University of Alabama Tuition Costs: A Comprehensive Overview
The University of Alabama (UA) System, comprising the University of Alabama (UA), the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and the University of Alabama at Huntsville (UAH), offers a range of academic opportunities, each with its own cost structure. Understanding these costs is crucial for prospective students and their families when planning for higher education. This article breaks down the tuition costs, fees, and other expenses associated with attending the University of Alabama, providing a detailed overview to aid in financial planning.
Tuition and Fees: The Sticker Price
The University of Alabama's tuition is $12,484 for in-state and $35,342 for out-of-state students. Compared with the national average cost of in-state tuition of $12,422, The University of Alabama is more expensive. For students coming from out of state, the tuition is more expensive than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition of $29,767. These figures include both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price.
Tuition for 12-18 credit hours per semester for two academic semesters. Average fees. Fees vary by college and course.
University of Alabama at Huntsville's tuition is $12,132 for in-state and $26,408 for out-of-state students. Compared with the national average cost of in-state tuition of $12,422, University of Alabama at Huntsville is cheaper. For students coming from out of state, the tuition is cheaper than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition of $29,767. These figures include both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price.
It is important to note that these figures represent the "sticker price." Fees differ by institution and may fund library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources and campus health centers.
Read also: Rhode Island Tuition Guide
Recent Tuition Changes
Tuition rates within the UA System have seen increases in recent years. For example, tuition changes for in-state students were as follows:
- University of Alabama: $5,842 per semester, up from $5,690
- University of Alabama at Birmingham: $5,820 per semester, up from $5,655
- University of Alabama at Huntsville: $5,345 per semester, up from $5,187
And for out-of-state students:
- University of Alabama: $17,271 per semester, up from $16,686
- University of Alabama at Birmingham: $14,490 per semester, up from $14,070
- University of Alabama at Huntsville: $12,695 per semester, up from $12,325
These increases are attributed to “significant increases in mandatory and day-to-day operating expenses that are central to support, recruit and retain the best and brightest,” according to Dana Keith, UA System’s senior vice chancellor for finance and administration. This includes data security and other “critical technology services.”
“We must pay market competitive salaries,” Keith said. “On top of that, we are facing continued increased cost, significantly higher than average inflation for our contributions to the mandatory state retirement plan, retiree health insurance and other employee benefits.”
Tuition rates increased up to 4% last year.
Read also: Emory University Tuition
These changes were announced earlier than usual to account for student and family decision making.
Additional Fees
In addition to the base tuition, students can expect to encounter various fees that contribute to the overall cost of attendance. These fees support specific services and resources offered by the university.
Technology/Infrastructure Fee: This fee is an additional charge associated with a student’s specific class enrollment for each term. The fee is used to meet the instructional needs of full access to the technology required by our students, faculty, and staff and provide a safer campus environment. The technology/infrastructure fee is $29.00 per hour for all main campus courses with the exception of graduate Commerce and Business Administration courses. Graduate Commerce and Business Administration courses are assessed a college, technology/infrastructure fee of $288.00 per course (excluding EMBA and overseas campuses). Distance campus courses that fall in the College of Arts and Sciences or the College of Education are assessed a college fee. The fee for the College of Arts and Sciences is $15.00 per hour and the fee for the College of Education is $10.00 per hour. The board also approved a $2 per credit hour increase for the infrastructure fee.
Honors College Enrichment Fee: The Honors College is implementing an enrichment fee of $300 per semester for students enrolled starting in the Fall 2025 semester. Students who were in the Honors College before this date will not be charged the fee. This fee will help support the various enrichment opportunities offered by the Honors College.
Dining Dollars Account: All undergraduate students enrolled in 9 or more main campus course hours are billed $350 per semester, along with other registration charges, to establish a Dining Dollars account, which is set up automatically on each student’s Action Card.
