Head-to-head · 2026
University of Alabama at Birmingham vs University of South Alabama
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 5 wins for University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2 for University of South Alabama — University of Alabama at Birmingham 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 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of South Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.27 ✓ | 6.99 |
| Avg net price | $18,749 | $17,648 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $54,501 ✓ | $49,379 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.2% | 71% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 64.2% ✓ | 52.7% |
| Median debt | $22,300 ✓ | $24,929 |
| Enrollment | 11,635 | 8,879 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1258 ✓ | 1147 |
| Wins | 5 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Alabama at Birmingham costs $1,101 more per year than University of South Alabama ($18,749 vs $17,648). University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates report $5,122 higher median earnings after ten years ($54,501 vs $49,379). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Alabama at Birmingham ahead on projected ROI (7.27 vs 6.99, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Alabama at Birmingham) 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 71% (accessible) at University of South Alabama.
Frequently asked
University of Alabama at Birmingham vs University of South Alabama, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Alabama at Birmingham or University of South Alabama the better value?
University of Alabama at Birmingham has the higher EduGradify ROI score (7.27 vs 6.99), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of South Alabama is cheaper — average net price $17,648 per year vs $18,749 at University of Alabama at Birmingham. The annual difference of $1,101 adds up to about $4,404 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Alabama at Birmingham reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $54,501 vs $49,379 at University of South Alabama. The annual gap in the federal data is $5,122.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of South Alabama is more selective at 71% 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 South Alabama reports C.