Head-to-head · 2026
Jacksonville State University vs University of Alabama at Birmingham
Compare average net price ($14,279 at Jacksonville State University; $18,749 at University of Alabama at Birmingham), ROI score (7.92 vs 7.27), ten-year median earnings ($45,235 vs $54,501), and admissions selectivity (77.7% acceptance at Jacksonville State University; 88.2% at University of Alabama at Birmingham) using federal College Scorecard data. Jacksonville State University has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. Jacksonville State University leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Jacksonville State University | University of Alabama at Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.92 ✓ | 7.27 |
| Avg net price | $14,279 ✓ | $18,749 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $45,235 | $54,501 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 77.7% ✓ | 88.2% |
| Graduation rate | 54.7% | 64.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $22,189 ✓ | $22,300 |
| Enrollment | 7,036 | 11,635 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1059 | 1258 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Alabama at Birmingham costs $4,470 more per year than Jacksonville State University ($18,749 vs $14,279). University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates report $9,266 higher median earnings after ten years ($54,501 vs $45,235). On EduGradify's model that puts Jacksonville State University ahead on projected ROI (7.92 vs 7.27, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Jacksonville State University) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Jacksonville State University is accessible at 77.7% acceptance versus 88.2% (accessible) at University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Frequently asked
Jacksonville State University vs University of Alabama at Birmingham, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Jacksonville State University or University of Alabama at Birmingham the better value?
Jacksonville State University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (7.92 vs 7.27), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Jacksonville State University is cheaper — average net price $14,279 per year vs $18,749 at University of Alabama at Birmingham. The annual difference of $4,470 adds up to about $17,880 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Alabama at Birmingham reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $54,501 vs $45,235 at Jacksonville State University. The annual gap in the federal data is $9,266.
Which school is harder to get into?
Jacksonville State University is more selective at 77.7% acceptance vs 88.2% at University of Alabama at Birmingham.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Jacksonville State University reports a B value grade; University of Alabama at Birmingham reports C.