Head-to-head · 2026
University of Alabama at Birmingham vs University of Alabama in Huntsville
Compare average net price ($18,749 at University of Alabama at Birmingham; $18,796 at University of Alabama in Huntsville), ROI score (7.27 vs 8.22), ten-year median earnings ($54,501 vs $61,767), and admissions selectivity (88.2% acceptance at University of Alabama at Birmingham; 68.6% at University of Alabama in Huntsville) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Alabama in Huntsville has a 6-1 metric-level edge. University of Alabama in Huntsville 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 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama in Huntsville |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.27 | 8.22 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $18,749 ✓ | $18,796 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $54,501 | $61,767 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 88.2% | 68.6% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 64.2% | 64.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $22,300 | $20,705 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 11,635 | 6,591 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1258 | 1319 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 6 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Alabama in Huntsville costs $47 more per year than University of Alabama at Birmingham ($18,796 vs $18,749). University of Alabama in Huntsville graduates report $7,266 higher median earnings after ten years ($61,767 vs $54,501). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Alabama in Huntsville ahead on projected ROI (8.22 vs 7.27, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Alabama in Huntsville) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, University of Alabama at Birmingham is accessible at 88.2% acceptance versus 68.6% (accessible) at University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Frequently asked
University of Alabama at Birmingham vs University of Alabama in Huntsville, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Alabama at Birmingham or University of Alabama in Huntsville the better value?
University of Alabama in Huntsville has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.22 vs 7.27), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Alabama at Birmingham is cheaper — average net price $18,749 per year vs $18,796 at University of Alabama in Huntsville. The annual difference of $47 adds up to about $188 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Alabama in Huntsville reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $61,767 vs $54,501 at University of Alabama at Birmingham. The annual gap in the federal data is $7,266.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Alabama in Huntsville is more selective at 68.6% 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. University of Alabama at Birmingham reports a C value grade; University of Alabama in Huntsville reports B.