The University of Alabama — Tuscaloosa, AL

Communication and Media Studies

at The University of Alabama · Tuscaloosa, AL

Moderate Value

Could go either way

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $34,129/yr starting out — that's 14% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 23.5 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $22,150/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $96,890 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$32,024/yr

Starting Salary

$34,129

Finish Rate

73.7%

$32,024/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $22,150/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $9,874/yr)

4 Years Total

$128,096

Typical Debt

$22,750

Interest You'd Owe

+$8,290

What You'd Really Pay

$96,890

That's about $259/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$341,290

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$96,890

Pays for Itself In

23.5 yrs

Salary Boost

+14%

Ahead After 10 Years

$244,400

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost27.8/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed0/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost1.8/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate11.1/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.