Head-to-head · 2026
Jefferson State Community College vs University of Alabama at Birmingham
Compare average net price ($9,086 at Jefferson State Community College; $18,749 at University of Alabama at Birmingham), ROI score (11.20 vs 7.27), ten-year median earnings ($40,719 vs $54,501), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Jefferson State Community College; 88.2% at University of Alabama at Birmingham) using federal College Scorecard data. Jefferson State Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Jefferson State Community College 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 | Jefferson State Community College | University of Alabama at Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 11.20 ✓ | 7.27 |
| Avg net price | $9,086 ✓ | $18,749 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $40,719 | $54,501 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 88.2% |
| Graduation rate | 25.6% | 64.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $9,689 ✓ | $22,300 |
| Enrollment | 5,470 | 11,635 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1258 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Alabama at Birmingham costs $9,663 more per year than Jefferson State Community College ($18,749 vs $9,086). University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates report $13,782 higher median earnings after ten years ($54,501 vs $40,719). On EduGradify's model that puts Jefferson State Community College ahead on projected ROI (11.20 vs 7.27, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Jefferson State Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Alabama at Birmingham reports 88.2% acceptance; Jefferson State Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Jefferson State Community College vs University of Alabama at Birmingham, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Jefferson State Community College or University of Alabama at Birmingham the better value?
Jefferson State Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.20 vs 7.27), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Jefferson State Community College is cheaper — average net price $9,086 per year vs $18,749 at University of Alabama at Birmingham. The annual difference of $9,663 adds up to about $38,652 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Alabama at Birmingham reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $54,501 vs $40,719 at Jefferson State Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $13,782.
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. Jefferson State Community College reports a A value grade; University of Alabama at Birmingham reports C.