University of West Alabama
University of West Alabama — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of West Alabama at a Glance
The University of West Alabama (UWA) is a public university in Livingston, Alabama, United States. Founded in 1835, the school began as a church-supported school for young women called "Livingston Female Academy".
1835
191 years old
5,157
97
600 acres
Identity
Is University of West Alabama Worth It?
At a value score of 32/100, University of West Alabama is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $44,232 — 18% below average — while paying $12,684/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 36% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $24,944 representing 56% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of West Alabama has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of West Alabama compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #74 of 119 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 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #4 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #74 | University of West Alabama | 32 | $12,684 | $44,232 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of West Alabama's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of West Alabama
The highest-earning program at University of West Alabama is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas at $33,400/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas graduate from University of West Alabama earns $33,400, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas graduate earns $33,400. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas graduates carry $22,495 in median debt vs. $22,495 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,684/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $33,400 | $33,400 | $22,495 |
Similar Colleges in AL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Livingston, AL
- Student Body
- 2,974 students
- Admission Rate
- 43%
- Graduation Rate
- 36%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,684
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,232
- Median Student Debt
- $24,944