University of Alabama in Huntsville
University of Alabama in Huntsville — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Alabama in Huntsville at a Glance
The University of Alabama in Huntsville is a public research university in Huntsville, Alabama, United States. It is part of the University of Alabama System and is classified among "R2: High Research Spending and Doctorate Production".
1950
76 years old
$80M
$79.5 million (2015)
8,564
6,800 undergrad · 1,764 grad
520
505 acres
Identity
How to Apply to University of Alabama in Huntsville
Official admissions page$40
Testing policy
Is University of Alabama in Huntsville Worth It?
University of Alabama in Huntsville offers moderate value at $18,796/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $61,767, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 63% graduation rate means roughly 37% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How University of Alabama in Huntsville compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #11 of 38 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #2 | University of Florida-Online | 100 | $4,815 | $71,588 |
| #3 | Fashion Institute of Technology | 67 | $19,095 | $62,696 |
| #4 | SUNY College at Geneseo | 66 | $18,211 | $67,316 |
| #5 | Bismarck State College | 63 | $10,270 | $54,277 |
| #6 | Rutgers University-Newark | 62 | $19,703 | $74,479 |
| #11 | University of Alabama in Huntsville | 52 | $18,796 | $61,767 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Alabama in Huntsville's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of Alabama in Huntsville
The highest-earning program at University of Alabama in Huntsville is Mechanical Engineering at $63,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $26,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Mechanical Engineering graduate from University of Alabama in Huntsville earns $63,800, while a Biology, General graduate earns $26,900. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Mechanical Engineering graduates carry $25,000 in median debt vs. $24,500 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $18,796/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | $63,800 | $63,800 | $25,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $60,400 | $60,400 | $26,866 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $59,200 | $59,200 | $29,215 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $49,300 | $49,300 | $19,715 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $42,000 | $42,000 | $26,250 |
| Biology, General | $26,900 | $26,900 | $24,500 |
Similar Colleges in AL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Huntsville, AL
- Student Body
- 6,591 students
- Admission Rate
- 69%
- Graduation Rate
- 63%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $18,796
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $61,767
- Median Student Debt
- $20,705