Head-to-Head Comparison
Texas A&M University-College Station vs The University of Alabama
- Texas A&M Wins
- 24
- Tied
- 14
- Alabama Wins
- 10
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Texas A&M University-College Station offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $21,315 vs The University of Alabama's $22,420, Texas A&M University-College Station delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Texas A&M University-College Station's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Texas A&M
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $72,097 ten years after enrollment, 22% more than The University of Alabama
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,315, roughly $1,105 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 84% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $17,804, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 57% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Alabama
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Texas A&M graduates concentrate in Engineering (17% of degrees); Alabama in Business & Marketing (30%). 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 Texas A&M University-College Station over The University of Alabama. Median earnings of $72,097 ten years after enrollment vs $59,221.
Pick Texas A&M University-College Station over The University of Alabama. Net price $21,315 vs $22,420.
Pick Texas A&M University-College Station over The University of Alabama. 84% completion rate vs 74%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Texas A&M University-College Station and The University of Alabama are close on paper, but Texas A&M University-College Station 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
Texas A&M University-College Station is the harder admit. It takes 57% of applicants, while The University of Alabama takes 77%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,280 to 1,285.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Texas A&M University-College Station 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, Texas A&M University-College Station comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,315, about $1,105 a year below The University of Alabama's $22,420. Graduates of Texas A&M University-College Station also borrow less: median debt of $17,804, against $22,750.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $4,420 before any change in aid. Choosing Texas A&M University-College Station leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Texas A&M University-College Station graduates report median earnings of $72,097, compared with $59,221 at The University of Alabama. That is a 22% advantage. Set against borrowing, Texas A&M University-College Station has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.38x.
So what: An earnings gap of 22% 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
Texas A&M University-College Station graduates a larger share of its students, 84% versus 74%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 10% 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 Texas A&M University-College Station 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. Texas A&M University-College Station concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, while The University of Alabama leans toward Communications, Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: Texas A&M University-College Station's enrollment of 59,615 far exceeds The University of Alabama's 33,227.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $22,750, against $17,804 at Texas A&M University-College Station.
- Engineering-focused students: Texas A&M University-College Station has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Texas A&M holds onto its admits more tightly: 38% of admitted students enroll, versus 18% at Alabama — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at Alabama, where only about 72% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Texas A&M University-College Station
College Station, TX · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 60,000 students, Texas A&M University-College Station is a bustling hub for those interested in fields like Engineering, Business, Biology, and Health Professions. This diverse community suits students who thrive in a large, spirited environment and are looking for practical, career-oriented education. The 57% acceptance rate indicates a competitive yet accessible admissions process, welcoming a broad range of students keen on making an impact in their chosen fields.
When it comes to life after graduation, the figures speak volumes. Graduates earn an impressive average of $72,097 in their first decade, reflecting the solid return on investment that comes with a degree from Texas A&M. This earning potential, coupled with a graduation rate of 84%, illustrates that many students not only complete their degrees but also step into well-paying jobs. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university is also working to support students from diverse financial backgrounds.
On the financial side, the net price after aid stands at $21,315, which is manageable considering the earning prospects. The median debt of $17,804 is reasonable, especially when weighed against the potential earnings. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who are self-motivated and ready to engage in a collaborative and energetic college culture, preparing them well for their careers ahead.
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL · Public
Over 33,000 students call the University of Alabama home, making it one of the largest public universities in the nation. This campus buzzes with activity and opportunity, alongside a diverse range of programs. With a 77% acceptance rate, it opens its doors to a broad spectrum of applicants.
The 10-year earnings for graduates sit at an impressive $59,221, highlighting the potential for financial success post-graduation. While the university has an 18% Pell Grant rate, it indicates a commitment to supporting low-income students, though the mobility data is not available. This suggests a need for further exploration into how well the university helps students from disadvantaged backgrounds ascend economically.
Tuition and fees at the University of Alabama amount to a net price of $22,420, with a median debt of $22,750. Students who thrive here often pursue degrees in Business, Engineering, or Health Professions. Those who engage actively in campus life and utilize available resources tend to fare best.
Rankings They Appear On
The University of Alabama is featured on the Best Business Colleges in Alabama ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Texas A&M's top program is Mechanical Engineering (17% of enrollment), while Alabama leads with Business Administration (30%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Texas A&M) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Alabama).
The two schools feed different job markets. Texas A&M University-College Station is strongest in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, while The University of Alabama concentrates in Communications, 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.
Texas A&M
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Texas A&M University-College Station or The University of Alabama?
Texas A&M University-College Station is harder to get into, admitting 57% of applicants compared with 77% at The University of Alabama.
Which is more affordable, Texas A&M University-College Station or The University of Alabama?
Texas A&M University-College Station is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,315 after aid versus $22,420 at The University of Alabama.
Do Texas A&M University-College Station or The University of Alabama graduates earn more?
Texas A&M University-College Station graduates earn more: median earnings of $72,097 ten years after enrollment, versus $59,221 at The University of Alabama.
Which has a better graduation rate, Texas A&M University-College Station or The University of Alabama?
Texas A&M University-College Station has the higher graduation rate, 84% versus 74%.
Should you choose Texas A&M University-College Station or The University of Alabama?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Texas A&M University-College Station 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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