University of Alabama is one of the finest universities in its state, making it a top choice for many college-goers and fresh high school graduates. For students who plan on attending this school, knowing the University of Alabama’s cost of tuition is important, especially if hoping to take advantage of student financial aid opportunities and avoid student loan debt.
This article breaks down the average University of Alabama tuition, University of Alabama living expenses, the University of Alabama ranking, and University of Alabama financial aid opportunities such as first-year scholarships, merit scholarship awards, athletic scholarships, and more.
University of Alabama Rankings and Profile
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- US News & World Report Ranking: #148
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #401 – 500
University of Alabama was established in 1831 and is known for its dedication to excellence in teaching, service, and research work. The university’s positive campus environment supports students in reaching their full potential. The school currently has over 38,300 students enrolled in its various bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs across various disciplines.
The university is arguably the best higher institution in the state of Alabama thanks to its great educational policies that benefit its students in addition to its dedicated teaching staff, who put in great efforts to ensure that its students finish their programs successfully. According to US News & World Report, the school ranks number 132 among the best-value schools in the country.
How Much Does University of Alabama Cost?
The University of Alabama costs $11,620 per year for undergraduate in-state students and $31,090 per year for out-of-state undergraduate students. For graduate students, the current rates for tuition and fees for in-state students are $11,470 per year while, for out-of-state students, the current tuition costs $30,940 per year. Students pay around $800 per year for books and supplies.
University of Alabama Tuition, Fees, and Other Expenses
| Expense | University of Alabama Cost |
|---|---|
| University of Alabama Undergraduate In-State Tuition and Fees | $11,620 per year |
| University of Alabama Undergraduate Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $31,090 per year |
| University of Alabama Graduate In-State Tuition and Fees | $11,470 per year |
| University of Alabama Graduate Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $30,940 per year |
| University of Alabama Books and Supplies | $800 per year |
According to US News & World Report, the average cost of college tuition ranges between $10,388 and $22,698 per year. This means The University of Alabama’s college fee rates fall close to the national average and can compete favorably with other schools. Students can pay their tuition at once in full or make staggered payments via a number of different payment plans.
University of Alabama Living Expenses
| Expense | University of Alabama Cost |
|---|---|
| University of Alabama On-Campus Room and Board | $13,934 |
| University of Alabama Off-Campus Room and Board | $13,934 |
The average living expenses of students enrolled at University of Alabama fall about halfway between the national average living expenses of students on a low budget and those on a moderate budget living expenses, which are $11,810 and $17,620 respectively. A contributing factor to this may be that the cost of living in Alabama is lower than that of most other states.
Cost of Living in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, a vibrant city with an active sports team and artistic community. The cost of living in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is only three percent higher than the national average by three percent. The primary factors which affect the city’s cost of living include its real estate market and available jobs, as well as the average salary its citizens earn.
Breaking it down further, Tuscaloosa’s cost of housing is 15 percent lower than the national average while the cost of utilities is nine percent higher, the cost of groceries is five percent higher, and the cost of transportation is four percent higher. These are important factors students at the University of Alabama have to consider when planning for their personal expenses.
University of Alabama Financial Aid Statistics
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 85 percent of students enrolled at University of Alabama who apply for financial aid qualify and receive some form of it, including scholarship aid and federal student loans. Specifically, the total amount of aid disbursed in 2021 was $80,164,751 which includes grants, scholarship aid, federal student loans, and more.
Students at University of Alabama can apply for federal grants such as Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. They can also apply for scholarship programs including its In-State Freshman Scholarships, Out-of-State Freshman Scholarships, and International Freshman Scholarships, as well as some state scholarships and private scholarships.
Because University of Alabama is accredited, its students can also take advantage of federal student loans or private student loans. The University of Alabama also offers a selection of work-study programs that students can partake in, which can also prevent them from accumulating student loan debt.
Does University Of Alabama Accept FAFSA?
Yes, the University of Alabama accepts FAFSA. FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Completing the FAFSA application is important for every student, as it is the only way that they can qualify for federal aid. Federal student aid programs provide the largest amount of student financial aid in the country.
Does University of Alabama Accept GI Bill Benefits?
Yes, University of Alabama accepts GI Bill benefits. Under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, each student at University of Alabama who qualifies for the Yellow Ribbon Program will have their state tuition and course fees entirely covered. This is because University of Alabama is an unlimited Yellow Ribbon school thanks to being a public institution.
Is University of Alabama a Yellow Ribbon School?
Yes, University of Alabama is a Yellow Ribbon school. The Yellow Ribbon Program helps eligible students pay their out-of-state, graduate school, or foreign school tuition and fees, covering what the Post-9/11 GI Bill does not. To qualify for this award, you must have served on active duty for a minimum of 36 months and must have been discharged honorably.
Other eligibility conditions include being the recipient of a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, or having served for a minimum of 30 continuous days after September 11, 2021. All intending recipients must have been honorably discharged from service. Veterans can also transfer their benefits to a dependant. Fry Scholars are also eligible for this award.
University of Alabama Scholarships and Grants
- In-State Freshman Scholarships. This award is strictly for in-state freshman students. Incoming first-year students must have a GPA of at least 3.0 to qualify for this award, with the amount of money they receive increasing depending on their GPA. Successful scholarship recipients can be awarded a single sum of up to $9,000.
- Out-of-State Freshman Scholarships. Out-of-state freshman students can receive scholarship funds of between $6,000 and $28,000 for their first school year, depending on their GPA. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of at least 3.0 and must submit their standardized test scores.
- International Student Scholarships. These scholarship awards are for international first-time freshman applicants. Eligible candidates must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and can receive between $6,000 and $28,000, depending on their GPA.
