College ROI Report
Updated 2024
Best-value Colleges in Alabama
PayScale’s report in the best value colleges in Alabama is based on the cost to earn a degree versus future earning potential. Whether you’re thinking about spending your collegiate years in Alabama because of its natural beauty, culture or even it’s fascinating history, you can use Payscale’s data to research the perfect Alabama college with the highest return on your tuition dollars.
| Rank | School Name | 20 Year Net ROI | Total 4 Year Cost | Graduation Rate | Typical Years to Graduate | Average Loan Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank:21 | School Name:_50px.jpg) University of North Alabama (In-State) | 20 Year Net ROI:$179,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$91,800 | Graduation Rate:52% | Typical Years to Graduate:5 | Average Loan Amount:$25,200 |
| Rank:22 | School Name: Auburn University at Montgomery (Out-of-State) | 20 Year Net ROI:$168,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$124,000 | Graduation Rate:36% | Typical Years to Graduate:5 | Average Loan Amount:$22,000 |
| Rank:23 | School Name: University of Mobile (Private) | 20 Year Net ROI:$154,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$165,000 | Graduation Rate:46% | Typical Years to Graduate:4 | Average Loan Amount:$25,400 |
| Rank:24 | School Name: Spring Hill College (Private) | 20 Year Net ROI:$140,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$195,000 | Graduation Rate:62% | Typical Years to Graduate:4 | Average Loan Amount:$25,700 |
| Rank:25 | School Name:University of North Alabama (Out-of-State) | 20 Year Net ROI:$140,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$131,000 | Graduation Rate:52% | Typical Years to Graduate:5 | Average Loan Amount:$25,200 |
| Rank:26 | School Name: Huntingdon College (Private) | 20 Year Net ROI:$140,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$161,000 | Graduation Rate:50% | Typical Years to Graduate:4 | Average Loan Amount:$30,200 |
| Rank:27 | School Name:University of West Alabama (In-State) | 20 Year Net ROI:$93,300 | Total 4 Year Cost:$93,400 | Graduation Rate:38% | Typical Years to Graduate:4 | Average Loan Amount:$24,400 |
| Rank:28 | School Name: Faulkner University (Private) | 20 Year Net ROI:$75,700 | Total 4 Year Cost:$150,000 | Graduation Rate:33% | Typical Years to Graduate:5 | Average Loan Amount:$37,200 |
| Rank:29 | School Name:University of West Alabama (Out-of-State) | 20 Year Net ROI:$56,900 | Total 4 Year Cost:$130,000 | Graduation Rate:38% | Typical Years to Graduate:4 | Average Loan Amount:$24,400 |
| Rank:30 | School Name:Oakwood University (Private) | 20 Year Net ROI:$37,500 | Total 4 Year Cost:$152,000 | Graduation Rate:47% | Typical Years to Graduate:4 | Average Loan Amount:$29,800 |
The University of Alabama – Huntsville frequently lands near the tops of our list for the best value colleges in the state of Alabama. UAH was founded in 1961, and the public university has consistently ranked among the top Alabama schools in past Payscale reports. At UAH, you can choose from 83 degree programs, including 38 bachelors, 29 Masters, and 16 PhD programs. Because of Huntsville’s recent economic growth in technology, UAH has become best known for its engineering and science programs. You might be surprised to find out that UAH is a Space Grant university, and scientists at UAH managed the very first commercial, non-government rocket programs in the US.
In general, public colleges tend to be large and are not the best fit for everyone. If you have your heart set on attending a private school in Alabama, Tuskegee University is an excellent choice compared to other private colleges in Alabama. Tuskegee University was the first historically black college to offer an accredited BS degree in aerospace engineering.
The majority of Alabama institutions that made our list for best value colleges are public. Despite its cost, Auburn University is a worthwhile option to consider. Auburn has a student population of around 25,000 and is best known for its programs in pharmacy and veterinary science. The school is even credited with offering the first interior architecture degree program.
Whatever college you decide to attend, going to school in the state of Alabama ensures you will get a great education, a low cost of living and a true, southern experience. Bonus points if you’re a sports buff. The University of Alabama boasts the Crimson Tide football team, perhaps one of the most well-known college football teams in the US. If you’re heading to Bryant-Denny stadium to catch the Crimson Tide in action, you can expect to hang out with over 100.000 other fans. If you have problems with crowds, Auburn University Tigers bring in a smaller mass; only about 80,000 fans per game.
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