College Costs in Birmingham, AL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 10 colleges in Birmingham, Alabama. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,440
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$36,380
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,041
per month
Colleges & Universities
10
institutions
Birmingham Overview
Population
200,733
Student Population
17,378 (8.7%)
Cost of Living Index
88 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
61/100
Transit Score
33/100
Unemployment Rate
5.9%
College Cost Calculator for Birmingham
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$82,144
Total After Financial Aid
$82,144
Annual Cost
$20,536
Annual After Aid
$20,536
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $82,144 |
| Monthly Payment | $933 |
| Total Interest | $29,783 |
| Total Loan Cost | $111,927 |
Universities in Birmingham
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Public | $10,440 |
| Samford University | Private | $36,380 |
| Jefferson State Community College | Community | $4,800 |
Birmingham has 10 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Birmingham vs. National Average
| Category | Birmingham | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,440 | $10,940 | -$500 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,041 | $1,050 | -$9 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 100 | -12 |
Birmingham'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 Birmingham
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
17,378 students
Birmingham has a total population of 200,733, with approximately 17,378 college students (8.7% of the population). Birmingham has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Birmingham
$50,100
Starting Salary
5.9%
Unemployment Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Birmingham earn a median starting salary of $50,100, which is $15,100 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $82,144 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,275 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Alabama
Huntsville
21 colleges · Avg tuition $10,562
Montgomery
21 colleges · Avg tuition $10,814
Mobile
12 colleges · Avg tuition $11,100
Tuscaloosa
8 colleges · Avg tuition $11,100
Auburn
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,780
Troy
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,986
Hoover
4 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Dothan
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Decatur
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Madison
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Florence
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Vestavia Hills
2 colleges · Avg tuition $11,200
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Birmingham
How we compile Birmingham college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Birmingham institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Birmingham's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities