graduate earnings. Parent PLUS loans average $18,372 with monthly payments of $242, requiring families to carefully evaluate their capacity for additional borrowing.
The debt levels reflect University of Alabama at Birmingham's moderate net price structure and the borrowing patterns of students from diverse economic backgrounds. While debt exceeds peer medians slightly, the levels remain manageable given graduate earnings and career trajectories.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Alabama at Birmingham generates $1,737 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking at the 62.7th percentile nationally and indicating positive return on educational investment. Graduate earnings of $54,501 at ten years, while ranking at the 55th percentile, combine with manageable debt levels to create favorable long-term financial outcomes.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 positions graduates for sustainable loan repayment while building wealth over their careers. Compared to peer institutions, University of Alabama at Birmingham delivers similar or better outcomes at competitive costs, with the $2,137 net price advantage offsetting the modest debt premium.
The combination of open access, controlled costs, and moderate earnings creates positive investment value for students from diverse backgrounds. Return on investment ranking at the 70th percentile demonstrates that University of Alabama at Birmingham effectively converts educational access into career advancement, particularly valuable for first-generation and lower-income students seeking economic mobility.
University of Alabama at Birmingham enrolls 33.2% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial commitment to serving lower-income populations who qualify for federal need-based aid. The $10,099 average financial aid savings reduces the published cost from $27,826 to a net price of $17,727, demonstrating effective aid targeting.
Aid concentration toward lower-income students creates the progressive pricing structure, with families under $30,000 receiving the most substantial support. The financial aid profile supports University of Alabama at Birmingham's role as an accessible public institution, enabling educational opportunity for first-generation students who comprise 34.1% of enrollment.
Financial aid effectiveness allows the institution to maintain open access while supporting diverse student backgrounds through degree completion. The aid structure particularly benefits Alabama residents through lower in-state tuition, though out-of-state students also receive meaningful support through institutional aid programs.