Read also: Affording Temple
Parking Decal: If you will have an automobile/motorcycle on campus, you will need to purchase a parking decal.
Medical Insurance: International Students - all international students on F-1 or J-1 student visas are billed for medical health insurance coverage through their student account each semester.
College/course fees will vary depending on the student's actual course enrollment. College/course fees are listed online with applicable courses in the Web Schedule of Classes for the applicable term after logging into the MyBama account.
Beyond Tuition: Understanding the Total Cost of Attendance
As you’re comparing costs of different institutions, also consider the total cost and the net price. The total cost is the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. At The University of Alabama, the total cost is $32,424 for in-state students and $54,416 for out-of-state students. At University of Alabama at Huntsville, the total cost is $30,627 for in-state students and $44,209 for out-of-state students.
The term Cost of Attendance (COA) refers to an estimate of total expenses that students may incur while attending UAH for the academic year which will include direct institutional costs as well as indirect costs. We use the COA when determining your eligibility for need-based financial aid; however, you may wish to refer to these estimated expenses to assist in your budget planning process. For another estimate of your cost of attendance, refer to the net price calculator.
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is the estimated amount that a student may incur while attending UAB during the nine-month academic year. The components of the COA include an estimate of standard Tuition and Fees; Books, Course Materials, Equipment, and Supplies; Personal Expenses; Transportation; and Food and Housing. This does not take into consideration all individual circumstances or discretionary expenses. The direct costs items are those that are billed directly to the student account. A cost of attendance budget is assigned to every student receiving federal aid based on the program of study. Actual tuition and fees are based on specific courses and the number of registered hours each semester. Additional costs may include athletic fee, lab fees, and online course fees. Charges specific to a student’s registration can be viewed on their Account Summary in BlazerNet approximately 4 weeks before classes begin each semester.
Components of the Total Cost
Housing: Average cost of on- or off-campus housing. First year students are required to live in on-campus housing unless exempt. Costs vary by residence hall. UA offers a wide range of on-campus living options that include residence halls and apartments, some including utilities. This figure also includes off-campus housing (such as an apartment or house rental) which is considered an indirect cost. This table assumes that students living with their parents pay no rent. More detailed information is available from Housing and Residential Communities, Box 870399, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0399; (205)348-6676. Visit Housing and Residential Communities online for information regarding special living options.
Food: Typical cost of meal plan. Meal plan costs vary. Bama Dining offers several meal plan options. All undergraduate students enrolled in 9 credit hours or more on campus will participate in the Dining Dollars program. A Dining Dollars account is set up automatically on each student's Action Card. The Lakeside Dining Hall area on the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa.
Books and Supplies: $700 per year
Personal Expenses: $3,962 per year
Transportation: $2,266 per year
Freshman Residency & Dining Program
In recognition of the value of the living-learning experience associated with on-campus living and dining, the University of Alabama will require first-year freshman students to participate in the Freshman Residency Program, including the Freshman Dining Program.
Financial Aid and Affordability
Understanding the net price, which is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive, is crucial. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.
UAH's Office of Financial Aid is here to assist you and your family. More than 2/3 of our students receive financial assistance of some kind.
Financial Aid Statistics
- Students Receiving Financial Aid: 40%
- Average Aid Package: $21,106
- Average Net Price: $21,761 per year
Types of Financial Aid
Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.
Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award: Scholarships and grants don’t need to be paid back.
- $15,823
Need-Based Loan Amount: Loans must be paid back.
- $4,069
Non-Need-Based Aid:
- $17,380
Debt at Graduation: The typical amount of loans a student must pay back.
- $39,588
Financial Aid Dates
- Priority Application Due: Dec 1 Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. Still apply for financial aid if you don’t make this due date.
Additional Financial Aid Information
Financial Aid Office Phone Number Note: College profiles are based primarily on information supplied by the colleges themselves through participation in College Board's BigFuture College Profiles higher education data collection portal, with some data provided via federal and state agencies.
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