University of Alabama at Birmingham ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$35,328
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$11,572/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
3.1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
555%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, University of Alabama at Birmingham alumni earn a median of $48,854, which is approximately 5.5 times the in-state tuition cost of $8,832. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $46,572, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $54,501. The median debt for graduates is $22,300, and 41% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio, calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings, is approximately 0.46. This indicates that the median debt is less than half of the graduates' annual income one year after graduation. Based on the one-year earnings, the break-even point, or the time it takes to earn back the tuition cost, is less than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$8,832
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,300
Median Earnings (5yr)
$46,572
Graduation Rate
64%
Receive Financial Aid
41%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $135,017 | 5562% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $92,304 | 3144% |
| Public Health | $75,315 | 2182% |
| Biology, General | $40,480 | 210% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $119,574 | 4688% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $74,775 | 2152% |
| Psychology, General | $37,691 | 52% |
| Medicine | $0 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $54,901 | 1027% |
| Engineering, General | $110,680 | 4184% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $40,729 | 224% |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $106,108 | 3926% |
Peer Comparison
555%
20yr ROI
351%
20yr ROI
308%
20yr ROI
804%
20yr ROI
592%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.