College Costs in Alabaster, AL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Alabaster, Alabama. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$26,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$525
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Alabaster Overview
Population
33,487
Student Population
2,778 (8.3%)
Cost of Living Index
85.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
42/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
College Cost Calculator for Alabaster
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$97,596
Total After Financial Aid
$97,596
Annual Cost
$24,399
Annual After Aid
$24,399
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $97,596 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,108 |
| Total Interest | $35,386 |
| Total Loan Cost | $132,982 |
Universities in Alabaster
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Alabaster State University | Public | $11,650 |
| Alabaster Community College | Community | $5,385 |
Alabaster has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Alabaster vs. National Average
| Category | Alabaster | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,200 | $10,940 | +$260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $525 | $1,050 | -$525 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85.8 | 100 | -14.200000000000003 |
Alabaster's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Alabaster
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,778 students
Alabaster has a total population of 33,487, with approximately 2,778 college students (8.3% of the population). Alabaster has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Alabaster
$33,184
Starting Salary
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Alabaster earn a median starting salary of $33,184, which is -$1,816 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $97,596 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,635 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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