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Head-to-head comparison

The University of Alabama vs Samford University: which has better ROI?

Public, Tuscaloosa AL · vs · Private nonprofit, Birmingham AL

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Tuscaloosa, AL

The University of Alabama

Net price / year
$22,420
Earnings, 10 years
$59,221
Payback
8.3 yrs

Option B Birmingham, AL

Samford University

Net price / year
$32,622
Earnings, 10 years
$58,469
Payback
12.9 yrs
The verdict

The University of Alabama has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $89,680 in 8.3 years versus 12.9 years at Samford University, on median earnings of $59,221 vs $58,469 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureThe University of AlabamaSamford University
Net price / yr$22,420$32,622
Total net cost$89,680$130,488
Median earnings, 10 yrs$59,221$58,469
Median debt$22,750$19,500
Payback8.3 yrs12.9 yrs
20-year net return$127,540$71,692

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, The University of Alabama or Samford University?

The University of Alabama, at $22,420 a year after aid versus $32,622 — a gap of $10,202 a year, or $40,808 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do The University of Alabama or Samford University graduates earn more?

The University of Alabama graduates report a median $59,221 ten years after entry, $752 more than the $58,469 at Samford University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, The University of Alabama or Samford University?

Samford University: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $22,750 at The University of Alabama, a difference of $3,250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

77% of students finish at Samford University, against 73% at The University of Alabama. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

The University of Alabama vs Samford University: frequently asked questions

Is The University of Alabama or Samford University a better value?
The University of Alabama. It clears its $89,680 net cost in about 8.3 years versus 12.9 years at Samford University, on median earnings of $59,221 vs $58,469 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, The University of Alabama or Samford University?
The University of Alabama: $22,420/yr net price after aid versus $32,622/yr at Samford University — a difference of $10,202 a year, or about $40,808 over four years.
Do The University of Alabama or Samford University graduates earn more?
The University of Alabama graduates earn a median $59,221 ten years after entry, versus $58,469 at Samford University — a $752 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.