College Costs in Huntsville, AL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 21 colleges in Huntsville, Alabama. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,562
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$35,615
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,100
per month
Colleges & Universities
21
institutions
Huntsville Overview
Population
215,006
Student Population
16,424 (7.6%)
Cost of Living Index
98 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
College Cost Calculator for Huntsville
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$82,136
Total After Financial Aid
$82,136
Annual Cost
$20,534
Annual After Aid
$20,534
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $82,136 |
| Monthly Payment | $933 |
| Total Interest | $29,781 |
| Total Loan Cost | $111,917 |
Universities in Huntsville
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | Public | $11,100 |
| Alabama A&M University | Public | $10,024 |
| Calhoun Community College | Community | $4,800 |
Huntsville has 21 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Huntsville vs. National Average
| Category | Huntsville | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,562 | $10,940 | -$378 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,100 | $1,050 | +$50 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98 | 100 | -2 |
Huntsville's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Huntsville
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
16,424 students
Huntsville has a total population of 215,006, with approximately 16,424 college students (7.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Huntsville offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Huntsville
$48,208
Starting Salary
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Huntsville earn a median starting salary of $48,208, which is $13,208 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $82,136 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $7,465 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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