- In-State Transfer Scholarships. This is a merit-based scholarship for in-state students transferring from a two-year college having completed a minimum of 45 credits. Successful recipients can receive between $1,000 and $5,000 for their first year, depending on their GPA, which must be at least 3.5 to qualify.
- Current Student Scholarships. University of Alabama offers a wide range of scholarships for its currently enrolled students. These scholarships are awarded out of their various colleges, such as its School of Education, School of Education, and School of Nursing. The amounts awarded vary tremendously from one scholarship to the next.
- Out-of-State and International Transfer Scholarships. The scholarship awards University of Alabama offers out-of-state and international transfer students include the Phi Theta Kappa Capstone Scholarship, which awards $6,000 for two years, and the Roll Tide Transfer Scholarship, which awards successful applicants $6,000 per year.
University of Alabama Average Net Price by Income
| Family Income | University of Alabama Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $18,338 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $20,121 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $21,957 |
| $75,001to $110,000 | $23,830 |
| $110,001 and up | $24,948 |
The average net price is obtained by subtracting the average amount of aid awarded by private, federal, state, and local grants and scholarships from the school’s cost of attendance. The total cost of attendance is obtained by adding the school’s average tuition and required fees to the school’s average cost of room, board, books, and supplies.
How to Calculate the University of Alabama Cost
Knowing your financial situation can help you better prepare better for college. To calculate the cost of attending the University of Alabama, the main things you need to consider are the costs of tuition, fees, room and board, and books and supplies. Altogether, in-state students pay an average of $26,354 while out-of-state students have a total estimated cost of $45,824.
Choosing to move in-state drastically reduces the cost of schooling at the University of Alabama. Having a good idea of what financial aid opportunities you qualify for can also help you get a better idea of what you’ll be spending before you enroll. Talking to a financial aid officer at the University of Alabama is the best way of figuring these things out.
Is the Cost of College Too High?
Yes, the cost of college is high but you can offset it with scholarships, financial aid, or by saving money for college beforehand. The cost of schooling at the University of Alabama falls close to the national average, making it somewhat cost-effective for students wanting to pursue higher education, and planning ahead is one of the most beneficial things you can do.
University of Alabama Student Debt
- Students Receiving Federal Loans: 39%
- Median Debt After Graduation: $23,072
- Average Monthly Loan Payment: $231
At University of Alabama, 39 percent of students receive federal loans. The average debt of students after graduating from University of Alabama is $23,072, which means that they pay an average of $231 each month to offset their debts. According to US News & World Report, the national average for student debt is over $30,000, meaning that University of Alabama is significantly lower.
That being said, student debts big or small can have a negative impact on borrowers over time, limiting their purchasing power and lowering their credit scores. This, in turn, affects the economy, as students with debt are less able to contribute to it, which stunts its growth.
University of Alabama Tuition Payment Plans
At the University of Alabama, the different types of payment plans from which students can choose include a tuition guarantee plan, which allows a student to pay the same tuition rate each year they attend college, a short-term installment plan that splits a student’s tuition into equal monthly payments, and a prepaid tuition plan, which requires students to pay off their entire program in advance.
University of Alabama Graduate Salaries and Outcomes
Students who graduate from the University of Alabama go on to earn an average of $55,136.25 per year, according to information on the school’s website. This figure represents the average salary of all graduates, regardless of graduating year, and does not reflect individual salaries, which can be higher or lower, depending on the graduate’s job and field of work.
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Graduates from the University of Alabama have found work in each continent, with the exception of Antarctica. Outside of North America, graduates from the University of Alabama have found employment opportunities all across Africa, Europe, Australia, South America, and Asia.
How to Save Money in College
- Get a part-time job. Working a part-time job can help you save money while you finish your studies. The money you make with this job can help you pay for your cost of living during schooling and, if you can put some money aside each paycheck, also gives you something to fall back in unexpected circumstances.
- Seek student discounts. Many establishments, including restaurants, movie theaters, theme parks, and shops offer discounts to students. Asking for a student discount and showing your student ID as proof can help you save up on a considerable amount as you attend university.
- Attend free events on campus. Colleges offer plenty of free events, such as live music concerts, shows, and sporting events, to their students. You can look at your student calendar to know when these fun events are going to happen.
- Live with family. Living at home with your family can help you to eliminate many expenses like having to pay for room and board or food. While you may still have to pay a nominal rent to your parents, you can still save a lot of money, which will prove useful for you after you graduate from college.
- Live close To campus. If you can’t live with your family or on campus, it is best to seek accommodation that is close to the school. This will save you from spending both time and money on transportation.
Is University of Alabama Affordable?
Yes, the University of Alabama is affordable if you apply for financial aid opportunities such as scholarships and grant programs. Moving in-state, taking on federal or private student loans, or taking part in work-study programs can also help you afford the cost of attending one of the best universities in the state of Alabama.
University of Alabama Cost FAQ
No, University of Alabama is not the cheapest school in the state. The cheapest university in the state of Alabama is Troy University. While University of Alabama actually has one of the highest tuition rates in the state, it is the highest ranked in the state, making it worth the higher cost of tuition.
The cost of dorms at University of Alabama is between $3,050 and $3,500 per semester. This price reflects both single and double occupancy. Traditional halls with shared baths cost $4,250 for double occupancy and $4,650 for single occupancy per semester. Suite-style halls cost between $4,650 and $5,450 at single occupancy per semester.
Yes, University of Alabama is a good school for international students, as it provides them with the opportunity to grow and excel in an unrivaled academic environment. Many resources and financial opportunities are available to international students to help them excel and offset some of their financial burdens.
No, University of Alabama does not require standardized test scores for admission but does require them to qualify for scholarships. Students who wish to submit a score can choose to do so but it won’t influence the admission process positively or negatively. Students must indicate if they want to submit a test score during the admission process.
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