Head-to-head · 2026
Jefferson State Community College vs University of Alabama at Birmingham
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Jefferson State Community College, 2 for University of Alabama at Birmingham — Jefferson State Community College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| 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 |
| Wins | 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.

