Head-to-Head Comparison
Alabama State University vs Berea College
- Alabama State Wins
- 5
- Tied
- 7
- Berea Wins
- 29
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Berea College offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $6,106 vs Alabama State University's $20,435, Berea College delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Berea College's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
41 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Alabama State
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
Berea
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $43,150 ten years after enrollment, 25% more than Alabama State University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $6,106, roughly $14,329 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 60% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $3,591, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 19% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Alabama State graduates concentrate in Biology & Biomedical (13% of degrees); Berea in Computer Science & IT (11%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Berea College over Alabama State University. Median earnings of $43,150 ten years after enrollment vs $34,502.
Pick Berea College over Alabama State University. Net price $6,106 vs $20,435.
Pick Berea College over Alabama State University. 60% completion rate vs 30%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Alabama State University and Berea College are close on paper, but Berea College wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Berea College is the harder admit. It takes 19% of applicants, while Alabama State University takes 98%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 976 to 1,249.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Berea College sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Berea College comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $6,106, about $14,329 a year below Alabama State University's $20,435. Graduates of Berea College also borrow less: median debt of $3,591, against $31,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $57,316 before any change in aid. Choosing Berea College leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Berea College graduates report median earnings of $43,150, compared with $34,502 at Alabama State University. That is a 25% advantage. Set against borrowing, Berea College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.08x to 0.9x.
So what: An earnings gap of 25% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Berea College graduates a larger share of its students, 60% versus 30%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 30% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Berea College to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Alabama State University concentrates enrollment in Criminal Justice, while Berea College leans toward Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $20,435 runs well above Berea College's $6,106.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $31,000, against $3,591 at Berea College.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Alabama State University's enrollment, and Berea College is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Alabama State University's enrollment of 3,477 far exceeds Berea College's 1,513.
No strong negative signals — Berea competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 1 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Alabama State University
Montgomery, AL · Public
Alabama State University has an acceptance rate of 98%, making it one of the most accessible public universities in the U.S. This high acceptance rate allows a diverse range of students to pursue higher education in Montgomery, Alabama.
The data on economic mobility for graduates is limited, but with a graduation rate of only 30%, it highlights the challenges students face in completing their degrees. For those who do graduate, the average earnings ten years after enrollment stand at $34,502, which can be a motivating factor for students considering the potential return on their investment.
The net price for attending Alabama State University is $20,435, and many students rely on financial aid, with 71% of the student body receiving Pell Grants. Graduates carry a median debt of $31,000. Students who thrive here often pursue programs in Criminal Justice, Business & Marketing, and Health Professions. Those ready for a supportive environment may find a good fit at this university.
Berea College
Berea, KY · Private nonprofit
Berea College attracts students who are looking for a close-knit community and a commitment to affordability. With an acceptance rate of just 19%, it’s a selective choice for those who want to dive into diverse fields like Computer Science, Business, and the Arts. What stands out is the unique work-study program, which enables students to gain practical experience while they study, aligning education with real-world skills.
After graduation, students can expect solid earnings, with a 10-year median income of $43,150. This makes Berea a smart investment, especially considering that 84% of students receive Pell Grants, which helps ease financial burdens. While the graduation rate is 60%, those who do graduate often find that their degree opens doors in various careers, allowing them to move up in their chosen fields.
When it comes to costs, the net price after aid is quite manageable at $6,106, and the median debt load is impressively low at $3,591. This financial support makes Berea particularly appealing for students from lower-income backgrounds. Students who thrive here tend to be those who value hard work and community engagement, ready to make the most of their educational journey.
Rankings They Appear On
Berea College is featured on the Colleges With the Lowest Student Debt ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Alabama State's top program is Biology (13% of enrollment), while Berea leads with Computer Science (11%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Alabama State) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Berea).
The two schools feed different job markets. Alabama State University is strongest in Criminal Justice, Visual & Performing Arts, while Berea College concentrates in Computer Science & IT, Social Sciences. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Alabama State University or Berea College?
Berea College is harder to get into, admitting 19% of applicants compared with 98% at Alabama State University.
Which is more affordable, Alabama State University or Berea College?
Berea College is more affordable, with an average net price of $6,106 after aid versus $20,435 at Alabama State University.
Do Alabama State University or Berea College graduates earn more?
Berea College graduates earn more: median earnings of $43,150 ten years after enrollment, versus $34,502 at Alabama State University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Alabama State University or Berea College?
Berea College has the higher graduation rate, 60% versus 30%.
Should you choose Alabama State University or Berea College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Berea College if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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